Patent ID: 6581899
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: B01F,B01L,F15C,F16K,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A valve for use in a microfluidic structure, comprising:a first rigid layer; a first flexible layer; a first channel, formed between said first rigid layer and said first flexible layer, said first channel having an inlet and an outlet and capable of fluid flow from said inlet to said outlet; a spherical actuator located adjacent said first flexible layer on the side opposite said first rigid layer; means for shifting said actuator to an actuating position; a second rigid layer, located adjacent said first flexible layer on the side opposite said first channel; a second flexible layer; a second channel, formed between said second rigid layer and said second flexible layer, for containing said spherical actuator; a third rigid layer; a first aperture, located in said second rigid layer, for positioning said spherical actuator within said second channel during actuation; and a third channel, formed between said second flexible layer and said third rigid layer for containing said shifting means; such that when said actuator is shifted to said actuating position a portion of said first flexible layer is shifted toward said first rigid layer, restricting fluid flow within said first channel.