Of Semiconductor Material (e.g., Silicon, Germanium, Etc.) Patents (Class 417/413.3)
  • Patent number: 11009788
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical electrical module includes steps as follow. Forming first patterns on a first substrate by a first mask, wherein an angle between a primary flat of the first substrate and an arrangement direction having a maximum number of first pattern units of the first mask is (?+90°*n), wherein ? is between 22° to 39°, and n is an integer. Subjecting the first substrate to a first patterning process using the first patterns as a mask to form accommodating grooves and a reflective groove connected with the accommodating grooves in the first substrate, wherein an extension direction of each of the accommodating grooves is perpendicular to an extension direction of the reflective groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Centera Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: Shang-Jen Yu, Chun-Chiang Yen
  • Patent number: 10563642
    Abstract: A micropump assembly is comprised of modular stacked pump stages. The modular pump stages are preferably stacked vertically on top of each other. The stacked design allows each pumping chamber to be compressed by two pumping membranes and thereby provide twice the compression as compared to conventional planar pump designs. The stacked design also eliminates the need for bidirectional movement of the pumping membrane. Lastly, the number of stacked pumping stages can be changed post-fabrication to achieve the required pressure for a given application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Khalil Najafi, Luis P. Bernal, Seyed Amin Sandoughsaz Zardini, Ali Besharatian
  • Patent number: 9728699
    Abstract: A thermal transpiration device and method of making the same. The device includes a pair of membranes having predetermined thicknesses in order to provide the device with strength and rigidity. The thickness of a portion of each membrane is reduced in the area where thermal transpiration occurs in order to optimize the effectiveness of the thermal transpiration device without scarifying structural integrity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: GAME CHANGERS, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Zonenberg, Jason D. Sanchez, Piotr A. Garbuz
  • Patent number: 9482217
    Abstract: A fluid control device includes a vibrating plate unit, a driver, and a flexible plate. The vibrating plate unit includes a vibrating plate with first and second main surfaces, a frame plate surrounding the vibrating plate, and a link portion linking the vibrating plate and the frame plate and elastically supporting the vibrating plate against the frame plate. The driver is on the first main surface of the vibrating plate, and vibrates the vibrating plate. The flexible plate having a hole faces the second main surface of the vibrating plate, being fixed to the frame plate. At least a portion of the vibrating plate and the link portion are thinner than the thickness of the frame plate so that the surface of the portion of the vibrating plate and the link portion, on the side of the flexible plate, can separate from the flexible plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Hirata, Yoshinori Ando, Takenobu Maeda, Yukiharu Kodama, Kenta Omori
  • Patent number: 9371965
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes an input source characterized by a source pressure and an input channel in fluid communication with the input source. The microfluidic device also includes an output channel and a valve having an open state and a closed state. The valve is disposed between the input channel and the output channel and is characterized by a static pressure. The microfluidic device further includes a control channel coupled to the valve and characterized by a control pressure. In the closed state, the control pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Naga Gopi Devaraju, Marc A. Unger
  • Patent number: 9103337
    Abstract: A fluid control device includes a vibrating plate unit, a driver, and a flexible plate. The vibrating plate unit includes a vibrating plate with first and second main surfaces, a frame plate surrounding the vibrating plate, and a link portion linking the vibrating plate and the frame plate and elastically supporting the vibrating plate against the frame plate. The driver is on the first main surface of the vibrating plate, and vibrates the vibrating plate. The flexible plate having a hole faces the second main surface of the vibrating plate, being fixed to the frame plate. At least a portion of the vibrating plate and the link portion are thinner than the thickness of the frame plate so that the surface of the portion of the vibrating plate and the link portion, on the side of the flexible plate, can separate from the flexible plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Hirata, Yoshinori Ando, Takenobu Maeda, Yukiharu Kodama, Kenta Omori
  • Patent number: 8956325
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microfluidic pumping device having a piezoelectric member positioned above a displaceable membrane. A voltage is applied across the piezoelectric member causing the piezoelectric member to displace the membrane. Displacement of the membrane increases and decreases pressure in a cavity that is below the membrane. The increases and decreases in pressure actuate cantilevered check valve members to facilitate unidirectional liquid flow through the pumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michele Palmieri
  • Patent number: 8845307
