Abstract: A method for etching an ultra-shallow channel includes using an etch process that is selective for one material to etch a different material in order to achieve a very precise channel depth in the different material. Channels as shallow as 10 nm can be fabricated in silicon with precision of 5 nm or better using the method. Stepped channels can be fabricated where each segment is a different depth, with the segments being between 10 nm and 1000 nm in depth. The method is applied to create a fluidic channel which includes a channel substrate to which is bonded a lid substrate to confine fluids to the fluidic channels so fabricated.

Abstract: A method of bonding layers to form a structure, comprises curing a first adhesive while squeezing a first layer and a multilayer structure together between a first backing and a second backing. The multilayer structure comprises a substrate and a second layer, and the first adhesive is between and in contact with the first layer and the second layer. Furthermore, the first layer and the second layer each have a thickness of at most 100 ?m, and at least one of the first backing and the second backing comprises a first elastic polymer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing microfluidic analysis devices are provided. A monolithic elastomer membrane associated with an integrated pneumatic manifold allows the placement and actuation of a variety of fluid control structures, such as structures for pumping, isolating, mixing, routing, merging, splitting, preparing, and storing volumes of fluid. The fluid control structures can be used to implement a variety of sample introduction, preparation, processing, and storage techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to a systems and methods of controlling the flow of a fluid in a capillary or microfluidic channel. A first pair of electrodes can influence the wetting of a fluid front at a relatively hydrophobic surface in the channel. A second pair of electrodes can electrolytically generate a bubble that can stop fluid flow when it contacts the hydrophobic surface. Flow of a fluid in a channel can be stopped on contact with the hydrophobic surface and restarted when an electrostatic field reduces the contact angle of the fluid at the hydrophobic surface. The electrostatic field can be removed and the fluid stopped again when an electrolytically generated bubble contacts the hydrophobic surface to reestablish the blocking contact angle of the fluid, gas and surface.

