326 results about "Micro devices" patented technology

A lead assembly (20) for a small implantable medical device (10) (a.k.a., microdevice (10) provides means to attach a remote electrode (14) to microdevice (10), which means inhibit fluid ingress when microdevice (10) is not attached to lead assembly (20). Microdevices may provide either or both tissue stimulation and sensing. Known microdevices (10) include spaced apart electrodes (12a, 12b) on the outer surface of the microdevice. Lead assembly (20) includes an insulated lead (16) including a proximal end and a distal end, with at least one conductor therebetween; at least one electrode (14) at the distal end of the lead and electrically connected to the at least one conductor, and a connector (18) attached to the proximal end of the lead and adapted to be removably connectable to microdevice (10). Connector (18) includes at least one contact (22) to electrically connect at least one device electrode (12a) on microdevice (10) to at least one conductor, thereby electrically connecting at least electrode (12a) and the at least one electrode (14) at the distal end of lead (16). Lead assembly (20) is configured to inhibit fluid ingress into the connector (18). A number of embodiments of the invention, capable of inhibiting fluid ingress into connector (18), are taught.

A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.

A method of transferring a micro device and an array of micro devices are disclosed. A carrier substrate carrying a micro device connected to a bonding layer is heated to a temperature below a liquidus temperature of the bonding layer, and a transfer head is heated to a temperature above the liquidus temperature of the bonding layer. Upon contacting the micro device with the transfer head, the heat from the transfer head transfers into the bonding layer to at least partially melt the bonding layer. A voltage applied to the transfer head creates a grip force which picks up the micro device from the carrier substrate.

A method and structure for stabilizing an array of micro devices is disclosed. The array of micro devices is formed on an array of stabilization posts formed from a thermoset material. Each micro device includes a bottom surface that is wider than a corresponding stabilization post directly underneath the bottom surface.

A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.

A method of forming and handling an array of micro-devices such as thin film devices that enables simultaneous mass handling and processing of these thin film devices. A plurality of micro-devices and links are simultaneously formed on a wafer, with the links interconnecting the micro-devices for maintaining a unitary array structure. A matrix of magnetic strips is then formed to impart added overall tensile strength to the array. The magnetic strips are secured to the links and form a planar support grid therewith. The array of micro-devices is then released from the wafer and lifted therefrom by means of a magnetic pick-up tool. Using the pick-up tool, the array is transferred onto a magnetic chuck which securely retains the array. Conductive wires are bonded to a row of micro-devices which are then separated from the array into individual micro-devices.

The disclosed technology relates generally to methods and systems for controlling the release of micro devices. Prior to transferring micro devices to a destination substrate, a native substrate is formed with micro devices thereon. The micro devices can be distributed over the native substrate and spatially separated from each other by an anchor structure. The anchors are physically connected / secured to the native substrate. Tethers physically secure each micro device to one or more anchors, thereby suspending the micro device above the native substrate. In certain embodiments, single tether designs are used to control the relaxation of built-in stress in releasable structures on a substrate, such as Si (1 1 1). Single tether designs offer, among other things, the added benefit of easier break upon retrieval from native substrate in micro assembly processes. In certain embodiments, narrow tether designs are used to avoid pinning of the undercut etch front.

A method and structure for stabilizing an array of micro devices is disclosed. The array of micro devices is formed on an array of stabilization posts formed from a thermoset material. Each micro device includes a bottom surface that is wider than a corresponding stabilization post directly underneath the bottom surface.

Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool manipulator assembly allows active alignment between an array of electrostatic transfer heads on a micro pick up array and an array of micro devices on a carrier substrate. Displacement of a compliant element of the mass transfer tool manipulator assembly may be sensed to control alignment between the array of electrostatic transfer heads and the array of micro devices.

A micro-device for testing for agents in a fluid including at least one micro-chamber and a sensor for sensing agents in the fluid, the sensor is located within the micro-chamber. A micro-device for testing for agents in a fluid including a micro-chamber and a micro-fluidic system, the micro-fluidic system is used for pumping the fluid into the micro-chamber. A micro-device for testing for agents in a fluid including a miniature micro-chamber for testing for agents in a small amount of fluid.

The invention discloses a device for detecting attitudes of micro-devices on line during assembly based on micro-vision. The device is suitable for detecting the attitudes of the micro-devices and aligning and assembling the micro-devices, comprises a control host, a three-path orthogonal micro-vision system, a vision system attitude adjusting mechanism, micro-device clamping devices, micro-device attitude adjusting motion mechanisms, a light source system and a digital prototype and has twenty-five degrees of freedom, wherein the two micro-devices are arranged on the corresponding clamping devices; the clamping devices are arranged on the corresponding motion mechanisms; and the digital prototype can feed back the attitudes of the micro-devices, which are detected on line, in real time and can observe the current assembly state of the micro-devices in 360-degree panoramic and zoom modes. Millimeter-level micro-parts can be conveniently and efficiently detected and assembled on line in a man-machine cooperation mode, the size range of the assembled parts is 10 to 12mu m, detection position accuracy is 3 to 5mu m, angle accuracy is 0.3 to 0.5 degree, and a wide application prospect and considerable social and economic benefits are achieved.