    Abstract: There are provided a micro-ejector and a method for manufacturing the same. The micro-ejector according to the present invention includes a passage plate including a barrier rib portion disposed in an upper space in a chamber and a protruding portion disposed in a lower space in the chamber and forming a passage in the same direction as a fluid discharging direction together with the barrier rib portion; and an actuator formed on the upper portion of the passage plate to correspond to the chamber and providing a driving force of discharging the fluid to the nozzle from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changsung Sean Kim, Sang Jin Kim, Suk Ho Song
  • Patent number: 8841926
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for a printing machine with a printing device (5), in particular an inkjet printer, for applying liquid (22) onto a print material, with monitoring of the quantity of liquid in a liquid supply unit (1) by measuring the liquid level (23) with a sequential controller, wherein the measurement of the liquid level (23) is performed by a device (11), which detects the presence of liquid at the output of the printing device (5). Another subject matter of the invention is a liquid supply unit (1) for a printing machine with a printing device (5), in particular, an inkjet printer, for applying liquid (22) on a print material, with monitoring of the quantity of liquid in a liquid supply unit (1) by measuring the liquid level (23) with a sequential controller, wherein the measurement device (11) is suitable for measuring a fill level (23) and for controlling a liquid device (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harald Fuetterer, Dieter Stellmach
  • Publication number: 20140037126
    Abstract: An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer, such as a graphene membrane transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CLEAN ENERGY LABS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David A. Badger
  • Publication number: 20140010673
    Abstract: A disc pump includes a pump body having a cavity for containing a fluid. The disc pump also includes an actuator adapted to hold an electrostatic charge to cause an oscillatory motion at a drive frequency. The disc pump further includes a conductive plate positioned to face the actuator outside of the cavity and adapted to provide an electric field of reversible polarity, the conductive plate being electrically associated with the actuator to cause the actuator to oscillate at the drive frequency in response to reversing the polarity of the electric field. The disc pump further includes a valve disposed in at least one of a first aperture and a second aperture in the pump body. The oscillation of the actuator at the drive frequency causes fluid flow through the first aperture and the second aperture when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8528591
    Abstract: A micro valve includes a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber as well as a closing element, which is adjustable between an opening position, in which the valve chambers are connected to each other, and a closing position in which the valve chambers are separated from each other. A reference chamber is provided, which is delimited by the closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Tjalf Pirk, Michael Stumber
  • Patent number: 8499794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Takahashi, Masaaki Sakurai, Jiro Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8444396
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro fluid transferring system that comprises a micropump having a chamber, a first fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber, and a second fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber. This system is characterized in that at least one of the first and second fluid transferring portions comprises a pressure absorbing section for absorbing or alleviating a liquid vibrational pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhisa Fujii, Shunichi Hayamizu, Yasuhiro Sando
  • Patent number: 8382452
    Abstract: A pump arrangement includes a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and a safety valve arranged between the pump outlet and an outlet of the pump arrangement and having a valve seat and a valve lid. The valve seat, the pump outlet and the pump inlet are patterned in a first surface of a first integrated part of the pump arrangement, whereas the valve lid is formed in a second integrated part of the pump arrangement. An inlet of the pump arrangement and a fluid region fluidically connected thereto are formed in a third part of the pump arrangement. The second integrated part is arranged between the first integrated part and the third part of the pump arrangement such that a pressure in the fluid region has a closing effect on the safety valve, the pump inlet and the inlet of the pump arrangement being connected fluidically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Martin Richter, Juergen Kruckow
  • Patent number: 8147221
    Abstract: An electromagnetic micro-pump includes a substrate, a top plate, a magnetic diaphragm, and a coil unit. The substrate includes a first face and a second face. The first face includes a groove. The top plate is mounted on the first face of the substrate. The top plate includes an input hole, an output hole, and a through-hole. Each of the input hole, the output hole, and the through-hole extends through the top plate and is in communication with the groove. The through-hole is between the input hole and the output hole. The magnetic diaphragm is elastically deformable and mounted to an outer face of the top plate to seal the through-hole. The coil unit is mounted to the second face of the substrate and aligned with the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Lung-Ming Fu, Chia-Yen Lee, Chih-Yung Wen
