Patent ID: 7517479
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: D01D

Abstract:
1. A method of making small diameter fibers by electrospinning comprising the steps of: providing a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Structures) device, having an array of electrospray conductive needles, formed on a base of conductive material, having conductive needles characterized to operate as individual electrospray emitters, each electrospray needle having a conductive needle tip, providing a conductive target having a flat target surface and an adjustable voltage source connected to apply voltage between the MEMS device and the conductive target, positioning the MEMS device electrospray needle tips to be in close parallel relation with the flat target surface, supplying a liquified fiber material to the base of conductive material, the liquefied fiber material wicking from the base to the conductive needle tips, adjusting the voltage source to form at least one Taylor cone extending from a conductive needle tip to the flat target surface.