Patent ID: 6019882
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: F04B,G01N

Abstract:
A valve for the manipulation of a fluid, comprising:a) an electro-osmotic pump capable of exerting a hydraulic force greater than 10 psi, comprising;i) a microchannel having a fluid inlet and outlet and a porous dielectric material disposed in said microchannel;ii) an electrolyte contained within said microchannel;iii) spaced electrodes in communication with said electrolyte; andiv) means for applying an electric potential to said spaced electrodes;b) a housing, including;i) a first chamber having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet sealingly connected thereto;ii) a second chamber containing a fluid and adapted to receive the output from the electro-osmotic pump connected thereto; andiii) a flexible member sealingly separating said first and second chambers and adapted to move in response to the hydraulic force generated by the electro-osmotic pump to close or open the fluid inlet.