Abstract: A capillary pump is provided for producing pressurized and unpressurized vapor emissions from liquid feed. In its simplest form, the capillary pump incorporates a liquid feed intake, a porous vaporization component, and a heat transfer component. Additional components, such as an insulator component, a feed pre-heat component, a liquid feed reservoir and/or delivery system, an integrated or associated heater component, a vapor collection chamber, a heat distribution component, an orifice component and/or vapor release component, may also be associated with or integrated in the improved capillary pumps. Capillary pump arrays are provided, and numerous applications for capillary pumps are disclosed.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for active and/or passive supply of fluids comprising a microfluidic component with an inlet and optionally an outlet, a strip conductor which is electrically conductingly connected to the microfluidic component, and a carrier on which the microfluidic component is fixed. In order to provide a simple and inexpensive fluidic connection of the microfluidic component, in accordance with the invention, the carrier is formed by a board comprising the strip conductor, which has one passage channel which is flush with the inlet and optionally one which is flush with the outlet of the microfluidic component, and wherein a feed line for the inlet or an outlet line for the outlet is formed by a channel opening into the passage channel, wherein the channel is formed on the side of the board facing away from the microfluidic component by one groove-like recess each. The microfluidic component can e.g.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic control device and method for controlling the microfluid, and a fine amount of fluid is controlled even with natural fluid flow and solution injection, wherein a pressure barrier of a capillary is removed by a surface tension change resulted from the solution injection to thereby obtain transport, interflow, mixing, and time delay of the microfluid, and to detail this, solution is injected to meet the boundary surface of the stopped fluid when the fluid is stopped by the stop valve, so that a function of the stop valve is removed to obtain the transport, interflow, and mixing of the fluid, and the method for controlling the microfluid may be applied to the microfluidic control device for biochemical reaction, and it uses only the capillary force change resulted from solution injection to thereby have its structure simplified.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the mixing of two microfluidic channels wherein several wells are oriented diagonally across the width of a mixing channel. The device effectively mixes the confluent streams with electrokinetic flow, and to a lesser degree, with pressure driven flow. The device and method may be further adapted to split a pair of confluent streams into two or more streams of equal or non-equal concentrations of reactants. Further, under electrokinetic flow, the surfaces of said wells may be specially coated so that the differing electroosmotic mobility between the surfaces of the wells and the surfaces of the channel may increase the mixing efficiency. The device and method are applicable to the steady state mixing as well as the dynamic application of mixing a plug of reagent with a confluent stream.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a fluid flow path can include a chamber containing an expandable material, the expandable material being configured to expand out of the chamber into a portion of the fluid flow path so as to at least partially block the fluid flow path. The apparatus also can include at least one structure providing flow communication between the chamber and the fluid flow path. The at least one structure can be configured to pass the expandable material from the chamber to the portion of the fluid flow path during expansion so as to control a rate at which the expandable material expands into the portion of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed, and which may be used in a glaucoma implant (490). One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an accumulator including a flow damper which is capable of performing a control so that a vortex may not be formed in a vortex chamber at the time of a large flow injection without requiring huge labors and fabrication costs. The flow damper is configured of a colliding jet controller (a bevel or a projection) for controlling a colliding jet composed of a jet from a large flow pipe and a jet from a small flow pipe flowing into a vortex chamber at the time of a large flow injection so that the colliding jet may proceed directly to an outlet without forming a vortex in the vortex chamber. The colliding jet controller is provided at a junction of an inner surface of the small flow pipe and an inner surface of the vortex chamber.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic oscillator comprises a main body and a cover body for covering the main body. An oscillation chamber is disposed on the main body to provide an oscillation space for fluid. A sudden-expansion micro-nozzle is connected with one end of the oscillation chamber, and an outlet passage is connected with the other end of the oscillation chamber. Two fluid-separating bodies are located at the connection positions of the outlet passage and the oscillation chamber, respectively. Two feedback channels are located outside two attachment walls. The sudden-expansion micro-nozzle is used to break the viscous shear stress between fluid and the walls and to generate unstable flow and oscillation. Moreover, the two feedback channels have different lengths, inside diameters and alternate outlet positions to further enhance the oscillation of fluid.

Abstract: A modular insert and monolithic structure is disclosed where the inserts are embedded in a slot in the monolithic structure to allow MSM components to be mounted directly to the planar surface of the monolithic structure.

Abstract: A vortex brake (4) for a liquid drainage system has a vortex chamber (5), an inlet section (6) and an outlet (12), wherein liquid can flow into the inlet section (6), through this into the vortex chamber (5), through this and out through the outlet (12). The vortex chamber (5) has a side wall (9), following a conical face, and a base wall (11). The conical face has a cone axis (10), and the outlet (12) is located at an apex of the conical face. The inlet section (6) has side walls (14) and a bottom wall (15) that extend mutually in parallel in a direction of flow (16) in the inlet section (6), and a ceiling. Said ceiling having a converging ceiling portion, which extends between a first and a second end of the ceiling portion, and which, in said direction of flow, extends converging towards the bottom wall (15).

Abstract: The present invention provides a proportional microvalve having a first, second and third layer, and having high aspect ratio geometries. The first layer defines a cavity with inlet and outlet ports. The second layer, doped to have a low resistivity and bonded between the first and third layers, defines a cavity having a flow area to permit fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ports. The second layer further defines an actuatable displaceable member, and one or more thermal actuators for actuating the displaceable member to a position between and including an open and a closed position to permit or occlude fluid flow. The third layer provides one wall of the cavity and provides electrical contacts for electrically heating the thermally expandable actuators. The thermal actuators and the displaceable member have high aspect ratios and are formed by deep reactive ion etching such that they are displaceable in the plane of the second layer while being very stiff out of the plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected.

