Microfluidic connector

Abstract

A microfluidic connector ( 1 ) comprises and enclosure ( 6, 7 ), a fluidic inlet port ( 2 ) and a fluidic outlet port ( 3 ), in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports ( 2, 3 ) are movable with respect to each other, for example, mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports ( 2, 3 ) is variable. A port ( 2 ) is in a fixed part ( 6 ) of the enclosure, and another port ( 3 ) is in a part ( 7 ) of the enclosure which slides with respect to the fixed part. There may be multiple inlet ports ( 22, 23 ) and/or multiple outlet ports ( 24, 25 ). Also, there may be an auxiliary port ( 45 ) for introduction of fluid into the enclosure ( 47, 48 ) or removal of fluid from the enclosure.

1 . A microfluidic connector comprising an enclosure, a fluidic inlet port and a fluidic outlet port, in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports are movable with respect to each other. 
     
     
         2 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports is variable. 
     
     
         3 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein a port is in a fixed part of the enclosure, and another port is in a part of the enclosure which is movable with respect to said fixed part. 
     
     
         4 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the movable part slides within the fixed part. 
     
     
         5 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a plurality of inlet ports. 
     
     
         6 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a plurality of outlet ports. 
     
     
         7 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary port for introduction of fluid into the enclosure or removal of fluid from the enclosure. 
     
     
         8 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports, wherein the inlet ports and/or the outlet ports extend through a movable support for changing mutual alignment of ports. 
     
     
         9 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a single inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports, the enclosure being configured as a manifold. 
     
     
         10 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a single outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, the enclosure being configured as a mixer. 
     
     
         11 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is an inner enclosure mounted within an outer enclosure. 
     
     
         12 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein there is a port in the inner enclosure for flow of fluid between the inner enclosure and the outer enclosure. 
     
     
         13 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the outer enclosure has an outlet port. 
     
     
         14 . A microfluidic connector as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of inner enclosures within the outer enclosure. 
     
     
         15 . A method of controlling fluidic flow through a connector, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a connector comprising an enclosure, a fluidic inlet ort and a fluidic outlet port, in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports are movable with respect to each other; and   directing flow of a carrier fluid carrying discrete plugs or droplets of a different fluid so that the plugs or droplets transfer from the inlet port to the outlet port.