Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a micro structure, includes the steps of: preparing separate first and second substrates, the first substrate having a first surface on which a first structural body having a first height and a second structural body having a second height greater than the first height of the first structural body are arranged, the second substrate having a second surface; then placing the first and second substrates to cause the first and second surfaces to face each other across the first and second structural bodies; and then bonding the first and second substrates to each other while compressing the second structural body in a height direction thereof between the first and second surfaces to cause the second structural body to have a height defined by the first structural body.
Abstract:
An apparatus to hold hollow fibers for transporting fluid may include a channel such as a connecting channel, for example formed in a substrate, including extensions or ridges to hold a hollow fiber. The pullout force for the hollow fiber may exceed the mechanical strength of the hollow fiber. A method for making such a device, or for making a nanofluidic connector, may include forming or drilling holes on a substrate along a line, where the holes are generally perpendicular to the substrate and have a desired depth.
Abstract:
An apparatus including at least three deflectable members each configured to deflect during assembly with a component, and also configured to remain in contact with the component after assembly with the component. At least one of the deflectable members and the component has a thickness not greater than about 1000 microns.
Abstract:
A MEMS microconnector including a compliant handle and a deflectable connection member. The compliant handle is configured to frictionally engage a manipulation probe. The deflectable connection member includes a first end coupled to the handle and a second end configured to deflect and thereby engage a receptacle in response to disengagement of the manipulation probe from the handle.
Abstract:
A system and method which provide a general-purpose snap connector suitable for coupling microcomponents are disclosed. A snap connector is disclosed that is suitable for performing general assembly, including out-of-plane, 3-D assembly of microcomponents, wherein such microcomponents may be securely coupled together. That is, a snap connector is disclosed which enables microcomponents to be coupled in a manner that constrains undesirable movement of the coupled components relative to each other. Preferably, such a snap connector may be pressure fit with a receptacle (or aperture) of a mating component in a manner that constrains translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the mating component relative to the snap connector. A preferred embodiment provides a “preloaded” snap connector that may be utilized to perform general assembly of microcomponents. An alternative embodiments provides a non-preloaded snap connector suitable for performing general assembly of microcomponents. Still a further alternative embodiment provides a “squeeze” snap connector that is suitable for performing general assembly of microcomponents. Such snap connectors may be implemented as an integrated part of a microcomponent, or they may be implemented as separate, stand-alone snap connectors. For example, a dual-ended snap connector is disclosed herein, which may be coupled to a first microcomponent, and then used to couple the first microcomponent to a second microcomponent.
Abstract:
The present invention provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using the same, which facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from a microfluidic channel located within the microfluidic devices.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to modular system for micro-nano manipulation of samples. The modular system of the present invention comprises changeable tool tips which may be provided in an array, and a tool body. Each changeable tool tip comprises an end effector connected to a base having mating structures. The tool body includes an arm having slits having dimensions and being disposed on the arm so as to detachably couple with the mating structures of the tool tip. The slits may include an opening with rounded corners for receiving the mating structures, and tapered side walls for frictionally fitting the mating structures. The present invention relates also to a connection system for connecting a micro-dimensional tool body to a changeable micro-dimensional tool tip and to a manipulation tool for use with changeable tool tips of the present invention.
Abstract:
The invention provides droplet actuators with droplet operations surfaces for manipulating droplets, e.g., by conducting droplet operations. The droplet operations surfaces are typically exposed to a droplet operations gap. One or more regions of a droplet operation surface may include patterned topographic features. The invention also provides a droplet actuator in which one or both gap-facing droplet operations surfaces is formed using a removable film. The removable film may, in various embodiments, also include other components ordinarily associated with the droplet actuator substrate, such as the dielectric layer and the electrodes. Further, the invention provides droplet actuator devices and methods for coupling and/or sealing substrates of a droplet actuator, such as techniques for self-aligning assembly of droplet actuator substrates. The invention provides droplet actuators and methods of disassembling the droplet actuator in order to provide access for cleaning and/or recycling of droplet actuator surfaces.
Abstract:
A system and method for storing potential energy in a microcomponent is disclosed comprising a multi-stable element having two or more equilibrium states and a stopper to restrict the multi-stable element from entering at least one of the two or more equilibrium states. The pre-charged microcomponent may then preferably be transported to another location and use the stored potential energy to perform some action.