Device and method for pumping fluids employing the movement of gas bubbles in microscale
US7942643B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B19/006
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present fluid pumping method for micro-fluidic devices uses gas bubbles to move fluid by light beams. The light beams are emitted to the fluid near the gas bubble through an optically transparent cover and correspondingly heat the fluid in the micro channels. The liquid temperature variation changes the surface tension of the gas bubble near the heated fluid side, therefore, a pressure gradient between the end portions of the gas bubble generates accordingly. By moving the light beams, the moved pressure difference will be achieved, which will drive the gas bubbles and pump the fluid. Such a fluid pumping can simplify the structure of a micro-fluidic device and eliminate heat loss because of using a controllable light beam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.