By Movable Element Patents (Class 137/829)
  • Patent number: 11181105
    Abstract: Microfluidic circuit elements, such as a microvalve, micropump or microvent, formed of a microcavity divided by a diaphragm web into a first subcavity bounded by a first internal wall and a second subcavity bounded by a second internal wall, where the diaphragm web is characterized as a thin film having a first state contacting the first internal wall and a second state contacting the second internal wall and exhibiting essentially no elasticity in moving between the first state and the second state, the thin film web having been stretched beyond its yield point before or during use are provided. The disclosed elements enable faster and more efficient cycling of the diaphragm in the microcavity and increases the diaphragm surface area. In a preferred embodiment, the microfluidic circuit element is pneumatically driven and controls the motion of fluids in a microassay device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: PERKINELMER HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Sprague, Justin L. Kay, Matthew Scott Bragd, C. Frederick Battrell
  • Patent number: 10807726
    Abstract: An aspirator may include an aspirator body that defines an annular cavity, a central channel, and an annular slit. Fluid communication between the annular cavity and the central channel may be via the annular slit. The aspirator body may include an entrainment opening through which ambient air is configured to be entrained into the central channel in response to gas flowing from the annular cavity through the annular slit and into the central channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce Friedrich, Timothy C. Haynes
  • Patent number: 10415721
    Abstract: A micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) valve is provided. The MEMS valve includes first and second bodies, a medium and a thermal element. The first body defines a first channel and a second channel intersecting the first channel. The second body defines a third channel and is movable within the first channel between first and second positions. When the second body is at the first positions, the second and third channels align and permit flow through the second and third channels. When the second body is at the second positions, the second and third channels misalign and inhibit flow through the second channel. The medium is charged into the first channel at opposite sides of the second body. The thermal element is proximate to the first channel and is operable to cause the medium to drive movements of the second body to the first or the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yongchun Xin, Daniel Piper, Jonathan Fry, Jang Sim
  • Patent number: 10186129
    Abstract: A locomotion safety and health assistant can utilize a quad cane and have integrated thereon a suite of sensors, microcontrollers, power sources, external communication devices, lights, tactile communication devices, alerts and activation sensors. A plurality of environment sensors can monitor the terrain ahead, watching for obstacles or changes in elevation. The assistant can provide communication with the user to warn of any obstacles or dangers. A switch can allow the user to turn on a light that is directed to the front of the assistant and lights up the terrain ahead. The assistant can include a programmable medication alert. Additionally, a pulse sensor or other health sensor can be incorporated therein. Measurements therefrom can be compared to ranges and warnings communicated when outside of a safe range; thereby providing warning that it may not be safe to stand and walk as fall susceptibility is unduly high at present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Mary E. Hood
  • Patent number: 10071236
    Abstract: The invention describes a total isolation diverter valve comprising a valve body whereon a main inlet conduit for inletting a fluid, a first outlet conduit for outletting the fluid and at least one second outlet conduit for outletting the fluid are obtained. The first outlet conduit for outletting the fluid is provided with a first fluid adhesion inner surface and the second fluid outlet conduit is provided with a second fluid adhesion inner surface. Between the main fluid inlet conduit and the two fluid outlet conduits a connection channel is interposed. On the connection channel at least one device for perturbing at least one of the first fluid adhesion inner surface and the second fluid adhesion inner surface is provided. The perturbation device is configured so as to cause a deviation of the fluid flow from the first fluid outlet conduit to the second fluid outlet conduit or vice-versa by exploiting a physical effect called Coand{hacek over (a)} effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Diego Andreis, Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 9982902
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an air conditioner which is provided with a structural body, a wind direction plate, and auxiliary housings. The structural body forms an air outlet that extends in a horizontal direction and blows out a cool or warm airflow which is generated by a heat exchanger on a downward-facing surface which is continuous downward from a front surface, and includes one pair of wall bodies which are fixed to be immovable with respect to the air outlet on both sides of the first air outlet. The wind direction plate is disposed in the air outlet and is supported by the structural body to be freely rotatable around a horizontal shaft line. The auxiliary housings are attached to an outer wall surface of the wall body to be freely rotatable around a horizontal shaft on both sides of the air outlet, and form an auxiliary air outlet which blows out taken-in indoor air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU GENERAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Yusuke Hayashi, Kenji Haruyama, Syun Iwano
  • Patent number: 9506320
    Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a structure which displaces in response to a flow of a fluid composition, whereby a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another system can include a structure which rotates in response to flow of a fluid composition, and a fluid switch which deflects the fluid composition relative to at least two flow paths. A method of variably resisting flow in a subterranean well can include a structure displacing in response to a flow of a fluid composition, and a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changing in response to a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition changing. Swellable materials and airfoils may be used in variable flow resistance systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Michael L. Fripp, Liang Zhao, Frederic Felten
