Patent ID: 7195036

Claim:
A method, comprising: a) providing, a device, comprising, i) a meltable material; ii) an inlet port linked to a gas source, wherein said inlet port is associated with a first heater element; iii) a stem microchannel comprising a second heater element, wherein said stem microchannel is in fluidic communication with said inlet port; iv) a main microchannel intersecting said stem microchannel, said main microchannel comprising a third heater element, wherein said intersecting forms a junction; b) firing said first heater element to load said meltable material into said stem microchannel through said inlet port; c) firing at least two of said heater elements under conditions such that said meltable material at least partially melts to create a melted plug; and d) applying pressure with said gas source under conditions such that said melted plug is moved.