Surface to move a fluid via fringe electric fields

Abstract

Macroscopic volumes of fluid can be moved across a surface, including windshields, without mechanical assistance. Insulated electrodes, which for windshields and windows are preferably transparent, are embedded in the surface of the windshield. Varying voltages are supplied to the electrodes to generate intense surface fringe electric fields moving in a given direction across the surface. The intense surface fringe electric fields exert strong electrical forces on the polar molecules of the fluid. These forces move the fluid in specific directions dependent on the geometry of the electrode array and the manner in which voltage is applied to each electrode within an array of electrodes.

1 . A device for moving a macro-volume of fluid across a surface, comprising:
 an array of electrodes to form a moving electric field on said surface; and   a motivator to selectively apply varying voltages to selected said electrodes within said array of electrodes, said varying voltages forming said moving electric field on said surface;   wherein said moving electric field moves said macro-volumes of fluid across said surface.