Xerographic micro-assembler
US8082660B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53278
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Xerographic micro-assembler systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods involve manipulating charge-encoded micro-objects. The charge encoding identifies each micro-object and specifies its orientation for sorting. The micro-objects are sorted in a sorting unit so that they have defined positions and orientations. The sorting unit has the capability of electrostatically and magnetically manipulating the micro-objects based on their select charge encoding. The sorted micro-objects are provided to an image transfer unit. The image transfer unit is adapted to receive the sorted micro-objects, maintain them in their sorted order and orientation, and deliver them to a substrate. Maintaining the sorted order as the micro-objects are delivered to the substrate may be accomplished through the use of an electrostatic image, as is done in xerography. The substrate with the micro-objects is further processed to interconnect the micro-objects—through electrical wiring, for example—to form the final micro-assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.