Method for fabricating curved elements
US7062135B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D11/00692
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides methods for forming convex and concave elements on the ends of supporting members. A convex element may be formed by forming a droplet on the end of the supporting member, then curing the droplet. The size of the droplet may be controlled using evaporation of a solvent from the droplet. In another aspect of the invention, an optical element may be formed by forming a droplet on the end of the supporting member, contacting the droplet with a mold, and curing the droplet, thereby forming an element with a curvature opposite that of the mold. When the supporting member is an optical fiber, the elements formed by the methods of the present invention are useful as lenses and mirrors in micro-optic devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.