Abstract:
A novel ceramic material for sacrificial layers used in the process for fabricating "micromachines" having dimensions of several tens micrometers to several hundreds micrometers. The sacrificial layers are made of oxide ceramic containing rare earth, Ba and Cu such as Re₁Ba₂Cu₃O 7-x (Re = rare earth) which can be etched easily and selectively with HCl solution (1/1000) without spoiling dimensional precision of the machine elements.
Abstract:
A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft. In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure methods and systems for micro transmissions for micro machines may be provided. Micro machines may include micro structures configured to move into engagement with other micro structures. A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shaft oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the shaft. For example micro machines may include micro rotary machines and micro transport machines.
Abstract:
A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft. In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure methods and systems for micro transmissions for micro machines may be provided. Micro machines may include micro structures configured to move into engagement with other micro structures. A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shaft oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the shaft. For example micro machines may include micro rotary machines and micro transport machines.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a generally planar outer frame defining an inner structural portion; a plurality of first multi-angular elements (MAEs), each having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portions are operably coupled to the outer frame, and wherein the plurality of first MAEs extend from the outer frame into the inner structural portion; and a plurality of second MAEs, each having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portions of the first and second MAEs are operably coupled to define an aperture. A microcamera includes a microautofocus system configured to focus light, and a microaperture configured to control a light passage. The microautofocus system employs a MEMS device to actuate a shape of a lends. A method of fabricating and operating the MEMS is also provided.
Abstract:
A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.
Abstract:
A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shall oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.
Abstract:
A system and method are disclosed which enable post-fabrication reduction of minimum feature size spacing of microcomponents. A method for producing an assembly of microcomponents is provided, in which at least two microcomponents are fabricated having a separation space therebetween. At least one of the microcomponents includes an extension part that is operable to reduce the separation space. Such an extension part may include an extension member that is movably extendable away from its associated microcomponent to reduce the separation space between its associated microcomponent and another microcomponent. The extension part may be latched at a desired position by a latching mechanism. The extension part may be implemented such that the extension member eliminates the separation space, thereby resulting in such extension member engaging another microcomponent. Such engagement may be achieved without requiring power to be applied to the microcomponents. Certain embodiments are insensitive to etching inaccuracy encountered during fabrication.