Apparatus and method for using electrostatic force to cause fluid movement

US7147763B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated · US

Inventors

• Scott A. Elrod · Lake Jackson, US
• Eric Peeters · Fremont, US
• Francisco E. Torres · San Jose, US
• David K. Biegelsen · Portola Valley, US
• John Dunec · Palo Alto, US
• Alan G. Bell · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 12, 2006
• Expiry date: Feb 24, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C40B60/14
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A device for effecting motion of liquid droplets on a surface through the use of electrostatic field force includes a single substrate on which are disposed a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes. A dielectric material surrounds the electrodes on the substrate. The surface on which the liquid droplets are deposited is fabricated from a material that facilitates motion of the liquid droplets.