US6290685B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Microchanneled active fluid transport devices
Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
•
Filing: 1998-06-18
•
Granted: 2001-09-18
•
Expires: 2018-06-18
Abstract
Abstract An active fluid transport device ( 10, 40, 54, 60 ) that includes a layer ( 12 ) of polymeric material. The layer ( 12 ) has a structured surface ( 13 ) that includes a plurality of substantially discrete flow channels ( 16 ). The flow channels ( 16 ) have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10 to 1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers. The device may also include a connector ( 20, 55 ) that allows a potential source ( 14 ) external to the structured surface ( 13 ) to be placed in fluid communication with the discrete flow channels ( 16 ). The potential source ( 14 ) promotes fluid movement through the flow channels ( 16 ) from a first location to a second location.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas I. Insley
- 👤 Raymond P. Johnston
- 👤 Randall L. Knoll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:46
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M1/00; F; F28; F28F; F28F21/00; F28F21/06; F28F21/065; A61M1/84; F28F2260/00; F28F2260/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S366/00; Y10S366/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 107
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
An active fluid transport device that comprises: (a) a layer of polymeric film material having a first major surface that includes a structured surface that has a plurality of discrete flow channels disposed thereon, the flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers; (b) a source external to the structured surface for providing a potential over the flow channels; and (c) a connector that is in fluid communication between the discrete flow channels and the external source, which connector allows the potential from the source external to the structured surface to be applied to the flow channels to promote fluid movement through the flow channels from a first location to a second location.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
An active fluid transport device that comprises: (a) a layer of polymeric film material having a first major surface that includes a structured surface that has a plurality of discrete flow channels disposed thereon, the flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers; (b) a source external to the structured surface for providing a potential over the flow channels; and (c) a connector that is in fluid communication between the discrete flow channels and the external source, which connector allows the potential from the source external to the structured surface to be applied to the flow channels to promote fluid movement through the flow channels from a first location to a second location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the layer of polymeric material is microreplicated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the connector includes a manifold that has a plenum defined internally therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the connector includes a manifold that is disposed fluidically between the flow channels and the potential source, the potential from the potential source being applied to the flow channels via the manifold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the connector includes one or more of the following: a manifold, a compression coupling, seal, or gasket that fluidically joins a conduit to the flow channels, capillary fibers, a microstructured fluid conduit, a system for seating the discrete microstructured flow channels in a centrifuge, and a system for allowing a flow stream to be directed at channel inlets or channel outlets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels include a cap layer that is juxtaposed against the structured surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 6 , wherein the cap layer is sealingly secured to the structure surface to define the discrete flow channels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the potential source includes one or more of the following: a vacuum generator, a pump, a fan, a magneto-hydrodynamic drive, an acoustic flow system, a centrifuge, and a hydrostatic head.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the structured surface includes v-shaped channels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are configured to have a flat valley between slightly flattened peaks.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the structured surface includes a plurality of channels that have smaller channels disposed therebetween.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels include plural discrete converging channels that connect to a larger discrete channel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels have a minimum aspect ratio exceeding 100:1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels have a minimum aspect ratio of at least 1,000:1.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 13 , wherein the aspect ratio is less than 1,000,000:1.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic radius is no greater than 100 micrometers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic radius is less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the layer of polymeric material has a thickness less than 5,000 micrometers.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the layer of polymeric material has a thickness less than 15,000 micrometers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are defined by peaks that have a height of approximately 5 to 1,200 micrometers and that have a peak distance of about 10 to 2,000 micrometers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the microstructure channel density is from about 10 per lineal centimeter up to 1,000 per lineal centimeter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 3 , wherein the flow channels have an aspect ratio that is at least 400% greater than the manifold.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 3 , wherein the flow channels have an aspect ratio that is at least 900% greater than the manifold.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
52 words
A liquid acquisition and evacuation mat that comprises the active fluid transport device of claim 1 , and further includes a liquid absorbing layer that is disposed above the layer of polymeric material when the mat is in use, the liquid absorbing layer permitting liquid that contacts the layer to travel therethrough.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The liquid acquisition and evacuation mat of claim 24 , wherein the liquid absorbing layer comprises a nonwoven web of meltblown microfibers.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The liquid acquisition and evacuation mat of claim 24 , further comprising a support layer that is disposed beneath the liquid absorbing layer when the mat is in use, the support layer being liquid impermeable.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The liquid acquisition and evacuation mat of claim 26 , wherein the support layer includes a microstructured layer that has flow channels disposed thereon.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The liquid acquisition and evacuation mat of claim 27 , wherein the support layer is an integral extension of the layer of polymeric material that is present in the active fluid transport device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The liquid acquisition and evacuation mat of claim 24 , that includes a capillary module that has a pennant configuration.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the device includes multiple structured layers in the form of a stack.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 30 , wherein the layer of polymeric material has a second major surface that caps the structured surface on the first major surface.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 30 , wherein the stack includes at least 10 structured layers.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 30 , wherein the stack includes at least 100 structured layers.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
An aspirator that comprises the active fluid transport device of claim 1 .
