An exemplary device and method for microfluidic transport is disclosed as
providing inter alia a passive check valve (100), a fluid inlet channel
(210), a fluid outlet channel (220) and a pumping cavity (240). The fluid
inlet channel (210) is generally configured to flow a fluid through the
check valve (100). The check valve (100) generally provides substantially
passive means for preventing or otherwise decreasing the incidence of
purged outlet fluid re-entering either the pumping cavity (240) or the
fluid inlet channel (210). Accordingly, the reduction of backflow
generally tends to enhance overall pumping performance and efficiency.
Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted
or otherwise optionally modified to improve micropump operation in any
microfluidic application. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention
representatively provide for substantially self-priming micropumps that
may be readily integrated with, for example, existing portable ceramic
technologies for the improvement of device package form factors, weights
and other manufacturing and/or device performance metrics.
