Method and device for flowing a liquid on a surface
US7329111B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A device for flowing a liquid on a surface comprises: a flow path. A first port supplies the liquid to one end of the flow path and applies a first port pressure for retaining the liquid when the flow path is remote from the surface. A second port receives the liquid from the other end of the flow path and applies a second port pressure such that the difference between the first and second negative port pressures is oriented to promote flow of the liquid from the first port to the second port via the flow path in response to the flow path being located proximal to the surface and the liquid in the device contacting the surface. The first and second port pressures are such that the liquid is drawn towards at least the second port in response to withdrawal of the flow path from the surface. Such devices may employ microfluidic technology and find application in surface patterning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.