Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the movement of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet. In one embodiment, the movement of the droplet is laterally determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern such that the droplet moves in a desired direction along a nanostructured feature pattern. In another embodiment, the movement of the droplet is determined by either at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet in a way such that the droplet penetrates the feature pattern at a desired area and becomes substantially immobile.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the movement of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is determined by one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern. The characteristic is a distance between each of at least a portion of the nanostructures or microstructures.
Abstract:
Techniques for heat transfer are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a heat-transfer device (200) is provided. The heat-transfer device comprises one or more microchannels (213) suitable for containing a heat-transfer fluid, one or more of the microchannels having protruding structures (214) on at least one inner surface thereof configured to affect flow of the heat-transfer fluid through the one or more microchannels. The structures may comprise posts coated with a hydrophobic coating.
Abstract:
Techniques for heat transfer are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a heat-transfer device (200) is provided. The heat-transfer device comprises one or more microchannels (213) suitable for containing a heat-transfer fluid, one or more of the microchannels having protruding structures (214) on at least one inner surface thereof configured to affect flow of the heat-transfer fluid through the one or more microchannels. The structures may comprise posts coated with a hydrophobic coating.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the flow resistance of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is controlled. A closed-cell feature is used in a way such that, when the pressure of at least a first fluid within one or more of the cells of said surface is decreased to or below a desired level, a droplet disposed on that surface is caused to at least partially penetrate the surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the pressure within one or more of the cells is increased to or above a desired level in a way such that the droplet of liquid is returned at least partially to its original, unpenetrated position. In yet another embodiment, a closed-cell structure feature pattern is used to prevent penetration of the nanostructured or microstructured surface, even when the pressure of the fluid disposed on the surface is relatively high.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.
Abstract:
A nanostructured substrate is disclosed having a plurality of substrate openings disposed between the nanostructures on the substrate. When a desired fluid comes into contact with the substrate, at least a portion of the fluid is allowed to pass through at least one of the openings. In a first embodiment, the fluid is caused to pass through the openings by causing the fluid to penetrate the nanostructures. In a second embodiment, the substrate is a flexible substrate so that when a mechanical force is applied to the substrate, such as a bending or stretching force, the distance between nanoposts or the diameter of nanocells on the substrate increases and the liquid penetrates the nanostructures. In another embodiment, a first fluid, such as water, is prevented from penetrating the nanostructures on the substrate while a second fluid is permitted to pass through the substrate via the openings in the substrate.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the movement of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet. The movement of the droplet is determined by either at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet in a way such that the droplet penetrates the feature pattern at a desired area and becomes substantially immobile.