David W Beebe

US Patent:

6488872, Dec 3, 2002

Filed:

Jul 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/625204

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Monona WI
Jeffrey S. Moore - Savoy IL

Assignee:

The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois - Urbana IL

International Classification:

E04B 116

US Classification:

264 31, 422 50, 422 681, 264459, 264463, 264255, 264254, 264267, 264139, 264240, 264 34, 264 35

Abstract:

Microfabricated devices and methods of manufacturing the devices are disclosed. The devices are manufactured from a substrate having microscale fluid channels, and polymerizing a polymerizable mixture in the channels to form stimuli-responsive operating components of the device. The operating components can be functional or structural components. The method of manufacture obviates the traditional assembly of microscale components to form a device because the microscale components are formed in situ on or within the device.

US Patent:

6523559, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Jul 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/917523

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Madison WI
Jeffrey S. Moore - Savory IL
Robin Liu - Chandler AZ
David T. Eddington - Madison WI

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

G05D 1103

US Classification:

137 3, 137 93

Abstract:

In accordance with the present invention, a microfluidic device and method of using the same is provided for self-regulating the flow of fluid therethrough. The microfluidic device includes a body defining first and second flow channels. The first flow channel has an input for receiving the fluid and an output. The second flow channel has an input for receiving a compensating fluid to modify the value of the property of the fluid and an output communicating with the first flow channel. A polymeric material is disposed in the first flow channel downstream of the output of the second flow channel. The polymeric material has a volume responsive to the value of the property of the fluid. A valve is disposed in the second flow channel and is movable in response to the volume of the material. The valve is movable between the first open position allowing the compensating fluid to flow past the valve into the first flow channel and a second closed position limiting the flow of compensating fluid therepast.

US Patent:

6695765, Feb 24, 2004

Filed:

May 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/570483

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Monona WI
Ian K. Glasgow - Madison WI
Matthew B. Wheeler - Tolono IL
Henry Zeringue - Madison WI

Assignee:

The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois - Urbana IL

International Classification:

A61B 1743

US Classification:

600 33

Abstract:

Microfluidic embryo scaled channels for handling and positioning embryos provide the opportunity to evaluate and treat embryos in improved manners Fluid flow is used to move and position embryos within microfluidic channels and channel geometries may be used to place embryos at specific locations. Surface properties and compliance (deformation) properties of embryos are evaluated as a predictor of viability. The microfluidic channels provide the opportunity for fine controls of pressure to conduct various evaluations at forces slightly below which damage to embryos is known to occur.

US Patent:

6821475, Nov 23, 2004

Filed:

Apr 17, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/125498

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Madison WI
Joseph M. Bauer - Madison WI

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

B29C 3902

US Classification:

264496, 264494, 264250, 264293, 264299, 264313, 264DIG 44

Abstract:

A method of fabricating a microstructure is provided. The method includes the step of providing a layer of a polyermizable material. A solid is brought into contact with the layer of polymerizable material so as to alter the shape of the upper surface of the layer. Thereafter, the layer of polymerizable material is polymerized such that the layer solidifies and the upper surface thereof assumes a desired three-dimensional configuration.

US Patent:

6821485, Nov 23, 2004

Filed:

Feb 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/071846

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Madison WI
Jeffrey S. Moore - Savoy IL
Bin Zhao - Urbana IL

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois - Urbana IL

International Classification:

B01L 302

US Classification:

422100, 422 50, 422 56, 422 57, 422 58, 422 681, 422 81, 422 8205, 422101, 422102, 422103, 422104, 436 43, 436 52, 436 53, 436 63, 436180

Abstract:

A flow of liquids is carried out on a microscale utilizing surface effects to guide the liquid on flow paths to maintain laminar flow. No sidewall confining structure is required, minimizing resistance to flow and allowing laminar flow to be maintained at high flow rates. The guiding structure has flow guiding stripes formed on one or both of facing base and cover surfaces which are wettable by a selected liquid to direct the liquid from a source location to a destination location. The regions adjacent to the guiding stripes on the base and cover surfaces are non-wettable. The smooth interface between the gas and liquid along the flowing stream allows gas-liquid reactions to take place as a function of diffusion across the interface without mixing of the gas and liquid. Liquid-liquid flows may also be guided with such structures.

US Patent:

6821898, Nov 23, 2004

Filed:

Sep 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/952243

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Monona WI
Glennys A. Mensing - Madison WI

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

H01L 21301

US Classification:

438694, 438700, 264 19

Abstract:

A method is provided for fabricating a multi-layer microfluidic device on a base. A first layer is positioned on the base in a spaced relationship thereto so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough which communicates with the construction cavity. A mask is positioned between the construction cavity and an ultraviolet source. The mask corresponds to a channel to be formed in the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a portion of the material is polymerized within the construction cavity so as to solidify the same. The solidified material defines the channel. Thereafter, the material is flushed from the channel in the construction cavity.

US Patent:

7090003, Aug 15, 2006

Filed:

Oct 17, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/273309

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Madison WI, US
Glennys A. Mensing - Madison WI, US

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

F28D 7/10

US Classification:

165140, 165185, 165139, 165164, 422 681, 422102, 4352872, 204451, 204453, 204604

Abstract:

A microfluidic device is provided for regulating the temperature of a sample fluid flowing therethrough, as well as, a method of regulating the temperature of the sample fluid flowing through the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a body member defining a fluid channel for allowing the sample fluid to flow therethrough and a first regulating channel. A regulating fluid having a predetermined temperature flows through the regulating channel adjacent the fluid channel so as to effectuate a heat exchange with the sample fluid flowing through the fluid channel to regulate the temperature thereof.

US Patent:

7111635, Sep 26, 2006

Filed:

Oct 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/269476

Inventors:

David J. Beebe - Madison WI, US
Jeffrey S. Moore - Savory IL, US
Jaisree Moorthy - Madison WI, US

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

F17D 1/18
F15B 21/00

US Classification:

137 14, 137806, 137827, 137833, 251368

Abstract:

A method is provided for fabricating a constriction region in a channel of a microfluidic device. The method includes the steps of introducing a pre-polymer mixture including a monomer, cross-linking agent and photoinitiator into the channel. The pre-polymer mixture is polymerized at a localized area of the channel so as to shrink and solidify the liquid mixture. The solidified and shrunken liquid mixture provides the constriction region in the channel.