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:
Jul. 10, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 17, 1999
H. Thurman Henderson, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Neville R. deGouvea-Pinto, Loveland, OH (US);
The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
A chromatograph fabricated using microelectromechanical techniques. The chromatograph includes a first layer superimposed over a second layer. At least one micro-channel is etched into the second layer to provide the separation column of the chromatograph. The surfaces of the micro-channel are chemically activated in order to separate the components of a sample flowing through the micro-channel by bonded phase chemistry. A third layer is placed in superimposed relationship with the second layer. At least one pair of electrodes is formed to the third layer with at least a portion of the electrodes internal to the micro-channel of the second layer. The electrodes detect separated components flowing through the micro-channel and identify them by their electrical conductivity. The depth of the micro-channel is greater than the width, thereby minimizing pressure drop across the device and allowing the chromatograph to operate with a high degree of speed, sensitivity and accuracy. Good resolution is obtained with narrow integrated electrodes for sensing the separated components of the sample.