Abstract: A three-way (3-way) Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based micro-valve device and method of fabrication for the implementation of a three-way MEMS-based micro-valve that uses a multicity of piezoelectric actuators. The 3-way has a wide range of applications including medical, industrial control, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics and products, as well as any application(s) requiring the use of three-way micro-valves for the control of fluids. The three-way microvalve device and method of fabrication can be tailored to the requirements of a wide range of applications and fluid types. The microvalve can be used to control fluids at high pressures and provides for low flow resistances when the microvalve is open and has low leakage when closed.

Abstract: A valve device with a valve housing, which is penetrated by a fluid channel, which extends from an inlet connection to an outlet opening and in which a valve member is arranged, which is designed to regulate a cross-section of the fluid channel, with an electric drive device to influence a position of the valve member in the fluid channel including a stator that is fixed on the valve housing and an armature arranged so as to be movable relative to the stator wherein the armature and the valve member are arranged on a dimensionally-stable connection part, which is pivotably mounted on the valve housing with a flexure, wherein the flexure is designed for an electric connection of the armature to an electric connection device designed on the valve housing and wherein the connection part forms the valve member or carries the valve member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid flow device (1), comprising a system chip (11) having a substrate (12), a flow channel (21) defined within said substrate, and a sensor unit (41) connected to said flow channel for determining a property of a fluid in said flow channel. Furthermore, a valve unit (30) is provided within said substrate, for regulating fluid flow through said flow channel. The valve unit comprises a valve chamber (31) defined within said substrate, and a valve member (32) that is movably arranged within the valve chamber. The flow channel has a connection channel part (22) defined within said substrate (12), wherein said connection channel part is connected to said valve unit. Further, control means connected to said valve unit and said sensor unit are provided. The control means are arranged for controlling said valve unit based on signals obtained by said sensor unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microfluidic mixing device includes a mixing channel, a fluid inlet chamber to pass fluids into the mixing channel, an axis-asymmetric mixing actuator integrated within the channel to cause fluid displacements that mix the fluids as they flow through the channel, and an outlet chamber to receive the mixed fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A microelement includes: a base being a body of the microelement, the base including a liquid inlet for a liquid to be introduced, a liquid outlet for the liquid to be discharged, and a groove for the liquid to flow from the liquid inlet toward the liquid outlet; a cover that covers the groove of the base; and a liquid flow controller film segment that is fixed to an inner surface of the cover so as to be opposite to the groove. The liquid flow controller film segment is arc-shaped curved-band-like extending in a direction crossing a flow direction of the liquid and has a radius about a center-corresponding position of the cover corresponding to a center of the liquid outlet of the groove. The liquid flow controller film segment is exposed in the groove and disposed on the downstream side to an exposed surface at the inner surface of the cover in the flow direction of the liquid in the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface through ejection of a fluid. By means of a like fluid actuator, a continuous flow is distributed to at least two outlet openings in order to generate fluid pulses out of these outlet openings. Control of this distribution takes place inside an interaction chamber which is supplied with fluid flow via a feed line. Into this interaction chamber there merge at least two control lines via control openings to which a respective different pressure may be applied. Depending on the pressure difference at the control openings, the flow in the interaction chamber is distributed to the individual outlet openings.

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided that includes one or more pumps that form a jet for propulsion. A number of Coanda jet devices (CJDs) are coupled to the one or more pumps. The CJDs are arranged so to allow for a multi-axis underwater control of an underwater robot.

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.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve assembly includes a structure defining a microfluidic fluid path and an actuator that can be moved between different positions controlling flow through the channel. In one embodiment, the actuator can be threaded into at least a portion of the structure, and can be moved rotationally between a first position, causing relatively greater constriction of a microfluidic fluid path, and a second position causing relatively lesser constriction of the fluid path. Actuating the actuator, e.g., by rotation, can deform material between the valve and the fluid path, thereby constricting at least a portion of the underlying fluid path and regulating the flow of a fluid in the fluid path. In another aspect, the invention provides a reservoir into which fluid can be placed and from which fluid can be introduced into a microfluidic system. In one embodiment, the reservoir is expandable and thereby able to store fluid under pressure for delivery to a microfluidic system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mini-scale microfluidic valve including a valve housing disposed at a fluid dispensing orifice of a mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle. The valve housing comprises a base member having a base member orifice that aligns with the fluid dispensing orifice to provide a fluid dispensing pathway through which a system-fluid is dispensed from the system dispensing nozzle to an external ambient environment. The housing additionally comprises an open valve channel exposed to the external ambient environment and intersecting the fluid dispensing pathway. The valve further includes a liquid-film movably disposed within the open valve channel such that the liquid-film is exposed to the external ambient environment. The liquid-film comprises a substantially non-volatile, immiscible liquid, and a valve control subsystem structured and operable to control movement of the liquid-film within the open valve channel to selectively cover and uncover the base member orifice.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an active roughness actuator and a method of forming an active roughness actuator. The active roughness actuator includes a surface having at least one aperture; a compliant layer disposed on the surface such that the compliant layer covers the at least one aperture; a chamber having a fluid therein and a piezoelectric surface mechanically coupled to the chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the compliant layer via the at least one aperture. The piezoelectric surface is configured to displace the fluid in the chamber to control production of at least one dimple in the compliant layer proximate to the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A microfluidic panel including at least one substrate, one or more channels formed in the substrate, and fluid disposed within the one or more channels. The fluid is selected to store thermal energy and the microfluidic panel is adapted to convert the thermal energy into useable energy or condition the energy to adjust optical wavelength passband of the panel.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

