Patent ID: 6106685
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B01J,B01L,B41J,C40B

Abstract:
A device that moves liquid comprising, within a substrate comprising two or more joined plates:a channel of capillary dimensions comprising a straight segment formed through one or more of the plates; andan electrode-based pump comprising two electrodes contacting the channel segment within the interior of the substrate which, when powered, form stronger or weaker electric field lines between the electrodes, wherein the electrodes are arrayed so that (i) the strongest electric field lines cross a cross-section of the channel, or (ii) the electrodes are concentrically arrayed around the channel such that the strongest electric field lines parallel the channel on more than one face of the channel and are substantially parallel to the direction of liquid flow in the channel, wherein a first one of the electrodes (a) comprises a conductive material incorporated into a said plate or (b) a conductive material incorporated at the junction of two said plates, and wherein the pump is adapted to move liquid by applying voltages to the two electrodes.