System and method for confining an object to a region of fluid flow having a stagnation point
US7013739B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/086
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A device for confining an object to a region proximate to a fluid flow stagnation point includes one or more inlets for carrying the fluid into the region, one or more outlets for carrying the fluid out of the region, and a controller, in fluidic communication with the inlets and outlets, for adjusting the motion of the fluid to produce a stagnation point in the region, thereby confining the object to the region. Applications include, for example, prolonged observation of the object, manipulation of the object, etc. The device optionally may employ a feedback control mechanism, a sensing apparatus (e.g., for imaging), and a storage medium for storing, and a computer for analyzing and manipulating, data acquired from observing the object. The invention further provides methods of using such a device and system in a number of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, material science, and medical science.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.