Patent ID: 8851103
Filing Date: 2014-10-07
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A mini-scale microfluidic valve structured and operable to selectively cover and uncover a mini-scale microfluidic system fluid dispensing nozzle orifice, said valve comprising: a substantially planar base member disposed on an outer surface of a mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle, the base member comprising a base orifice coaxially aligned with a fluid dispensing orifice of the mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle, the nozzle orifice providing a fluid dispensing pathway for dispensing system-fluid from the mini-scale microfluidic system to an external ambient environment, the base member further comprising an external substantially planar top surface that is exposed to the external ambient environment, wherein a fluid-air interface is present within the nozzle orifice between the external ambient environment and the system-fluid present in the nozzle orifice; a liquid-film movably disposed on the base member external substantially planar top surface such that the liquid-film is exposed to the external ambient environment, the liquid-film comprising a substantially non-volatile liquid that is substantially immiscible with the system-fluid; and a valve control subsystem structured and operable to control movement of the liquid-film along the top surface to selectively cover and uncover the nozzle orifice and thereby selectively close and open the fluid dispensing pathway.