October 8, 2008
On August 12, 2008, two new Mikro Systems’ patents were issued by the U.S. Patent Office: “Methods for Manufacturing Three-Dimensional Devices and Devices Created Thereby” (No. 7,410,606 B2) and “Devices, Methods and Systems Involving Castings” (No. 7,411,204 B2).
These are the second and third in a series of patent applications related to Mikro Systems’ innovative manufacturing technology platform. This process, known as Tomo Lithographic Molding (TOMOSM), allows cost-effective, time-saving, high-volume manufacturing of structures and devices with individual features dimensioned as small as 50 microns (half the diameter of a human hair) and with aspect ratios (height/width) up to 50:1.
Using the TOMOSM process, complex 3D solids composed of advanced materials such as metal/polymer composites, ceramics, and/or plastics can be produced at a fraction of the cost of alternative technologies. This patent addresses the methods of manufacturing such devices. Mikro Systems is currently applying these methods and systems of manufacturing in several commercial areas, including radiation detection and imaging, turbine airfoil manufacture and structural composites.
Mikro Systems’ strategic management plan for its intellectual property includes patent filings, trade secret criteria and technology licensing agreements. Additional U.S. and international patent applications are still pending which address specific devices and application areas in which the TOMOSM process can be used.