Method and apparatus for dielectrophoretic manipulation of chemical species
US4390403A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0424
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides method and apparatus for manipulating one or more chemicals within a reaction chamber or housing by dielectrophoretic forces. At least two materials, one of which is a chemical to be manipulated, are provided within the housing. The materials have different dielectric constants. A non-uniform electrical field is applied to the materials within the housing and, as a result of dielectrophoretic forces generated by the applied field, the relative positions of the materials are varied. Accordingly, a chemical can be selectively manipulated to different positions within the housing as, for example, to a catalyst or chemical analyzer located within the housing. The present apparatus may also be used to simultaneously manipulate more than one chemical to mix, or induce a chemical reaction, between the different chemicals in the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.