Patents Assigned to Microfabrica Inc.
  • Publication number: 20200335425
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to heat transfer arrays, cold plates including heat transfer arrays along with inlets and outlets, and thermal management systems including cold-plates, pumps and heat exchangers. These devices and systems may be used to provide cooling of semiconductor devices and particularly such devices that produce high heat concentrations. The heat transfer arrays may include microjets, microchannels, fins, and even integrated microjets and fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Will J. Tan
  • Patent number: 10806557
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to microscale and millimeter scale tissue scaffolding structures that may be static or expandable and which may be formed of biocompatible metals or other materials that may be coated to become biocompatible. Scaffold structures may include features for holding desired biological or physiological materials to enhance selected tissue growth. Scaffolding devices may be formed by multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Eric C. Miller
  • Patent number: 10801119
    Abstract: A counterfeiting deterrent device according to one implementation of the disclosure includes a plurality of layers formed by an additive process. Each of the layers may have a thickness of less than 100 microns. At least one of the layers has a series of indentations formed in an outer edge of the layer such that the indentations can be observed to verify that the device originated from a predetermined source. According to another implementation, a counterfeiting deterrent device includes at least one raised layer having outer edges in the shape of a logo. A light source is configured and arranged to shine a light through a slit in a substrate layer of the device and past an intermediate layer to light up the outer edge of the raised layer. The layers of the device are formed by an additive process and have a thickness of less than 100 microns each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Schmitz, Michael S. Lockard, Ming-Ting Wu, Eric C. Miller, Adam L. Cohen
  • Patent number: 10788512
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to compliant probe structures for making temporary or permanent contact with electronic circuits and the like. In particular, embodiments are directed to various designs of cantilever-like probe structures. Some embodiments are directed to methods for fabricating such probe or cantilever structures. In some embodiments, for example, cantilever probes have extended base structures, slide in mounting structures, multi-beam configurations, offset bonding locations to allow closer positioning of adjacent probes, compliant elements with tensional configurations, improved over travel, improved compliance, improved scrubbing capability, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Ezekiel J. J. Kruglick, Christopher A. Bang, Dennis R. Smalley, Pavel B. Lembrikov
  • Publication number: 20200227805
    Abstract: RF and microwave radiation directing or controlling components are provided that may be monolithic, that may be formed from a plurality of electrodeposition operations and/or from a plurality of deposited layers of material, that may include switches, inductors, antennae, transmission lines, filters, hybrid couplers, antenna arrays and/or other active or passive components. Components may include non-radiation-entry and non-radiation-exit channels that are useful in separating sacrificial materials from structural materials. Preferred formation processes use electrochemical fabrication techniques (e.g. including selective depositions, bulk depositions, etching operations and planarization operations) and post-deposition processes (e.g. selective etching operations and/or back filling operations).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Elliott R. Brown, John D. Evans, Christopher A. Bang, Adam L. Cohen, Michael S. Lockard, Dennis R. Smalley, Morton Grosser
  • Patent number: 10676836
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to techniques for building single layer or multi-layer structures on dielectric or partially dielectric substrates. Certain embodiments deposit seed layer material directly onto substrate materials while others use an intervening adhesion layer material. Some embodiments use different seed layer and/or adhesion layer materials for sacrificial and structural conductive building materials. Some embodiments apply seed layer and/or adhesion layer materials in what are effectively selective manners while others apply the materials in blanket fashion. Some embodiments remove extraneous material via planarization operations while other embodiments remove the extraneous material via etching operations. Other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of multilayer mesoscale or microscale structures which are formed using at least one conductive structural material, at least one conductive sacrificial material, and at least one dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, Michael S. Lockard, Kieun Kim, Qui T. Le, Gang Zhang, Uri Frodis, Dale S. McPherson, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 10665530
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to heat transfer arrays, cold plates including heat transfer arrays along with inlets and outlets, and thermal management systems including cold-plates, pumps and heat exchangers. These devices and systems may be used to provide cooling of semiconductor devices and particularly such devices that produce high heat concentrations. The heat transfer arrays may include microjets, microchannels, fins, and even integrated microjets and fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Will J. Tan
  • Patent number: 10492822
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a tissue cutting device are described, such as a device with an elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a first annular element at the distal end of the elongate tube, the first annular element having a flat portion at its distal end perpendicular to the central axis; and a second annular element at the distal end of the elongate tube and concentric with the first annular element, the second annular element having a flat portion at its distal end perpendicular to the central axis, at least one of the first or second annular elements rotatable about the central axis, the rotation causing the first annular element and the second annular element to pass each other to shear tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Ming-Ting Wu, Arun Veeramani, Vacit Arat, Gregory P. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10416192
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to compliant probe structures for making temporary or permanent contact with electronic circuits and the like. In particular, embodiments are directed to various designs of cantilever-like probe structures. Some embodiments are directed to methods for fabricating such probe or cantilever structures. In some embodiments, for example, cantilever probes have extended base structures, slide in mounting structures, multi-beam configurations, offset bonding locations to allow closer positioning of adjacent probes, compliant elements with tensional configurations, improved over travel, improved compliance, improved scrubbing capability, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Ezekiel J. J. Kruglick, Christopher A. Bang, Dennis R. Smalley, Pavel B. Lembrikov
  • Patent number: 10398435
    Abstract: Embodiments of invention are directed to tissue approximation instruments that may be delivered to the body of a patient during minimally invasive or other surgical procedures. In one group of embodiments, the instrument has an elongated configuration with two sets of expandable wings that each have spreadable wings that can be made to expand when located on opposite sides of a distal tissue region and a proximal tissue region and can then be made to move toward one another to bring the two tissue regions into a more proximate position. The instrument is delivered through a needle or catheter and is controlled by relative movement of a push tube and control wire wherein the control wire can be released from the instrument via rotation in a first direction and can cause release of the approximation device from tissue that it is holding by rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, Christopher R. Folk
  • Publication number: 20190227099
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to compliant probe structures for making temporary or permanent contact with electronic circuits and the like. In particular, embodiments are directed to various designs of cantilever-like probe structures. Some embodiments are directed to methods for fabricating such probe or cantilever structures. In some embodiments, for example, cantilever probes have extended base structures, slide in mounting structures, multi-beam configurations, offset bonding locations to allow closer positioning of adjacent probes, compliant elements with tensional configurations, improved over travel, improved compliance, improved scrubbing capability, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Ezekiel J. J. Kruglick, Christopher A. Bang, Dennis R. Smalley, Pavel B. Lembrikov
  • Publication number: 20190229038
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to heat transfer arrays, cold plates including heat transfer arrays along with inlets and outlets, and thermal management systems including cold-plates, pumps and heat exchangers. These devices and systems may be used to provide cooling of semiconductor devices and particularly such devices that produce high heat concentrations. The heat transfer arrays may include microjets, microchannels, fins, and even integrated microjets and fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Will J. Tan
  • Publication number: 20190221911
    Abstract: RF and microwave radiation directing or controlling components are provided that may be monolithic, that may be formed from a plurality of electrodeposition operations and/or from a plurality of deposited layers of material, that may include switches, inductors, antennae, transmission lines, filters, hybrid couplers, antenna arrays and/or other active or passive components. Components may include non-radiation-entry and non-radiation-exit channels that are useful in separating sacrificial materials from structural materials. Preferred formation processes use electrochemical fabrication techniques (e.g. including selective depositions, bulk depositions, etching operations and planarization operations) and post-deposition processes (e.g. selective etching operations and/or back filling operations).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Elliott R. Brown, John D. Evans, Christopher A. Bang, Adam L. Cohen, Michael S. Lockard, Dennis R. Smalley, Morton Grosser
  • Publication number: 20190218680
    Abstract: A counterfeiting deterrent device according to one implementation of the disclosure includes a plurality of layers formed by an additive process. Each of the layers may have a thickness of less than 100 microns. At least one of the layers has a series of indentations formed in an outer edge of the layer such that the indentations can be observed to verify that the device originated from a predetermined source. According to another implementation, a counterfeiting deterrent device includes at least one raised layer having outer edges in the shape of a logo. A light source is configured and arranged to shine a light through a slit in a substrate layer of the device and past an intermediate layer to light up the outer edge of the raised layer. The layers of the device are formed by an additive process and have a thickness of less than 100 microns each.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Schmitz, Michael S. Lockard, Ming-Ting Wu, Eric C. Miller, Adam L. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20190204354
    Abstract: Pin probes and pin probe arrays are provided that allow electric contact to be made with selected electronic circuit components. Some embodiments include one or more compliant pin elements located within a sheath. Some embodiments include pin probes that include locking or latching elements that may be used to fix pin portions of probes into sheaths. Some embodiments provide for fabrication of probes using multi-layer electrochemical fabrication methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Ezekiel J. J. Kruglick, Vacit Arat, Daniel I. Feinberg
  • Patent number: 10297421
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to forming reentrant multi-layer micro-scale or millimeter scale three dimensional structures, parts, components, or devices where each layer is formed from a plurality of deposited materials and more specifically where each layer is formed from at least one metal structural material and at least one organic sacrificial material (e.g. polymer) that are co-planarized and a portion of the sacrificial material located on a plurality of layers is removed after formation of the plurality of layers via one or more plasma etching operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Rulon J. Larsen, III, Adam L. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20190017189
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to techniques for building single layer or multi-layer structures on dielectric or partially dielectric substrates. Certain embodiments deposit seed layer material directly onto substrate materials while others use an intervening adhesion layer material. Some embodiments use different seed layer and/or adhesion layer materials for sacrificial and structural conductive building materials. Some embodiments apply seed layer and/or adhesion layer materials in what are effectively selective manners while others apply the materials in blanket fashion. Some embodiments remove extraneous material via planarization operations while other embodiments remove the extraneous material via etching operations. Other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of multilayer mesoscale or microscale structures which are formed using at least one conductive structural material, at least one conductive sacrificial material, and at least one dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, Michael S. Lockard, Kieun Kim, Qui T. Le, Gang Zhang, Uri Frodis, Dale S. McPherson, Dennis R. Smalley
  • Publication number: 20180337110
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to heat transfer arrays, cold plates including heat transfer arrays along with inlets and outlets, and thermal management systems including cold-plates, pumps and heat exchangers. These devices and systems may be used to provide cooling of semiconductor devices and particularly such devices that produce high heat concentrations. The heat transfer arrays may include microjets, microchannels, fins, and even integrated microjets and fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Will J. Tan
  • Publication number: 20180289385
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for use in medical applications involving tissue removal. One exemplary powered scissors device includes a distal housing having a fixed cutting arm located thereon, an elongate member coupled to the distal housing and configured to introduce the distal housing to a target tissue site of the subject, a rotatable blade rotatably mounted to the distal housing, the rotatable blade having at least one cutting element configured to cooperate with the fixed arm to shear tissue therebetween, a crown gear located at a distal end of an inner drive tube, and a first spur gear configured to inter-engage with the crown gear and coupled with the rotatable blade to allow the crown gear to drive the rotatable blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Microfabrica inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Schmitz, Ming- Ting Wu, Eric C. Miller, Juan Diego Perea
  • Patent number: 10096537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to heat transfer arrays, cold plates including heat transfer arrays along with inlets and outlets, and thermal management systems including cold-plates, pumps and heat exchangers. These devices and systems may be used to provide thermal management or cooling of semiconductor devices and particularly such devices that produce high heat concentrations. The heat transfer arrays may include microjets, microchannels, fins, and even integrated microjets and fins. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to heat spreaders (e.g. heat pipes or vapor chambers) that provide enhanced thermal management via enhanced wicking structures and/or vapor creation and flow structures. Other embodiments provide enhanced methods for making such arrays and spreaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Microfabrica Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Will J. Tan