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Thermal microvalves in a fluid flow method

  • US 6,048,734 A
  • Filed: 07/03/1997
  • Issued: 04/11/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for restricting fluid flow in a channel comprising:

  • a) providing a devise comprising;

    i) a substrate with one or more channels containing fluid,ii) a meltable material disposed within said substrate, said meltable material associated with a heating element; and

    iii) a diaphragm positioned such that, when extended, it touches said meltable material, and at least partially blocking the passage of said fluid in said channel, thereby restricting fluid flow;

    b) extending said diaphragm such that it touches said meltable material; and

    c) heating said meltable material with said heating element such that said meltable material at least partially liquifies covering gaps between said extended diaphragm and said meltable material, and such that said substrate is not damaged.

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