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Flow control in multi-stream microfluidic devices

  • US 6,499,499 B2
  • Filed: 09/25/2001
  • Issued: 12/31/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for splitting an established flow of liquid among a plurality of microfluidic channels, the method comprising the steps of:

  • providing a microfluidic upstream channel;

    providing at least a first microfluidic downstream channel having a first characteristic resistance to established flow and a second microfluidic downstream channel having a second characteristic resistance to established flow, the first downstream channel and the second downstream channel being in fluid communication with the upstream channel;

    permanently elevating the flow resistance of the first downstream channel by at least about two times the first characteristic flow resistance;

    permanently elevating the flow resistance of the second downstream channel by at least about two times the second characteristic flow resistance;

    passively governing flow of a first portion of the liquid through the first downstream channel with the first elevated flow resistance region; and

    passively governing flow of a second portion of the liquid through the second downstream channel with the second elevated flow resistance region.

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