  • Patent number: 8079832
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the actively-controlled deposition of microdrops of biological solutions. The inventive device consists of at least one flat silicon lever comprising a central body and an end area which forms a point, a slit or groove being disposed in said point. The invention is characterized in that it also comprises at least one metallic track which is disposed on one face of the central body and which runs alongside said slit or groove at least partially. The invention also relates to a method of producing the inventive device and a method for the active-controlled deposition and sampling of microdrops of biological solutions using said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Christian Bergaud, Matthieu Guirardel, Pascal Belaubre, Benoît Belier, Jean-Bernard Pourciel
  • Patent number: 8051905
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system comprises: a cooling channel for receiving a cooling media, a substrate disposed near the cooling channel, and a fluidic jet disposed within the substrate and in fluid communication with the cooling channel. The cooling channel is for thermal communication with a component to be cooled. The cooling channel has a height of less than or equal to about 3 mm and a width of less than or equal to 2 mm. The fluidic jet comprises a cavity defined by a well and a membrane. In one embodiment, a method of cooling an electrical component comprises: passing a cooling media through a cooling channel, drawing the cooling media into one or more of the fluidic jets, expelling the cooling media from the one or more fluidic jets into the cooling channel, and removing thermal energy from the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mehmet Arik, Todd Garrett Wetzel, Stephen Adam Solovitz
  • Patent number: 7740459
    Abstract: A method for producing a micromechanical component, preferably for fluidic applications having cavities. The component is constructed from two functional layers, the two functional layers being patterned differently using micromechanical methods. A first etch stop layer having a first pattern is applied to a base plate. A first functional layer is applied to the first etch stop layer and to the first contact surfaces of the base plate. A second etch stop layer, having a second pattern, is applied to first functional layer. A second functional layer is applied to the second etch stop layer and to the second contact surfaces of the first functional layer. An etching mask is applied to the second functional layer. The second and the first functional layer are patterned as sacrificial layers by the use of the first and the second etch stop layer by etching methods and/or by using the first and the second etch stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Fuertsch, Hubert Benzel, Stefan Finkbeiner, Stefan Pinter, Frank Fischer, Heiko Stahl, Tjalf Pirk
  • Patent number: 7682138
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro fluid transferring system that comprises a micropump having a chamber, a first fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber, and a second fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber. This system is characterized in that at least one of the first and second fluid transferring portions comprises a pressure absorbing section for absorbing or alleviating a liquid vibrational pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhisa Fujii, Shunichi Hayamizu, Yasuhiro Sando
  • Patent number: 7631852
    Abstract: A normally closed microvalve includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a deflectable closing element, which, in the closed state of the microvalve, is seated on a sealing lip, such that the fluid inlet is fluidically disconnected from the fluid outlet, and in the opened state of the microvalve, is spaced apart from the sealing lip, and a deflectable holding structure which is connected to the closing element such that, between the same, a space exists, which is in fluidic communication to the fluid outlet. An influence of a force onto the holding structure and the closing element in a first direction provides an opening-action to the microvalve, while an influence of a force onto the holding structure and the closing element in a second direction provides a closing-action. The fluid inlet and the closing element are arranged such that a pressure at the fluid inlet exerts a force in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Martin Richter, Juergen Kruckow
  • Patent number: 7607455
    Abstract: Micro-valves and micro-pumps and methods of fabricating micro-valves and micro-pumps. The micro-valves and micro-pumps include electrically conductive diaphragms fabricated from electrically conductive nano-fibers. Fluid flow through the micro-valves and pumping action of the micro-pumps is accomplished by applying electrostatic forces to the electrically conductive diaphragms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiharu Furukawa, Mark Charles Hakey, Steven John Holmes, David Vaclav Horak, Charles William Koburger, III
  • Publication number: 20090188576
    Abstract: A micropump device including a first wafer and a second wafer attached to the first wafer. The first and second wafers are configured to define a chamber therebetween having a predetermined volume. A third wafer is attached to the second wafer to define an inlet section and an outlet section in fluid communication with the chamber. At least one of the second and third wafers are formed to define a moveable diaphragm configured to change the predetermined volume of the chamber for pumping a fluid between the inlet section and the outlet section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Jianke Kang, Gregory W. Auner
  • Patent number: 7550034
    Abstract: A gas flow generator comprising: an ultrasonic driver comprising a piezoelectric or electrostrictive transducer mounted on a substrate, operation of the transducer being arranged to cause the driver to bend; a first membrane disposed on or formed integrally with the transducer or the substrate; and a second membrane mounted substantially parallel with the driver and spaced a given distance therefrom, one of the membranes being perforate, whereby ultrasonic bending of the driver on actuation of the transducer causes a gas flow through the perforate membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The Technology Partnership PLC
    Inventors: Richard Wilhelm Janse Van Rensburg, Robert Gordon Maurice Selby, Francoise Florence Dufour, Justin Rorke Buckland, John Matthew Somerville
  • Patent number: 7540469
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) flow control apparatus is disclosed which includes a fluid channel formed on a substrate from a first layer of a nonconducting material (e.g. silicon nitride). A first electrode is provided on the first layer of the nonconducting material outside the flow channel; and a second electrode is located on a second layer of the nonconducting material above the first layer. A voltage applied between the first and second electrodes deforms the fluid channel to increase its cross-sectional size and thereby increase a flow of a fluid through the channel. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the fluid flow can be decreased or stopped by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the substrate. A peristaltic pumping of the fluid through the channel is also possible when the voltage is applied in turn between a plurality of first electrodes and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Murat Okandan
  • Publication number: 20080240946
    Abstract: A microchemical chip comprises a plate-shaped substrate, with a channel formed on a surface of the substrate through which a fluid flows. A fluid storage section for storing the fluid communicates with the channel at a starting end of the channel. A fluid discharge section communicates with the channel at a terminal end of the channel. An extruding pump section is formed integrally on the substrate, at a portion of the channel in the vicinity of the fluid storage section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Hirota, Yasuko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7104768
    Abstract: A Peristaltic micropump includes a first membrane region with a first piezo-actor for actuating the first membrane region, a second membrane region with a second piezo-actor for actuating a second membrane region, and a third membrane region with a third piezo-actor for actuating the third membrane region. A pump body forms, together with the first membrane region, a first valve whose passage opening is open in the non-actuated state of the first membrane region and whose passage opening may be closed by actuating the first membrane region. The pump body forms, together with the second membrane region, a pumping chamber whose volume may be decreased by actuating the second membrane region. The pump body forms, together with the third membrane region, a second valve whose passage opening is open in the non-actuated state of the third membrane region and whose passage opening may be closed by actuating the third membrane region. The first and the second valve are fluidically connected to the pumping chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Martin Richter, Martin Wackerle, Yücel Congar, Julia Nissen
  • Patent number: 7094040
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro fluid transferring system that comprises a micropump having a chamber, a first fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber, and a second fluid transferring portion connected to the chamber. This system is characterized in that at least one of the first and second fluid transferring portions comprises a pressure absorbing section for absorbing or alleviating a liquid vibrational pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kusunoki Higashino, Yasuhisa Fujii, Shunichi Hayamizu, Yasuhiro Sando
  • Patent number: 7090471
    Abstract: An electrostatic fluid regulating device and methods. The device has a substrate. The device also has a first electrode coupled to the substrate. The device has a polymer based diaphragm. A second electrode is coupled to the diaphragm. A polymer based fluid chamber is coupled to the diaphragm. The device also has an inlet coupled to the polymer based fluid chamber and an outlet coupled to the polymer based fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jun Xie, Jason Shih, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Patent number: 7083398
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical vibrating pumping stage comprises a silicon substrate (15) on which there are formed a single-layer or multilayer oscillating assembly (27; 127; 227; 327) with a vibrating membrane and a device controlling the membrane in order to provide its oscillation with respect to the substrate. A molecular vacuum pump incorporates this vibrating pumping stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Varian S.p.A.
