Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
First Claim
1. A method of filling a microfabricated elastomeric structure with fluid comprising:
- providing an elastomer block having a flow channel, the elastomer block comprising an elastomer material known to be permeable to a gas;
filling the flow channel with the gas;
injecting a fluid under pressure into the flow channel; and
permitting gas remaining in the flow channel to diffuse out of the elastomer material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
181 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method of filling a microfabricated elastomeric structure with fluid comprising:
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providing an elastomer block having a flow channel, the elastomer block comprising an elastomer material known to be permeable to a gas; filling the flow channel with the gas; injecting a fluid under pressure into the flow channel; and permitting gas remaining in the flow channel to diffuse out of the elastomer material. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method for actuating a microfabricated elastomer structure comprising:
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providing an aqueous salt solution in a control recess formed in an elastomeric block and overlying and separated from a flow channel by an elastomer membrane; and applying a potential difference to the salt solution to generate a gas, such that a pressure in the control recess causes the membrane to deflect into the flow channel. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5)
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Specification