Sfc Fluidics, Inc.

Bradley Thomas Ledden

Gil Kan

Greg Lamps

Forrest W Payne

A dual latching microvalve is capable of a metastable state, wherein a one or more complete flow paths are open, before switching to another state that allows only an inlet or outlet valve to be open at any time on any fluid path. One valve mechanism uses a cam to alternately open and close two valves, with an external force applying pressure to move one valve arm onto a resting position on the cam, thereby opening the closed valve and provided an uninterrupted flow path through the dual latching microvalve. The metastable state provides, for example, a means to prime the pump before operation, such as pumping of insulin into a patient. When released from the metastable state, the dual latching microvalve operates in a fashion whereby opening of both valves simultaneously is prevented, thereby protecting the patient from injury.

Metastable state of dual latching valves

An electrochemical sensor may measure the flow of ions and/or electrochemical species in a solution passing the sensor because the electroactive species will continually come into contact with the electrode and an electric signal will be generated by the combination of diffusion and convection bringing the electroactive species to the electrode. The electric signal measured will vary by concentration of ions and/or electrochemical specie(s) and by flow rate. Flow rate may be measured if the concentration of ions and/or electrochemical specie(s) is known; conversely, the concentration of ions and/or electrochemical species may be measured if the flow rate is known. The sensor may also be used to confirm the delivery of a fluid containing ions and/or electrochemical specie(s).

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Fayetteville, AR, United States of America

Bradley Thomas Ledden