Abstract: A microfluidic chip assembly having a plurality of microfluidic flow channels is provided. Each channel has a switching region. The microfluidic chip may further include at least one bubble jet actuator configured to generate a pressure pulse in the switching regions of the channels to selectively deflect particles in the flow. The bubble jet actuator may be configured as a blind chamber, as an operative non-through flow chamber and/or as a self-replenishment chamber. The bubble jet actuator may include a trapped air bubble. The bubble jet actuator may include a plurality of heating elements individually controlled for pre-nucleation warmup and/or for triggering vapor bubble nucleation.

Abstract: An apparatus for decoupling angular adjustments about perpendicular axes is described herein. The apparatus comprises a first plate, a second plate offset from the first plate in a first direction, a first pivot disposed between the first and second plates, a second pivot disposed between the first and second plates. The second pivot is offset from the first pivot in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third pivot is disposed between the first and second plates. The third pivot is offset from the first pivot in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The apparatus further includes a first wedge at least partially disposed between the second pivot and the second plate. The first wedge is configured to adjust a first angle between the first and second plates, the first angle being about a first axis extending along the third direction.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having a micro channel for processing a sample is provided. The micro channel may focus the sample by using focusing fluid and a core stream forming geometry. The core stream forming geometry may include a lateral fluid focusing component and one or more vertical fluid focusing components. A microfluidic chip may include a plurality micro channels operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having a micro channel for processing a sample is provided. The micro channel may focus the sample by using focusing fluid and a core stream forming geometry. The core stream forming geometry may include a lateral fluid focusing component and one or more vertical fluid focusing components. A microfluidic chip may include a plurality micro channels operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip assembly having a plurality of microfluidic flow channels is provided. Each channel has a switching region. The microfluidic chip may further include at least one bubble jet actuator configured to generate a pressure pulse in the switching regions of the channels to selectively deflect particles in the flow. The bubble jet actuator may be configured as a blind chamber, as an operative non-through flow chamber and/or as a self-replenishment chamber. The bubble jet actuator may include a trapped air bubble. The bubble jet actuator may include a plurality of heating elements individually controlled for pre-nucleation warmup and/or for triggering vapor bubble nucleation.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip assembly having a plurality of microfluidic flow channels is provided. Each channel has a switching region. The microfluidic chip may further include at least one bubble jet actuator configured to generate a pressure pulse in the switching regions of the channels to selectively deflect particles in the flow. The bubble jet actuator may be configured as a blind chamber, as an operative non-through flow chamber and/or as a self-replenishment chamber. The bubble jet actuator may include a trapped air bubble. The bubble jet actuator may include a plurality of heating elements individually controlled for pre-nucleation warmup and/or for triggering vapor bubble nucleation.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having a micro channel for processing a sample is provided. The micro channel may focus the sample by using focusing fluid and a core stream forming geometry. The core stream forming geometry may include a lateral fluid focusing component and one or more vertical fluid focusing components. A microfluidic chip may include a plurality micro channels operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip assembly having a plurality of microfluidic flow channels is provided. Each channel has a switching region. The microfluidic chip may further include at least one surface acoustic wave generator configured to generate a pressure pulse in the switching regions of the channels to selectively deflect particles in the flow. Attenuation elements and/or channel configurations may be used to prevent acoustic signals from interfering with neighboring switching regions. Alternatively, a microfluidic particle processing system may include a microfluidic chip assembly, a particle processing instrument, and a coupling element. The surface acoustic wave generator may be provided on the particle processing instrument. The microfluidic chip assembly may be configured for operative engagement, via the coupling element, with the particle processing instrument.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having a micro channel for processing a sample is provided. The micro channel may focus the sample by using focusing fluid and a core stream forming geometry. The core stream forming geometry may include a lateral fluid focusing component and one or more vertical fluid focusing components. A microfluidic chip may include a plurality micro channels operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device in the form of a microfluidic chip. In particular, various features are incorporated into the microfluidic chip for aligning and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as for separating selected subpopulations of sperm.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip assembly having a plurality of microfluidic flow channels is provided. Each channel has a switching region. The microfluidic chip may further include at least one surface acoustic wave generator configured to generate a pressure pulse in the switching regions of the channels to selectively deflect particles in the flow. Attenuation elements and/or channel configurations may be used to prevent acoustic signals from interfering with neighboring switching regions. Alternatively, a microfluidic particle processing system may include a microfluidic chip assembly, a particle processing instrument, and a coupling element. The surface acoustic wave generator may be provided on the particle processing instrument. The microfluidic chip assembly may be configured for operative engagement, via the coupling element, with the particle processing instrument.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for sorting sperm cells in a microfluidic chip. In particular, various features are incorporated into the system for aligning and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as, for determining sperm orientation and measuring relative DNA content for analysis and/or sorting.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip assembly having a plurality of microfluidic flow channels is provided. Each channel has a switching region. The microfluidic chip may further include at least one bubble jet actuator configured to generate a pressure pulse in the switching regions of the channels to selectively deflect particles in the flow. The bubble jet actuator may be configured as a blind chamber, as an operative non-through flow chamber and/or as a self-replenishment chamber. The bubble jet actuator may include a trapped air bubble. The bubble jet actuator may include a plurality of heating elements individually controlled for pre-nucleation warmup and/or for triggering vapor bubble nucleation.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having a micro channel for processing a sample is provided. The micro channel may focus the sample by using focusing fluid and a core stream forming geometry. The core stream forming geometry may include a lateral fluid focusing component and one or more vertical fluid focusing components. A microfluidic chip may include a plurality micro channels operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device in the form of a microfluidic chip. In particular, various features are incorporated into the microfluidic chip for aligning and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as for separating selected subpopulations of sperm.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for sorting sperm cells in a microfluidic chip. In particular, various features are incorporated into the system for aligning and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as, for determining sperm orientation and measuring relative DNA content for analysis and/or sorting.