Patents by Inventor Heather Broadbent

Heather Broadbent has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method for etching microchannel networks within liquid crystal polymer substrates
    Patent number: 7425276
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for the fabrication of microchannels, and more particularly to the fabrication of microchannels for use in Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices and MEMS related devices. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, microchannels are formed by a microfabrication method utilizing electronic imaging techniques in combination with chemical etching and subsequent metallization. The method of the present invention is effective in producing networks of channels in liquid crystal polymer (LCP) polymeric substrates which are highly defined in terms of their patterns, and thus are able to encompass a wide variety of end uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David P. Fries, George Steimle, Heather Broadbent
  • Micro sensor system for liquid conductivity, temperature and depth
    Publication number: 20070018652
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention is a miniature planar oceanographic conductivity, temperature pressure (CTD) system based on a thin film material fabricated on a Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP). The micro-CTD system in accordance with the present invention analyzes water for salinity by measuring conductivity, temperature and depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Heather Broadbent, David Fries, George Steimle, Stanislav Ivanov
  • Method for Etching Microchannel Networks within Liquid Crystal Polymer Substrates
    Publication number: 20060216654
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for the fabrication of microchannels, and more particularly to the fabrication of microchannels for use in Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices and MEMS related devices. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, microchannels are formed by a microfabrication method utilizing electronic imaging techniques in combination with chemical etching and subsequent metallization. The method of the present invention is effective in producing networks of channels in liquid crystal polymer (LCP) polymeric substrates which are highly defined in terms of their patterns, and thus are able to encompass a wide variety of end uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: David Fries, George Steimle, Heather Broadbent