Title: Method and apparatus for fluid dispersion

Abstract

A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.

Inventors:

Stone, Howard A.; Anna, Shelley L.; Bontoux, Nathalie; Link, Darren Roy; Weitz, David A.; Gitlin, Irina; Kumacheva, Eugenia; Garstecki, Piotr; Diluzio, Willow R.; Whitesides, George M.

Issue Date:

2012-12-25

Research Org.:

President and Fellows of Harvard College (Cambridge, MA); The Governing Council of the Univ. of Toronto (Toronto, CA)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1082144

Patent Number(s):

8337778

Application Number:

12/726,223

Assignee:

President and Fellows of Harvard College (Cambridge, MA) ; The Governing Council of the Univ. of Toronto (Toronto, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01F - MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING, DISPERSING

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01L - CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01F - MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING, DISPERSING

B01F2215/0431 - Numerical size values, e.g. diameter of a hole or conduit, area, volume, length, width, or ratios thereof
B01F2215/045 - Numerical flow-rate values

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01L - CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE

B01L3/5027 - {by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B05 - SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL B05B - SPRAYING APPARATUS

B05B7/0408 - {with arrangements for mixing two or more liquids}
B05B7/0416 - {with arrangements for mixing one gas and one liquid}
B05B7/0441 - {with one inner conduit of liquid surrounded by an external conduit of gas upstream the mixing chamber}

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10S - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

Y10S516/924 - Significant dispersive or manipulative operation or step in making or stabilizing colloid system
Y10S516/927 - in situ formation of a colloid system making or stabilizing agent which chemical reaction

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10T - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

Y10T137/0324 - With control of flow by a condition or characteristic of a fluid
Y10T137/0329 - Mixing of plural fluids of diverse characteristics or conditions
Y10T137/206 - Flow affected by fluid contact, energy field or coanda effect [e.g., pure fluid device or system]
Y10T137/87346 - Including mixing feature
Y10T29/49002 - Electrical device making
Y10T436/2575 - Volumetric liquid transfer

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DOE Contract Number:  

FG02-00ER4585

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING