Patents Assigned to Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)
  • Method of electroplating stressed metal springs
    Patent number: 7166326
    Abstract: A novel method of forming a released metal spring structure is described. In the method, a release layer including a blowing agent is deposited, usually printed, over portions of a substrate. A metal film is deposited over both the release layer and the substrate. The release layer is then heated such that the blowing agent decomposes releasing a portion of the metal film. The metal film curls out of the plane of the substrate to form a spring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)
    Inventor: Thomas H. DiStefano