  • Patent number: 9032996
    Abstract: A shaft sealing device switches a sealing state and an unsealing state of a fluid, with high sealing performance maintained, because no abrasion accompanies movement of a sealing material or a sealing member, enabling feeding a fluid at a predetermined flow rate, and adjusts the expanding rate of the sealing material with the quantity of an external electric signal and accordingly adjusts the contact face pressure to enable controlling the amount of leakage of the fluid highly precisely, so that it can be used for all applications. The shaft sealing device includes a shaft sealing body formed of a macromolecular material and made expansible or contractible, or deformable, through external electrostimuli applied to a shaft sealing portion disposed in a device body, and flow passages disposed in the shaft sealing portion for feeding the fluid leaked due to the expansion or contraction, or the deformation, of the shaft sealing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Aoki, Tomoya Yamasaki, Chikashi Gomi
  • Patent number: 8950424
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for transporting a fluid, in particular a micropump or microvalve. The device has films, which lie against each other at film surfaces facing each other and are connected to each other in such a way that a transport channel to be formed between the films is defined, Deflecting apparatuses for forming the transport channel by jointly deflecting the films lie against each other in a direction perpendicular to the film surfaces. A deflecting surface region of the rear film in the deflection direction lies within the deflecting surface region of the front film in the deflection direction defined by the connection between the films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thinxxs Microtechnology AG
    Inventors: Lutz Weber, Michel Neumeier
  • Patent number: 8919383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for manipulating a liquid in a channel, wherein a body, which forms a capillary intermediate space with respect to the channel wall, is moved in the channel and the channel is filled with liquid only up to the body. Preferably, the body can also bridge an area of the channel that cannot be wetted for the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Rodenfels
  • Publication number: 20140228458
    Abstract: The present document describes a method and apparatus to rapidly reticulate closed-cell or partially closed-cell foams. The method involves the propagation of an energy impulse inside the foam; the energy impulse can be a shock wave. The energy impulse is generated in the same gaseous environment in which the foam is immersed, preferentially air in room condition. The energy impulse destroys the membranes closing the foam cells without disintegrating the frame's structure. In particular, the method rapidly improves the acoustic and filtering behavior of the foams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: SOCPRA- Sciences et Génie s.e.c.
    Inventors: Noureddine Atalla, Martin Brouillette, Oliver Doutres, Christian Hébert
  • Publication number: 20140227961
    Abstract: An air conditioning indoor unit includes a movable first air direction adjustment plate that changes an up and down direction of the outlet air, a second air direction adjustment plate disposed adjacent to the air outlet, and a control unit that controls postures of the first and second adjustment plates. The second adjustment plate has at least a front end portion housed in an indoor unit front portion outside a blowing path when housed. In a Coanda effect utilization mode the control unit controls the postures of the first and second adjustment plates such that the second adjustment plate is spaced apart from the indoor unit front portion and a height position of a rear end portion is lower than when operation is stopped, and the adjustment plates form a predetermined angle to change the outlet air to a Coanda air flow along an undersurface of the second adjustment plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Masanao Yasutomi, Takahiro Okamoto, Masashi Kamada, Hironobu Teraoka, Noriyuki Okuda
  • Patent number: 8763641
    Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln C. Young
  • Publication number: 20140090735
    Abstract: A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Ju-Sung Hung, Philip Janmin Lee
  • Patent number: 8678035
    Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least two inlets, and a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths, and an actuator which varies the proportions. The actuator may deflect the fluid composition toward one of the inlet flow paths. A method of variably controlling flow resistance in a well can include changing an orientation of a deflector relative to a passage through which a fluid composition flows, thereby influencing the fluid composition to flow toward one of multiple inlet flow paths of a flow chamber, the chamber having a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Jason D. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8656958
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: California Institue of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake, Markus M. Enzelberger, Mark L. Adams, Carl L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8646482
    Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln C. Young
  • Patent number: 8636033
    Abstract: In a method for initialization of a microfluidic device including a first substrate including a microfluidic channel disposed therein, a valve seat disposed in a microfluidic channel and protruding from the first substrate, and a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and including a space formed therein and corresponding to the valve seat, and a polymer film disposed between the first and second substrates, the method includes separating the polymer film from a surface of the valve seat by applying a positive pressure into the microfluidic channel of the first substrate and applying a negative pressure into the space of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-jong Jung, Jae-young Kim