    Inventor: Raffaele Correale
  • Patent number: 7008193
    Abstract: A MEMS-fabricated microvacuum pump assembly is provided. The pump assembly is designed to operate in air and can be easily integrated into MEMS-fabricated microfluidic systems. The pump assembly includes a series of pumping cavities with electrostatically-actuated membranes interconnected by electrostatically-actuated microvalves. A large deflection electrostatic actuator has a curved fixed drive electrode and a flat movable polymer electrode. The curved electrodes are fabricated by buckling the electrode out-of-plane using compressive stress, and the large deflection parallel-plane electrostatic actuators are formed by using the curved electrode. The curved electrode allows the movable electrode to travel over larger distances than is possible using a flat electrode, with lower voltage. The movable electrode is a flat parylene membrane that is placed on top of the curved electrode using a wafer-level transfer and parylene bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Khalil Najafi, Hanseup S. Kim, Luis P. Bernal, Aaron A. Astle, Peter D. Washabaugh
  • Patent number: 6921253
    Abstract: A micropump has two chambers separated by an actuator for causing fluid to flow in the chambers. Each chamber is equipped with a ball that acts as a valve for allowing flow in a desired direction. The balls are heavier than the fluid being pumped, and reside at an interface between the chambers and passages feeding fluid into the chambers and provide a tight seal between the chambers and passages feeding the chambers when fluid pressure forces the fluid back toward the feeding passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shuler, Aaron Sin
  • Patent number: 6910869
    Abstract: A valveless micropump includes a hollow pump chamber having a driving element coupled thereto, an inlet channel coupled to the hollow pump chamber, and an outlet channel coupled to the hollow pump chamber. The inlet channel, the hollow pump chamber, and the outlet channel define a fluid flow path through the inlet channel, the hollow pump chamber, and the outlet channel. At least one direction-sensitive element disposed in the flow path within one of the inlet and outlet channels and comprising a direction-sensitive element, is installed at an angle which produces a drag ratio greater than unity on fluid in the flow path. The driving element may comprise an electrostatic/piezoelectric member. Various embodiments of the valveless pump include one or more of the airfoil elements mounted in one, the other or both of the inlet and outlet channels, including embodiments in which one or more cascades of the airfoil elements are mounted in the inlet channel and the outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Institute of High Performance Computing
    Inventors: Teng Yong Ng, Diao Xu, Khin Yong Lam
  • Patent number: 6889567
    Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6811385
    Abstract: A microfluidic device including a fluidic pumping system is provided. Some embodiments include a fluid-carrying channel, a plurality of acoustic pumping elements arranged along the fluid-carrying channel, wherein the acoustic pumping elements are configured to form an acoustic wave focused within the channel, and a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of acoustic pumping elements, the controller being configured to activate the acoustic pumping elements in such a manner as to cause the acoustic wave to move along the channel to move the fluid through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Blakley
  • Patent number: 6786708
    Abstract: Laminated devices and methods of making same are provided. A fluidic channel is formed in the inner layers of a laminate such as multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) and a hole is opened to the outer layers to allow fluid's access to a chip which contains chemical sensors. Several diaphragms are formed on each side of the chip access hole using the PCB as their substrate. Electromagnetic actuation of these diaphragms by solenoids housed inside the PCB drives or pumps fluid through the channel in a peristaltic fashion. By employing various channel geometries and/or the deposition of hydrophobic/hydrophillic layers, valves are provided in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Richard B. Brown, Steve M. Martin
  • Patent number: 6767190
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrostatically pumping fluids without passing the fluids through the electric field of the pump are contemplated. Electrostatic forces are preferably used to move the diaphragms in one direction, while elastic and/or other restorative forces are used to move the diaphragms back to their original un-activated positions. In some embodiments, this may allow fluid to be pumped without passing the fluid between actuating electrodes. This may be particularly useful when the fluids have dielectric, conductive, polar or other qualities that may affect traditional electrostatic pump performance. Pumps having various elementary cells are contemplated, including two-celled pumps disposed within a single chamber and pumps having greater numbers of cells wherein each cell is disposed within a different chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen I. Cabuz, Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6749407