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
An aspirator that comprises the stack of claim 30 , as a capillary module.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
The aspirator of claim 33 , wherein the stack is flexible.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The aspirator of claim 36 , wherein the stack is about 1 to 10 centimeters in length, and wherein the multiple structured layers are not secured to each other at the stack's inlet end.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The aspirator of claim 35 , wherein a sheath is disposed over the stack of claim 35 .
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The aspirator of claim 35 , wherein the connector includes a conduit that is attachable to a vacuum, the connector being fluidically attached to the flow channels in the stack.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The aspirator of claim 36 , wherein the stack is subdivided into a plurality of branches.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
The aspirator of claim 40 , wherein a plurality of conduits are placed in fluid communication with the plurality of branches such that fluid is transported through some of the conduits independent of other conduits.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
The aspirator of claim 41 , wherein a first conduit is adapted to transport an irrigation fluid, and a second conduit is adapted to transport an aspirated fluid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The aspirator of claim 30 , being adaptable such that it can rest on a person's lip such that the aspirator can withdraw saliva and other fluids present in the person's mouth.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , further comprising first and second manifolds disposed at the flow channels' inlets and outlets.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
A heat exchanger that comprises the active fluid transport device of claim 41 .
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heat exchanger of claim 43 , wherein the heat exchanger is flexible.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
11 words
A blanket that comprises the heat exchanger of claim 44 .
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The heat exchanger of claim 43 , wherein the discrete flow channels include a cap layer that has a thickness of about 0.02 to 0.2 mm.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are adapted to influence a characteristic of a fluid that flows therethrough.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 49 , wherein the fluid is treated by chemical, catalytic, or ionization reactions promoted by constituents placed on or in the flow channel surfaces.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 49 , wherein the flow channels are adapted to provide a separation treatment such that a fluid passing therethrough has constituents removed from its flow stream.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are configured such that fluid streams of different compositions merge together to interact.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
55 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are defined by the structured surface and a cap layer that are joined together in the form of a capillary module that can be conformed about a mandrel that has a diameter of approximately 2.5 centimeters without significantly constricting the flow channels.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
35 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the layer of polymeric material includes a body layer that comprises a polymer that is more flexible than the polymer that defines the structured surface.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the layer of polymeric material is in the form of a film.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , having more than 100 discrete flow channels.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , having more than 1,000 discrete flow channels.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , having more than 10,000 discrete flow channels.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , having 50 to 10,000 channel inlets per square centimeter.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the connector includes discrete conduits that each fluidically connect to individual discrete flow channels.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of transporting a fluid which comprises passing the fluid through the active fluid transport device of claim 1 .
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the fluid includes a bodily fluid.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 62 , wherein the bodily fluid includes saliva.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the bodily fluid includes blood, plasma, or bodily secretions.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the fluid includes smoke.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the fluid includes a liquid.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 66 , wherein the liquid is an aqueous liquid.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
139 words
An active fluid transport device that comprises: (a) a layer of polymeric film material having a first major surface that includes a structured surface that has a plurality of discrete flow channels disposed thereon, the flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers; (b) a source external to the layer of polymeric film material for providing a potential over the flow channels; and (c) a manifold disposed fluidically between the plurality of flow channels and the external source to connect the flow channels to the source and to apply the potential to the plurality of flow channels to promote fluid movement through the flow channels from a first location to a second location.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
139 words
An active fluid transport device that comprises: (a) a layer of polymeric film material having a first major surface that includes a structured surface that has a plurality of discrete flow channels disposed thereon, the flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers; (b) a source external to the layer of polymeric film material for providing a potential over the flow channels; and (c) a manifold disposed fluidically between the plurality of flow channels and the external source to connect the flow channels to the source and to apply the potential to the plurality of flow channels to promote fluid movement through the flow channels from a first location to a second location.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the layer of polymeric material is microreplicated.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the flow channels include a cap layer that is juxtaposed against the structured surface.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 70 , wherein the cap layer is sealingly secured to the structure surface to define the discrete flow channels.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the potential source includes one or more of the following: a vacuum generator, a pump, a fan, a magneto-hydrodynamic drive, an acoustic flow system, a centrifuge, and a hydrostatic head.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the structured surface includes v-shaped channels.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the flow channels have a minimum aspect ratio exceeding 100:1.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
31 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the flow channels have a minimum aspect ratio of at least 1,000:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than 100 micrometers.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the channels are discrete along their whole length.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
32 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the hydraulic radius is less than 10 micrometers, and wherein the layer of polymeric material has a thickness less than 5,000 micrometers.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the layer of polymeric material has a second major surface that includes a structured surface.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 78 , wherein the second major surface comprises a polymeric material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
52 words
A liquid acquisition and evacuation mat that comprises the active fluid transport device of claim 68 , and further includes a liquid absorbing layer that is disposed above the layer of polymeric material when the mat is in use, the liquid absorbing layer permitting liquid that contacts the layer to travel therethrough.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
44 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , wherein the device includes multiple structured layers in the form of a stack, and wherein the layer of polymeric material has a second major surface that caps the structured surface on the first major surface.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 81 , wherein the stack includes multiple connectors to allow multiple potential sources to be attached to the stack.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 81 , wherein the stack includes at least 10 structured layers.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
13 words
An aspirator the comprises the active fluid transport device of claim 68 .
