United States Patent
US Patent 5975682: Two-dimensional fluid droplet arrays generated…
US 5975682 · granted 1999-11-02
| Patent Number | 5975682 |
|---|---|
| Title | Two-dimensional fluid droplet arrays generated using a single nozzle |
| Filed | 1997-08-07 |
| Granted | 1999-11-02 |
| Inventor(s) | Eric R. Lee, Martin L. Perl |
| Assignee | Leland Stanford Junior University |
| CPC Classification | B01L3/0241, B01L3/00, B41J2/00 |
| Number of Claims | 5 |
Abstract
Amplitudes of drive pulses received by a horizontally-placed dropper determine the horizontal displacements of droplets relative to an ejection aperture of the dropper. The drive pulses are varied such that the dropper generates a two-dimensional array of vertically-falling droplets. Vertical and horizontal interdroplet spacings may be varied in real time. Applications include droplet analysis experiments such as Millikan fractional charge searches and aerosol characterization, as well as material deposition applications.
Claims Summary
1. An apparatus for generating droplets, comprising:a) a liquid reservoir having an ejection aperture for ejecting liquid droplets along an ejection direction having a horizontal component;
Inventors
Assignee
Leland Stanford Junior University