Patent Number: 6,296,452

Title: Microfluidic pumping

Abstract: A microfluidic pumping apparatus and method using the apparatus. The apparatus may include a first pulse jet and working fluid in the pulse jet such that the first pulse jet, in response to activation by a set of electrical pulses, moves corresponding pulses of fluid from a first to an second side of the first pulse jet. A chamber with an opening is in pressure communication and with the first side of the first pulse jet such that activation of the first pulse jet causes a reduced pressure at the opening. The method comprising contacting the opening with a fluid and activating the first pulse jet so as to draw a sample fluid through the opening into the chamber. A second pulse jet, oppositely oriented from the first, may be provided to discharge loaded sample fluid.

Inventors: Caren; Michael P. (Palo Alto, CA)

Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.

International Classification: B01L 3/02 (20060101); F04B 43/02 (20060101); F04B 43/06 (20060101); F04B 43/04 (20060101); G01N 35/10 (20060101); F04B 019/24 ()

Expiration Date: 10/02/2018