Variable control of electroosmotic and/or electrophoretic forces within a fluid-containing structure via electrical forces
US5800690A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49002
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a microfluidic system using electrokinetic forces, the present invention uses electrical current or electrical parameters, other than voltage, to control the movement of fluids through the channels of the system. Time-multiplexed power supplies also provide further control over fluid movement by varying the voltage on an electrode connected to a fluid reservoir of the microfluidic system, by varying the duty cycle during which the voltage is applied to the electrode, or by a combination of both. A time-multiplexed power supply can also be connected to more than one electrode for a savings in cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.