Two patents for microfluidic valves

New Scale Technologies Inc. has been awarded two patents for microfluidic valves that enable next-generation products in high-growth emerging markets such as diagnostic instruments, high-definition haptics, precision robotics, braille displays, and more. These inventions create new solutions for independent flow control in the smallest spaces.

New Scale’s patents cover innovations in microfluidic valves, which are used to enable:

• Miniaturization and integration of more closely spaced microfluidic channels with greater precision.
• Wearable, handheld, battery-powered products that enhance healthcare, work, and play.
• Faster commercialization of innovative products.

“These novel valve designs expand our leadership in embedded micro-motion systems to include fluid control using both piezoelectric, and now electromagnetic actuators,” states David Henderson, founder and CEO of New Scale. “We are also incorporating the latest microfabrication technologies including silicon (MEMS) and 3D printing processes to achieve practical, manufacturable, and scalable solutions.” 

New Scale Technologies’ newly awarded patents expand their IP portfolio and competitive advantage in precision micromotion, proven out across a breadth of high-performance, high-volume products in the field today. Microfluidic valves offer an advantage of lower SWaP, in some applications, 1/10 the size of competitive technologies, enabling new form factors.

We welcome collaboration with innovative microfluidics companies to further develop these technologies.

U.S. Patent No. 11,879,567, issued June 23, 2024, MICROVALVE USING NEAR-FIELD-ACOUSTIC LEVITATION AND METHODS THEREOF
This microvalve achieves smaller spacing and lower power operation of fluidic channels using piezoelectric actuators. Near-Field Accoustic Levitation (NFAL) is used to amplify the movement of classic piezoelectric actuators that open and close fluid ports. NFAL uses ultrasonic oscilations of a small air gap to generate pressure and lift that enables valve operation at reduced size, voltage and power. The inventor is David Henderson.

U.S. Patent No. 11,848,596, issued December 19, 2023, for ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATORS WITH MAGNETIC FRAME STRUCTURE AND METHODS THEREOF
This microvalve array reduces valve spacing by an order of magnitude using a novel integration of very thin electromagnetic actuators and sliding valves. A linear array of moving planar coils independently switch each slider. A single magnetic circuit is shared by all coils, using a compact structure with thin permanent magnets. Current pulses to each coil rapidly switch the valve state. Zero power is needed to maintain the valve state. The inventors are Conrad Hoffman, Robert Culhane, Qin Xu and David Henderson.