Abstract: A fluid-carrying conduit achieves variable resistance to flow. An elongate, hollow body casing has at least one chamber containing either a dilatant fluid or an electroactive polymer. In the case of the dilatant fluid, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an increase in the shear rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid line. In the case of the electroactive polymer, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an electric current being applied to the body casing. The conduit may be configured for use as a degassing line in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The conduit may have a reinforcement encircling the electroactive polymer. The conduit may have an electrically conductive connecting surface adjacent to the electroactive polymer. The electroactive polymer may be an ionic electroactive polymer.

Abstract: There is described a microvalve system having a first body portion having a fluid channel defined in a face, an electrode disposed in the fluid channel and electrically connectable to a power source, a channel membrane disposed over the fluid channel and aligned with the electrode, and a second body portion disposed on the first body portion, the first body portion comprising a liquid receiving cavity aligned with the membrane. The liquid receiving cavity is adapted to receive an electrical conducting liquid that is electrically connectable to the power source. The channel membrane is displaceable towards the electrode upon application of an electrical potential difference between the electrode and the electrical conducting liquid in order to at least partially obstruct the fluid channel.

Abstract: An active fluid component (40) for connection with a substrate (10) has an interface which can be connected with the substrate (10) in a fluid-tight manner, and a magnet (42) arranged in the region of the interface.

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.

Abstract: A polymer actuator is capable of being utilized for any of various drive sources, and the amount of deformation of the polymer actuator can particularly be used also for a valve or shaft-sealing device. The polymer actuator includes a power driver deformed upon receiving electro stimuli and electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surface sides of the power driver in an opposite manner for applying positive and negative electro stimuli to the power driver in a planar fashion. The electrodes have different stimuli application regions to have different electrical field distributions for causing distribution of stress generated in the power driver to be eccentrically located on one of positive and negative sides, thereby bending and deforming the power driver onto a side on which the opposite stimuli application regions do not exist.

Abstract: According to the invention a method (and corresponding system) of enhancing application of high intensity acoustic waves is provided, wherein acoustic waves, e.g. ultrasound, and a gaseous medium, e.g. steam, coincide at a treatment zone. This is achieved by a combination of one or more high intensity acoustic generators and/or reflectors. In this way, enhanced efficiency in an area of the gaseous medium (or where the gaseous medium is to affect something) is obtained since a second generator or a reflector is located so that the acoustic waves directly influence the gaseous medium.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device includes a substrate; a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the substrate; and an elastic member affixed to the substrate at a first end thereof, and mechanically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator; wherein the elastic member comprises at least one of: a notch, a groove, and a recess.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a substrate, a main flow channel formed in the substrate, a control channel formed in the substrate such that the main flow channel and the control channel meet at a junction, a bi-phase material within the control channel, a heating element adjacent the control channel and the junction, the heating element being controllable to generate sufficient energy to cause the bi-phase material to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for forcing the bi-phase material either into or out of the junction when the bi-phase material is in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A valve 25 includes: a passage 33 having a first passage 31 which communicates an atmosphere-communicating passage 24 and outside of a cartridge body 10, and a second passage 32 which branches from the first passage; an electrode 35 provided on a wall surface forming the second passage 32; an electrode 37 provided on a wall surface of a bottom wall lid forming the first passage 31; a driver IC 44 which applies a predetermined voltage selectively to one of these two kinds of electrodes 35, 37; an insulating film 36 provided on a surface of the electrode 35; and an insulating film 38 provided on a surface of the electrode 37. Accordingly, there is provided a valve which is capable of opening and closing a passage communicating two spaces separated from each other, which has no movable part, and which has a simple construction.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a device (50) for propelling a liquid (L) comprising a reservoir (51) equipped with a mobile separation member (57) and a pyrotechnic gas generator (1), which is arranged inside said reservoir (51), equipped with nozzles (4a, 4b, 4a?, 4b?). Characteristically, said nozzles (4a, 4b, 4a?, 4b?) of said gas generator (1) are arranged radially on the wall(s) of said body (2) and said gas generator (1), arranged in such a way that its axis corresponds to the line of travel of said mobile separation member (57), is equipped with a deflector (8) to deflect said generated combustion gases (G) along said line of travel of said mobile separation member (57).

