Forming a perforate membrane by laser drilling and a subsequent electro-polishing step
US7316067B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/496
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of forming a perforate membrane (1) is disclosed for use in a liquid transport device. The membrane has at least plural nozzles (10) formed therethrough. Each of those nozzles has a throat portion (12) opening at opposite end through opposite surface (2′) of the perforate membrane and a smoothly curved outwardly diverging portion (11) extending from the first end of the throat portion to the first surface (2) of the perforate membrane. Laser energy is applied selectively to the first surface (2) of the membrane in the form of a pulsed, focused beam to form the nozzles (10) and thereafter the first surface (2) of the membrane and the surface of the diverging portion (11) of the nozzles (10) are electro-polished to remove surface imperfections. The electro-polishing is controlled so as to remove material from the surface of the diverging portion (11) of the nozzles to a depth less than the length of the throat portion (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.