Multiplexed latching valves for microfluidic devices and processors
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A microfluidic latching valve structure comprising:
- an input to the structure;
first, second and third membrane valves, each valve including a valve input, a valve output, a valve control, and an elastomer membrane configured such that the application of a pressure or a vacuum to the valve control causes the membrane to deflect to modulate a flow of fluid through the valve; and
wherein;
(i) the input to the structure is configured to transmit pressure or vacuum to the valve input of the first membrane valve and to the valve input of the second membrane valve,(ii) the valve outputs of the first and second membrane valves are in communication through a microfluidic channel when the first and second membrane valves are closed, and(iii) the valve outputs of the first and second membranes valve are in communication with the valve control of the third membrane valve and the valve outputs of the first and second membrane valves are configured to transmit the pressure or vacuum to the valve control of the third membrane valve,such that a sufficient vacuum at the input to the structure causes the third membrane valve to open and upon removal of the vacuum, the third membrane valve remains open and such that a sufficient pressure at the input to the structure causes the third membrane valve to close and upon removal of the pressure, the third membrane valve remains closed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Membrane valves and latching valve structures for microfluidic devices are provided. A demultiplexer can be used to address the latching valve structures. The membrane valves and latching valve structures may be used to form pneumatic logic circuits, including processors.
202 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A microfluidic latching valve structure comprising:
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an input to the structure; first, second and third membrane valves, each valve including a valve input, a valve output, a valve control, and an elastomer membrane configured such that the application of a pressure or a vacuum to the valve control causes the membrane to deflect to modulate a flow of fluid through the valve; and wherein; (i) the input to the structure is configured to transmit pressure or vacuum to the valve input of the first membrane valve and to the valve input of the second membrane valve, (ii) the valve outputs of the first and second membrane valves are in communication through a microfluidic channel when the first and second membrane valves are closed, and (iii) the valve outputs of the first and second membranes valve are in communication with the valve control of the third membrane valve and the valve outputs of the first and second membrane valves are configured to transmit the pressure or vacuum to the valve control of the third membrane valve, such that a sufficient vacuum at the input to the structure causes the third membrane valve to open and upon removal of the vacuum, the third membrane valve remains open and such that a sufficient pressure at the input to the structure causes the third membrane valve to close and upon removal of the pressure, the third membrane valve remains closed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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15. A membrane valve structure comprising:
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a first input channel formed in a first surface of a first substrate; a second input channel formed in a second surface of a second substrate; a pressure valve having a control formed in the first surface and fluidly connected with atmospheric, and an input and output formed in the second surface wherein the input is fluidly connected to the second input channel; a vacuum valve having a control formed in the first surface and fluidly connected to a first input channel, and input and an output formed in the second surface such that the input is fluidly connected to the second input channel; a latching valve having an input and output formed in the first surface, and a control formed in the second surface such that the control is fluidly connected to the output of the vacuum valve; and an elastomer membrane located between the first and second surfaces at the area of the control of each of the pressure, vacuum and latching valves such that the application of a pressure or a vacuum to the first and second input channels causes the membrane to deflect to modulate a flow of a fluid through the valves.
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Specification