Patent ID: 8287744
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: B01J,B01L,B41J,B82Y,C40B,G01N,G03F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a fluidic conduit, the method comprising: forming a plurality of spring material islands in an array pattern on a release material layer such that each of the plurality of spring material islands has an internal stress gradient in a direction normal to the release material layer, wherein each of the plurality of spring material islands is disposed on a corresponding portion of the release material layer and includes a single-piece construction having a fixed portion and a cantilever portion, wherein the cantilever portion of each said spring material island has a fixed end integrally attached to said fixed portion; removing a first portion of the release material layer from beneath the cantilever portion of each of the plurality of spring material islands, thereby causing the cantilever portion to assume a curvature bending away from a second portion of the release layer due to the internal stress gradient, whereby the fixed end of each said spring material island remains connected to the substrate by an associated said second portion of the release material layer; and defining a first channel in the cantilever portion of each of the plurality of spring material islands for carrying fluid along the cantilever portion of each said spring material island, the first channel running substantially parallel to the curvature of the cantilever portion and being formed such that each said spring material island maintains said single-piece construction.