Liquid switches and switching devices and systems and methods thereof
US8319126B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dispensing apparatus includes a housing defining a channel, a plunger slidably engaged with an inner surface of the channel, a substrate with one or more passages each having two or more openings, a liquid in each of the one or more passages, at least one fluid, and a force application system. The substrate is disposed in the channel on one side of the plunger. The liquid in each of the one or more passages has a volume which exceeds an internal volume of each the one or more passages and forms a liquid drop around each of the openings. The liquid drops are fluidly connected to one another and each of the liquid drops is individually adjustable between two or more sizes. Each of the sizes and a location of each of the liquid drops define one of two or more switch positions. The fluid is located in the channel on the one side of the plunger and substantially surrounding the liquid drops. The force application system is configured to individually and selectively apply a force on the liquid in each of the one or more passages to control switching between the two or more switch positions of each of the liquid drops. Engaging one or more of the switch positions moves the plunger along…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.