Patent attributes
A microfluidic device and method for assessing properties of a fluid. The device includes a base supported by a substrate and a tube extending from the base and spaced apart from the substrate surface. The tube has an internal passage, first and second portions adjacent the base and defining, respectively, an inlet and outlet of the passage, and a distal portion. A drive electrode is located on the substrate surface adjacent the distal portion of the tube. Sensing electrodes are located on the substrate surface adjacent the first and second portions of the tube, and are adapted for sensing deflections of the first and second portions when vibrated with the drive electrode and from which the fluid property is determined. A pair of electrodes is located on the substrate surface between the drive and sensing electrodes, and are operated to enhance the performance of the microfluidic device, such as by supplementing the drive or sensing electrodes.
