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Title: Actuation method and apparatus, micropump, and PCR enhancement method

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1202327

An actuation apparatus includes at least one magnetic shape memory (MSM) element containing a material configured to expand and/or contract in response to exposure to a magnetic field. Among other things, the MSM element may be configured to pump fluid through a micropump by expanding and/or contracting in response to the magnetic field. The magnetic field may rotate about an axis of rotation and exhibit a distribution having a component substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Further, the magnetic field distribution may include at least two components substantially orthogonal to one another lying in one or more planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The at least one MSM element may contain nickel, manganese, and gallium. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be enhanced by contacting a PCR reagent and DNA material with the MSM element.

Research Organization:
Boise State University, Boise, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-07ER46396
Assignee:
Boise State University (Boise, ID)
Patent Number(s):
9,091,251
Application Number:
13/550,386
OSTI ID:
1202327
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2012 Jul 16
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (12)

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Magnetostrictive peristaltic pump patent June 2000
Actuators and apparatus patent February 2003
Permanent magnet motor and rotor thereof patent October 2003
Multi-state memory and multi-functional devices comprising magnetoplastic or magnetoelastic materials patent May 2010
Magnetic material with large magnetic-field-induced deformation patent June 2011
Metering pump power source patent August 2011