Direct acting vertical thermal actuator with controlled bending

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6531947
SERIAL NO

09659798

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator with controlled bending capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator bends generally at the flexure so that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYP O BOX 33427 ST PAUL MN 55133-3427

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Goetz, Douglas P St. Paul, MN 17 740
Hagen, Kathy L Stillwater, MN 18 498
Hamerly, Mike E Vadnais Heights, MN 14 435
Smith, Robert G Vadnais Heights, MN 37 644
Theiss, Silva K Woodbury, MN 20 593
Weaver, Billy L Eagan, MN 52 2049

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation