Abstract: A manufacturing method of a crimping terminal includes a terminal supply step of supplying the crimping terminal to a crimping position with a wire by a terminal supply device, the crimping terminal including a terminal connection portion, a wire connection portion to be crimped onto the wire, and a joint portion linking side walls of the terminal connection portion and the wire connection portion, a support step of supporting a bottom portion of the crimping terminal supplied to the crimping position by a first mold, a crimp step of deforming the wire connection portion while relatively moving toward the first mold, and crimping the wire connection portion onto the wire by a second mold, and a regulation step of regulating a width of the joint portion so as not to be wider than a width of the terminal connection portion, by sandwiching the joint portion from both sides in a width direction when the second mold crimps the wire connection portion by a regulation portion.

Abstract: A surface mounter comprising a stage including a mounting portion at which a component is mounted on a substrate, a substrate transferring device to transfer the substrate to the mounting portion, a component feeding device to feed the component toward the mounting portion, a component mounting device including a mounting head and that mounts the component on the substrate, a pickup nozzle that picks up and holds the component and releases the component on the substrate, a shaft member that switches a pressure applied to the pickup nozzle between negative pressure and positive pressure, and a drive unit that includes a drive source, a movable portion that moves using power from the drive source, and a cam follower, wherein the drive unit moves the movable portion to perform first and second movement operations of the shaft member.

Abstract: A mounting head includes a pickup nozzle, a shaft member, a drive unit, and a position retainer. The shaft member has a cylindrical shape and moves in an axial direction to switch a pressure applied to the pickup nozzle between negative and positive pressures. First and second movement ends in the axial direction are negative and positive pressure application positions, respectively, where negative and positive pressure, respectively, is applied to the pickup nozzle. The drive unit includes a drive source that moves a movable portion in the axial direction. The movable portion contacts the shaft member when moved in the axial direction, to move the shaft member between the negative and positive pressure application positions. During a power-off period of the drive source, the position retainer holds the movable portion in a predetermined position away from the shaft member located at the negative or positive pressure application positions.

Abstract: A lens bracket including: a fixed portion on which a lens assembly is provided; a moving portion connected to the fixed portion and moving along a rail; a coupling protrusion provided on the moving portion and selectively coupled to an inner surface of the rail; and a hooking portion provided on the moving portion, the hooking portion facing the coupling protrusion, and selectively contacting a rail protrusion of the rail.

Abstract: A method for driving a component placement device, the component placement device having a machine frame, component pickup units and a subframe, the first and second component pickup units configured to be movable in a direction of travel, the method comprising: moving at least one of the component pickup unit in the direction of movement relative to the subframe, the component pickup units and the subframe configured for a reactive force to be exerted on the subframe by the moving of the at least one of the component pickup units; determining a counterforce to be exerted against the subframe substantially opposite a direction of the reactive force, the counterforce determined by an auxiliary control unit, wherein the counterforce at least partially counteracts the reactive force; and applying the counterforce to the subframe substantially in the opposite direction of the reactive force by at least one drive unit.

Abstract: A method for producing optoelectronic components, the method comprising the steps of: providing optical components; picking up, by means of a robot arm, the optical components provided; subsequent to picking up the optical components, mounting the optical components directly on a first wafer by means of the robot arm; wherein the first wafer has optoelectronic components attached, and the optical components being positioned individually or in groups relative to the position of the optoelectronic components of the first wafer using the robot arm; and utilizing, as the first wafer, a glass wafer having i) spectrally filtering glass being an infrared filter glass and ii) an infrared filter coating, the glass wafer having a thickness in the range of 50 to 500 micrometers.

Abstract: A method for creating laboratory-scale reactive distillation apparatus from provided modular components is described. At least two types of modular distillation column stages are provided. A first type of modular stage comprises two physical interfaces for connection with a respective physical interface of another modular stage. A second type modular stage comprises one such physical interface. At least one type of tray is provided for insertion into the first type of modular stage. A clamping arrangement is provided for joining together two modular stages at their respective physical interfaces for connection to form a joint. The invention provides for at least three modular stages can be joined. At least one sensor or sensor array can be inserted into each modular stage. At least one controllable element can be inserted into each modular stage. The invention provides for study of traditional, advanced, and photochemical types of reactive distillation.

Abstract: Several embodiments of stacked-die microelectronic packages with small footprints and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the package includes a substrate, a first die carried by the substrate, and a second die between the first die and the substrate. The first die has a first footprint, and the second die has a second footprint that is smaller than the first footprint of the first die. The package further includes an adhesive having a first portion adjacent to a second portion. The first portion is between the first die and the second die, and the second portion being between the first die and the substrate.

Abstract: A method for positioning an impact detection device on a rod-shaped member of a fork of a vehicle supporting a wheel of the vehicle is described. The detection device has at least one group of three accelerometers arranged on three axes orthogonal to each other and mounted on at least one printed circuit board, the at least one printed circuit board being arranged in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the right-shaped member of the fork.

Abstract: A part mounting method of mounting first mounting parts and a second mounting part to a board includes taking an image of a configuration of the second mounting part and performing an image-recognition, mounting the first mounting parts to the board based on a result of the image-recognition of the configuration of the second mounting part, and mounting the second mounting part to the board based on a result of an image-recognition of the first mounting parts mounted to the board.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus including: plural spindles respectively including nozzles, each spindle rotating about a first pivot and each nozzle picking up a component; a head body rotating about a second pivot substantially parallel to a first pivot and rotatably supporting the spindles; and a controller controlling the spindles and the head body to perform: a pickup operation in which the spindle rotates about the first pivot from an initial orientation to a pickup orientation, the nozzle picks up the component, and the spindle rotates from the pickup orientation to the initial orientation so that the component is oriented to a mounting orientation at which the component is to be mounted on a substrate; and a mounting operation in which the picked-up component is transferred to a mounting position of the substrate during which each spindle is retained at the initial orientation.

Abstract: An electrical component assembly includes a first electrical component having a PCB mounted therein. The PCB includes a plurality of female sockets. A second electrical component includes a plurality of PCB engagement members and a plurality of pins. The first and second electrical components each include an alignment feature. The first and second electrical components are configured to be aligned and connected by progressively bringing together the first and second electrical components. In a first position, the first and second electrical components are spaced apart a first distance and the alignment features of the first and second electrical components are engaged. In a second position, the first and second electrical components are spaced apart a second distance and the PCB engagement members engage the PCB. In a third position, the first and second electrical components are spaced apart a third distance and the female sockets receive the pins.

Abstract: A method for placing components on a substrate, the method comprising determining a reference point of a mechanical holding jig based upon a plurality of mechanical features of the mechanical holding jig and placing the substrate into the jig such that mechanical features on the substrate align with the mechanical features on the mechanical holding jig. A location of the substrate is determined with the reference point of the mechanical holding jig. The method continues by installing a plurality of first components onto the substrate aligned to the mechanical holding jig. The substrate is removed from the mechanical holding jig and a second component is placed onto the substrate to cover the plurality of first components. The second component is placed onto the substrate to align a plurality of references points of the second component to the mechanical features on the substrate. The second component is secured to the substrate.

Abstract: Enhanced modularity in heterogeneous three-dimensional computer processing chip stacks includes a method of manufacture. The method includes preparing a host layer and integrating the host layer with at least one other layer in the stack. The host layer is prepared by forming cavities on the host layer for receiving chips pre-configured with heterogeneous properties relative to each other, disposing the chips in corresponding cavities on the host layer, and joining the chips to respective surfaces of the cavities thereby forming an element having a smooth surface with respect to the host layer and the chips.

Abstract: A high-voltage power supply device includes a circuit board having a piezoelectric transformer; a frequency-controlled oscillator for generating a frequency signal that drives the piezoelectric transformer in accordance with a control signal; a switching element connected to a primary side of the piezoelectric transformer for performing a switching operation in accordance with the frequency signal; a capacitor and inductor forming a parallel resonance circuit for performing a resonating operation owing to switching by the switching element; and a capacitance element connected across ground and the power-supply side of the inductor. The capacitance element and the inductor are arranged on the circuit board in such a manner that when the circuit board undergoes solder-mounting, the capacitance element and the inductor are immersed in a solder bath before the piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: A high-speed machine and method for placing an RFID circuit onto an electrical component includes separating an RFID circuit from a web of RFID circuits, and placing the RFID circuit onto an electrical component with a placing device. The separating includes directing the RFID circuit onto a transfer drum of the placement device and separably coupling the RFID circuit to the transfer drum. According to one method, a separator device separates and directs chips or interposers onto a placement device. According to another method, chips or interposers are tested before being separated from a web, and if good, are separated from the web, directed onto a placement device, and placed on an electrical component. If defective, the chips or interposers are not directed onto a placement device and are removed by a scrap web removal device.

Abstract: A device includes a circuit board and a dual sided package. The dual sided package fits into an opening provided in the circuit board. The dual sided package includes a first portion with a first set of integrated circuits (ICs), a second portion with a second set of ICs, and a package substrate provided between the first portion and the second portion. The package substrate connects to the circuit board, and the first portion and the second portion face opposite directions.

Abstract: Methods for improving alignment precision of two parts of an electronic device are disclosed. Two parts are stacked with an intervening rolling element having a first diameter. One part can pivot relative to the other part about the rolling element to bring the two parts into alignment. The pivoting can be achieved by imposing a z-direction force on the parts, such as a magnetic force. The aligned parts can be locked by solidification of solder. Prior to the pivoting step, the one rolling element can be held on one of said two parts using a thermally dissipative material that comprises glycerol.

Abstract: Techniques provide improved thermal interface material application in an assembly associated with an integrated circuit package. For example, an apparatus comprises an integrated circuit module, a printed circuit board, and a heat transfer device. The integrated circuit module is mounted on a first surface of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has at least one thermal interface material application via formed therein in alignment with the integrated circuit module. The heat transfer device is mounted on a second surface of the printed circuit board and is thermally coupled to the integrated circuit module. The second surface of the printed circuit board is opposite to the first surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An exemplary electrical device manufacturing method includes the following steps. First, a first electronic module is provided. Second, one or more functions of the electronic module are verified. Third, a support module is provided. Fourth, one or more functions of the support module are verified. Fifth, the first electronic module is attached to the support module so as to form a first integrated module. Sixth, one or more functions of the first integrated module are verified.

Abstract: Sensors modules adapted to be mounted to a motherboard under challenging conditions by using automated manufacturing processes are disclosed. A sensor module can include a sensor mounted to a sensor PCB, a connector coupled to the sensor and having a plurality of guide pins extending therefrom in a vulnerable manner, with the guide pins being adapted to be inserted into guide pin holes on an associated motherboard, and a disposable carrier adapted to hold the connector and protect the guide pins thereof prior to mounting. The disposable carrier is removed from the sensor module before the sensor module is mounted directly to a motherboard by press-fitting the guide pins into guide pin holes on the motherboard and soldering connections thereto in an automated surface mounting operation. Disposable carrier protected sensor modules can be stored and processed in a tray or tape-and-reel automated manufacturing system.

Abstract: A method for fabricating MicroSD devices includes forming a PCB panel having multiple PCBs arranged in parallel rows, with each PCB connected to its neighboring PCBs in each row by relatively narrow connecting bridge pieces, and separated from PCBs of adjacent rows by elongated stamped out blank slots. Passive components are attached by conventional surface mount technology (SMT) techniques. IC chips, including a MicroSD controller chip and a flash memory chip, are attached to the PCB by wire bonding or other chip-on-board (COB) technique. A molded housing is then formed over the IC chips and passive components using a mold that prevents formation of plastic on the upper surface of each PCB. The connecting bridge pieces are then cut using using a rotary saw. A front edge chamfer process is then performed.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a probe card, a plurality of probe modules, including a sacrificial substrate and probes on the sacrificial substrate, is prepared. The probe modules are mutually aligned to form a probe module assembly having the aligned probe modules and a desired size. The probe module assembly is then attached to a probe substrate. Thus, the probe card having a large size may be manufactured.

Abstract: A handling member is prepared that provides a channel that can withstand subsequent back face processing as to a substrate having elements made up of a substrate and a membrane, and the handling member is fixed to the substrate so that at least a portion within the elements are supported by the handling member. This provides a manufacturing method wherein the physical strength of an element at the time of manufacturing an electromechanical transducing apparatus is strengthened, and the handling member is easily detached in a short time after processing of the element.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide a multi-function module. A circuit board has a form factor and a connector edge corresponding to a first interface standard. The connector edge includes first and second groups of pin-outs that are mapped to pin-out assignments compatible with the first interface standard and a second interface standard, respectively. A first interface is provided on the circuit board for a first set of devices connected to the first group of pin-outs to operate according to the first interface standard. A second interface is provided on the circuit board for a second set of devices connected to the second group of pin-outs to operate according to the second interface standard.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a family of power modules having a common footprint that enables the customer to flexibly choose a power module size without incurring the costs of a relayout of a system design. In one embodiment, a board layout can be designed using a selected power module footprint size that supports an installation of any of a plurality of power modules. The power module that is used in a board layout can be selected based on a measurement of an amount of power consumed by the one or more loads.

Abstract: A method of mounting electronic components on a PCB, includes following steps. The PCB is placed with a first side of the PCB facing upwards. A plurality of solder is applied on bonding pads of the first side. A plurality of electronic components is stuck on the bonding pads of the first side. The PCB is turned over with a second side of the PCB facing upwards and the first side of the PCB facing downwards. A plurality of solder is applied on bonding pads of the second side. A plurality of electronic components is stuck on the bonding pads of the second side. The PCB is placed in a reflow oven to weld the electronic components on the first side and the second side of the PCB.

Abstract: A lens module includes a flexible printed circuit board, a first sensor, a second sensor, an adjustment device, a lens, a protective frame, an outer housing, a drive mechanism and a resilient member. The flexible printed circuit board includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first sensor and the second sensor are fixed on the flexible printed circuit board. The outer housing is connected to the flexible printed circuit board and covers on the outside of the adjustment device and the protective frame. The resilient member and the flexible printed circuit board are arranged on opposite sides of the outer housing. The flexible printed circuit board can be folded along a connecting line between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

Abstract: A heating and pressurizing apparatus (101), to which a circuit board (70) with electronic components (8) pre-bonded thereto via bonding elements (9) is carried in, is provided. The heating and pressurizing apparatus post-bonds the electronic component to the circuit board by heating and pressurizing the electronic component by a contact member (1211) having a heating device (122). By executing the pre-bonding and the post-bonding of the electronic components to the circuit board independently of each other, the time required for the post-bonding can be reduced, compared with the conventional case, and the productivity of the whole mounting line can be improved.

Abstract: Positioning recognition marks are read by movable recognition device for positioning objects to be bonded to each other. An alignment method includes a step of reading the recognition marks during movement of the recognition device before its complete stop, and a step of identifying absolute positions of the recognition marks by correcting the mark recognition positions having been read based on a position feedback signal of the moving recognition device. A mounting method using the alignment method is also disclosed. It is possible to maintain a high alignment accuracy, eliminate necessity of assuring a settling time for complete stop of the movable recognition device, and significantly reduce the alignment time and mounting tact.

Abstract: A system for connecting electrical devices to one another is provided. This system includes a horizontal or non-horizontal substrate and an anchor connected to or formed integrally with the substrate. The anchor is either a raised structure or a recessed structure, and further includes at least one retention member formed integrally with the anchor. At least one electronic component is mounted within the anchor and the at least one retention member secures the component to the substrate. At least one electrical trace is disposed on the substrate and the at least one electrical trace extends into the anchor, contacts the at least one electronic component, and forms an electrical connection between the substrate and the at least one electronic component.

Abstract: A production method for an electronic chip component includes the steps of forming a first paste layer by applying paste onto a first end surface of an electronic component body with a second end surface being stuck onto a substrate having an adhesive surface and drying the paste, turning the electronic component body 180 degrees so as to stick the first end surface of the electronic component body onto the substrate by sliding a slider relative to the substrate in a state in which the slider is in contact with the first end surface of the electronic component body, forming a second paste layer by applying the paste onto the second end surface of the electronic component body and drying the paste, and firing the first and second paste layers.

Abstract: One of an electrode terminal of an electronic component and a connecting terminal of a wiring substrate is provided with solder beforehand, one of the wiring substrate and the electronic component is secured, and the electrode terminal and the connecting terminal are made to abut each other so that one of the wiring substrate and the electronic component, whichever is not secured, is held. The electronic component is heated so that the solder melts, and the solder is solidified while the electronic component is held, so that the electrode terminal and the connecting terminal are bonded to each other by the solder. Further, while an interval formed between the wiring substrate and the electronic component by the melted solder is being held, the electrode terminal and the connecting terminal are finely moved relative to each other with reference to a surface of the wiring substrate in an XY? direction.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method for a magnetic sensor includes forming a first conductive layer over a substrate containing circuitry, forming a dielectric layer over the first conductive layer, forming a second conductive layer over the dielectric layer such that the first conductive layer, the dielectric layer, and the second conductive layer form a first capacitor, and providing first and second terminals, wherein the first terminal is coupled to the first conductive layer and the second terminal is coupled to the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A high-speed process includes removing chips or interposers from a carrier web having a first pitch and transferring the chips or interposers to electrical components, such as RFID antenna structures, on a moving web having a second pitch. According to one method, a transfer drum transfers chips or interposers to a moving web of electrical components by picking a chip when the transfer drum is stationary, and transferring the chip to the moving web when the transfer drum is rotating such that a tangential velocity of the transfer drum is substantially equal to the linear velocity of the moving web. According to another method, a primary drum removes chips or interposers from a carrier web having a first pitch, and transfers the chips or interposers to a variably rotating secondary drum which then places the chips or interposers onto an electrical component on a moving web having a second pitch.

Abstract: A process for producing an electronic component assembly, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a first electronic component whose surface (A) is provided with a plurality of electrodes (a) and a second electronic component whose surface (B) is provided with a plurality of electrodes (b) wherein at least one concave portion is formed in the surface (A) (except for a surface region on which the electrodes (a) are provided) and/or the surface (B) (except for a surface region on which the electrodes (b) are provided); (2) supplying a resin that comprises a solder powder onto the surface (A) of the first electronic component; (3) bringing the second electronic component into contact with a surface of the resin such that the plurality of electrodes (a) of the first electronic component are opposed to the plurality of electrodes (b) of the second electronic component; and (4) heating the first electronic component and/or the second electronic component, and thereby forming solder connections from the solder powder

Abstract: A system comprises a chip (71) and a substrate (78). The chip (71) comprises a circuitry and a mounting surface (83) with first and second contacts (73, 74, 75, 76). The substrate (78) comprises a surface (90) with first and second contact pads (79, 80) and an electrically conductive pad (91) connected to the first contact pad (79) by a low-resistive connection (93). The chip (71) is attached to the substrate (78) so that the mounting surface (83) is spaced apart from the first contact pad (75) and the electrically conductive pad (91). The mounting surface (83) overlaps partly the first contact pad (79) with a first overlapping area (B1) resulting in a first stray capacitor (C1) and the electrically conductive pad (91) with a second overlapping area (B3) resulting in a second stray capacitor (C3).

Abstract: A high-speed machine and method for placing an RFID circuit onto an electrical component includes separating an RFID circuit from a web of RFID circuits, and placing the RFID circuit onto an electrical component with a placing device. The separating includes directing the RFID circuit onto a transfer drum of the placement device and separably coupling the RFID circuit to the transfer drum. According to one method, a separator device separates and directs chips or interposers onto a placement device. According to another method, chips or interposers are tested before being separated from a web, and if good, are separated from the web, directed onto a placement device, and placed on an electrical component. If defective, the chips or interposers are not directed onto a placement device and are removed by a scrap web removal device.

Abstract: In a component insertion head, by grasping of a device portion of a component by a device chuck, a lead wire is stretched on a fulcrum given by a grasping position of the lead wire by a transfer chuck so that the device portion is placed at a component insertion position, by which correction of an insertion posture of the component is performed, and the lead wire of the component that has been corrected in terms of its insertion posture is inserted into an insertion hole of a board.

Abstract: A method for assembling a lens module with an image sensor, includes providing a holder having first and second receiving spaces, disposing the image sensor in the second receiving space, locating lens barrel at a first position in the first receiving space, casting a light beam on the lens module to allow the lens module to converge the light beam into a light spot on the image sensor, determining if the light spot is at its smallest to determine if a distance between the lens module at the first position and the image sensor is equal to a focal length of the lens module, moving the lens module to a second position in the first receiving space to achieve a predetermined distance from the first position, and positioning the lens module at the second position.

Abstract: A repair system which prevents heating of weakly heat resistant devices together and causing deterioration of the quality when preheating a first surface of the circuit board, wherein an electromagnetic induction material is buried in advance inside the circuit board near a specific electronic device envisioned as needed repair when becoming a defective electronic device in a production process and an electromagnetic coil emitting electromagnetic waves to an electromagnetic induction member in the vicinity of the repair device is provided and the heat generated by the electromagnetic induction member due to the electromagnetic waves enables the repair device to be heated and detached from the circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic component 3 with a shielding function whose upper surface is held at a reference potential, an electronic component 13, and a semiconductor component 4 are mounted on a wiring board 2, and are covered with an insulating resin portion 5 while a conductive layer 6 is formed on an upper surface of the insulating resin portion 5. The conductive layer 6 is held at the reference potential by being connected to a portion, which is held at the reference potential, of the electronic component 3 with a shielding function exposed from the insulating resin portion 5. There can be provided a small-sized circuit module superior in an electromagnetic shielding function.

Abstract: A method of controlling contact load in an apparatus for mounting electronic components on a substrate, in which a head is lowered at high speed to slow down starting position where there is no risk that the electronic component makes contact with the substrate (S1), and from there the head is lowered at low speed until a predetermined target contact load is detected. The process of lowering the head at low speed includes the steps of moving down the head a predetermined distance (S3), measuring load after the step of moving down the head (S5), and determining whether the measured contact load has reached the target contact load (S9). The steps of moving down the head (S3) and measuring the load (S5) are repeated until the measured load reaches the target contact load. The actual load is precisely controlled to be close to a very small set level of target contact load. Accordingly, electronic components using low dielectric constant material are mounted without the risk of damage.

Abstract: A high-speed process includes removing chips or interposers from a carrier web having a first pitch and transferring the chips or interposers to electrical components, such as RFID antenna structures, on a moving web having a second pitch. According to one method, a transfer drum transfers chips or interposers to a moving web of electrical components by picking a chip when the transfer drum is stationary, and transferring the chip to the moving web when the transfer drum is rotating such that a tangential velocity of the transfer drum is substantially equal to the linear velocity of the moving web. According to another method, a primary drum removes chips or interposers from a carrier web having a first pitch, and transfers the chips or interposers to a variably rotating secondary drum which then places the chips or interposers onto an electrical component on a moving web having a second pitch.

Abstract: A module for transferring a PCB including a first transfer body that is translatable along a first moving path to transfer a first PCB and a second transfer body that is translatable along a second moving path to transfer a second PCB with the second transfer body being formed with an aperture therein. Additionally the first transfer body is adjustable from a first position where the first transfer body does not fit through the aperture to a second position wherein the first transfer body can fit within the aperture.

Abstract: An electronic component-containing module includes an electrically insulating substrate; and a first electronic component and second electronic component embedded in the electrically insulating substrate, wherein the first electronic component protrudes partially from at least one surface of the electrically insulating substrate, and the second electronic component is contained in the electrically insulating substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming an optoelectronic package that employs a spacer tool system to properly align an optical component within the device is disclosed. The package includes a mounting surface, and an optical component positioned on the mounting surface at a predetermined distance from a reference point. The optical component is positioned at the predetermined distance by a spacer tool, wherein the spacer tool is interposed between the optical component and a spacer tool mount during optical component positioning. The spacer tool is of a length that corresponds with the predetermined distance between the optical component and the reference point.

Abstract: An electrical circuit assembly includes a flexible electrical circuit having a first side; a heat sink including a metal base plate having a first side and a second side, and a plurality of fins extending from the second side; and a thermally conductive and electrically insulating adhesive directly interconnecting at least a portion of the first side of the flexible electrical circuit with the first side of the base plate.

Abstract: When two mounting units for performing a series of component mounting operations constituted of component holding, component recognition, and component placing are arranged, operational control is executed so that, while a component recognition or board recognition operation is performed in either one of the two mounting units, the component placing or component holding operation is not performed in the other of the mounting units.

Abstract: A method for making three-dimensional structures comprises providing a plurality of components, each of which is moveably coupled to a substrate. The components may be pivotally coupled to the substrate by one or more micromachined hinges. The components are moved using electrostatic forces which lift the components from the surface of the substrate. The components may then be moved further by providing electrostatic forces between components. Two or more components may engage with one another to provide a three-dimensional structure.