  • Patent number: 8590573
    Abstract: A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: David Fernandes, Hou-Pu Chou, Marc A. Unger
  • Patent number: 8550119
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake, Markus Enzelberger, Mark L. Adams, Carl L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8551599
    Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Zhishan Hua, Erdogan Gulari, Mark A. Burns, Rohit Pal, Onnop Srivannavit
  • Patent number: 8499794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Takahashi, Masaaki Sakurai, Jiro Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8459202
    Abstract: A gas flow of a gas pipe is indicated before an electromagnetic valve is actually opened, so that the electromagnetic valve can be prevented from being opened or closed by a wrong manipulation or hazards caused by undesired mixing of gases can be avoided so as to improve safety. The substrate processing apparatus includes a state detection unit configured to detect an opening/closing request state and an opening/closing state of a valve installed at a gas pipeline; and a indication unit configured to indicate a gas flow state of the gas pipeline predicted according to the opening/closing request state and a gas flow state of the gas pipeline when the valve is opened, in a way that each state is distinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yamada, Mamoru Oishi, Kanako Kitayama
  • Publication number: 20130105017
    Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: RHEONIX, INC.
    Inventor: Rheonix, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8424560
    Abstract: Multi-valve autoregulatory microfluidic devices and methods are described. The described devices and methods offer improved performance and new means of tuning autoregulatory effects in microfluidic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Emil P. Kartalov, John Liu, Axel Scherer, Clive Taylor
  • Patent number: 8398938
    Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Matthew Taylor Worsman, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8323573
    Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge with solution reservoir-pump chamber is disclosed. The microfluidic cartridge comprises a channel-chamber layer, a sealing layer, a printed circuit board bound with magnetoresistive biochip. The channel-chamber layer includes at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a plurality of micro-channels. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber realizes both functions of solution reservoir and pump chamber in a single structure. Said sealing layer is sealed with said channel-chamber layer to form an integrated microfluidic system with at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution inlet, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a micro-channel. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber in the present invention consists of elastic objects inside for sealing and pumping. Under pressure, said elastic object propels solution in the reservoir into said reaction-detection chamber via channels of said plurality of micro-channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Yunhua Gao
  • Publication number: 20120261013
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Gilbert, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 8235073
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid flowing along a channel, and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The valve unit includes a channel formed in a platform; a valve filler which includes a phase transition material that is disposed in the channel in a solid state at room temperature to close the channel and is melted when energy is applied thereto; and at least one capillary channel which extends from a sidewall of the channel and into which the valve filler flows when the valve filler is melted, wherein the at least one capillary channel has a cross-sectional area which is less than a cross-sectional area of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kak Namkoong, Won-seok Chung, Joon-ho Kim, Kyu-youn Hwang, Hee-kyun Lim
  • Patent number: 8220493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems and methods for controlling the flow of fluid using passive components engineered into the microchannels. These passive flow components include fluidic diodes, fluidic capacitors, and fluidic inductors. Various fluidic circuits are provided to control fluid flow including fluid rectifiers, fluid band pass filters, and fluid timers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Easley, James M. Karlinsey, James P. Landers, Dan Leslie, Matthew R. Begley
  • Patent number: 8210209
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Sebastian Böhm, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 8187541
    Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Jeremy Witzens, Axel Scherer
  • Patent number: 8156962
    Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow includes a body defining a chamber having first and second ends. The first end is in communication with a source of command pressure. The second end in communication with a source of load pressure. A micromachined spool valve is disposed in the chamber between the first and second ends for sliding movement by differential pressure across the spool between a first position in which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a source of supply pressure and a second position which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a pressure vent. The spool valve has a closed position intermediate the first position and the second position which restricts fluid flow between the source of load pressure and both the source of supply pressure and the pressure vent. The spool valve is moveably connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dunan Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Luckevich
  • Patent number: 8104514
    Abstract: A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: David Fernandes, Hou-Pu Chou, Marc A. Unger
  • Patent number: 8096784
