×

Liquid distribution system

  • US 5,846,396 A
  • Filed: 11/09/1995
  • Issued: 12/08/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A liquid distribution system for selectively distributing liquid from two or more liquid sources to a plurality of cells, the system comprising, within a substrate:

  • (a) the liquid sources;

    (b) for each liquid source, a channel of capillary dimensions addressable by the liquid source, wherein the channel has at least one outlet to one outlet to one of said cells;

    (c) for each outlet, a capillary barrier interposed between the liquid source and the outlet for inhibiting flow out of the outlet;

    (d) a plurality of electrically operated micropumps, each for pumping liquid through at least one of the capillary barriers,wherein the pumps can be selectively operated such that liquid flows through a capillary barrier when a corresponding micropump is operated.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×