US 8,695,618 B2 · 3D chemical pattern control in 2D fluidics devices

Abstract

Methods of controllably creating three-dimensional (3D) combined-flow-interface patterns in multi-lane fluidic devices, and systems, apparatuses and software therefor. In one example, the 3D-pattern is created and varied as a function of one or more of the geometry of the inlets to a main fluidic channel in which the 3D-pattern is formed, the Reynolds number of the flows, the dimensions of the main fluidic channel and the inlets, and the spacing of adjacent inlets. In one embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a three-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry. In another embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a five-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry that can be used to effectively mimic variable inlet geometries.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method of imparting a desired first three-dimensional (3D) pattern into a combined flow interface within a main channel of a two-dimensional fluidic device, wherein the main channel has a flow axis, a transverse cross-section perpendicular to the flow axis, a z-dimension extending parallel to the flow axis, and an x-y plane parallel to the transverse cross-section, the method comprising:

directing multiple fluid streams continuously into the main fluidic channel so as to form the combined-flow interface within the main channel;
selecting a desired degree of focus for the combined-flow interface in the x-y plane;
and
controlling the relative flows among the multiple fluid streams in a manner that tunes the combined-flow interface to the desired first 3D pattern so that the first 3D-pattern substantially has the desired degree of focus.

1 more element

A system, comprising:

a two-dimensional fluidic device that includes a main fluidic channel and multiple inlets fluidly communicating with said main fluidic channel, wherein said main fluidic channel has a flow axis;
a fluid delivery system in fluid operatively configured to provide multiple fluid streams, in a one-to-one manner, to said multiple inlets so that the multiple fluid streams form a combined-flow interface within said main fluidic channel when the system is operating;
and
a 3D-pattern controller designed and configured to control said fluid delivery system in a manner that tunes the combined-flow interface to a desired first 3D-pattern, wherein the control includes:
controlling the multiple fluid streams so that each of the multiple fluid streams is continuous while the fluid delivery system is operating to provide the desired first 3D-pattern;
and
controlling relative flows of the multiple fluid streams so that the combined-flow interface substantially achieves a preselected degree of focus in a plane perpendicular to said flow axis.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

3D chemical pattern control in 2D fluidics devices

Life of this patent

3D chemical pattern control in 2D fluidics devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27