Microfluidic regulating device
AssigneeNanostream, Inc.
InventorsStephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Microfluidic flow control devices are provided. In one embodiment, a regulating device includes overlapping channel segments separated by a deformable membrane in fluid communication with one another. Pressure differentials between the channel segments deform the membrane towards the channel with the lower pressure, thereby restricting flow. The restricted flow increases pressure in the low pressure channel, reversing the deformation of the membrane and regulating the pressure between the channels
Claims32
A microfluidic regulating device comprising:
- a first channel segment defined in a first layer of the device and containing a fluid flow;
- a second channel segment defined in a second layer of the device, the second channel segment being in fluid communication with the first channel segment;
- and
- a membrane separating the first channel segment and the second channel segment at a regulatory region;
- wherein the presence of a pressure differential between the first channel segment and the second channel segment causes the membrane to deform into the channel segment having a lower internal pressure, thus reducing fluid flow capability through the first channel segment or the second channel segment.
A multi-layer microfluidic regulating device comprising:
- a first channel segment defined in a first layer of the device and containing a fluid flow;
- a second channel segment defined in a second layer of the device, the second channel segment being in fluid communication with the first channel segment;
- and
- a membrane separating the first channel segment and the second channel segment at a regulatory region;
- wherein the presence of a pressure differential between the first channel segment and the second channel segment causes the membrane to deform into and constrict the channel segment having a lower internal pressure.
A microfluidic regulating device comprising:
- a first device layer having a characteristic thickness;
- a first channel segment defined through the entire thickness of the first device layer;
- a second device layer having a characteristic thickness;
- a second channel segment defined through the entire thickness of the second device layer, the second channel having an inlet and a regulated outlet;
- wherein the first channel segment is in fluid communication with the inlet;
- and
- a pressure responsive deformable membrane disposed between at least a portion of the first channel segment and a portion of the second channel segment.
A microfluidic regulating device comprising:
- a first device layer having a first characteristic thickness;
- a first channel defined through the entire thickness of the first device layer, wherein the first channel has a first inlet and a first outlet;
- a second device layer having a second characteristic thickness;
- a second channel defined through the entire thickness of the second device layer, wherein the second channel has a second inlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet;
- and
- a third device layer having a third characteristic thickness and defining an aperture through the entire thickness of the third device layer;
- wherein the third device layer is disposed between the first device layer and the second device layer to establish fluid communication between the first outlet and the second inlet through the aperture;
- and
- wherein at least a portion of the first channel overlaps a portion of the second channel to form a regulatory region associated with either the second outlet or the third outlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.