Patent ID: 6458256
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
A micropumping device, comprising:a capillary for holding two immiscible, electrolyte fluids respectively disposed across an interfacial boundary within said capillary; a first electrolyte fluid disposed in said capillary, and forming an interfacial boundary with a second electrolyte fluid, said first electrolyte fluid comprising an aqueous, ionic salt; a second electrolyte fluid disposed in said capillary, and forming said interfacial boundary with said first electrolyte fluid, said second electrolyte fluid comprising an organic, dipolar fluid substance that is immiscible with said first electrolyte fluid; a source of alternating voltage; and a pair of first and second electrodes each respectively connected to said source of alternating voltage, said first electrode being disposed within said first electrolyte fluid, and said second electrode being disposed within said second electrolyte fluid, wherein electrochemically controllable surface tension is created across said interfacial boundary, which surface tension provides a driving force for operating said micropumping device.