This invention concerns an integrated microfluidic system that utilizes microfluidic chip technology to receive a patient sample including cells, expand the cells, reprogram the expanded cells and then store the reprogrammed cells in a microfluidic chip. These microfluidic chips with stored reprogrammed cells may then be used in scenarios of genetic differentiation into specific cell types. Overall this system and workflow is suitable as a hospital based device that will allow the generation of iPSCs from every patient for downstream diagnostic or therapeutic use.

This invention concerns an integrated microfluidic system that utilizes microfluidic chip technology to receive a patient sample including cells, expand the cells, reprogram the expanded cells and then store the reprogrammed cells in a microfluidic chip. These microfluidic chips with stored reprogrammed cells may then be used in scenarios of genetic differentiation into specific cell types. Overall this system and workflow is suitable as a hospital based device that will allow the generation of iPSCs from every patient for downstream diagnostic or therapeutic use.

Disclosed are techniques such as roll to roll processing to produce membrane valves in microelectromechanical systems that are integrated with micro-pumps that include a pump body having compartmentalized pump chambers. One application of this technology is as a valve assembly for a gas concentrator that includes a first micro pump for feeding an input gas stream, a second micro pump to supplying a vacuum and at least one sieve bed having a zeolite. The gas concentrator uses the valve assembly for controlling entry of gas from the first micro pump into the sieve bed and the second micro pump to vent.

A microfluidic flow rate regulator can precisely control the fluid flow rate. When direct the fluid passing through the length-adjustable annular channel with a very thin gap inside the apparatus, the resistance generated by the fluid viscosity will slowdown the fluid flow rate; by adjusting the length of the length-adjustable annular channel, also changes the sum of the resistance that generated by the fluid viscosity and changed the fluid flow rate.

A micro fluid actuator includes a first substrate, a chamber layer, a vibration layer, a first metal layer, a piezoelectric actuation layer, a second metal layer, a second substrate, an inlet layer, a resonance layer and an aperture array plate. The first substrate includes a plurality of first outflow apertures and a plurality of second outflow apertures. The chamber layer includes a storage chamber. The second metal layer includes an upper electrode pad and a lower electrode pad. While driving power having different phase charges is provided to the upper electrode pad and the lower electrode pad to drive and control the vibration layer to displace in a reciprocating manner, the fluid is inhaled from the exterior through the inlet layer, converged to the storage chamber, compressed and pushes out the aperture array plate, and then is discharged out from the micro fluid actuator to achieve fluid transportation.

A sequencing manifold for the purpose of supplying control and supply services of pre-determined temporal sequences to fluid processing assemblies is provided. The functioning of this sequencing manifold requires that translation be applied to the sequencing ports. Actuator mechanisms may supply such translation as either continuous motion or as a series of stepwise motions. Actuator mechanism can be obtained that rely on only mechanical means without the need for a source of electricity. With such actuators, it becomes feasible to conduct the operations of fluid processing assemblies in remote and primitive locations that lack a source of electricity. One skilled in the mechanical arts can provide various actuator mechanisms to meet these requirements.

Disclosed is a minifluidic device including a matrix, an elongated guiding duct embedded at least in part in the matrix, with at least one port to the outside of the matrix, a movable fiber at least partly contained in the guiding duct, and able to undergo within the guiding duct, and at least along some part of the fiber, at least one action selected among a sliding, or a deformation, or a rotation and at least one of the movable fiber or the guiding duct is elastic or is non linear along at least part of its length, or at least part of the matrix is elastic.

A valve to perform lung volume reduction procedures is described. The valve is formed of a braided structure that is adapted for endoscopic insertion in a bronchial passage of a patient's lung. The braided structure has a proximal end and a distal end and is covered with a non porous coating adapted to prevent flow of air into the. A constricted portion of the braided structure is used to prevent flow of air through a central lumen of the structure, and to define at least one funnel shaped portion. The funnel shaped portion blocks the flow of air towards the constriction, i.e. towards the core of the lung. At least one hole is formed in the braided structure to permit flow of mucus from the distal end to the proximal end, to be expelled out of the lungs.

A micro fluid actuator includes a first substrate, a chamber layer, a vibration layer, a first metal layer, a piezoelectric actuation layer, a second metal layer, a second substrate, an inlet layer, a resonance layer and an aperture array plate. The first substrate includes a plurality of first outflow apertures and a plurality of second outflow apertures. The chamber layer includes a storage chamber. The second metal layer includes an upper electrode pad and a lower electrode pad. While driving power having different phase charges is provided to the upper electrode pad and the lower electrode pad to drive and control the vibration layer to displace in a reciprocating manner, the fluid is inhaled from the exterior through the inlet layer, converged to the storage chamber, compressed and pushes out the aperture array plate, and then is discharged out from the micro fluid actuator to achieve fluid transportation.

Drainage devices have a self-clearing capability for reducing obstructions and a controllable flow restriction capability for controlling drainage flow, and microactuators for providing such capabilities. Such a microactuator includes a frame and an appendage anchored to the frame such that the frame supports the appendage, the frame at least partially surrounds the appendage, and the appendage is disposed in an opening or window defined by the frame. The appendage includes a platform and at least one beam that anchors the platform to the frame to enable the appendage to deflect out of a plane defined by the frame. The platform may include a ferromagnetic material that enables the appendage to deflect in response to an applied magnetic field.