Abstract: A storing device is disclosed having a gas-sealing device and/or a heating device provided for a pipe connecting a storing tank for an easily polymerizable and/or coagulating liquid substance and a liquid sealing implement-protecting device. A method for the control of the pressure in the storing device is also disclosed. This invention contemplates protecting a storing device against deformation and fracture.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the management of fluid flow within nanoscale analytical systems, comprising a freeze thaw valve having differing geomentries to constrict a frozen plug within the freeze thaw segment. The freeze thaw valve is directed to use in high-pressure analytical systems. The geometry of an inner diameter of a channel or tube within a freeze thaw segment is configured to cause constriction of a freeze plug when axial force is applied. The constriction is used in the flow-path of a freeze thaw valve to prevent movement of the frozen plug at high pressures to avoid valve leakage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve for use in a microfluidic system. The valve includes a substrate defining an upstream channel and a downstream channel joined by a passage, wherein the passage comprises a first opposed wall disposed at an angle to a central axis of the upstream channel. A thermally responsive substance (TRS) obstructs the passage. At least a portion of the TRS that obstructs the passage abuts the first opposed wall. Upon the actuation of the heat source in thermal contact with the TRS an opening motion of the TRS opens the passage.

Abstract: Fluid sampling device comprising a sampling cell (1) provided with a thermal control valve having a plug (21) made from a solid low-melting temperature material that is made permeable to the fluid by temporary heating. The device comprises an intermediate cell (6) with a central channel (7) provided with a plug made from the solid material, which communicates an inlet with a first end and an outlet with the opposite end, and suited to tightly fit into the inlet hole of the sampling cell, a device (12, 13) for connecting the two cells (1, 6) to each other and an element (14) associated with a seal (20) for connecting, at the inlet of intermediate cell (6), a linking tube (15) to a reactor (17) producing the fluid to be sampled.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a magnetorheological fluid control valve. The magnetorheological fluid control valve comprises an electromagnetic coil having a first end and a second end. A first arm is magnetically coupled to the first end of the electromagnetic coil. A second arm is magnetically coupled to the second end of the electromagnetic coil. The second arm has a passage. A ferromagnetic rod having a diameter less than that of the passage is disposed in the passage and magnetically coupled to the first and second arms. A first manifold is coupled to the second arm at one end of the passage. A second manifold is coupled between the second arm and the first arm at an end of the passage opposite the first manifold. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the passage.

Abstract: A method of controlling flow of a driven fluid in a channel, the channel being defined by an encircling wall, the method comprising the steps of sealing the channel with a sealing fluid immiscible in the driven fluid blocking the channel at an initial position, in which the sealing fluid has a first contact angle with the encircling wall and the driven fluid has a second contact angle with the encircling wall and the first contact angle is less than the second contact angle; and moving the sealing fluid in the channel by a force generated outside of the channel.

Abstract: Magnetically actuated fluid handling devices using magnetic fluid to move one or more fluids (gases or liquids or both) through microsized flow channels are provided. Fluid handling devices include micropumps and microvalves. Magnetically actuated slugs of magnetic fluid are moved within microchannels of a microfluidic device to facilitate valving and/or pumping of fluids and no separate pump is required. The magnets used to control fluid movement can be either individual magnets moved along the flow channels or one or more arrays of magnets whose elements can be individually controlled to hold or move a magnetic slug. Fluid handling devices include those having an array of electromagnets positioned along a flow channel which are turned on and off in a predetermined pattern to move magnetic fluid slugs in desired paths in the flow channel. The fluid handling devices of the present invention can handle gases and liquids simultaneously and thus can be made to be self-priming.

Abstract: Magnetically actuated fluid handling devices using magnetic fluid to move one or more fluids (gases or liquids or both) through microsized flow channels are provided. Fluid handling devices include micropumps and microvalves. Magnetically actuated slugs of magnetic fluid are moved within microchannels of a microfluidic device to facilitate valving and/or pumping of fluids and no separate pump is required. The magnets used to control fluid movement can be either individual magnets moved along the flow channels or one or more arrays of magnets whose elements can be individually controlled to hold or move a magnetic slug. Fluid handling devices include those having an array of electromagnets positioned along a flow channel which are turned on and off in a predetermined pattern to move magnetic fluid slugs in desired paths in the flow channel. The fluid handling devices of the present invention can handle gases and liquids simultaneously and thus can be made to be self-priming.

Abstract: A device for controlling a liquid flow by a gas pressure. The device includes a pressure chamber, in which an overpressure, an underpressure or atmospheric pressure may prevail. The pressure in the pressure chamber can be used for allowing the liquid flow to pass or for stopping the liquid flow. Furthermore the liquid flow can be limited to a predetermined rate of flow. The device may interalia be used in sewage systems, hydraulic engineering works and irrigation works.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow control valve for an electrically conductive liquid having a plurality of coils and yokes surrounding a non-metallic, such as alumina, tube through which an electrically conducting liquid, such as liquid metal, flows. Direct current applied to the coils causes retarding forces to be imposed on the flowing liquid. The electromagnetic flow control valve can be used in conjunction with a continuous caster where the electromagnetic flow control valve is in fluid communication with a tundish. Built-in galvanomagnetic probes measure changes in the applied magnetic field to determine the rate of flow of liquid metal through the device.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: Magnetically actuated fluid handling devices using magnetic fluid to move one or more fluids (gases or liquids or both) through microsized flow channels are provided. Fluid handling devices include micropumps and microvalves. Magnetically actuated slugs of magnetic fluid are moved within microchannels of a microfluidic device to facilitate valving and/or pumping of fluids and no separate pump is required. The magnets used to control fluid movement can be either individual magnets moved along the flow channels or one or more arrays of magnets whose elements can be individually controlled to hold or move a magnetic slug. Fluid handling devices include those having an array of electromagnets positioned along a flow channel which are turned on and off in a predetermined pattern to move magnetic fluid slugs in desired path in the flow channel. The fluid handling devices of the present invention can handle gases and liquids simultaneously and thus can be made to be self-priming.

Abstract: A system for regulating pressure in a sealed chemical storage tank. The system includes a vent passage connected to the tank, through which gas may pass into and out of the tank. The vent passage includes a first enclosed region having a first volume and a second enclosed region having a second volume. A volume of liquid, which is less than each of the first and second volumes, is associated with the vent passage to selectively constrain the passage of gas through the vent passage. Increased pressure in the tank moves the liquid into the second enclosed region. The second enclosed region is constructed to accommodate the volume of liquid to allow gas to pass. Vacuum in the tank moves the liquid into the first enclosed region. The first enclosed region is constructed to accommodate the volume of liquid to allow gas to pass.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the flow of a gaseous medium through a fluid are described. The method includes providing a rheologic fluid through which a gaseous medium can be conducted, and controlling the viscosity of the rheologic fluid to control the flow of the gaseous medium. The system has a rheologic fluid, which is located in particular in a device to be controlled, a guide guiding the gaseous medium through the fluid, and a field applier for applying a field at least partially in the area of the rheologic fluid.