Abstract: A unitary structure (10) is comprised of two or more planar substrates (30, 40) fused together by a glass or glass-ceramic sintered patterned frit material (20) disposed therebetween. The pattern of the sintered patterned frit material defines passages (70) therein, and the sintered patterned frit material (20) has a characteristic minimum feature size (60) in a direction parallel to the substrates. Particles of the frit material have a poly-dispersed size distribution up to a maximum frit particle size, in a maximum length dimension, and the minimum feature size (60) of the sintered patterned frit material is greater than 2 times the maximum frit particle size, desirably about 3 times or more, and less than 6.25 times the maximum frit particle size, desirably about 5 times or less, most desirably about 4 times or less. A method for making the structure (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microdevice is constructed from a substrate having a microchannel formed therein and a cover plate arranged over the substrate. The cover plate in combination with the microchannel at least partially defines a conduit within the microdevice. The conduit has a surface that extends from an upstream region toward a downstream region and terminates at an opening. The microdevice also includes an annular lining that conforms to the conduit surface at the downstream region and extends from the opening toward the upstream region in the conduit. An emitter may be produced in situ by depositing an emitter material on the annular lining. In addition, material may be removed from the cover plate and/or substrate about the opening. As a result, an exterior microdevice surface is formed and a downstream portion of the emitter is exposed that protrudes from the exterior surface.

Abstract: A first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 of a fluid handling apparatus travels to the open end thereof on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. The movement of the first liquid is uniformed on the cross section of the flow passage by the function of a capillarity promoting portion 220 or 230 of the bottom 21 of the first flow passage 6. Then, the movement of a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 is uniformed on the cross section of the flow passage by the function of the capillarity promoting portion 220 or 230 of the bottom 21 of the second flow passage 7. Thus, the movement of the front end of the second liquid is substantially uniformed to surely extrude gas from the second flow passage 7 to the outside via a fourth flow passage 10.

Abstract: A water drain tank or channel module includes a structure having a top platen and a bottom platen, a plurality of generally vertical support members for supporting at least the top platen, the support members being retained in sockets on at least one of the bottom platen and the top platen, and optional side walls each including a water-permeable lattice member that is adapted to support an impermeable membrane or water-permeable geotextile material that is able of controlling the flow of drain water at least out of the module and restricting sediment from entering the module. An assembly of such modules to form a drain tank, channel or storage reservoir is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for routing, mixing, or reacting droplets or liquid microstreams along the surface of a flat substrate. The flow of liquid microstreams or microdroplets along designated pathways is confined by chemical surface patterning. Individually addressable heating elements, which are embedded in the substrate, can be used to generate flow via thermocapillary effects or to trigger or quench chemical reactions. The open architecture allows the liquid to remain in constant contact with the ambient atmosphere. The device can be used for microfluidic applications or as a surface reactor or biosensor, among other applications.

Abstract: A single layer fluid routing device comprising a first channel having a cross-section of a first aspect ratio and a first depth; a second channel having a second cross-section of a second different aspect ratio and a second different depth; wherein the second channel intersects with the first channel from a first point to a second point, the first and second points having different offsets relative to the cross-section of the first channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quantitative measurement method and quantitative measurement chip which can perform quantitative measurement of a target substance in a short period of time. The invention provides a quantitative measurement method in which a three dimensional mesh structure material is formed, and quantitative measurements are taken of the target substance using a structure which contains a reagent that reacts with the target substance in the mesh.