    Abstract: A bi-directional continuous peristaltic micro-pump is described. The micro-pump comprises: a substrate, an actuating mechanism and a fluid channel. The actuating mechanism comprises: a first slanted membrane the thickness of which increases progressively from left to right, a first chamber formed between the first slanted membrane and the substrate; and a second slanted membrane, the thickness of which decreases progressively from left to right, the second slanted membrane being located to the first slanted membrane's right side and parallel to the first slanted membrane with a space between the two membranes, a second chamber formed between the second slanted membrane and the substrate. By inflating the first chamber and the second chamber, the first slanted membrane and the second slanted membrane generate a continuous sweeping motion to force the working fluid to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan Ocean University
    Inventors: Jyh-Jong Sheen, Shang-Chian Su
  • Patent number: 8080220
    Abstract: A peristaltic microfluidic pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The pump is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in the pumping chamber via movement of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8075855
    Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising a peristaltic microfluidic pump and control circuitry for the pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The control circuitry controls actuation of the plurality of actuators. The control circuitry is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in each pumping chamber via peristaltic movement of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7992587
    Abstract: By use of the vias a microfluidic autoregulator is fabricated comprising an origin of a fluid, a sink for the fluid, a main flow channel coupling the origin and the sink, a valve communicated to the main flow channel to selectively control flow of fluid therethrough, and means dependent on flow through the main flow channel for creating a pressure differential across the valve to at least partially activate the valve to control flow of fluid through the main flow channel. The means for dependent on flow for creating a pressure differential comprises either a dead-end detour channel from the flow channel to the valve, or a loop channel fed back to the control chamber of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Emil Kartalov, Axel Scherer, W. French Anderson, Christopher I. Walker
  • Patent number: 7832429
    Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Lincoln Young, Peng Zhou
  • Patent number: 7790109
    Abstract: A micro-fluid reaction vessel includes an upper plate formed of an elastomer, a lower plate adhered to the upper plate, a micro-chamber and a micro-channel formed on an inner surface of the upper plate facing the lower plate and an inlet hole and an outlet hole formed in the upper plate and through which a fluid flows into or out of, respectively. The micro-channel is constructed to be closed by pressure applied to the upper plate and elastically restored when the pressure is not applied. A micro fluid reaction method uses the micro fluid reaction vessel and a method of manufacturing forms the microfluid reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-hyeon Kim, Jin-tae Kim, Kak Namkoong, In-ho Lee, Chin-sung Park, Young-sun Lee
  • Publication number: 20100193035
    Abstract: A method of causing a fluid flow to oscillate between two exit directions. The method comprises causing a primary flow of fluid through a conduit, the conduit characterized by two exit directions and providing first and second oscillation control ports, said first and second oscillation control ports transverse to said conduit and connected to one another by a feedback tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Ramot At Tel Aviv Univeristy Ltd
    Inventors: Gilad Arwatz, Ilan Fono, Avraham Seifert
  • Publication number: 20100139797
    Abstract: In one embodiment as described in this section, an apparatus for mixing of microfluidic streams on a chip is presented, which comprises a micro-channel and a plurality of magnetic valves on the chip. A guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient to exert a force on a bead in a cavity when placed at in a vicinity of the chip. The bead-cavity combination form a magnetic valve. In one embodiment, the mouth of the cavity is tapered so to prevent the magnetic bead from completely blocking the corresponding micro-channel section to enhance the mixing of microfluidic streams at the narrowed fluid path. In one embodiment, magnetically actuated valves direct the flow in a microfluidic system in one of several flow paths wherein the mixing characteristics of the paths are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
  • Publication number: 20100132797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic system comprising at least one microchannel (18) having an inner wall (17). The microfluidic system comprises attached to the inner wall (17) of the at least one microchannel (18) a plurality of ciliary N actuator elements (10a-d) and at least one floating current wire (14a-d) present in the at least one microchannel (18) for applying a magnetic field to the plurality of ciliary actuator elements (10a-d) for changing their shape and/or orientation. The present invention also provides a method for the manufacturing of such microfluidic systems and to a method for controlling a fluid flow through a microchannel (18) of such a microfluidic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Menno Willem Jose Prins, Johannes Wilhelmus Weekamp, Jacob Marinus Jan Den Toonder
  • Publication number: 20090146351
    Abstract: A rate control device includes an outer cylinder defining an interior chamber having a longitudinal axis and containing a hydraulic fluid. A piston head mounted to a proximal end or a piston rod is slidably positionable within the interior chamber. A rate control valve is disposed within an interior cavity of the piston head coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the interior chamber of the cylinder. The rate control valve includes a variable flow rate orifice and a fixed flow rate orifice disposed in series relationship with respect to fluid flow through the rate control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ENIDINE, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Boerschig
  • Publication number: 20090056822
    Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Kionix, Inc.
