MICROFLUIDIC CONNECTOR

• US 20160123513A1
• Filed: 11/02/2015
• Published: 05/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Stokes Bio Ltd. (Perspecta, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Stokes Bio Ltd. (Perspecta, Inc.)
• Inventors: Davies, Mark, Dalton, Tara
• Application Number:
  US14/930,487
• Publication Number:
  US 20160123513A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/027 for microfluidic devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip B01L3/5023 takes precedence; micromixers B01F33/30; microreactors for synthesis B01J19/0093; microcapillary devices in general B81B1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5635 connecting two containers face to face, e.g. comprising a filter
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/565 Seals in general F16L
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 39/00 Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 41/18 the branch pipe being movable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes

Abstract

A microfluidic connector (1) comprises and enclosure (6, 7), a fluidic inlet port (2) and a fluidic outlet port (3), in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) are movable with respect to each other, for example, mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) is variable. A port (2) is in a fixed part (6) of the enclosure, and another port (3) is in a part (7) of the enclosure which slides with respect to the fixed part. There may be multiple inlet ports (22, 23) and/or multiple outlet ports (24, 25). Also, there may be an auxiliary port (45) for introduction of fluid into the enclosure (47, 48) or removal of fluid from the enclosure.

Claims

1. A microfluidic connector comprising an enclosure, a fluidic inlet port and a fluidic outlet port, in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports are movable with respect to each other.

2. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports is variable.

3. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein a port is in a fixed part of the enclosure, and another port is in a part of the enclosure which is movable with respect to said fixed part.

4. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the movable part slides within the fixed part.

5. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of inlet ports.

6. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of outlet ports.

7. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary port for introduction of fluid into the enclosure or removal of fluid from the enclosure.

8. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports, wherein the inlet ports and/or the outlet ports extend through a movable support for changing mutual alignment of ports.

9. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a single inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports, the enclosure being configured as a manifold.

10. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a single outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, the enclosure being configured as a mixer.

11. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure is an inner enclosure mounted within an outer enclosure.

12. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein there is a port in the inner enclosure for flow of fluid between the inner enclosure and the outer enclosure.

13. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer enclosure has an outlet port.

14. A microfluidic connector as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a plurality of inner enclosures within the outer enclosure.

15. A method of controlling fluidic flow through a connector, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a connector comprising an enclosure, a fluidic inlet ort and a fluidic outlet port, in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports are movable with respect to each other; and

directing flow of a carrier fluid carrying discrete plugs or droplets of a different fluid so that the plugs or droplets transfer from the inlet port to the outlet port.