Devices and methods for fluid mixing
First Claim
1. A device for mixing fluids, comprising:
- a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate;
a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate; and
a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces, wherein the substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.
52 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A device for mixing fluids, comprising:
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a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate;
a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate; and
a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces, wherein the substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A microdevice for mixing fluids, comprising:
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a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening on a surface of the substrate and is in fluid communication with a substrate inlet and an optional substrate outlet;
a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening on a surface of the cover plate and is in fluid communication with a cover plate inlet and a cover plate outlet; and
a means for producing relative sliding motion between the substrate and cover plate surfaces, wherein the substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second feature openings when fluid is present in the mixing features, and at least one mixing feature has a volume less than or equal to about 100 μ
L.
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21. A method for mixing fluids, comprising the steps of:
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(a) filling a first mixing feature in a substrate with a first fluid, wherein the first mixing feature terminates at a first opening on a substrate surface;
(b) filling a second mixing feature in a cover plate with a second fluid, wherein the second feature terminates at a second opening on a cover plate surface; and
(c) producing relative sliding motion between the substrate and cover plate surfaces while maintaining the surfaces in fluid-tight contact with each other to induce mixing of the first and second fluids through the first and second openings. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification