Abstract: For manipulation of particles in a fluidic microsystem (15) in which the particles are moved in a predetermined reference direction in a suspension liquid, the microsystem (15) is closed off at least at its end (17a, 17b) pointing to the reference direction. The particles move under the influence of centrifugal forces and/or gravitational forces in the suspension liquid which is stationary in relation to the microsystem (15), with the centrifugal forces and/or gravitational forces essentially extending parallel to the reference direction. Furthermore, the particles in the microsystem (15) are exposed to deflection forces whose direction differs from that of the reference direction. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manipulating microscopic dielectric particles in which particles are exposed to an electric field. In disadvantaged processes the particles are exposed to inhomogeneous electric field and are polarized by them. The polarized particles are moved in the direction of higher field strength. These processes permit no reversal of the traveling direction of the particles. The particles are enriched at the electrode so that they cannot be retained in free space. In the invented process the particles are exposed to high-frequency field traveling in one or more prescribed direction, by which the particles are subject to a force which sets them in a motion that is strongly synchronous to the field. With the aid of a device for carrying out the invented process, the particles can be manipulated very flexibly.

Abstract: A device for amperometric adjustment of an ion concentration in an adjustment solution comprises at least three chamber-shaped electrolyte regions, each with a control electrode and diffusion depressant means and which can be filled with electrolytes, whereby all electrolyte regions can be brought into contact with the adjustment solution in such a way that, when current flows through the control electrodes, ions can be transported from the electrolyte solutions through the diffusion depressant means into the adjustment solution or in the reverse direction, and means for supplying each electrolyte region with control currents. The device is designed for adjusting the pH value and/or an ion concentration of the adjustment solution different to the hydrogen ion concentration. At least two or all electrolyte regions are supported by a joint holding means.

Abstract: An ultra-miniaturized surface structure with controllable adhesion having extremely miniaturized (in the sub atomic range) planar electrode strips applied to the surface to which high frequency pulse trains may be applied to generate progressive or stationary standing waves. The electrodes in themselves are combined with dielectric insulating materials with controlled bio-compatibility. The type of electric drive, together with the properties of the surface layers that cover the electrodes, determines the adhesion properties of the surface to a large extent regardless of the used base material. Particle movement is gently influenced, so that for the first time it becomes possible to influence particles in highly physiological nutritive solutions.

Abstract: In the method proposed, microparticles suspended in a liquid or droplets suspended in a liquid with which they are immiscible are shaped by high-frequency electric fields in a three-dimensional electrode array of a size in the micrometer or submicrometer range and subsequently consolidated by prior art chemical bonding procedures or by physical methods. The disposition, geometry and control of the electrodes determine the shape of the particles. The particles themselves must have a conductivity and/or relative dielectric constant lower than the solution surrounding them. For some, this can be achieved only at certain frequencies in the kHz and MHz band which are determined by the passive electrical properties of the particles and the surrounding solution. The particles or droplets are repelled by the electrodes so that they are shaped in the free solution without making contact with any surface and can then be consolidated.

Abstract: For the fixated cryopreservation of single living biological objects or s objects compiled in a given number (for example cells) a cryogenically cooled substrate (13) is jetted therewith in a enveloping solution in microdroplet form (12) from a storage vessel, for example by means of a microdroplet jetting device (11). The substrate is temperature-controlled via a coolant (15), the surface to be jetted being located in a gas atmosphere or in vacuum (14). The substrate surface is maintained at a temperature T1 resulting in freezing of the impinging microdroplet, the substrate surface being possibly supportingly microstructured and comprising sensing elements. By controlled movement of either the substrate or the microdroplet jetting device the microdroplets can be applied singly and in patterns in arrays freely selectable or predetermined by the structuring of the substrate.

Abstract: A motor whose torque is not generated by magnetic fields but rather by dielectric forces to be used in microelectronics and micromechanics. The rotors are composed of several dielectrics, which are arranged in a sector-shaped or shell-shaped manner or partially or completely envelop each other. These motors can be miniaturized down to a size of a few millimeters. They are distinguished by having slow to medium rotation speeds, short starting phases (ms range and less), extremely low current consumption, simple construction, high running constancy and being practically maintenance free. The characteristic curve of rotation (rotation as the function of the field frequency) may be selected in many ranges by changing the dielectrics of the rotor.

Abstract: A dielectric micromechanical element the moveable component of which (hereinafter referred to as rotor) is an electrically homogeneous or inhomogeneous dielectric. The rotor is driven via one or more electric field vectors which are generated via electrode arrangements by switched voltages and/or by triggering the electrodes with phase-shifted voltages. On at least one side of the rotor and/or inside the rotor the electrodes form a linear or curved row of electrodes.

Abstract: A method of separating mixtures of microscopic dielectric particles in sunsions in an apparatus for carrying the method. A mixture of particles is forced onto guide paths by dielectrophoretic forces or by a flow of the suspension medium with an additional force, which is provided to compensate the force causing the particles to move along the guide paths for specific particle species causing the specific particle species to be fed out from the mixture of particles. The apparatus may be integrated on surfaces of silicon wafers at low cost and in mass-production numbers, and is suitable for isolating minute particles such as biological cells, cell organelles, bio molecules as well as organic dielectric particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dielectric motor which is driven by means of electric fields. The motor is distinguished by two or more dielectric rotors being disposed in a central region which is surrounded by several electrodes.The rotors may be made of different dielectric materials and be electrically axially asymmetric in design. They are driven by continuously or discontinuously rotating electric fields. Depending on the geometric and electric design, very variable rotation conditions can be achieved, which can be simply controlled via the frequency of the rotating fields. The motor is suited for switch and drive purposes and can be utilized to construct microdosing devices, pumps and valves.