01727nas a2200145   4500008004100000245007800041210006900119260000800188520105700196100002101253700002401274700002401298700002801322856023101350       2007                        eng d00aUnited {States} {Patent}: 7223371 - {Microfluidic} channel network device0 aUnited States Patent 7223371 Microfluidic channel network device  cmay3 aDescribed herein is microfluidic device for joining fluids and a related method for doing the same. The device according to the present invention includes a microfluidic junction, an outlet channel, and a plurality of circuit units. A microfluidic junction is an area for converging multiple fluids. An outlet channel is capable of receiving fluid from the microfluidic junction. An outlet channel includes a first end connected with the microfluidic junction, a second end connected with a waste reservoir, and an analysis region positioned between the first end and the second end of the outlet channel. The device also includes a plurality of circuit units. Each circuit unit includes a source channel with a first end capable of receiving sample fluid and a second end connected with the microfluidic junction; a branch channel connected with the source channel at an intersection; and a flow diversion system capable of differentially directing fluid flowing through a source channel either into the microfluidic junction or into a branch channel.1 aHayenga, Jon, W.1 aWeigl, Bernhard, H.1 aBardell, Ronald, L.1 aMorris, Christopher, J.  uhttp://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=15&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=%22Weigl%3B+Bernhard%22.INNM.&OS=IN/%22Weigl;+Bernhard%22&RS=IN/%22Weigl;+Bernhard%22