Abstract:
A method and apparatus are presented for a microscopic valve. The valve is electronically activated. Sensors for detecting objects in the flow may be external or formed in the channels of the valve. Many valves can be formed in parallel and in sequence on a single substrate. Multiple channels may feed each junction. Closure of the valve is accomplished by the formation of a vapor bubble or bubbles. Virtual walls may be formed by a sequence of bubbles. Logic and driver circuitry for producing bubbles may be external or included in the substrate. Such an array is ideally suited for sorting cells. Other materials in a suspension may also be sorted by a variety of criteria. A multi lumen output can produce a continuous distribution of cells or particles thus sorted.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     Bandages are commonly sheets used to protect a wound. These range from wrap-on gauze to self-adhesive patches. There is a considerable volume of art in the field of adhesive bandages. Often, they are flat panels with a gauze central area. Special shapes have been developed to address many specific needs.  
         [0002]     A second use for bandages is to hold wounds closed or immobile. One type commonly known as “Butterfly Closures” is often used in lieu of sutures. These do not provide for drawing the sides of the wound together.  
         [0003]     Sutures are capable of pulling a wound closed. They require perforating the skin along each side of a wound. This can only be performed by trained personnel.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The invention at hand relates to a novel device for closing a wound without the use of sutures. Filaments are used to pull the sides of a wound closed. But the filaments do not perforate the skin as is the practice with sutures. Instead, a lower pair of self-adhesive strips is applied along both sides of the wound. Filaments emanate from the opposing edges of each strip, back across the wound. These are attached to an upper pair of self-adhesive strips. Drawing the upper pair of strips apart pulls the edges of the wound closed. An adhesive backing secures the upper patches down substantially upon the lower patches. The wound is thus held closed.  
         [0005]     Unlike sutures, unskilled users can readily accomplish the operations described. The length of the filaments and the width and length of the strips are readily selected to accommodate many applications. Long and or wide strips are easily cut to size as needed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  shows an oblique view of one embodiment of a Suture Bandage before use with release liners in place.  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a Suture Bandage in an exploded sectional view with exaggerated thickness.  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a cross section of a Suture Bandage with a first pair of strips adhered to the skin on opposite sides of an open wound.  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  shows a cross section of a Suture Bandage with a second pair of strips adhered to the skin on opposite sides of a closed wound.  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is an oblique view of an applied suture bandage with the second pair of strips attached substantially upon the first pair of strips.  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative arrangement for release liners.  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view of an embodiment with a single filament.  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is an oblique view of a pair of single filament Suture Bandages used to close a wound.  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is an oblique view of an alternate embodiment with suture loops laced like a shoe.  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  shows an alternate arrangement with dual layer patches and zigzag filiments.  
         [0016]      FIG. 11  shows top pads repositioned pulling zigzag filaments closing a wound. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show the general configuration of one embodiment of the suture bandage  1  of the invention. It is shown ready for use but not applied to a patient.  FIG. 1  is an oblique perspective view of the suture bandage  1 .  FIG. 2  is an end-on, exploded cross-sectional view of the suture bandage  1 , as viewed along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  is shown expanded in the vertical dimension to more clearly illustrate the arrangement of the elements.  
         [0018]     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the suture bandage  1  comprises two linked, spaced-apart, interlaced sets  10  and  20  of adhesive patches and filaments.  
         [0019]     The first set  10  of adhesive patches includes spaced-apart adhesive patches  11  and  12  linked by a plurality of filaments or tensile bands  13 . The filaments may be stiff, or stiff in tension and otherwise flexible or may be elastic. In the example shown, the patches  11  and  12  are of generally rectangular shape, but the patches need not be rectangular. The patches  11  and  12  are disposed with the longitudinal axis of rectangular patch  11  lying generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the opposed patch  12 . Each of the filaments  13  are mounted or fixed at one end to patch  11  adjacent longitudinal patch edge  11   a , and each filament  13  is fixed at the other end to patch  12  adjacent the opposing patch edge  12   a . The points of mounting of the plurality of filaments  13  are spaced at intervals along each of patch edges  11   a  and  12   a , distributed along all or part of the patch edges  11   a  and  12   a . Thus, each filament  13  spans between and links the opposed patches  11 , and  12  of the set  10 , the filaments lying in generally parallel alignment with one another. Each adhesive patch  11 , and  12  have a skin-compatible adhesive coating  14 ,  15 , respectively, on the lower patch surface. The adhesive coatings  14 ,  15  are preferably covered with a protective release liners  16 ,  17 , respectively, until it is to be applied to a patient.  
