Patent ID: 7445926

Claim:
A microfluidic structure comprising: a plurality of diaphragm valves that control fluid flow along each of a plurality of fluidic channels, said fluidic channels each comprising a discontinuity and wherein the microfluidic structure comprises an elastomer membrane sandwiched between a pneumatic layer and a fluidic layer, wherein: the pneumatic layer comprises a first surface including at least one pneumatic channel facing the membrane and valve areas aligned with said fluidic channel discontinuities; the fluidic layer comprises a second surface including the plurality of fluidic channels facing the membrane; the elastomeric membrane normally prevents fluid flow across the fluidic channel discontinuities; and a vacuum to the at least one pneumatic channel causes the membrane to deflect to allow a flow of a fluid across the fluidic channel discontinuities, thereby forming the plurality of diaphragm valves.