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of transporting a fluid, which comprises passing methane gas through the aspirator of claim 84 .
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of transporting a fluid, which comprises passing blood, plasma, secretions, surgical irrigation fluids, or a combination thereof through the aspirator of claim 84 .
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
14 words
A heat exchanger that comprises the active fluid transport device of claim 68 .
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , having more than 100 discrete flow channels.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
16 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , having more than 1,000 discrete flow channels.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , having 50 to 10,000 channel inlets per square centimeter.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
26 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 68 , further comprising a connector that includes discrete conduits that each fluidically connect to individual discrete flow channels.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of transporting a fluid which comprises passing a fluid through the active fluid transport device of claim 68 .
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 92 , wherein the fluid includes a bodily fluid.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 92 , wherein the bodily fluid includes saliva.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
152 words
An active fluid transport device that comprises: (a) a capillary module that includes a layer of polymeric film material that has a first major surface that includes a structured surface that is capped with a cap layer to define discrete flow channels, the discrete flow channels allow a fluid to be transported therethrough from a first point to a second point, the flow channels also have a minimum aspect ratio of 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 miicrometers; (b) a source external to the structured surface for providing a potential over the flow channels; and (c) a connector that is in fluid communication between the discrete flow channels and the external source, which connector allows the potential from the source external to the structured surface to be applied to the flow channels to promote fluid movement through the flow channels from a first location to a second location.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
152 words
An active fluid transport device that comprises: (a) a capillary module that includes a layer of polymeric film material that has a first major surface that includes a structured surface that is capped with a cap layer to define discrete flow channels, the discrete flow channels allow a fluid to be transported therethrough from a first point to a second point, the flow channels also have a minimum aspect ratio of 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 miicrometers; (b) a source external to the structured surface for providing a potential over the flow channels; and (c) a connector that is in fluid communication between the discrete flow channels and the external source, which connector allows the potential from the source external to the structured surface to be applied to the flow channels to promote fluid movement through the flow channels from a first location to a second location.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
21 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 95 , wherein the capillary module has a thickness of 1 to 10 millimeters.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
21 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 95 , wherein the capillary module has a thickness of 2 to 6 millimeters.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 95 , wherein the capillary module is flexible.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
55 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are defined by the structured surface and a cap layer that are joined together in the form of a capillary module that can be conformed about a mandrel that has a diameter of approximately 2.5 centimeters without significantly constricting the flow channels.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of transporting a fluid, which comprises: transporting a fluid through the active fluid transport device of claim 95 .
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
31 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels contain constituents that enable chemical, catalytic, and ionization reactions to occur as the fluid moves through the channels.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
24 words
The active fluid transport device of claim 1 , wherein the flow channels are adapted to detect physical characteristics of a fluid flowing therethrough.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
69 words
A microstructured channeled device that comprises: a layer of polymeric film material that has a first major surface that includes a structured surface; the structured surface comprising flow channels that have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers; the flow channels also possessing constituents that enable chemical, catalytic, and ionization reactions to occur as a fluid contacts the channels.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
69 words
A microstructured channeled device that comprises: a layer of polymeric film material that has a first major surface that includes a structured surface; the structured surface comprising flow channels that have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers; the flow channels also possessing constituents that enable chemical, catalytic, and ionization reactions to occur as a fluid contacts the channels.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-09-17 | 2005-03-19 | 2005-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-09-17 | 2009-03-19 | 2009-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-09-17 | 2013-03-19 | 2013-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |