Pumps – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2011-07-12
2011-07-12
Freay, Charles G (Department: 3746)
Pumps
Processes
C417S208000, C417S209000, C429S400000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07976286
ABSTRACT:
A method and device for the pumping of liquids utilizes the directional growth and elimination of gaseous vesicles or bubbles to provide the motive or pumping force. In one embodiment, the pumping device is a microfluidic pumping mechanism having a channel, a bubble generator for generating a plurality of bubbles within the channel, and a venting membrane disposed over a portion of the channel downstream of the bubble generator. A one-way valve or directional resistance feature is positioned upstream of the bubble generator to introduce directional transport of bubbles within the channel. The method and device may be integrated into micro fuel cells with organic liquid fuel such that liberated gaseous bubbles may be utilized to deliver fresh fuel or circulate reusable fuel without any power-consuming components.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4573525 (1986-03-01), Boyd
patent: 6062681 (2000-05-01), Field et al.
patent: 6283718 (2001-09-01), Prosperetti et al.
patent: 6450776 (2002-09-01), Taneya et al.
patent: 6520197 (2003-02-01), Deshmukh et al.
patent: 6869273 (2005-03-01), Crivelli
patent: 7431570 (2008-10-01), Young et al.
patent: 2003/0215334 (2003-11-01), Effenhauser et al.
PCT International Search Report for PCT/US2006/002212, Applicant: The Regents of the University of California, Form PCT/ISA/210 and 220, dated Sep. 21, 2006 (5 pages).
PCT Written Opinion of the International Search Authority for PCT/US2006/002212, Applicant: The Regents of the University of California, Form PCT/ISA/237, dated Sep. 21, 2006 (4 pages).
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2006/002212, Applicant: The Regents of the University of California, Form PCT/IB/326, dated Aug. 9, 2007 (5 pages).
Kim Chang-Jin
Meng De-Sheng
Freay Charles G
The Regents of the University of California
Vista IP Law Group LLP
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for pumping liquids using directional... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for pumping liquids using directional..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for pumping liquids using directional... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2623931