Thermal transfer methods and structures for microfluidic systems
First Claim
1. A processing device comprising:
- at least one process array formed in a body, wherein the at least one process array comprises;
a first chamber;
a second chamber;
a process conduit extending between the first chamber and the second chamber;
a thermal transfer structure comprising a thermal drive chamber containing resident fluid and a transfer conduit extending between the first chamber and the thermal drive chamber, wherein the transfer conduit enters the first chamber through a transfer port, and wherein the transfer conduit comprises a fluid trap in which a portion of the transfer conduit travels in an upstream direction between the transfer port and the thermal drive chamber; and
a layer coupled to the body that at least partially defines the at least one process array, the layer comprisinga heat transfer structure that defines at least a portion of the thermal drive chamber and is formed of a different material than the remainder of the base layer to transfer thermal energy into and/or out of the thermal drive chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Processing devices that include one or more process arrays with thermal transfer structures that can be used alone or in conjunction with gravity/rotation to transport fluids within a microfluidic system. The thermal transport function can be accomplished by changing the temperature of one or more chambers to create a vacuum to draw fluids in selected directions within the process array. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may provide the ability to move fluids in a direction that is against the direction of gravity or any centrifugal forces generated by rotating a processing device using the thermal transfer structures. In other words, fluids may be moved against the direction of gravity or towards the axis of rotation using the thermally-activated vacuum.
93 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A processing device comprising:
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at least one process array formed in a body, wherein the at least one process array comprises; a first chamber; a second chamber; a process conduit extending between the first chamber and the second chamber; a thermal transfer structure comprising a thermal drive chamber containing resident fluid and a transfer conduit extending between the first chamber and the thermal drive chamber, wherein the transfer conduit enters the first chamber through a transfer port, and wherein the transfer conduit comprises a fluid trap in which a portion of the transfer conduit travels in an upstream direction between the transfer port and the thermal drive chamber; and a layer coupled to the body that at least partially defines the at least one process array, the layer comprising a heat transfer structure that defines at least a portion of the thermal drive chamber and is formed of a different material than the remainder of the base layer to transfer thermal energy into and/or out of the thermal drive chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification