Controlled liquid/solid mobility using external fields on lubricant-impregnated surfaces
US11079141B2 · kind B2 · utility
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26Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/13
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for precise control of movement of a motive phase on a lubricant-impregnated surface includes providing a lubricant-impregnated surface, introducing the motive phase onto the lubricant-impregnated surface, and exposing the droplets to an electric and/or magnetic field to induce controlled movement of the droplets on the surface. The lubricant-impregnated surface includes a matrix of solid features spaced sufficiently close to stably contain the impregnating lubricant therebetween or therewithin. The motive phase is immiscible or scarcely miscible with the impregnating lubricant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.