×

Device and method for controlling a liquid flow

  • US 6,508,273 B1
  • Filed: 07/05/2001
  • Issued: 01/21/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/15/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A device for controlling the electro-osmotic flow of a liquid in a liquid channel, said device comprising:

  • a) an insulator member provided with an elongate liquid channel;

    b) a first voltage means comprising a first electrode and a second electrode for applying a first voltage difference over substantially the longitudinal direction of the liquid channel to provide an electric field in the liquid channel;

    c) a conductor member arranged between the first and second electrode on at least a part of the outer surface of the insulator member; and

    d) a second voltage supply means connected to the conductor member for providing a second voltage difference between the conductor member and the liquid in the liquid channel so as to control the electro-osmotic flow of the liquid in the liquid channel, wherein;

    the insulator member is fabricated with a thickness of a maximum of 1 μ

    m;

    the second voltage difference is a maximum of 20 V;

    the first voltage means generates an electric field alternately in a first direction and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, in the liquid channel; and

    the second voltage supply means switches substantially synchronously with the alternating electric field.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×