Graded capillarity structures for passive gas management, and methods
US6682186B2 · kind B2 · utility
11Cited by
7References
29Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/19
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention comprise capillary fluid transport and containment structures in which a capillarity gradient is provided in a direction other than the primary direction of fluid transport to selectively capture and transport gas bubbles. The structures may be formed with single capillary members or may include a plurality of capillaries, such as sheet capillaries joined by appropriately sized through-holes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.