    Abstract: An exemplary method for making a micropump device is disclosed as providing inter alia a substrate (300), an inlet opening (310), and outlet opening (340), a pump chamber (370) and flapper valves (350, 360). The fluid inlet channel (310) is generally configured to flow a fluid through/around the inlet opening flapper valve (350). The outlet opening flapper valve (360) generally provides means for preventing or otherwise decreasing the incidence of outlet fluid re-entering either the pumping cavity (370) and/or the fluid inlet channel (310). Accordingly, the reduction of backflow generally tends to enhance overall pumping efficiency. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve micropump operation in any microfluidic application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Chenggang Xie, Joseph W. Bostaph, Xunhu Dai
  • Patent number: 6729856
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically pumping fluids without passing the fluids through the electric field of the pump is contemplated. Electrostatic forces are preferably used to move the diaphragms in one direction, while elastic and/or other restorative forces are used to move the diaphragms back to their original un-activated positions. In some embodiments, this may allow fluid to be pumped without passing the fluid between actuating electrodes. This may be particularly useful when the fluids have dielectric, conductive, polar or other qualities that may affect traditional electrostatic pump performance. Pumps having various elementary cells are contemplated, including two-celled pumps disposed within a single chamber and pumps having greater numbers of cells wherein each cell is disposed within a different chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen I. Cabuz, Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6716002
    Abstract: The micro pump 100 comprises a first flow pass 115 for changing the flow pass resistance in accordance with the differential pressure, a second flow pass 117 wherein the percentage change in flow pass resistance relative to the differential pressure is less than that of the first flow pass 115, pressure chamber 109 connected to the first flow pass 115 and the second flow pass 117, and a piezoelectric element 107 for changing the pressure within the pressure chamber 109 so as to transport minute amounts of fluid with high precision using a simple construction. The ratio of the flow pass resistance of the first flow pass 115 and the flow pass resistance of the second flow pass 117 differs by changing the pressure within the pressure chamber 109 via the piezoelectric element 107, such that fluid can be transported in a standard direction and an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kusunoki Higashino
  • Publication number: 20040052657
    Abstract: The fluid-flow device (100) of the invention comprises a stack (30) covered by a closure wafer (20), said stack (30) comprising a support wafer (36), a layer of insulating material (34), and a silicon layer (32). The closure wafer (20) and/or said silicon layer (32) are machined so as to define a cavity (38) between said closure wafer (20) and said silicon layer (32), said support wafer (36) has at least one duct (102) passing right through it, said layer of insulating material (34) presenting at least one zone (35) that is entirely free of material placed at least in line with said duct (102) so as to co-operate with said cavity (38) to define a moving member (40) in said silicon layer (32), the moving member being suitable under the pressure of liquid in said cavity (38) for reversibly moving towards said support wafer (36) until contact is made between said moving member (40) and said support wafer (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Harald T. Van Lintel, Didier Maillefer, Stephan Gamper
  • Publication number: 20040013545
    Abstract: Laminated devices and methods of making same are provided. A fluidic channel is formed in the inner layers of a laminate such as multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) and a hole is opened to the outer layers to allow fluid's access to a chip which contains chemical sensors. Several diaphragms are formed on each side of the chip access hole using the PCB as their substrate. Electromagnetic actuation of these diaphragms by solenoids housed inside the PCB drives or pumps fluid through the channel in a peristaltic fashion. By employing various channel geometries and/or the deposition of hydrophobic/hydrophillic layers, valves are provided in the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Richard B. Brown, Steve M. Martin
  • Patent number: 6666658
    Abstract: A pump having a main pump body including a casing to which a fluid is supplied, and a pump section, an input valve section, and an output valve section which are provided opposingly to one surface in the casing. Each of the pump section, the input valve section, and the output valve section has an actuator section. The input valve section, the pump section, and the output valve section are provided opposingly to the back surface of the casing for selectively forming a flow passage on the back surface of the casing in accordance with selective displacement action of the input valve section, the pump section, and the output valve section in a direction approaching or separating from the back surface of the casing. The fluid is controlled for its flow in accordance with the selective formation of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Tsutomu Nanataki, Iwao Ohwada
  • Patent number: 6655923
