The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 23, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 06, 2000
Roland Bernard, Viuz-la-Chiesaz, FR;
Eric Chevalier, Annecy le Vieux, FR;
Alcatel, Paris, FR;
Abstract
A mini-environment control device includes an individual enclosure to contain a sample and to isolate it from the external environment. An array of micropumps attached to the individual enclosure generates and maintains a controlled vacuum in the individual enclosure. Transfer means introduce the sample into the individual enclosure and extract it therefrom. The micropumps of the array of micropumps can be of a type employing the thermal transpiration effect. Temperature and pressure microsensors and a gas analyzer enable the operation of the array of micropumps to be controlled by an onboard microcomputer. The atmosphere surrounding a sample is therefore controlled.