Mixing liquids using electroosmotic flow
US5785831A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2030/347
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for mixing liquids using electroosmotic flow. Multiple capillaries (100, 104, 106) or microchip channels meet at a common junction (102). One capillary (100) is used for mixed liquids and each of the remaining capillaries (104, 106) are used for supplying a liquid (112, 114) to be mixed. Each of the supply capillaries (104, 106) has a free end that is immersed into a vial (108, 110) of liquid (112, 114). A first power supply terminal (112) is attached to a free end of the mixed liquid capillary (100). The liquid in each vial has an electrode that is switchably connected to a second power supply terminal. Closing a switch (116, 118) causes liquid to flow from a vial through the common junction and through the mixed liquid capillary. Each switch is independent and each may be closed continuously, switched at a constant duty cycle, or switched at a variable duty cycle. As a result, continuous mixing or variable ratio mixing may be achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.