Passive components for micro-fluidic flow profile shaping and related method thereof
AssigneeUniversity of Virginia Patent Foundation
InventorsChristopher J. Easley, James M. Karlinsey, James P. Landers, Dan Leslie, Matthew R. Begley
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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.
Claims23
A fluidic capacitor comprising
- a first layer having a continuous fluid path thereon;
- a second layer having a recess thereon;
- a third layer of elastomeric material, wherein the third layer is sandwiched between the first layer and second layer such that the recess is in direct alignment with the fluid path.
A fluidic inductor comprising
- a first layer having a continuous fluid path thereon;
- a second layer adjacent to the first layer and enclosing the fluid path;
- and
- a third layer sealing against the first or second layer and having a heating or cooling element thereon, wherein the heating or cooling element is in direct alignment with the fluid path.
A microfluidic circuit comprising a fluidic capacitor, wherein the fluidic capacitor comprises
- (i) a first layer having a continuous fluid path thereon;
- (ii) a second layer having a recess thereon;
- (iii) a third layer of elastomeric material, wherein the third layer is sandwiched
- between the first layer and second layer such that the recess is in direct alignment with the fluid path.
A microfluidic circuit comprising a fluidic inductor, wherein the fluidic inductor comprises
- (i) a first layer having a continuous fluid path thereon;
- (ii) a second layer adjacent to the first layer and enclosing the fluid path;
- and
- (iii) a third layer sealing against the first or second layer and having a heating
- or cooling element thereon, wherein the heating or cooling element is in direct alignment with the fluid path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.