Abstract: A method for etching an ultra-shallow channel includes using an etch process that is selective for one material to etch a different material in order to achieve a very precise channel depth in the different material. Channels as shallow as 10 nm can be fabricated in silicon with precision of 5 nm or better using the method. Stepped channels can be fabricated where each segment is a different depth, with the segments being between 10 nm and 1000 nm in depth. The method is applied to create a fluidic channel which includes a channel substrate to which is bonded a lid substrate to confine fluids to the fluidic channels so fabricated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid distribution unit (10, 20) for dividing a liquid current into a plurality of partial currents. Said unit comprises at least one liquid inlet (13, 23) for the supplied liquid current, a plurality of liquid outlets (14; 24) for the partial currents, and a plurality of channels (15, 25) connecting the liquid inlets (13, 23) to the liquid outlets (14, 24). Said unit is characterised in that the channels (15, 25) symmetrically and respectively branch off (16, 26) into upstream channels (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15c; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25c) and each connection leading from the liquid inlet (13; 23 ) to one of the liquid outlets (14; 24) comprises the same channels (15, 25) and the same branches (16, 26). A liquid distribution device for the divided distributiion of at least two different liquids; comprises a plurality of such liquid distribution units (10, 20) placed flatly on top of each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically-opened micro fluid-valve. The inventive valve comprises: at least one planar support (12); at least one afferent microchannel (14); at least one efferent microchannel (16), said microchannels being arranged in the support (12); such that at least one of the ends (141 and 161) thereof touch the inner face (121) of the support close to one another; at least one deposit (18) of a heat-sensitive material which is disposed on the inner face (121) of the support (12); and at least one heating means (20). According to the invention, the aforementioned deposit (18) of heat-sensitive material at least partially seals the space separating the ends (141 and 161) of the microchannels (14 and 16), thereby preventing same from intercommunicating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of controlling the flow of fluids through a microfluidic circuit and, more particularly, to methods of controlling the movement of fluid through a microfluidic circuit using one or more triggerable passive valves. In one embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of fluids through a microfluidic circuit according to the present invention, the microfluidic circuit includes a triggerable valve in series with a passive valve. In a further embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of fluids through a microfluidic circuit according to the present invention, the microfluidic circuit includes first and second triggerable valves in parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of microfluidic channel structures. The invention discloses a microfluidic channel system with a high aspect ratio as well as a process for producing the microfluidic system. The process according to the invention enables the production of channel structures with aspect ratios of any magnitude without the process being limited by the manufacturing conditions to certain materials for the channel system. The channel system can thus be optimally adapted to a desired field of application.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic switch for stopping a liquid flow during a time interval with the following features: the switch has at least one first channel and at least one second channel; the first channel and the second channel have a common end area; the first channel in the end area has a stopping mechanism for stopping of a liquid flow flowing in the first channel; the stopping mechanism can be controlled by means of a liquid flow flowing in the second channel for continuing the liquid flow in the first channel. Transport in the first and the second channel takes place advantageously by the capillarity acting in the channel.

Abstract: A system for control of a fluid flow. The system includes an array of fluidic oscillators. Each fluidic oscillator carries an oscillating flow of the fluid and includes a throat, an input port connected to the throat, two control ports connected to the throat and two output ports extending from the throat. A feedback line is connected to each of the two output ports and each of the two control ports. The system further includes a plenum connected to the input ports of the fluidic oscillators to supply the fluid to the fluidic oscillators and a feedback chamber disposed along each feedback line of each fluidic oscillator to provide a feedback path for the control fluid to cause oscillatory fluid motion between the first output port and the second output port, the frequency of which may be modulated by adjusting the volume of the feedback chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a constriction region in a channel of a microfluidic device. The method includes the steps of introducing a pre-polymer mixture including a monomer, cross-linking agent and photoinitiator into the channel. The pre-polymer mixture is polymerized at a localized area of the channel so as to shrink and solidify the liquid mixture. The solidified and shrunken liquid mixture provides the constriction region in the channel.

Abstract: A micro-filter for filtering blood cells has a plurality of filtering channel structures, each having a first through hole and a first concave portion connecting to each other, and a plurality of through channel structures respectively connect to the filtering channel structures. Each defines a second through hole opposite the first concave portion, whereby the filtering channel structures are respectively attached to the through channel structures to provide more than two filtering effects.

Abstract: The microvalve comprises a mini-piston moving due to the thrust of gases given off by firing of a pyrotechnic charge and comprising an aperture designed to enable communication to be established between ends of microchannels of a microfluidic component. When the ends between which communication is to be established open out onto a face of a first planar substrate, the mini-piston is formed in a second planar substrate, adjoined to the first, and comprises a part that is mobile in translation or in rotation in the plane of the second substrate. If a transverse slot is arranged between the ends of the microchannels between which communication is to be established, the mini-piston comprises a rod designed to slide in the slot and the aperture is formed by a transverse orifice formed in the rod of the mini-piston.

