US 12,487,229 B2
Devices, systems, and methods of using smart fluids to control molecule speeds
Daniel Bedau, San Jose, CA (US); and Justin P. Kinney, San Jose, CA (US)
Assigned to Western Digital Technologies, Inc., San Jose, CA (US)
Filed by Western Digital Technologies, Inc., San Jose, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 8, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/643,401.
Prior Publication US 2023/0176033 A1, Jun. 8, 2023
Int. Cl. G01N 33/487 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 33/48721 (2013.01) 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for controlling movement of at least one molecule in a first fluid having a first viscosity, the system comprising:
a fluid region defined by at least one fluid-retaining surface, wherein the fluid region is traversable by the at least one molecule;
a field-responsive fluid situated in the fluid region;
a field generator for generating a magnetic or electric field across the fluid region;
a speed detector configured to detect a speed of the at least one molecule through the fluid region; and
a controller coupled to the speed detector and configured to:
obtain, from the speed detector, an indication of the detected speed of the at least one molecule through the fluid region, and
provide, to the field generator, a control signal to adjust a magnitude of the magnetic or electric field across the fluid region based at least in part on the indication of the detected speed of the at least one molecule through the fluid region.