Apparatus for switching and manipulating particles and method of use thereof
US6596143B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N1/004
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A device acts as a particle switch to transport and/or re-direct microparticles which are in a fluid suspension. The switch comprises at least three structural branches and the branches may be connected at a common junction. Particles can be transported along the branches as a result of the forces generated along that branch. Particles are transported into or out of the particle switch via the ends of the branches. Particles can be switched from one branch into one of the other branches. Depending on the properties of the particles, the transportation mechanism may be traveling-wave-dielectrophoresis or traveling-wave-electrophoresis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.