         [0020]     The second set  20  of adhesive patches is substantially identical in general configuration to the first set of patches  10 . The second set  20  or adhesive patches includes spaced-apart patches  21  and  22  linked by a plurality of filaments  23 , the patches  21  and  22  being disposed with patch  21  lying generally parallel to the opposed patch  22 . Each of the filaments  23  are fixed at one end to patch  21  adjacent edge  21   a , and at the other end to patch  22  adjacent the opposing edge  22   a . The filaments  23  thus span in generally parallel alignment between opposed patches  21  and  22  of the pair  20 . Each patch  21 ,  22  has an adhesive coating  24 ,  25 , respectively, on its lower surface, covered with a release liner  16 ,  17 , respectively.  
         [0021]     As also seen in  FIG. 2 , the filaments  13  of patch set  10  are interlaced in an overall “X” configuration with the filaments  23  of patch set  20 , so that in the views of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , patch  11  is disposed underneath patch  22 ; and patch  21  is disposed beneath patch  12 . In other words, the filaments  23  extend from patch  21  to intersect in offset arrangement the “plane” of the filaments  13 , so as to pass through this “plane” to extend to the fixing points of the filaments  23  on patch  22 . This interlaced configuration of the filaments  13  and  23  creates a sliding, adjustable interweaving between the two respective patch sets  10  and  20 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows an oblique view of bandage  10  before use. The multiple filaments  13 , and  23  are generally flexible and so the configuration shown is staged to better identify the arrangement of the components. Multiple release liners  15  and  25  are shown in place so as to protect the adhesive layers. This is the complete configuration as it is removed from a sterile pouch or cut from a roll.  
         [0023]     The width of the patches may be manufactured in any width suitable for the application. If the width supplied is too wide it is readily trimmed to width with scissors. Alternative embodiments having special shapes are readily manufactured to promote adhesion, installation, conforming to a contour, or removal.  
         [0024]     The length of the pads may also be manufactured to suit the application. If it is too long for a particular wound, it is readily cut shorter. A roll of Suture Bandage may also be manufactured and then cut to length as needed.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows one example of the construction of a Suture Bandage in an exploded sectional view with exaggerated thickness. Each patch  11 ,  12 ,  21 ,  22 , is composed of several components which are described for patch  22  by way of example. At the top of the patch is a membrane  30 . This may be a woven fabric or flexible plastic as is common in other bandages and tapes. This membrane may have ventilating holes. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer  31  is bound to the membrane. This adhesive is used to adhere the filaments  23  to the top of a second membrane  32 . Other means may be employed to build the patch such as heat sealing or ultrasonic welding or radio frequency welding. Membrane  32  has a pressure-sensitive skin adhesive layer  25  on its underside. This last adhesive layer is protected during shipment by release liner  17 .  
         [0026]     The filaments may be formed from the membrane material instead of a separate part. The filaments are woven past each other in the manufacturing process. Multiple small patches may replace the two upper patches  12 ,  22 .  
         [0027]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the sequence of applying the bandage  1  to a wound  36 .  FIG. 3  shows a cross section of the bandage with the bottom pair of patches adhered to the skin  35  on opposite sides of an open wound  36 . In a conventional suture the filaments would be sewn to the skin on opposite sides of the wound. The lower patches  11 ,  21  of the invention provide this attachment. This is readily accomplished by an unskilled user or on ones self. The upper patch release liners  16  are shown still in place.  
         [0028]     To complete the installation, the upper release liners  16  are removed and the upper patches  12 , and  22  are drawn apart across the wound. This pulls all of the filaments simultaneously drawing upon the edges of the lower patches  11 , and  21 . This exerts a shear force on the strips, rather than a peeling force, on the adhesive bond so the lower patches  11 , and  21  hold fast to the skin. The wound is thus drawn closed by the filaments  13 ,  23 .  
