Kathleen Kane Boyce

US Patent:

20060131163, Jun 22, 2006

Filed:

Dec 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/014490

Inventors:

Ping Mei - Palo Alto CA, US
Jurgen Daniel - Mountain View CA, US
James Boyce - Los Altos CA, US
Kathleen Boyce - Ashland OR, US
Jackson Ho - Palo Alto CA, US
Rachel Lau - San Jose CA, US
Yu Wang - Union City CA, US

International Classification:

C25D 21/12

US Classification:

204228800, 204228900, 204230700

Abstract:

Cells can include variable volumes defined between a flexible structure, such as a polymer layer, and a support surface, with the flexible structure and support surface being attached in a first region that surrounds a second region in which they are unattached. Various adhesion structures can attach the flexible structure and the support surface. When unstretched, the flexible structure can lie in a flat position on the support surface. In response to a stretching force away from the support surface, the flexible structure can move out of the flat position, providing the variable volume. Electrodes, such as on the flexible structure, on the support surface, and over the flexible structure, can have charge levels that couple with each other and with the variable volume. A support structure can include a device layer with signal circuitry that provides a signal path between an electrode and external circuitry. One or more ducts can provide fluid communication with each cell's variable volume. Arrays of such cells can be implemented for various applications, such as optical modulators, displays, printheads, and microphones.