In bio-chemical research and industrial application, there is a problem of handling hazardous or sterile fluids. Non contact valves have to be used for this purpose, the solenoid pinch-valve being the most common. However, when managing a variety of fluids at the same time, the operation and automated control of solenoid pinch-valves can be problematic and unreliable. To automate this task, no-contact fluid manifolds with selective control of fluid flow in different channels may be used. Currently, non-contact fluid manifolds with automated controls use electrical pinch-valves controlled by solenoids to regulate fluid flow. These methods are complex and prone to failure, for example when electric current through a solenoid is interrupted. Such a failure may result in losses of time and materials, or even create hazardous conditions. What needed is simple solution with improved reliability.
Solution
The present invention is a mechanical design that uses a unique actuator for a number of flexible tube pinchers. The pinchers are controlled mechanically by a cam device that can selectively open one channel at a time. When the device is switching between any two channels, the fluid flow is completely interrupted.
The mechanism also allows for partial opening/ closing of the selected channel, which can not be provided by conventional pinch valves.
Competitive Advantage
Currently, non-contact fluid manifolds with automated controls use electrical pinch-valves controlled by solenoids to regulate fluid flow. These methods are complex and prone to failure, for example when electric current through a solenoid is interrupted.
Applications
The present invention can be used as a non-contact fluid flow control device.
Patent Status
International patent application PCT/US08/72864 entitled PINCH MANIFOLD was filed on August 12, 2008.
Licensing Opportunity
We are seeking a commercialization partner with capabilities in product development, sales, and marketing.
About the Inventors
Andres Bernal: BS in Electrical Engineering, MS in Biomedical Engineering. Currently works for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in development, design and prototyping of novel technologies and equipment for islet transplantation research. He is currently involved in R&D of applications ranging from lab automation to design of implantable devices. Andres was previously involved in R&D in biomedical optics, microscopy and surgical instruments at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, also at the University of Miami.
Faustino Poo is a Mechanical engineer with 35 years of experience. His work has had great impact in the manufacturing field, ranging from the fundamentals of CNC machining to custom blow molding equipment. His family business has diversified from the plastic bottle industry to the Biomedical arena in an effort to contribute to the fight against Diabetes. Biorep Technologies inc, was founded in 1994 to provide engineering services pro bono, to the scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute. This collaboration flourished and at this point Biorep Technologies devices are present in more than 20 countries around the world. Faustino actively contributes to the designs and prototyping efforts that Biorep Technologies undertake to serve the Diabetes research community worldwide.
