Patent ID: 9534199
Date: 2017-01-03
CPC Classifications: B01D,B01L,C12M,C12N,G01N

Claim:
1. A method of separating particles, the method comprising providing the particles to the inlet region of a microscale apparatus, the apparatus comprising a body, a cover, and a separation element, the body and cover defining a void having an inlet region, an outlet region, and a surface, the separation element i) being disposed in the void, ii) having a plurality of steps including a first step and a second step, and iii) defining a narrow passageway that fluidly connects the inlet and outlet regions in a fluid path, passing a first fluid from the inlet region into the outlet region by way of the narrow passageway, whereby particles are separated based on a characteristic dimension of the individual particles, and thereafter collecting separated particles retained within the void by way of passing a second fluid from the outlet region into the inlet region by way of the narrow passageway.