Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for efficient transport, transfer and movement of fluids. In particular, the invention provides fluidic micro-structures for controlled transport and movement of liquids in devices for analytical and other purposes. Devices of the invention include one or more features that can enhance performance of the fluid transfer, referred to as a pre-shooter stop, a butterfly structure, a cascade structure, a waste chamber inlet, a capillary driven sample inlet chamber, a capillary stop structure, a bifurcation flow-through structure, and a hydrophobic vent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic apparatus for producing a volume flow that is uniform over time in a metering process. In various solution processes or reaction processes it is essential to have a specified given volume flow or mass flow of fluid available to ensure reliable dissolution of the reagent or ensure that the reaction takes place. In microfluidic apparatus in which separation of particles from a fluid, particularly blood, is carried out through a membrane, the volume flow through the membrane decreases continuously. In order to achieve a uniform volume flow during metering, it is envisaged that first of all a reservoir is filled from a first channel, so that the contents of the reservoir can then be fed to the metering process by opening a fluid stop. The emptying of the reservoir takes place with a uniform volume flow of 0.05 microlitres per second to 10 microlitres per second.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating blood, more particularly an apparatus (1) for absorbing blood (19) and separating blood components, e.g. blood plasma, as a sample liquid (2). Said apparatus (1) comprises a feeding device (13) for absorbing the blood (2), a device (15) for separating blood components as a sample liquid (2), a duct which preferably absorbs the sample liquid (2) exclusively by means of capillary forces, and a device for filling the duct (3) with sample liquid (2) in an inlet or feeding zone (18) of the duct (3). The separating device (15), in particular a membrane, is curved, especially convexly shaped, and the apex of said curved, especially convex shape projects into the filling device.

Abstract: A channel is provided for conveying fluid by capillary action between a first end of the channel and a second end of the channel, in which the channel is fully enclosed within an object and the cross-section of the channel has a concave shape, encouraging capillary flow.

Abstract: A process and a device for determining the viscosity of a fluid are proposed. Very simple and accurate determination is enabled in that the magnetic particles in the fluid are set into vibration by a magnetic field which varies over time. A measurement of the amplitude and/or phase of particle vibration is used to determine the viscosity or an associated quantity, such as the coagulation of blood or the glucose content.

Abstract: A device and a process for testing a sample liquid wherein the sample liquid flows laminarly by capillary forces over a flat side of a channel to completely filling a reaction area which has a soluble and/or reacting reagent on the flat side and defines a reaction volume of the sample liquid, the reaction volume being temporarily stopped in the reaction area for dissolving or reacting at least 90% of the reagent in the defined reaction volume of the sample liquid, and at least 90% of the dissolved reagent or a reaction product, after stopping, flows together with the reaction volume into the test area which is formed by the channel downstream of the reaction area, the sample liquid flowing with an at least essentially straight liquid front and/or at least essentially without a change in the flow cross section from the reaction area into the test area.

Abstract: A process and a device for determining the viscosity of a fluid are proposed. Very simple and accurate determination is enabled in that the magnetic particles in the fluid are set into vibration by a magnetic field which varies over time. A measurement of the amplitude and/or phase of particle vibration is used to determine the viscosity or an associated quantity, such as the coagulation of blood or the glucose content.