Abstract: A fluid amplifier having a filter interposed in an upstream conduit for filtering the power stream. The interior surface of the upstream conduit downstream from the filter is sealed to impede debris from being introduced to the power stream downstream from the filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for metering microfluidic volumes are provided. A discrete plug may be separated from a larger volume of first fluid by injecting a second fluid, such as a gas, into a channel containing the first fluid. The injection of the second fluid to isolate the desired amount of the first fluid may be controlled through timing of flows, visual indicators and/or automated control systems using optical or electrical sensors.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layered microfluidic devices comprising an interface layer between every two substrate layers. The interface layer simplifies the manufacturing process of the multi-layered devices because the interface may comprise a material suitable for etching whereby manufacturing of these devices is simplified to a great extent. The invention also provides methods of manufacturing the multi-layered devices wherein the devices may comprise substrates composed of non-similar materials that are bonded together by anodic bonding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to valves for use in controlling the flow of fluid and, more particularly, to a triggerable passive valve for use in controlling the flow of fluid. In one embodiment, a fluid delivery channel is connected to a flow restrictor and a passive valve positioned in the fluid delivery channel downstream from the flow restrictor. The first passive valve prevents fluid from moving through the channel when the pressure exerted by the fluid on the first passive valve is below the burst pressure. A pneumatic actuator actuates the valve by forcing fluid through the passive valve.

Abstract: The microvalve comprises a mini-piston moving due to the thrust of gases given off by firing of a pyrotechnic charge and comprising an aperture designed to enable communication to be established between ends of microchannels of a microfluidic component. When the ends between which communication is to be established open out onto a face of a first planar substrate, the mini-piston is formed in a second planar substrate, adjoined to the first, and comprises a part that is mobile in translation or in rotation in the plane of the second substrate. If a transverse slot is arranged between the ends of the microchannels between which communication is to be established, the mini-piston comprises a rod designed to slide in the slot and the aperture is formed by a transverse orifice formed in the rod of the mini-piston.

Abstract: A liquid transportation device includes a working board, a working liquid, a liquid channel and a cover board, wherein the liquid channel is formed on a top surface of the working board, the covering board is fully covered the liquid channel, the liquid channel composed of a material substantially tending to the liquid, and the covering board is composed of a material substantially phobic to the liquid. The working liquid flows within the liquid channel in guidance of the deviation of surface tension between the liquid channel to the working liquid, and the covering board to the working liquid, so that the working liquid is transported within the liquid channel without any external power.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of moving a fluid in a capillary using a capillary chip having a layer including a polymer composition and a capillary formed on the surface or inside of the aforementioned layer including a polymer composition, wherein the aforementioned capillary has a movement control part, and the aforementioned movement control part includes multiple and sequential opening/closing parts; the aforementioned opening/closing part blocks movement of the fluid that flows in the aforementioned capillary by increase in the volume of the aforementioned polymer composition to result in the closed state, while it permits movement of the fluid that flows in the aforementioned capillary by decrease in the volume of the aforementioned polymer composition to result in the open state; and the aforementioned method of moving the fluid includes a step (a) of switching the aforementioned multiple opening/closing parts from the open state to the closed state sequentially in a movement direction by changing

Abstract: A capillary reactor distribution device comprising first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) which meet at a junction (5) and a third capillary pathway (4) which leads away from the junction (5), the capillary pathways (2, 3, 4) being dimensioned such that, when first and second immiscible fluids (14, 15) are fed along respectively the first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) under predetermined laminar flow conditions, the first and second fluids (14, 15) chop each other into discrete slugs (16, 17) which pass along the third capillary pathway (4). Molecular mixing between the fluids (14, 15) takes place by way of axial diffusion between adjacent slugs (16, 17) and by way of internal circulation within each slug (16, 17) as the slugs (16, 17) progress along the third capillary pathway (4).