Fluid handling – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2005-08-30
2005-08-30
Keasel, Eric (Department: 3754)
Fluid handling
Processes
C251S011000, C251S062000, C251S089000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06935355
ABSTRACT:
An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2945504 (1960-07-01), Bredtschneider et al.
patent: 3256686 (1966-06-01), Lindberg
patent: 4377209 (1983-03-01), Golben
patent: 5731797 (1998-03-01), Akiyama et al.
patent: 5738658 (1998-04-01), Maus et al.
patent: 5810325 (1998-09-01), Carr
patent: 5847280 (1998-12-01), Sherman et al.
patent: 5871342 (1999-02-01), Harte et al.
patent: 5959338 (1999-09-01), Youngner et al.
patent: 5997527 (1999-12-01), Gumucio et al.
patent: 6023121 (2000-02-01), Dhuler et al.
patent: 6102897 (2000-08-01), Lang
patent: 6241480 (2001-06-01), Chu et al.
patent: 6288437 (2001-09-01), Forbes et al.
patent: 6367251 (2002-04-01), Wood
patent: 6435396 (2002-08-01), Eldridge
patent: 19749011 (1998-05-01), None
U.S. Appl. No. 60/114,203.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/258,363, Forbes et al., filed Feb. 26, 1999.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/546,084, Eldridge, filed Apr. 10, 2000.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/773,522, Farrar et al., filed Feb. 20, 2001.
Case Western Reserve University, R. Quinn, Biologically Inspired Robotics Laboratory, 2 pages, http://biorobots.cwru.edu/, Jun. 6, 2002; “Micro-Cricket Series Robots,” 2 pages, http://biorobots.cwru.edu/projects/c_mrobot/c_mrobot.htm, Jun. 6, 2002; Bio-Robotics Lab Publications, 4 pages, http://biorobots.cwru.edu/publications/publicat.htm, Jun. 6, 2002.
E.A. Avallone and T. Baumeister III, “Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers,” 10thEd., Section 3.3 “Mechanics of Fluids by J.W. Murdock,” McGraw Hill, (1996), pp. 3-29—3-61.
V.J. Minkiewicz, J. Stasiak, J.O. Moore, R. Eaton and J.M. Eldridge, “Some Properties of a-SixC1-x:H Films Prepared by a Mixed Frequency PECVD Process,” 1992 Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, San Francisco, California, vol. 268, pp. 133-138.
S. Dushman and J.M. Lafferty, Revised by David G. Worden, “Flow of Gases Through Tubes and Orifices,” Scientific Foundations of Vacuum Technique, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, Second Edition, Chapter 2, (1962), pp. 80-117.
S. Dushman and J.M. Lafferty, Revised by Francis J. Norton, “Gases and Metals,” Scientific Foundations of Vacuum Technique, John Wiley & Sons, New York, Second Edition, Chapter 8, (1962), pp. 516-559.
Fraunhofer ISE, Public Relations, Fuel Cell Supplies Electricity for Laptop, “Banded-Structure Membrane Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Storage in a Hydribe,” http://www.ise.fhg.de/Products/brennstoffzelle.html Jun. 6, 2002, 3 pages.
JMC (USA), Inc., Hydrogen Storage Alloy Applications, “Hydrogen Storage Alloys for Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries,” http://www.jmcusa.com/mh2.html, Jun. 6, 2002, 4 pages.
Keasel Eric
Micro)n Technology, Inc.
Perkins Coie LLP
LandOfFree
Small scale actuators and methods for their formation and use does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Small scale actuators and methods for their formation and use, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Small scale actuators and methods for their formation and use will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3523754