Patent ID: 6495015
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A61M,B05B,F04B

Abstract:
A device for producing a high pressure spray, comprising:a) an electrokinetic pump, comprising: a pump inlet and a pump outlet; at least two microchannels, wherein each of said microchannels include a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a porous dielectric material disposed within said microchannel, said microchannels connected in pairs at one end to form a common junction, said common junction in fluid communication with said pump outlet, said porous dielectric material contained within each microchannel of each pair of microchannels having a different Zeta potential; an electrolyte disposed throughout said porous dielectric material; a fluid reservoir disposed at each of said microchannel inlets, said fluid reservoirs containing said electrolyte such that each said fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with said porous dielectric material within said microchannel to which said reservoir is disposed; electrode means contained within each of said fluid reservoirs; and means for applying an electric potential to each of said electrode means; b). at least one nozzle disposed at, and in fluid communication with, said outlet of said electrokinetic pump, said nozzle having a orifice; and c.) a shielded case for containing at least said electrokinetic pump and said nozzle.