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising a first plate forming the substrate and including at least one perforation and, on either side of said first plate, at several locations, a material for defining passage portions consisting, in at least one of said locations, of an activatable material varying in volume on activation, said material being disposed at said locations in an arrangement that, during a first phase and upon activation of at least one location consisting of said activatable material, transforms it from a first configuration to a second configuration, modifying a three-dimensional network corresponding, in the second configuration and depending on the selected location(s) that are activated in said first phase, to different liquid paths including passage portions in offset planes parallel to the plane of the first plate, at least on either side of said first plate, and between which at least one of said perforations is located.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing multi-dimensional assays using a microfluidic chip is presented. The apparatus comprises of two crossing series of micro-channels on the microfluidic chip. The apparatus further comprises of a plurality of magnetic valves placed at the crossings and a guiding magnet. When an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip, the guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves. At the first micro-channel crossing, a magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the first micro-channel, and another magnetic valve controls fluid flow in the second micro-channel at the first micro-channel crossing. Each magnetic valve comprises a magnetic bead and a cavity on the chip next to a corresponding micro-channel section.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for one-step flow control at a micro-channel crossing comprises a first micro-channel and a second micro-channel, a plurality of magnetic valves, and a guiding magnet. The guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient at a location of each of the plurality of magnetic valves when an operator places the guiding magnet in a vicinity of the chip. The vicinity of the chip comprises a plurality of guiding magnet position ranges. The operator repositions guiding magnet in order to actuate the plurality of magnetic valves simultaneously. Depending on the position of the guiding magnet, the passages are blocked or unblocked to stop or let the fluid flow in a given crossing.

Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed having a single microvalve actuator for controlling multiple microvalves. Exemplary embodiments include a MEMS device including two microvalves formed on a beam positioned by an actuator, the two microvalves controlling separate flow paths between two separate pairs of ports; a device with a two-way pilot operated microvalve and a four-way pilot microvalve for controlling the two-way pilot operated microvalve; a device with two three-way microvalves actuated by a common microvalve actuator; and a two-way microvalve with a moveable microvalve element and a feedback port formed in the moveable element operable to regulate the pressure on an end of the moveable element relative to the movement of the moveable element between the first position and the second position. Also disclosed is a MEMS device including a beam with a plurality of apertures formed therein, resulting in a mass reduction of at least 10 percent.

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.

Abstract: This invention provides composite plastic articles and methods of making them. The articles can be fluidic or microfluidic devices having fluidic conduits and, optionally, pneumatic conduits that regulate flow in the fluidic conduits. The articles comprise a first substrate coated with a layer of a material that comprises, or onto which have been introduced, reactive groups. For example, the substrate can be a plastic coated with an oxide or a siloxane onto which hydroxyl groups have been introduced. These articles are covalently bonded with other articles comprising reactive groups on their surfaces, for example, polysiloxanes treated to have silanol groups. Certain articles have specified locations on their surfaces that are not bonded to the other piece. For example, the coating can be removed from these locations before bonding. Such locations can be useful as functional elements of various devices, such as valve seats in valves of microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A valve chip may include a substrate having first and second faces and openings between the first and second faces, and a plurality of flexible valve flaps on one of the faces of the substrate with each flexible valve flap being associated with at least one of the openings. The valve chip may be packaged by forming a frame having an opening therein, and securing the valve chip in the opening of the frame. More particularly, the valve chip may be secured in the opening so that central portions of the first and second faces of the substrate are exposed through the opening in the frame and so that a fluid seal is provided between the frame and edges of the substrate. Related valves, valve assemblies, and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: The object is to provide a polymer actuator capable of being utilized for any of various drive sources, wherein the amount of deformation of the polymer actuator can particularly be used also for a valve or shaft-sealing device. The polymer actuator comprises a power driver deformed upon receiving electro stimuli and electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surface sides of the power driver in an opposite manner for applying positive and negative electro stimuli to the power driver in a planar fashion. The electrodes have different stimuli application regions to have different electrical field distributions for causing distribution of stress-generated in the power driver to be eccentrically located on one of positive and negative sides, thereby bending and deforming the power driver onto a side on which the opposite stimuli application regions do not exist.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

