Self-cleaning adhesive structure and methods
US7785422B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB81B3/0062
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transporting an object from one workstation to another, where the object or workstations may be contaminated with unwanted dirt or dust particles, are disclosed. The object is gripped at one work station with a movable transfer arm. The movable transfer arm has an end effector including an array of nano-scale projections, where each projection provides one or more distal contact ends. The density of the contact ends is such as to grip a surface of the object with an intermolecular force sufficient to hold the object for movement After moving the gripped object to the workstation, the end effector is manipulated to release the gripped object. Before, during or after transport of the object, the arm's end effector is brought into contact with a cleaning surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.