The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 06, 2019
Filed:
Jul. 27, 2017
Sharp Life Science (Eu) Limited, Oxford, GB;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Benjamin James Hadwen, Oxford, GB;
Sinéad Matthews, Oxford, GB;
Lesley Anne Parry-Jones, Oxford, GB;
Adam Robinson, Oxford, GB;
Tomohiro Kosaka, Osaka, JP;
Takeshi Hara, Osaka, JP;
Tomoko Teranishi, Osaka, JP;
Sharp Life Science (EU) Limited, Oxford, GB;
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
An EWOD device includes opposing substrates defining a gap and each including an insulating surface facing the gap. Array elements include electrode elements to which actuation voltages are applied. A pre-charging structure defines a channel in fluid communication with the gap wherein the channel receives an input of a fluid reservoir for generation of the liquid droplet, and the pre-charging structure includes an electrical element electrically exposed to the channel. The electrical element pre-charges the fluid reservoir within the channel, and a portion of the gap containing the liquid droplet spaced apart from the channel is electrically isolated from the electrical element such that the liquid droplet is at a floating electrical potential when located within said portion of the gap. The electrical element may be an electrode portion that is exposed to the channel, or an externally connected pre-charging element inserted into the channel.