公开(公告)号：US06367251B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-09

申请号：US09543540

申请日：2000-04-05

Applicant: Robert L. Wood

Inventor： Robert L. Wood

IPC: F01B2910

CPC classification number: H01H61/02 ,  H01H1/0036 ,  H01H2001/0042 ,  H01H2061/006

Abstract: Lockable microelectromechanical actuators include a microelectromechanical actuator, a thermoplastic material that is coupled to the microelectromechanical actuator to lock the microelectromechanical actuator, and a heater that melts the thermoplastic material to allow movement of the microelectromechanical actuator. When the thermoplastic material solidifies, movement of the microelectromechanical actuator can be locked, without the need to maintain power, in the form of electrical, magnetic and/or electrostatic energy, to the microelectromechanical actuator, and without the need to rely on mechanical friction to hold the microelectromechanical actuator in place. Thus, the thermoplastic material can act as a glue to hold structures in a particular position without the need for continuous power application. Moreover, it has been found unexpectedly, that the thermoplastic material can solidify rapidly enough to lock the microelectromechanical actuator at or near its most recent position.

Abstract translation: 可锁定的微机电致动器包括微机电致动器，耦合到微机电致动器以锁定微机电致动器的热塑性材料，以及熔化热塑性材料以允许微机电致动器移动的加热器。 当热塑性材料固化时，微机电致动器的移动可以被锁定，而不需要以电，磁和/或静电能的形式维持到微机电致动器的功率，并且不需要依赖机械摩擦 将微机电致动器固定就位。 因此，热塑性材料可以用作粘合剂以将结构保持在特定位置，而不需要连续施加电力。 此外，已经意外地发现，热塑性材料可以快速固化以将微机电致动器锁定在其最近位置处或其附近。

公开(公告)号：US06289338B1

公开(公告)日：2001-09-11

申请号：US09452905

申请日：1999-12-01

Applicant: Killian Stoffel ,  Robert L. Wood

Inventor： Killian Stoffel ,  Robert L. Wood

IPC: G06F1530

CPC classification number: G01R22/00 ,  G01D4/004 ,  G06F17/3061 ,  G06Q30/06 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y10S707/99933

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently analyzing databases. In one embodiment, the invention is used to analyze data represented in the form of attribute-value (a-v) pairs. A primary step in building the ontology is to identify parent, child and related a-v pairs of each given a-v pair in the database. A parent is an a-v pair that is always present whenever a given a-v pair is present. A child is an a-v pair that is never present unless the given a-v pair is present. Related pairs of a given a-v pair are those a-v pairs present some of the time when a given a-v pair is present. The system calculates relationships between a-v pairs to produce tables of a-v pairs presented according to the relationships. The user performs additional analysis by investigating the a-v pair relationships through a graphical user interface. Additional visualizations of the data are possible such as through Venn diagrams and animations. Plain-text data documents collected, for example, from the Internet can be analyzed. In this case, the system pre-processes the text data to build a-v pairs based on sentence syntax.

Abstract translation: 一种有效分析数据库的方法和系统。 在一个实施例中，本发明用于分析以属性值（a-v）对的形式表示的数据。 构建本体的一个主要步骤是识别数据库中每个给定a-v对的父，子和相关a-v对。 父母是一个a-v对，每当一个给定的a-v对存在时总是存在的。 一个孩子是一个永远不存在的a-v对，除非给定的a-v对存在。 给定a-v对的相关对是当存在给定a-v对时的某些时间的那些a-v对。 系统计算a-v对之间的关​​系，以产生根据关系呈现的a-v对的表。 用户通过图形用户界面调查a-v对关系来执行额外的分析。 数据的其他可视化是可能的，例如通过维恩图和动画。 可以分析从互联网收集的纯文本数据文件。 在这种情况下，系统会根据句子语法对文本数据进行预处理，以构建a-v对。

公开(公告)号：US06236139B1

公开(公告)日：2001-05-22

申请号：US09261483

申请日：1999-02-26

Applicant: Edward Hill ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan

Inventor： Edward Hill ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan

IPC: H02N1100

CPC classification number: H02N10/00 ,  B81B3/0024 ,  B81B3/0081 ,  H01H1/0036 ,  H01H2001/0042

Abstract: MEMS structures are provided that compensate for ambient temperature changes, process variations, and the like, and can be employed in many applications. These structures include an active microactuator adapted for thermal actuation to move in response to the active alteration of its temperature. The active microactuator may be further adapted to move in response to ambient temperature changes. These structures also include a temperature compensation element, such as a temperature compensation microactuator or frame, adapted to move in response to ambient temperature changes. The active microactuator and the temperature compensation element move cooperatively in response to ambient temperature changes. Thus, a predefined spatial relationship is maintained between the active microactuator and the associated temperature compensation microactuator over a broad range of ambient temperatures absent active alteration of the temperature of the active microactuator. In an alternative embodiment wherein the active microactuator is suspended within a frame above the substrate, the MEMS structure holds at least a portion of the active microactuator in a fixed position relative to the substrate over a broad range of ambient temperatures absent active alteration of the temperature of the active microactuator. By actively altering the temperature of the active microactuator, the active microactuator can be controllably moved relative to the temperature compensation microactuator and/or the underlying substrate. Related methods of compensating for the effects of ambient temperature variations are provided. Further, an overplating technique is provided for precisely sizing a gap defined within a MEMS structure.

Abstract translation: 提供了补偿环境温度变化，工艺变化等的MEMS结构，并且可以用于许多应用中。 这些结构包括适于热致动以响应于其温度的主动改变而移动的主动微型致动器。 活性微致动器可以进一步适于响应于环境温度变化而移动。 这些结构还包括适于响应于环境温度变化而移动的温度补偿元件，例如温度补偿微致动器或框架。 活动微型致动器和温度补偿元件响应于环境温度变化而协同运动。 因此，在活动微型致动器的温度的有效改变的情况下，在宽的环境温度范围内，在有源微致动器和相关联的温度补偿微致动器之间保持预定的空间关系。 在其中将活性微致动器悬挂在衬底上方的框架内的MEMS替代实施例中，MEMS结构将活性微致动器的至少一部分在宽的环境温度范围内保持在相对于衬底的固定位置，而没有主动改变温度 的活性微致动器。 通过主动地改变活性微致动器的温度，可以相对于温度补偿微致动器和/或底层衬底可控地移动活性微致动器。 提供了补偿环境温度变化影响的相关方法。 此外，提供了一种用于精确地确定在MEMS结构内限定的间隙的过平面技术。

公开(公告)号：US6023121A

公开(公告)日：2000-02-08

申请号：US232940

申请日：1999-01-19

Applicant: Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan

Inventor： Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan

IPC: B81B3/00 ,  B81C1/00 ,  F03G7/06 ,  F15C5/00 ,  F16K99/00 ,  G02B6/38 ,  G02B6/42 ,  H01H1/00 ,  H01H9/14 ,  H01H61/00 ,  H01H61/02 ,  H01H65/00 ,  H01H67/26 ,  H04Q1/16 ,  H02N10/00

CPC classification number: F16K99/0001 ,  B81B3/0024 ,  B81B3/0054 ,  F03G7/06 ,  F15C5/00 ,  F16K99/0011 ,  F16K99/0044 ,  H01H1/0036 ,  H01H61/02 ,  B81B2201/031 ,  B81B2201/054 ,  B81B2203/0109 ,  B81B2203/051 ,  F16K2099/0071 ,  F16K2099/0074 ,  F16K2099/008 ,  F16K99/0034 ,  G02B6/3803 ,  G02B6/4226 ,  H01H2001/0042 ,  H01H2001/0047 ,  H01H2001/0068 ,  H01H2061/006 ,  H01H61/00 ,  H01H67/26 ,  H01H9/14 ,  Y10T29/49105

Abstract: A MEMS actuator is provided that produces significant forces and displacements while consuming a reasonable amount of power. The MEMS actuator includes a microelectronic substrate, spaced apart supports on the substrate and a metallic arched beam extending between the spaced apart supports. The MEMS actuator also includes a heater for heating the arched beam to cause further arching of the beam. In order to effectively transfer heat from the heater to the metallic arched beam, the metallic arched beam extends over and is spaced, albeit slightly, from the heater. As such, the MEMS actuator effectively converts the heat generated by the heater into mechanical motion of the metallic arched beam. A family of other MEMS devices, such as relays, switching arrays and valves, are also provided that include one or more MEMS actuators in order to take advantage of its efficient operating characteristics. In addition, a method of fabricating a MEMS actuator is further provided.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种MEMS致动器，其在消耗合理的功率的同时产生显着的力和位移。 MEMS致动器包括微电子基板，在基板上的间隔开的支撑件和在间隔开的支撑件之间延伸的金属拱形梁。 MEMS致动器还包括用于加热拱形梁以进一步拱起梁的加热器。 为了有效地将热量从加热器传递到金属拱形梁，金属拱形梁从加热器延伸过去并且稍微间隔开。 因此，MEMS致动器有效地将由加热器产生的热量转换成金属拱形梁的机械运动。 还提供了一系列其它MEMS器件，例如继电器，开关阵列和阀，其包括一个或多个MEMS致动器以便利用其有效的操作特性。 此外，还提供了一种制造MEMS致动器的方法。

公开(公告)号：US5962949A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-05

申请号：US965277

申请日：1997-11-06

Applicant: Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Robert L. Wood

Inventor： Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Robert L. Wood

IPC: G01B21/00 ,  B25J7/00 ,  B81B3/00 ,  B81B7/02 ,  F03G7/06 ,  G01B7/004 ,  G01B7/34 ,  G01N27/00 ,  G02B6/38 ,  G02B6/42 ,  H01H1/00 ,  H01H9/14 ,  H01H61/00 ,  H01H37/32 ,  H01L37/00

CPC classification number: F03G7/06 ,  B81B3/0024 ,  B81B2201/032 ,  B81B2201/054 ,  B81B2203/0109 ,  B81B2203/051 ,  G02B6/3803 ,  G02B6/4226 ,  H01H1/0036 ,  H01H2001/0042 ,  H01H2001/0068 ,  H01H2061/006 ,  H01H61/00 ,  H01H9/14

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) positioning apparatus is provided that can precisely microposition an object in each of the X, Y and Z directions. The MEMS positioning apparatus includes a reference surface, a support disposed in a fixed position to the reference surface, and a stage defining an XY plane that is suspended adjacent to the support and over at least a portion of the reference surface. The MEMS positioning apparatus also includes at least one and, more typically, several actuators for precisely positioning the stage and, in turn, objects carried by the stage. For example, the MEMS positioning apparatus can include first and second MEMS actuators for moving the stage in the XY plane upon actuation. In addition, the MEMS positioning apparatus can include a Z actuator, such as a thermal bimorph structure, for moving the stage in the Z direction. As such, the MEMS positioning apparatus can precisely position the stage as well as any objects carried by the stage in each of the X, Y and Z directions. As a result of the construction of the MEMS positioning apparatus, the MEMS positioning apparatus can also be fabricated in an affordable, reliable and reproducible manner without compromising the precision alignment provided by the MEMS positioning apparatus.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种微机电（MEMS）定位装置，其能够精确地将对象在X，Y和Z方向中的每一个定位。 MEMS定位设备包括参考表面，设置在参考表面的固定位置的支撑件以及限定垂直于支撑件悬挂并在参考表面的至少一部分上方的XY平面的平台。 MEMS定位装置还包括至少一个并且更典型的几个致动器，用于精确地定位平台，并且依次由舞台承载的物体。 例如，MEMS定位装置可以包括用于在致动时在XY平面中移动台的第一和第二MEMS致动器。 此外，MEMS定位装置可以包括用于在Z方向上移动台的Z致动器，例如热双压电晶片结构。 因此，MEMS定位装置可以精确地定位舞台以及在X，Y和Z方向中的每一个中由舞台承载的任何物体。 作为MEMS定位装置的结构的结果，MEMS定位装置也可以以可承受的，可靠的和可再生的方式制造，而不会损害由MEMS定位装置提供的精确对准。

公开(公告)号：US08974069B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-10

申请号：US12506915

申请日：2009-07-21

Applicant: Ken G. Purchase ,  William R. LeFew ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Robert M. Soule, III

Inventor： Ken G. Purchase ,  William R. LeFew ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Robert M. Soule, III

IPC: G09F13/04 ,  G02B3/00 ,  G02B5/02 ,  G02F1/1335

CPC classification number: G09F13/0409 ,  G02B3/0043 ,  G02B3/005 ,  G02B5/0263 ,  G02F1/133604 ,  G02F2001/133607

Abstract: A diffuser is configured to diffuse radiation from multiple light sources. The diffuser includes a substrate having optical structures that exhibit both microvariations and macrovariations along the substrate. For example, an array of microlenses may be provided that include at least one feature that varies as a function of the spacing between the light sources. Lighting systems using these diffusers may also be provided.

Abstract translation: 扩散器被配置成扩散来自多个光源的辐射。 漫射器包括具有光学结构的衬底，其具有沿衬底的微变化和宏观变化。 例如，可以提供包括随着光源之间的间隔而变化的至少一个特征的微透镜阵列。 也可以提供使用这些扩散器的照明系统。

公开(公告)号：US20140022783A1

公开(公告)日：2014-01-23

申请号：US14007472

申请日：2012-03-29

Applicant: Thomas A. Rinehart ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Ken G. Purchase

Inventor： Thomas A. Rinehart ,  Robert L. Wood ,  Ken G. Purchase

IPC: G02B5/02 ,  F21V3/04

CPC classification number: G02B5/0221 ,  F21V3/049 ,  F21V5/002 ,  G02B5/0278 ,  G02B5/0294

Abstract: Light transmissive structures include a light transmissive substrate that includes optical microstructures. The optical microstructures have a geometric feature that is configured to reduce glare in light transmitted through the light transmissive structure. Moreover, the plurality of optical microstructures also have a geometric feature that is configured to vary randomly and/or pseudorandomly across the light transmissive substrate so as to diffuse light transmitted through the light transmissive structure. Related fabrication methods are also described.

Abstract translation: 透光结构包括包含光学微结构的透光基底。 光学微结构具有几何特征，其被配置为减少透射通过透光结构的光的眩光。 此外，多个光学微结构还具有被配置为跨透光基板随机和/或伪随机变化以便扩散透过透光结构的光的几何特征。 还描述了相关的制造方法。

公开(公告)号：US08128257B2

公开(公告)日：2012-03-06

申请号：US12028563

申请日：2008-02-08

Applicant: Robert L. Wood

Inventor： Robert L. Wood

IPC: F21V7/08 ,  G02F1/13357 ,  G02B27/30

CPC classification number: G02F1/133504 ,  G02F1/133512 ,  G02F1/133605 ,  G02F1/133606

Abstract: An LCD can include a Compact Collimating Reflector (CCR), is configured to be located downstream in a light path from an LCD light source, where the CCR is configured to reflect light from the LCD light source to provide collimated light downstream from the CCR. A light diffusion film is located downstream from the CCR and is configured to receive the collimated light from the CCR. An LCD panel is located downstream from the CCR.

Abstract translation: LCD可以包括紧凑型准直反射器（CCR），其被配置为位于从LCD光源的光路中的下游，其中CCR被配置为反射来自LCD光源的光，以向CCR下游提供准直光。 光扩散膜位于CCR的下游，并被配置为从CCR接收准直光。 LCD面板位于CCR的下游。

公开(公告)号：US20100300776A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-02

申请号：US12476661

申请日：2009-06-02

Applicant: Michael J. Cliff ,  Robert L. Wood, JR. ,  Briton T. Eastman ,  Poongundran Ganapathi

Inventor： Michael J. Cliff ,  Robert L. Wood, JR. ,  Briton T. Eastman ,  Poongundran Ganapathi

IPC: B62D11/00 ,  F16D55/02

CPC classification number: F16D65/853 ,  F16D2069/004 ,  F16D2121/02

Abstract: An efficient lubrication system for wet plate brake assemblies includes a flow control system that passes lubricant for cooling and lubrication through interdigitated wet brake plates when the plates are engaged. When the plates are disengaged, the wet plate assembly is controlled to limit its displacement by means of a pin and spring such that a gap is provided around the brake plates to provide a preferential path for lubricant, thus minimizing parasitic losses.

Abstract translation: 用于湿板式制动器组件的高效润滑系统包括流量控制系统，当板接合时，流量控制系统通过交错湿式制动板使润滑剂通过冷却和润滑。 当板脱开时，湿板组件被控制以通过销和弹簧限制其位移，使得在制动板周围设置间隙以为润滑剂提供优选路径，从而最小化寄生损耗。

公开(公告)号：US20090016051A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-15

申请号：US12109685

申请日：2008-04-25

Applicant: Robert L. Wood

Inventor： Robert L. Wood

IPC: F21V1/00 ,  F21V11/00

CPC classification number: G02B3/0006 ,  G02B27/0961

Abstract: An LED diffuser may provide a more deterministic distribution of light from multiple discrete sources without relying on statistical scattering, and therefore, may reduce the type of efficiency losses associated with conventional diffusers as noted above. For example, an LED diffuser may have a smooth external surface that can be both aesthetically pleasing and easily cleanable. In still other embodiments according to the invention, an LED diffuser can include a single multilayer film. Further, an LED diffuser can include a plurality of multi-layer films that can provide additive diffusion properties. An LED diffuser can also be provided as a component of an LED light fixture.

Abstract translation: LED扩散器可以提供来自多个离散源的更确定的光分布，而不依赖于统计散射，因此可以减少与常规扩散器相关联的效率损失的类型，如上所述。 例如，LED漫射器可以具有光滑的外表面，其外观可以在美观上也容易清洁。 在根据本发明的其它实施例中，LED漫射器可以包括单个多层膜。 此外，LED扩散器可以包括可以提供添加剂扩散性质的多个多层膜。 还可以提供LED漫射器作为LED灯具的组件。