Sample manipulator
AssigneePalo Alto Research Center Incorporated
InventorsMeng H. Lean, Francisco E. Torres, Huangpin Ben Hsieh, Armin R. Völkel, Bryan Preas, Scott A. Elrod, John S. Fitch, Richard H. Bruce
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Abstract
A sample manipulator that utilizes electrostatic traveling waves to selectively displace one or more samples deposited on its face is disclosed. The sample manipulator enables an operator to perform a wide variety of processes upon the deposited samples. Also disclosed are strategies for separating two or more samples, focusing a sample, and passing a reagent through a sample, all conducted on the face of the sample manipulator.
Claims4
A method for reacting a suitable sample and reagent pair by use of a sample manipulator comprising (i) a substrate, and (ii) a plurality of traveling wave electrodes disposed on the substrate, the method comprising:
- depositing the sample at a first location on the sample manipulator;
- depositing the reagent at a second location on the sample manipulator;
- determining a suitable frequency for a voltage waveform to be applied to the electrodes of the sample manipulator;
- and
- applying the voltage waveform at the determined frequency to the sample manipulator to thereby cause electrostatic traveling waves to move at least one of the sample and the reagent into contact with the other and thereby enable reaction therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.