    Inventors: Lincoln C. Young, Peng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20090032130
    Abstract: A by-pass fluid flow amplifier which contains a primary nozzle and a primary profile for discharging compressed air into a conduit of the air amplifier and entraining ambient air in the process. A secondary nozzle and a secondary profile for discharging compressed air into the conduit of the air amplifier towards the rear that assists the primary nozzle such as to allow consistent fluid wall attachment of the compressed air and the entrained air caused by the primary nozzle and the primary profile. The secondary nozzle increases the total flow of the amplifier and prohibits the total flow from traveling towards the center of the conduit where flow reversal and turbulence are likely to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Elijah Dumas, Elisha Dumas, Howard Dumas
  • Publication number: 20080271799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic regulating device, comprising a first layer having a first microfluidic channel defined therein, a second layer having a second microfluidic channel defined therein, a fluid flow regulating layer disposed between the first and the second microfluidic channel, which layer comprises a movable valve member which in open position allows fluid communication between the first and second channel and in closed position seals against a valve seat, whereby at least part of the valve member and of the valve seat is magnetic. The device is able to store small quantities of liquids at microfluidic cartridges and access these on demand in a well controlled and simple way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Reinhold Wimberger-Friedl, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Ties Van Bommel, Jacob Marinus Jan Den Toomder, Melike Yavuz
  • Publication number: 20080196383
    Abstract: A system for controlling lubricant displacement from a machine during turbomachine shutdown sequence includes a motor, a pump, a control valve, and a motor control unit. The motor is selectively energized from a power bus to rotate at a rotational speed and supply a drive force to the pump. The pump, in response to the drive force, draws fluid from a fluid and supplies the fluid to the machine. The control valve is movable between at least a first position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a lubrication fluid source, and a second position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a gaseous fluid source. During the shutdown sequence, the motor control unit controllably energizes the motor from the power bus to thereby control its rotational speed in accordance with a schedule that will displace at least a substantial volume of lubricant in the rotating machine with fluid from the gaseous fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Jim E. Delaloye
  • Publication number: 20080190503
    Abstract: A microfluidic switching device includes a planar substrate having a central axis of rotation and a radially-oriented microchannel disposed in the planar substrate that terminates at a junction. In one aspect, the junction is formed as a double-layered junction in which an upstream portion is vertically offset from a downstream portion. In addition, the upstream portion has a smaller effective center of cross-sectional area than the downstream portion. First and rotation second outlet chambers are coupled at one end to the junction. The device is rotated about the central axis in a clockwise direction so as to cause the fluid in the reservoir to flow into the first (right) outlet chamber or in a counter-clockwise direction so as to cause the fluid in the reservoir to flow into the second (left) outlet chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: The Regents Of The University Of California
    Inventors: Jim V. Zoval, Marc J. Madou, Horacio Kido, Guangyao Jia, Jitae Kim
  • Publication number: 20080149205
    Abstract: A machine includes an unsteady blower device, such as a synthetic jet actuator, disposed such that an aperture of the blower is disposed upon the trailing edge of the machine component. The unsteady blower device is actuated to perform unsteady blowing of a fluid from the aperture in order to enhance turbulent mixing in the flow to mitigate undesirable wakes that interact with downstream components. Such unsteady blower devices facilitate momentum transfer or unsteady excitation or energy addition into the flow through the machine via direct injection of additional fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anurag Gupta, Chingwei Michael Shieh, Seyed Gholamali Saddoughi