The disclosed technology relates generally to methods and systems for controlling the release of micro devices. Prior to transferring micro devices to a destination substrate, a native substrate is formed with micro devices thereon. The micro devices can be distributed over the native substrate and spatially separated from each other by an anchor structure. The anchors are physically connected / secured to the native substrate. Tethers physically secure each micro device to one or more anchors, thereby suspending the micro device above the native substrate. In certain embodiments, single tether designs are used to control the relaxation of built-in stress in releasable structures on a substrate, such as Si (1 1 1). Single tether designs offer, among other things, the added benefit of easier break upon retrieval from native substrate in micro assembly processes. In certain embodiments, narrow tether designs are used to avoid pinning of the undercut etch front.

Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a micro pick up array mount includes a pivot platform to allow a micro pick up array to automatically align with a carrier substrate. Deflection of the pivot platform may be detected to control further movement of the micro pick up array.

In a projection optical system which forms an image of a first plane on a second plane, using extreme ultraviolet illumination light, an object of the invention is to form an image on the first plane on the second plane under suitable conditions. This projection optical system comprises a first diffractive optical element arranged in an optical path between the first plane and the second plane; a second diffractive optical element arranged in the optical path on the side of the second plane from the first diffractive optical element; and an optical system having a negative power, arranged in the optical path between the first diffractive optical element and the second diffractive optical element.

A method and structure for stabilizing an array of micro devices is disclosed. A stabilization layer includes an array of stabilization cavities and array of stabilization posts. Each stabilization cavity includes sidewalls surrounding a stabilization post. The array of micro devices is on the array of stabilization posts. Each micro device in the array of micro devices includes a bottom surface that is wider than a corresponding stabilization post directly underneath the bottom surface.

The invention relates to novel polymer-based microstructures, with outstanding shape accuracy and cost-effective processing. The novel polymers are based on hyperbranched macromolecules and enable remarkable property combination such as reduced shrinkage and associated low stress, high shape fidelity and high aspect ratio in patterned microstructures, with additional benefit of fast and low-cost production methods. The invention also relates to methods to produce these microstructures. The polymer-based microstructures are relevant for, but not limited to micro- and nano- technologies applications, including lab-on-a-chip devices, opto-electronic and micro- electromechanical devices, optical detection methods, in fields of use as diverse as automotive, aerospace, information technologies, medical and biotechnologies, and energy systems.

A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing information relating to damage incurred by a vehicle in an accident. A first plurality of markers with a first set of identifiers is embedded in a coating applied to a component of a first vehicle and a second plurality of markers with a second set of identifiers is embedded in a coating applied to a component of a second vehicle. Markers from the first vehicle are transferred to the second vehicle upon impact during an accident. The transferred markers are read by a marker reader and then processed to determine the identity of the first vehicle.

Methods and devices for monitoring intra-ocular pressure of a patient using a miniature implantable sensor device are provided herein. Methods include obtaining multiple pressure measurements each day during an increment of an extended monitoring period according to a sampling program and wirelessly transmitting stored measurement data and wirelessly charging the device. Measurements and data process is performed with low power requirements such that sampling can be performed hourly for at least one week using energy stored on the miniature device and measurement data can be transmitted and the device charged rapidly when an external portable data acquisition / charging device is held in proximity to the device. In one aspect, methods include switching between differing use modes and powering the sampling device with a high impedance battery by switching between a supercapacitor and the battery with a microcontroller to perform impedance conversion.

Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool manipulator assembly allows active alignment between an array of electrostatic transfer heads on a micro pick up array and an array of micro devices on a carrier substrate. Displacement of a compliant element of the mass transfer tool manipulator assembly may be sensed to control alignment between the array of electrostatic transfer heads and the array of micro devices.

Fibres with an extraction phase coated thereon in combination with a positioning device are described to perform adsorption of components of interest from an animal or animal tissue for the investigation of living systems. A number of interfaces to analytical instrumentation are disclosed including mass spectrometry, LC / MS, MALDI and CE as well as direct spectroscopic on-fibre measurement.

A microfabricated device having a liquid transportation system which is formed in / on a polymer material (plastics) that is a polymerised aliphatic monomer containing unsaturation.

The invention, which belongs to the technical field of the micro energy storage device, particularly relates to a stretchable linear supercapacitor and a lithium ion battery preparation method. A spring-like oriented carbon nanotube fiber is prepared and is twisted to form a spiral unit, wherein the spiral unit can be stretched by over 300%; and then the processed fiber is used as the electrode to construct a stretchable supercapacitor. Moreover, the fiber can be combined with lithium manganate and lithium titanate nano particles to form composite fibers respectively used as the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and thus a stretchable lithium ion battery can be constructed. According to the invention, compared with other micro devices, the stretchable linear supercapacitor and stretchable linear lithium ion battery have novel structures. The stretching function can be realized without the need of an elastic substrate, thereby reducing the weight and size of the device and improving the specific capacity and the energy density of the device and thus providing the important innovation for the micro device field. Meanwhile, the supercapacitor and the battery having high flexibility are easy to manufacture and integrate and have good application prospects.

Microdevices are disclosed to efficiently, accurately, and rapidly isolate and enumerate rare cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from liquids such as whole blood. The system employs multiple parallel meandering channels having a width on the order of 1-2 cell diameters. The microdevices can be produced at low-cost, may readily be automated, and in many instances may be used without pre-processing of the sample. They may be used to isolate and enumerate rare cells, including for example the detection and diagnosis of cancers, cancer staging, or evaluating the effectiveness of a therapeutic intervention, or detecting pathogenic bacteria. The device may optionally be used to nondestructively capture and later to release target cells.