Patent classifications
F15C1/02
Complementary fluidic valves and logic gates
A fluidic logic-gate device may include inlet ports, input ports, an output port, fluid channels each configured to route fluid from one of the inlet ports to the output port, and pistons that each include (1) a restricting gate transmission element configured to block, when the piston is in a first blocking position and unblock, when the piston is in a second blocking position, one of fluid channels, (2) a first controlling gate transmission element configured to interface with a first control pressure that, when applied to the first controlling gate transmission element, forces the piston towards the first blocking position, and (3) a second controlling gate transmission element configured to interface with a second control pressure that, when applied to the second controlling gate transmission element, forces the piston towards the second blocking position. Various other related devices and systems are also disclosed.
Surface modifications for improved film cooling
A member may have a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface may define a plurality of riblets that may extend in the direction of a primary flow. The member may form an array of conduits that extend from an entrance port at the second major surface to an exit port at the first major surface. Each of the exit ports may intersect two or more riblets. Each of the exit ports may intersect a riblet that intersect another of the exit ports.
Method and system for pre-programmed self-power microfluidic circuits
A major challenge for the general use of lab-on-a-chip (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators. Additionally embodiments of the invention allow for the flow direction within a microfluidic circuit to be reversed as well as for retention of reagents prior to sale or deployment of the microfluidic circuit for eased user use.
Fluidic device
A fluidic device for providing analogue output control includes a main channel, a first control channel, a second control channel, a comparator which receives respective input fluid flows from the main, the first and the second control channels. The first control channel is configured such that the input fluid flow therefrom carries an oscillating pressure wave signal, the second control channel includes a flow regulator controllable to vary the mass flow rate of the input fluid flow from the second control channel, and the main channel is configured such that the input fluid flow therefrom is at a reference mass flow rate. The comparator is configured such that the input fluid flows from the first control and the second control channels act in combination on the input fluid flow from the main channel to produce an output fluid flow from the comparator having a PWM mass flow rate characteristic.
Photoacoustic layer disposed on a substrate generating directional ultrasound waves
Disclosed is a system including a substrate having a first side and a second side and a layer of photoacoustic material disposed on the first side of the substrate. The layer of photoacoustic material is configured to generate a directional ultrasound wave in response to a laser beam impinging on the layer. A conduit may be coupled to the housing and have an opening adjacent to the layer of photoacoustic material; the directional ultrasound wave may be directed through fluid that is contained in the conduct to generate a liquid jet in a liquid.
Valve-less mixing method and mixing device
A fluidic device for mixing a reagent fluid with a fluid sample comprises a supply channel having a reagent inlet, a sample inlet and a first reagent storage, coupled to the supply channel; a mixer for mixing the reagent with the fluid sample, having a mixer inlet coupled to the supply channel at a position in between the sample inlet and the first reagent storage; In a first stage, when the reagent fluid is supplied in the reagent inlet, the reagent is provided in the supply channel and the first reagent storage, and such that the reagent is thereafter stationed in the supply channel and the first reagent storage until a fluid sample is provided in the sample inlet. When the fluid sample is supplied in the sample inlet, the supplied fluid sample and the stationed reagent flows into the mixer thereby mixing both fluids.
Rotational motion-inducing variable flow resistance systems having a sidewall fluid outlet and methods for use thereof in a subterranean formation
Variable flow resistance systems can be used to regulate fluid flow in various applications, particularly within a subterranean formation. A variable flow resistance system can comprise a chamber configured to induce rotational motion of a fluid flowing therethrough, a fluid inlet coupled to the chamber, and a fluid outlet coupled to the chamber that allows the fluid to exit through at least a sidewall of the chamber. If desired, a plurality of the chambers can be connected in series fluid flow communication with one another.
Rotational motion-inducing variable flow resistance systems having a sidewall fluid outlet and methods for use thereof in a subterranean formation
Variable flow resistance systems can be used to regulate fluid flow in various applications, particularly within a subterranean formation. A variable flow resistance system can comprise a chamber configured to induce rotational motion of a fluid flowing therethrough, a fluid inlet coupled to the chamber, and a fluid outlet coupled to the chamber that allows the fluid to exit through at least a sidewall of the chamber. If desired, a plurality of the chambers can be connected in series fluid flow communication with one another.
Fluid-based gating mechanism with tunable multiphase selectivity and antifouling behavior
A gating mechanism that uses a capillary stabilized liquid as a reversible, reconfigurable gate that fills and seals pores in the closed state, and creates a non-fouling, liquid-lined pore in the open state is disclosed. Theoretical modeling and experiments demonstrate that for each transport substance, the gating thresholdthe pressure needed to open the porescan be rationally tuned over a wide pressure range. This enables realizing in one system differential response profiles for a variety of liquids and gases, even letting liquids flow through the pore while preventing gas from escaping. These capabilities allow dynamic modulation of gas-liquid sorting and to separate multi-phase mixtures, with the liquid lining ensuring sustained antifouling behavior. Because the liquid gating strategy enables efficient short-term and long-term operation and can be applied to a variety of pore structures and membrane materials, and to nano, micro as well as macroscale fluid systems, the gating systems is useful in a wide range of applications.
Three-dimensional fluidic check device
A monolithic three-dimensional fluidic check device is presented. The monolithic three-dimensional fluidic check device comprises a housing surrounding a fluidic flow path and having a first opening at a first end of the housing and a second opening at a second end of the housing, and an elongated center body positioned within and extending along the fluidic flow path. The elongated center body is stationary relative to a flow of fluid.