Method for forming micron-sized and smaller liquid droplets
US5961767A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49885
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for forming micron-sized or smaller drops of liquid, and the use of the method in fabricating micro electro mechanical and micro mechanical devices is disclosed. A micropipette is formed having an inside diameter no larger than the size of the drops to be formed. The micropipette is connected to a system capable of developing a positive and optionally negative pressure within the micropipette. The tip of the micropipette is placed in liquid. The liquid is drawn into the micropipette via capillary action or from the negative pressure developed by the system. The micropipette is then positioned to deliver liquid to an intended location on a surface. To deliver the liquid, a positive pressure is developed within the micropipette. The positive pressure forces a micron-sized or smaller drop of liquid out of the micropipette. The method can be used to form micron-sized or smaller drops of adhesive for fixing in place various structural members that form microdevices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.