    Abstract: A micromechanical pump has a membrane (2) positioned above a substrate (1). The substrate is provided with a cavity (8) which is formed in an endlessly continuous shape (e.g., circular) to provide a channel for a drive fluid. A cover (9) is positioned above the substrate with the membrane being between the substrate and cover. The cover is provided with an inlet (11) and outlet (10). Electrodes (3, 4) are provided around the floor of the cavity. The electrodes are selectively actuated so as to attract selected areas of the membrane resulting in a gap forming between the cover and the selected areas of the membrane. The areas of the membrane above the non-selected electrodes form a seal with the cover. By selectively actuating the electrodes a peristaltic pumping action results in a pumped fluid traveling from the inlet, through the gaps and out the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Lisec, Bernd Wagner
  • Patent number: 6644944
    Abstract: Microfluidic fluid control devices are provided. One microfluidic fluid control device can be used as a uni-directional valve within a microfluidic system. The invention also provides a microfluidic pump mechanism having two unidirectional valves separated by an expandable reservoir. Such devices may be formed in multiple layers and utilize flexible membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph D. Karp
  • Patent number: 6554591
    Abstract: A multilayer ceramic micropump including a monolithic ceramic package formed of a plurality of ceramic layers defining therein an integrated first ball check valve, and a second ball check valve in microfluidic communication with the first ball check valve, and an actuator characterized as actuating a pumping motion, thereby pumping fluids through the first ball check valve and the second ball check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Xunhu Dai, Anthony M. Pavio, Ross A. Miesem
  • Publication number: 20020182091
    Abstract: A valve which has a structure with at least one opening and a member which has a fixed static charge and also has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. A method for making the valve includes providing a structure with at least one opening and providing a member having a fixed static charge where the member has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. An agitator includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least one opening, and a membrane with a fixed static charge. The structure is connected to the base over the trench with the opening in the structure extending through to the trench in the base. The membrane is connected to the base across at least a portion of the trench. A pump includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least two openings, a membrane with a fixed static charge, a first cantilever arm having a fixed static charge, and a second cantilever arm having a fixed static charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Michael D. Potter
  • Patent number: 6450773
    Abstract: A piezoelectric vacuum pump that includes a diaphragm comprising an upper diaphragm member and a lower diaphragm member. The diaphragm members preferably comprise thin metal sheets that are plated with a noble metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum, and are mated together so as to form a hermetic seal along the length of the diaphragm. The piezoelectric vacuum pump further includes a plurality of piezoelectric bimorph elements that are mounted to the upper surface of the upper diaphragm member. When the piezoelectric bimorph elements are electrically activated, they cause a localized portion of the upper diaphragm member to flex, thereby creating a change in volume in a portion of the diaphragm proximate to that piezoelectric bimorph element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Terabeam Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Lawrence Upton
  • Patent number: 6428289
    Abstract: An automated pump including a pulse generator capable of altering the output volume of fluid flow produced by the pump. The present invention is a vibratory pump including a pulse generator connected to a vibratory generator on the pump that is used to selectively control the amount of vibration created by the vibration generator. By increasing or decreasing the amount of vibrations created by the vibration generator, an operator can control the fluid flow output of the pump to fit the desired use for the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Grigori Lishanski, Oleg Lishanski
  • Patent number: RE45376
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system comprises: a cooling channel for receiving a cooling media, a substrate disposed near the cooling channel, and a fluidic jet disposed within the substrate and in fluid communication with the cooling channel. The cooling channel is for thermal communication with a component to be cooled. The cooling channel has a height of less than or equal to about 3 mm and a width of less than or equal to 2 mm. The fluidic jet comprises a cavity defined by a well and a membrane. In one embodiment, a method of cooling an electrical component comprises: passing a cooling media through a cooling channel, drawing the cooling media into one or more of the fluidic jets, expelling the cooling media from the one or more fluidic jets into the cooling channel, and removing thermal energy from the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mehmet Arik, Todd Garrett Wetzel, Stephen Adam Solovitz