Microfluidic flow control device with floating element
First Claim
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1. A microfluidic flow control device comprising:
- a fluidic chamber having an associated first microfluidic channel, an associated second microfluidic channel, and at least one sealing surface disposed between the first channel and the second channel; and
a floating element disposed within the chamber, the floating element capable of intermittently engaging the at least one sealing surface;
wherein movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel.
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Abstract
A microfluidic flow control device includes a fluidic chamber, a first and a second microfluidic channel, at least one sealing surface between the first and the second channels, and a floating element disposed within the chamber. The floating element is capable of intermittently engaging the sealing surface, and movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel. The floating element may be moved by fluid pressure, gravity, or an applied force such as a magnetic field. Multiple flow control regions may be integrated into a flow control system.
69 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A microfluidic flow control device comprising:
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a fluidic chamber having an associated first microfluidic channel, an associated second microfluidic channel, and at least one sealing surface disposed between the first channel and the second channel; and
a floating element disposed within the chamber, the floating element capable of intermittently engaging the at least one sealing surface;
wherein movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
a microfluidic flow control device according to claim 9;
at least one magnetic actuator to generate a magnetic field; and
a controller coupled to the at least one magnetic actuator.
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18. The microfluidic flow control system of claim 17, further comprising at least one field concentrating element.
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19. The flow control system of claim 17 wherein the controller is programmable.
Specification