Thermal microvalves
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.
101 Citations
43 Claims
-
1-21. -21. (canceled)
-
22. A device, comprising:
-
a) a channel defined within a generally planar substrate;
b) a mass of meltable material disposed adjacent the channel within the substrate;
c) a heat source configured to at least partially melt the mass of meltable material; and
d) a gas pressure source configured to increase a gas pressure on a side of the mass of meltable material that is opposite the channel;
wherein, upon actuation of the gas pressure source and the heat source, the mass of meltable material moves into and obstructs the channel. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
-
-
30. A method, comprising:
-
a) moving a liquid along a channel defined within a generally planar substrate;
b) heating a mass of meltable material disposed adjacent to the channel within the substrate; and
c) moving the heated mass of meltable material into the channel by increasing a gas pressure acting on a side of the mass of the meltable material that is opposite the channel, wherein the mass of meltable material obstructs the channel. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
-
-
39. A method, comprising:
-
a) combining first and second liquids within a channel defined within a generally planar substrate;
b) heating a mass of meltable material disposed adjacent to the channel within the substrate; and
c) moving the heated mass of meltable material into the channel by increasing a gas pressure acting on a side of the mass of the meltable material that is opposite the channel, wherein the mass of meltable material obstructs the channel. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42)
-
-
43. A device, comprising:
-
a) a first channel defined within a generally planar substrate;
b) a second channel defined within the substrate and intersecting the first channel;
c) a mass of meltable material disposed within the second channel within the substrate;
d) a resistive heat source configured to at least partially melt the mass of meltable material; and
e) a pressure source configured to increase a gas pressure on a side of the mass of meltable material that is opposite the channel;
wherein, upon actuation of the gas pressure source and the heat source, the mass of meltable material moves into and obstructs the channel.
-
Specification