Self-cleaning adhesive structure and methods
US7921858B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB81B3/0062
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for transporting an object from one workstation to another, where the object or workstations may be contaminated with unwanted dirt or dust particles. A movable transfer arm connected to a control unit 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 in accordance with a control unit program. In accordance with a control unit program, after moving the gripped object to the workstation, the end effector is manipulated to release the gripped object, and before, during or after transport of the object, bring the arm's end effector into contact with a cleaning surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.