Patent ID: 6681788
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: B01L,F15C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of controlling material flow in a microscale channel, comprising:providing a first channel segment having first and second ends, a second channel segment communicating with the first channel segment at a first fluid junction, the first fluid junction being disposed between the first and second ends of the first channel segment, and a third channel segment communicating with the first channel segment at a second fluid junction, the second fluid junction being disposed between the first fluid junction and the second end of the first channel segment; applying a differential driving force between the first and second ends of the first channel segment; and selectively applying a second differential driving force through the second channel segment that is sufficient to substantially eliminate a differential driving force between the first end of the first channel segment and the first fluid junction, and selectively applying a third differential driving force through the third channel segment sufficient to substantially eliminate a differential driving force between the second fluid junction and the second end of the first channel segment.