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US 11,141,727 B2Granted
Removing bubbles in a microfluidic device
AssigneeEmulate, Inc.
InventorsDaniel Levner, Josiah Daniel Sliz, Christopher David Hinojosa, Joshua Gomes, Kyung Jin Jang
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Abstract
Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.
Claims36
A method for establishing a fluidic connection, comprising:
- a) providing a first substrate comprising a first fluidic port, a second substrate comprising a second fluidic port;
- b) aligning the first and second sets of fluidic ports;
- c) contacting the first and second fluidic ports to establish a fluidic connection under conditions such that a bubble forms, said bubble comprising gas and having a volume;
- d) flowing fluid through said first fluidic port and through said second fluidic port;
- and
- e) using a first pressure means to apply a first applied pressure through said first fluidic port and a second pressure means to apply a second applied pressure through said second fluidic port such that said flowing fluid under said first applied pressure and under said second applied pressure increases the gas carrying capacity of said fluid and dissolves said gas in said fluid, and thereby reduces said bubble volume.
3 more elements
A method for establishing a fluidic connection, comprising:
- a) providing a first substrate comprising a first fluidic port, a second substrate comprising a second fluidic port;
- b) aligning the first and second sets of fluidic ports;
- c) contacting the first and second fluidic ports to establish a fluidic connection;
- d) flowing fluid through said first fluidic port and through said second fluidic port;
- and
- e) using a first pressure means to apply a first applied pressure through said first fluidic port and a second pressure means to apply a second applied pressure through said second fluidic port such that said flowing fluid under said first applied pressure and under said second applied pressure increases the gas carrying capacity of said fluid.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.