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Abstract

An apparatus and method for pumping microfluidic devices. An apparatus for pumping microfluidic devices includes a microfluidic pumping device, a pump. The pump includes a reservoir containing a pump fluid when in operation, a heat element situated to apply heat to the pump fluid to produce evaporated pump fluid, and a reservoir outlet sized to operably couple the pump to a microfluidic device and connected to the reservoir to provide an exit from the reservoir for the pump fluid. The evaporated pump fluid increases pressure in the reservoir, causing the pump fluid to flow out of the reservoir outlet at a rate determined by the pressure, the composition, configuration and dimensions the reservoir outlet and of a flow path, and characteristics of the pump fluid.

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First Claim