Patent ID: 6287440
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing a layered flow, comprising:electrokinetic pumps connected together at their fluid outlets to form a common intersection and a flow channel to receive the layered flows from each fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet of each electrokinetic pump is shaped to form a layered flow, and wherein each electrokinetic pump comprisesi) a capillary channel having a fluid inlet and outlet and a porous dielectric material disposed in said channel, wherein at least one of the porous dielectric materials has a positive surface charge or zeta potential and at least one of the porous dielectric materials has a negative surface charge or zeta potential,ii) an electrolyte contained within said channel and in communication with the porous dielectric material, andiii) at least two spaced electrodes, wherein, one of said electrodes is in communication with the fluid inlet of one electrokinetic pump and the other electrode is in communication with the fluid inlet of the second electrokinetic pump, andiv) means for applying an electric potential to said spaced electrodes.