System and method of micro-fluidic handling and dispensing using micro-nozzle structures
US6879162B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0415
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Described are a method and system for dispensing a fluid. A fluid-dispensing device includes a substrate and a plurality of nozzles formed in the substrate. Each nozzle has an open-ended tip and a fluid-conducting channel between the tip and a source of fluid. A non-conducting spacer is on the substrate and electrically isolates a gate electrode from the substrate. The gate electrode is located adjacent to the tip of at least one of the nozzles to effect dispensing of the fluid in that nozzle in response to a voltage applied between the gate electrode and the nozzle or fluid in the nozzle. In one embodiment, the gate electrode includes a plurality of individually addressable gate electrodes used for selectively actuating nozzles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.