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.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a substrate, a main flow channel formed in the substrate, a control channel formed in the substrate such that the main flow channel and the control channel meet at a junction, a bi-phase material within the control channel, a heating element adjacent the control channel and the junction, the heating element being controllable to generate sufficient energy to cause the bi-phase material to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for forcing the bi-phase material either into or out of the junction when the bi-phase material is in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is disclosed. The microfluidic system comprises a microchannel having in fluid communication with a fluid inlet for receiving a first fluid. The microfluidic system can further comprise a piezoelectric actuator which controls the flow of the first fluid in the microchannel by selectively applying external pressure on the wall of the microchannel.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a MEMS integrated circuit. The MEMS integrated circuit comprises: a silicon substrate having one or more microfluidic channels defined therein; at least one layer of control circuitry for controlling one or more microfluidic devices; a MEMS layer comprising the microfluidic devices; and a polymeric layer covering the MEMS layer. Part of the polymeric layer provides a seal for the microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a pneumatic or an hydraulic pinch valve. The pinch valve comprises: a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; an inflatable control channel cooperating with a valve section of the microfluidic channel such that pneumatic or hydraulic pressurization of the control channel causes inflation of the control channel and pinching closure of the valve section. The microfluidic system comprises an on-chip MEMS pump in fluidic communication with the control channel for pressurizing said control channel.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided for sealing a proper amount of fluid with a brittle material. By moving an adsorbate through an external adsorption force, the brittle material for pre-sealing is broken, and the fluid flows out to interact with the external environment to generate a pump reaction. In addition, the invention may also be used for storing a liquid reagent in a device for a long time. Thereby, the fluidic device can be made small and portable.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising an integrated circuit having a bonding surface bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The microfluidic system comprises one or more microfluidics devices controlled by control circuitry in the integrated circuit. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. The MEMS layer is covered with a polymeric layer which defines the bonding surface of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.

Abstract: A dual-cavity fluid conveying apparatus includes a flow-converging device, a first cavity body, and a second cavity body. The flow-converging device includes two sides corresponding to each other; a first channel and a second channel both passing through the two sides; and an inlet passage and an outlet passage both arranged between the two sides and communicated with the first channel and the second channel, respectively. The first cavity body and the second cavity body are symmetrically disposed at the two sides of the flow-converging device, wherein the first cavity body and the second cavity body each includes a valve cover disposed on one side of the flow-converging device, a valve membrane interposed between the one side of the flow-converging device and the valve cover, and an actuating device disposed circumferentially on the valve cover so as to define, together with the valve cover, a pressure chamber.

Abstract: When coils of a vacuum pump unit are excited by energization, a piston equipped with magnets reciprocates in a cylinder. Thus, air is sucked in from an outlet passage of a diffuser of an ejector, and air discharged from the vacuum pump unit is supplied to an inlet of a nozzle of the ejector. Consequently, a fast jet occurs in a throat portion of the nozzle, and a negative pressure of higher degree of vacuum than that of the suction negative pressure of the vacuum pump unit is produced at a vacuum port of the ejector. The negative pressure is supplied from a negative pressure supply port. The ejector can supply a negative pressure of high degree of vacuum while reducing the load on the vacuum pump unit.

Abstract: The invention describes devices for controlling fluid flow, such as valves. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to change a characteristic of the fluid. Some of the characteristic of the fluid that may be changed include but are not limited to 1) a flow rate, 2) a flow direction, 3) a flow vorticity, 4) a flow momentum, 5) a flow mixing rate, 6) a flow turbulence rate, 7) a flow energy, 8) a flow thermodynamic property. The electroactive polymer may be a portion of a surface of a structure that is immersed in an external fluid flow, such as the surface of an airplane wing or the electroactive polymer may be a portion of a surface of a structure used in an internal flow, such as a bounding surface of a fluid conduit.

Abstract: A micropump device including a first wafer and a second wafer attached to the first wafer. The first and second wafers are configured to define a chamber therebetween having a predetermined volume. A third wafer is attached to the second wafer to define an inlet section and an outlet section in fluid communication with the chamber. At least one of the second and third wafers are formed to define a moveable diaphragm configured to change the predetermined volume of the chamber for pumping a fluid between the inlet section and the outlet section.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system comprises at least one micro-channel having a wall (14), a plurality of ciliary actuator elements (71) attached to said wall (14), said ciliary actuator elements (71) having an original shape when not subjected to a liquid, and means for applying stimuli to said plurality of ciliary actuator elements (71) so as to cause a change in their shape from an initial shape to an end shape. The ciliary actuator elements (71) are adapted to respond to the presence of a particular liquid by changing their original shape into the initial shape. The response to the presence of the particular liquid may be a curving of the original shape of the ciliary actuator element. Application of stimuli to the plurality of ciliary actuator elements provides a way to locally manipulate the flow of complex fluids in a micro-fluidic system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a shear layer for a fluid dynamic body introduces first periodic disturbances into the fluid medium at a first flow separation location. Simultaneously, second periodic disturbances are introduced into the fluid medium at a second flow separation location. A phase difference between the first and second periodic disturbances is adjusted to control flow separation of the shear layer as the fluid medium moves over the fluid dynamic body.