Patent ID: 6113722
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B81C,B82Y,F15C,F28F,H01H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
Process for making a device, said device containing one or more microscopic hollow tubes positioned in a pre-selected, non-random orientation, said device have been made by a process comprising the steps of:selecting one or more discrete fibers having a radial cross-section and axial configuration desired for the inner surface of said microscopic hollow tubes, said one or more fibers having a diameter of at least 0.1 microns and a predetermined rate of chemical reaction, solvation, decomposition, depolymerization or phase change, within a specific environment as noted in the last step;positioning discrete fiber(s) in a preform in a pre-selected, non-random orientation corresponding to a desired final tube location, orientation and configuration,adjusting the temperature of said one or more fibers to a deposition temperature of a tube material,depositing said tube material on said one or more fibers to coat said one or more fibers to a thickness of at least 1 nanometer, said tube material having a predetermined rate of chemical reaction, solvation, decomposition, depolymerization, or phase change within a specific environment; which is lower than said predetermined rate of chemical reaction, solvation, decomposition, depolymerization or phase change of said one or more fibers;placing said preform containing one or more discrete coated fibers positioned in said pre-selected, non-random orientation in said chemical reaction, solvation, decomposition, depolymerization, or phase change environment; andconducting a chemical reaction, solvation, decomposition, depolymerization, phase change or a combination of these techniques to thereby remove said one or more fibers from said tube material without destroying said tube material.