Boise State University

Tikomat Oy

Kari Ullakko

Peter Mullner

Peter Müllner

Greg Hampikian

Aaron Smith

Kotaro Sasaki

This invention relates to an operational element and a method for manufacturing the operational element that comprises magnetic shape memory alloy. in the method at least a part of the magnetic shape memory alloy is arranged as an active region that is responsive to a magnetic field and at least one other part of the magnetic shape memory alloy is arranged as an inactive region that is unresponsive to a magnetic field.

Operational element comprising magnetic shape memory alloy and a method for manufacturing it

The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising at least one element () of magnetic shape memory (MSM) material for handling of a fluid flow, the MSM element () being controlled by a magnetic field. The device comprises elastic material () between the handled fluid and the MSM element (), and that the magnetic field is arranged to form a local shrinkage to the MSM element () which together with the elastic material () form a shrinkage cavity () in a location where the magnetic field is applied to the MSM element. Preferably, the microfluidic device is connected to a lab-on-a-chip, and it can act as one of the followings: a pump, vacuum pump, compressor, refrigerator, valve, manifold, dozer, mixer.

Microfluidic device

An actuation apparatus includes at least one magnetic shape memory (MSM) element containing a material configured to expand and/or contract in response to exposure to a magnetic field. Among other things, the MSM element may be configured to pump fluid through a micropump by expanding and/or contracting in response to the magnetic field. The magnetic field may rotate about an axis of rotation and exhibit a distribution having a component substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Further, the magnetic field distribution may include at least two components substantially orthogonal to one another lying in one or more planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The at least one MSM element may contain nickel, manganese, and gallium. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be enhanced by contacting a PCR reagent and DNA material with the MSM element.

Actuation method and apparatus, micropump, and PCR enhancement method

An apparatus for sensing strain or stress includes a body including magnetic shape-memory alloy (MSMA) material, having a first axis. A first drive coil and first sensor coil are wound around the body about the first axis. The drive coil is coupled to a power source and configured to generate an alternating magnetic field on the body. The first sensor coil is configured to detect changes in inductance of the body due to changes in magnetic permeability of the body with deformation thereof.

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Savonlinna, Finland

Kari Ullakko