Ferrofluidics Corporation

Other

Ultrasource, Inc.

William B Mraz

Michael D Casper

Thomas J Black, Jr

David T Mooney

Larry A Hufford

Robert C Watkins

Paul E McMahan

A system and method for the fabrication of high reliability capacitors (), inductors (), and multi-layer interconnects () (including resistors ()) on various thin film hybrid substrate surfaces () is disclosed. The disclosed method first employs a thin metal layer () deposited and patterned on the substrate (). This thin patterned layer () is used to provide both lower electrodes for capacitor structures () and interconnects () between upper electrode components. Next, a dielectric layer () is deposited over the thin patterned layer () and the dielectric layer () is patterned to open contact holes () to the thin patterned layer. The upper electrode layers () are then deposited and patterned on top of the dielectric ().

Integrated thin film capacitor/inductor/interconnect system and method

A system and method for the fabrication of high reliability high performance Lange couplers (optionally including capacitors (), inductors (), multi-layer interconnects (), and resistors ()) on various thin film hybrid substrate surfaces () is disclosed. The disclosed Lange coupler method first employs a thin metal layer () deposited and patterned on the substrate (). This thin patterned layer () is used to provide both lower electrodes for capacitor structures () and interconnects () between upper electrode components. Next, a dielectric layer () is deposited over the thin patterned layer () and the dielectric layer () is patterned to open contact holes () to the thin patterned layer. The upper electrode layers () are then deposited and patterned on top of the dielectric (). The resulting Lange coupler structure has significantly improved electrical performance over the prior art, while incorporating overall structural integrity superior to that of the prior art.

Lange coupler system and method

A system and method for the fabrication of high reliability capacitors ( ), inductors ( ), and multi-layer interconnects ( ) (including resistors ( )) on various thin film hybrid substrate surfaces ( ) is disclosed. The disclosed method first employs a thin metal layer ( ) deposited and patterned on the substrate ( ). This thin patterned layer ( ) is used to provide both lower electrodes for capacitor structures ( ) and interconnects ( ) between upper electrode components. Next, a dielectric layer ( ) is deposited over the thin patterned layer ( ) and the dielectric layer ( ) is patterned to open contact holes ( ) to the thin patterned layer. The upper electrode layers ( ) are then deposited and patterned on top of the dielectric ( ).

An on-site fillable ferrofluidic seal comprises a ferrofluidic seal having at least one ferrofluid conducting channel extending through either the magnet, through one of the pole pieces which sandwich the opposing pole ends of the magnet, or through both the magnet and a pole piece. The conducting channel extends to a location where deposited ferrofluid will be drawn to the gaps between the pole pieces and the shaft. In another embodiment a multi-stage seal is filled by displacing the pole piece/magnet assembly axially relative to the shaft so that each pole piece projection falls halfway axially between two shaft projections. The displacement alters the normal magnetic field pattern to create a substantially uniform magnetic field throughout the pole piece/shaft interface region such that ferrofluid can be drawn through the region. When the shaft is returned to its original position with respect to the pole piece/magnet assembly, that is, when the pole piece projections are re-aligned axially with the shaft projections, a series of stages of the multi-stage hermetic 'O-ring' seal are created. An alternative embodiment of the invention uses the capillary action of the liquid to maintain a multistage seal which holds the liquid in place using axially aligned wettable and non-wettable surfaces on a shaft and stator surrounding the shaft. With the wettable surfaces of the shaft axially aligned with those of the stator, the liquid congregates in the gaps formed between the wettable surfaces of the shaft and stator. Filling of the seal is accomplished by displacing the shaft relative to the stator such that each wettable surface on the shaft axially overlaps two wettable surfaces on the stator, thus providing a path of wettable surfaces which allow the liquid to flow along the length of the seal.

On-site fillable liquid magnetic seal

A ferrofluidic seal is fitted with a centering ring having an inner edge adapted for engagement with a rotating shaft for centering the seal about the rotating shaft. The centering ring automatically engages the shaft and centers the seal when the seal is fitted onto the shaft. The centering ring is affixed to the housing, and/or magnet and pole module. In one embodiment, the centering ring may be removed after it performs its centering function. In another embodiment, the centering ring is non-removable and remains within the seal permanently. According to this latter embodiment, the centering ring serves the additional purpose of retaining ferrofluid, expelled from the seal during 'bursting', within magnetic reach of the seal so as to be re-drawn into the seal, thus extending seal life. Additionally, a ferrofluid retaining ring absent a centering function may be employed. The centering ring provides for easy installation and accurate centering of a seal with which it is used, and yields a highly functional and operationally safe seal.

Ferrofluidic seal centering ring

An on-site fillable ferrofluidic seal comprises a ferrofluidic seal having at least one ferrofluid conducting channel extending through either the magnet, through one of the pole pieces which sandwich the opposing pole ends of the magnet, or through both the magnet and a pole piece. The conducting channel extends to a location where deposited ferrofluid will be drawn to the gaps between the pole pieces and the shaft. In another embodiment a multi-stage seal is filled by displacing the pole piece/magnet assembly axially relative to the shaft so that each pole piece projection falls halfway axially between two shaft projections. The displacement alters the normal magnetic field pattern to create a substantially uniform magnetic field throughout the pole piece/shaft interface region such that ferrofluid can be drawn through the region. When the shaft is returned to its original position with respect to the pole piece/magnet assembly, that is, when the pole piece projections are re-aligned axially with the shaft projections, a series of stages of the multi-stage hermetic 'O-ring' seal are created.

Growing community of inventors

Newfield, NH, United States of America

William B Mraz