United Therapeutics Corporation
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW

Abstract:

Apparatuses for flowing multiple fluids in a single channel while substantially maintaining fluid separation are disclosed. In one configuration, the apparatus includes a first internal surface portion with an affinity to a first fluid and a second internal surface portion with an affinity to a second fluid. In another configuration, the apparatus includes a first fluid channel portion, a second fluid channel portion wrapped helically around the first fluid channel portion, and an opening therebetween. Also disclosed is an apparatus for maintaining substantially even fluid flow in fluid pathways having a first flow resistor portion, a second flow resistor portion, and a fluid channel therebetween.