         [0029]     Since all filaments are pulled simultaneously, the stress concentrations are greatly reduced. This eliminates the formation of penetration blemishes on the skin. The pads can be freely adjusted during installation aligning the sides of the wound accurately. If need be, the pads can be removed and repositioned. This is particularly important where cosmetic appearance of the resulting scar is important.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a cross section of the bandage with the upper pair of patches  12 , and  22  adhered to the skin  35  on opposite sides of the wound  36 . This holds the wound closed. The upper patches are shown substantially adhered upon the lower patches. This relative position will vary depending upon the initial placement of the lower patches, the filament length and the wound opening.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is an oblique view of an applied bandage with the second pair of strips substantially upon the first pair of strips. The arrangement of filaments leaves the wound open to the air. This allows for the application of topical medicine. Medications may be included in the patches and or filaments. The filaments may be of a non-stick material or have a non-stick coating. A protective covering bandage may be adhered over the wound and patches. The outer surface of the upper patch may have a non-stick surface to promote cleaning and prevent peeling by an outer covering. The outer covering may be changed as needed without disturbing the suture bandage.  
         [0032]     The patches may be flexible, so that the wound is allowed flexibility while maintaining the closure. Stiff patches or stiffening elements in the patches can supply more rigidity to the site as needed for the application.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative arrangement for the release liners. Upper release liners,  17 , have been replaced by a single folded liner  63 . The Lower release liners,  16  have been replaced by a single flat liner,  64 . In practice this configuration is convenient for handling and adds in the clarity of the application steps. Alternative configurations may be employed which are convenient for the end user or manufacturer. Tabs may be included on the liners to help the installation.  
         [0034]     In the installation described the patches are only subjected to shear forces by the filaments. So the patches stay firmly in place as long as needed. When the suture bandage needs to be removed, the edges are readily peeled up. There is no need for professional removal. So there is no need to return to a medical practitioner for the traditional removal of stitches.  
         [0035]     Simpler arrangements are also valuable.  FIG. 7  is an oblique view of a Single Filament Suture Bandage,  70 . This embodiment has two patches  71 , and  72  connected by a single filament  75 . Release liners,  73  and  74  are provided to protect the adhesive surface. A single filament is similar to the prior art and cannot provide a closing action. A pair of Single Filament Suture Bandages are used together. One end of each is attached on either side of the wound. Then the second patches are pulled apart, drawing the wound closed. The second patches are adhered generally over the first patches.  
         [0036]     A hybrid between a Multiple Filament Suture Bandage and a Single Filament Suture Bandage is possible. In one embodiment, Two strips are affixed on opposing sides of a wound. Multiple filaments emanate from the interior edges. The end of each filament is terminated with a separate patch. This simplifies manufacturing since inter weaving of the filaments is not necessary.  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is an oblique view of a pair of Single Filament Suture Bandages,  70   a  and  70   b , positioned closing a wound,  76 . Multiple pairs may be used to close a larger wound. Other pairs could be used in a radial pattern to close a puncture wound. The filament could be formed from the same material as the Adhesive Patch.  
         [0038]     An alternately configured embodiment of the suture bandage is to adhere patches with loops along opposing edges. Then filaments may be sewn between the loops drawing the wound closed in the manner of a shoelace.  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is an oblique view of such an alternate embodiment with suture loops  83  along one edge of each patch,  81  and  82 . The two patches are then laced together like a shoe. Tightening the filament,  84  draws the wound closed. This completes the Suture Bandage assembly  80 . The loops may be formed in the patch material. Alternately the loops may be a separate plastic or metal part connected to the adhesive patches. The loops may be open hooks to facilitate lacing. In this case a single or double filament can be laced up the hooks like a boot with quick lace hooks. The filament may be removed and repositioned as needed. This assembly offers additional flexibility as the filament may be allowed to slide in the suture loops. The sutures in this application are quickly removed by cutting a single pass of the filament.  
         [0040]      FIG. 10  shows an alternative arrangement of filaments,  95  and  96  assembled in a zigzag pattern. The filaments are actually sewn into tabs  97  of lower pads  92  and  93  and upper pads  91  and  94 . Notice that the filament  95  attaches the upper pad  91  to the lower pad  93 . Respectively, the filament  96  attaches the upper patch  94  to the lower patch  92 . Release liners are not shown.  
         [0041]     The assembly,  90  is placed over the open wound in the configuration as shown in  FIG. 10 . The upper pads  91  and  94  are then peeled up. Pulling the upper pads outwards tightens the filaments  95 ,  96 . This draws the wound closed.  FIG. 11  shows top pads  91 ,  94  repositioned relative to the bottom pads  92 ,  93  pulling zigzag filaments  95 ,  96  closing the wound.  
         [0042]     These examples clearly demonstrate the spirit of the invention. Further embodiments will be evident to one skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of this patent.