US4754900A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of and apparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of a liquid metal
Assignee: Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp
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Filing: 1987-10-23
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Granted: 1988-07-05
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Expires: 2007-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A controlled volume of a liquid metal is dispensed from a ceramic capillary tube. A wetted film of the liquid metal is applied to the tip of the tube and the liquid metal is inserted into the interior of the tube. The tube contacts a receiving surface with the wetted film and ultrasonic energy is applied to the tube to dispense a small control volume with extreme precision.
Inventors
- 👤 Colin A. MacKay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 00:30
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D39/00; B22D39/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of a liquid metal comprising, a capillary tube for receiving a liquid metal, an ultrasonic transmitting means connected to the capillary tube, and a wetted film of said liquid metal applied to the bottom of the capillary tube whereby when the wetted film contacts a receiving surface and the capillary tube is ultrasonically vibrated a controlled volume of metal is dispensed on the receiving surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of a liquid metal comprising, a capillary tube for receiving a liquid metal, an ultrasonic transmitting means connected to the capillary tube, and a wetted film of said liquid metal applied to the bottom of the capillary tube whereby when the wetted film contacts a receiving surface and the capillary tube is ultrasonically vibrated a controlled volume of metal is dispensed on the receiving surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the capillary tube is ceramic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the capillary tube is glass.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for heating the capillary tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the diameter of the interior of the capillary at the bottom is approximately 0.002 inches.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of dispensing a controlled amount of a liquid metal comprising, applying a wetted film of the liquid metal around the bottom tip of a capillary tube, inserting the liquid metal into the capillary tube, contacting a receiving surface with the wetted film of the capillary tube, and applying ultrasonic energy to the capillary tube.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of dispensing a controlled amount of a liquid metal comprising, applying a wetted film of the liquid metal around the bottom tip of a capillary tube, inserting the liquid metal into the capillary tube, contacting a receiving surface with the wetted film of the capillary tube, and applying ultrasonic energy to the capillary tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the capillary tube is ceramic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the capillary tube is glass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the diameter of the interior of the tip of the capillary tube is approximately 0.002 inches.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 6 including heating the capillary tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the liquid metal is selected from a group consisting of mercury, gallium, gallium-indium eutectic, gallium-indium-tin eutectic, gallium-nickel, gallium-copper, and gallium-silver.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-07-05 | 1992-01-04 | 1992-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-07-05 | 1996-01-04 | 1996-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-07-05 | 2000-01-04 | 2000-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |