Switch for use in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and MEMS devices incorporating same

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8138859
APP PUB NO 20090260960A1
SERIAL NO

12106364

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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Embodiments of the present invention provide microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switching methods and apparatus having improved performance and lifetime as compared to conventional MEMS switches. In some embodiments, a MEMS switch may include a resilient contact element comprising a beam and a tip configured to wipe a contact surface; and a MEMS actuator having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and are movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. In some embodiments, various contact elements are provided for the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, various actuators are provided for control of the operation of the MEMS switch.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • FORMFACTOR, INC.

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gritters, John K Livermore, US 23 271
Hobbs, Eric D Livermore, US 57 850
Park, Sangtae Dublin, US 45 874
Yao, Jun Jason San Ramon, US 9 264

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