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US 2003/0197139 A1Published application
Valve for use in microfluidic structures
AssigneeMicronics, Inc.
InventorClinton L. Williams
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.
Claims13
A valve for use in a microfluidic structure, comprising:
- a first rigid layer;
- a first flexible layer;
- a first channel, formed between said first rigid layer and said first flexible layer, said channel having an inlet and an outlet and capable of fluid flow from said inlet to said outlet;
- a spherical actuator located adjacent said flexible layer on the side opposite said rigid layer;
- and means for shifting said actuator to an actuating position such that a portion of said flexible layer is shifted toward said rigid layer, restricting fluid flow within said first channel.
2 more elements
A microfluidic control system, comprising:
- a plurality of valves, with each valve comprising
- a first rigid layer;
- a first flexible layer;
- a first channel, formed between said first rigid layer and said first flexible layer, said channel having an inlet and an outlet and capable of fluid flow from said inlet to said outlet;
- a spherical actuator located adjacent said flexible layer on the side opposite said rigid layer;
- and means for shifting said actuator to an actuating position such that a portion of said flexible layer is shifted toward said rigid layer, restricting fluid flow within said first channel;
- and means for controlling the operation of said plurality of valves.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.