Nanoscale grasping device, method for fabricating the same, and method for operating the same
US6950296B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/725
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A nanoscale grasping device comprising at least three electrostatically actuated grasping elements. The use of at least three elements, which together define a plane, allows an object to be grasped more accurately, more easily held, and more readily manipulated. The grasping elements preferably comprise conductive nanotubes which are grown at specific points on a substrate (e.g., directly on an electrode), using chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) techniques, thereby allowing the grasping device to be manufactured with greater control. Different types of electrostatic forces may be used to open or close the grasping tool. Such attractive and repulsive forces can be created through the application of either a constant voltage or an oscillating voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.