초록 ▼

A fluid guide device that can evenly and effectively distribute the potential from a fluid transport source over an area substantially larger than the opening of a source conduit. The fluid guide device includes a first major surface having a structured surface that includes a plurality of flow chan

A fluid guide device that can evenly and effectively distribute the potential from a fluid transport source over an area substantially larger than the opening of a source conduit. The fluid guide device includes a first major surface having a structured surface that includes a plurality of flow channels disposed thereon. The flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers (.mu.m). The fluid guide device also includes an active fluid transport source provided external to the structured polymeric surface to provide a potential over the flow channels to promote movement of matter through the flow channels from a first potential to a second potential. The fluid transport source is connected with a plurality of the flow channels of the structured surface by way of a manifold.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [13.] A method of using a fluid guide device for active fluid transport against a flat surface, said method comprising:providing a fluid guide device comprising a support body having a first major surface including a structured surface formed thereon, the structured surface de

[ What is claimed is:] [13.] A method of using a fluid guide device for active fluid transport against a flat surface, said method comprising:providing a fluid guide device comprising a support body having a first major surface including a structured surface formed thereon, the structured surface defining a plurality of substantially discrete flow channels that extend from a first point to a second point along the surface of the body, the flow channels also having a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers, a fluid transport source external to the structured polymeric surface, and a manifold connecting the source to the flow channels of the layer;positioning the fluid guide device against a flat surface so that a plurality of the discrete flow channels are closed by the flat surface;generating a potential at the fluid transport source and thereby creating a potential over the flow channels to promote movement of fluid through the flow channels from a first potential to a second potential; andtransporting fluid within the flow channels that are closed by the flat surface.