公开(公告)号：US06327855B1

公开(公告)日：2001-12-11

申请号：US09498100

申请日：2000-02-04

申请人： Edward A. Hill ,  Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler

发明人： Edward A. Hill ,  Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler

IPC分类号： F01B2910

CPC分类号： B81B3/004 ,  B81B2201/032 ,  B81B2203/0109 ,  B81B2203/033 ,  B81B2203/058 ,  G02B7/1821 ,  G02B26/0816 ,  H01H1/0036 ,  H01H61/00 ,  H01H2001/0063 ,  H01H2061/006

摘要： A micromechanical system can include a substrate, an actuator, and an actuated element. In particular, the actuator can include a serpentine arrangement of alternating actuating and opposing segments anchored at a first end thereof to the substrate wherein the actuating segments deflect in response to actuation thereof so that a second end of the serpentine arrangement moves relative to the substrate upon deflection of the actuating segments. The actuated element is attached to the second end of the serpentine arrangement so that the actuated element moves relative to the substrate upon deflection of the actuating segments. Related methods and actuators are also discussed.

摘要翻译： 微机械系统可以包括基板，致动器和致动元件。 特别地，致动器可以包括蛇形结构，其交替的致动和相对的段在其第一端锚定到衬底，其中致动段响应于其致动而偏转，使得蛇形结构的第二端相对于衬底移动 致动段的偏转。 致动元件附接到蛇形结构的第二端，使得致动元件在致动段偏转时相对于基板移动。 还讨论了相关方法和执行器。

公开(公告)号：US06445842B1

公开(公告)日：2002-09-03

申请号：US09542170

申请日：2000-04-05

申请人： Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler ,  Edward A. Hill

发明人： Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler ,  Edward A. Hill

IPC分类号： G02B626

CPC分类号： G02B6/3514 ,  G02B6/3546 ,  G02B6/357 ,  G02B6/358 ,  G02B26/0833 ,  G02B26/0841

摘要： Microelectromechanical (MEM) Optical Cross-connect (OXC) switches having mechanical actuators are discussed. In particular, the MEM OXC switches can include a plurality of reflectors, wherein each of the plurality of the reflectors is movable to at least one of a respective first reflector position along a respective optical beam path from an associated input of the MEM OXC switch to an associated output thereof and a respective second reflector position outside the optical beam path. A mechanical actuator moves to at least one of a first mechanical actuator position and a second mechanical actuator position. A selector selects ones of the plurality of reflectors to be coupled to the mechanical actuator and at least one of the plurality of reflectors to be decoupled from the mechanical actuator, wherein the mechanical actuator is coupled to the selected ones of the plurality of reflectors in the first actuator position and wherein the mechanical actuator moves the selected ones of the plurality of reflectors from the respective first reflector positions to the respective second reflector positions when the mechanical actuator moves from the first mechanical actuator position to the second mechanical actuator position. Related methods are also discussed.

摘要翻译： 讨论了具有机械致动器的微机电（MEM）光交叉连接（OXC）开关。 特别地，MEM OXC开关可以包括多个反射器，其中多个反射器中的每一个可移动到沿着相应的光束路径的相应的第一反射器位置中的至少一个，从MEM OXC开关的相关联的输入到 其相关联的输出和相应的第二反射器位置在光束路径外部。 机械致动器移动到第一机械致动器位置和第二机械致动器位置中的至少一个。 选择器选择要耦合到机械致动器的多个反射器中的一个，并且多个反射器中的至少一个反射器与机械致动器分离，其中机械致动器耦合到多个反射器中的选定的反射器 第一致动器位置，并且其中当机械致动器从第一机械致动器位置移动到第二机械致动器位置时，机械致动器将多个反射器中的选定的反射器从相应的第一反射器位置移动到相应的第二反射器位置。 还讨论了相关方法。

公开(公告)号：US06351580B1

公开(公告)日：2002-02-26

申请号：US09536877

申请日：2000-03-27

申请人： Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler ,  Edward A. Hill

发明人： Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler ,  Edward A. Hill

IPC分类号： G02B642

CPC分类号： G02B6/3564 ,  B81B3/0054 ,  B81B2201/045 ,  B81B2203/0118 ,  G02B6/353 ,  G02B6/3552 ,  G02B6/357

摘要： Microelectromechanical devices may include a substrate having first and second optical fibers thereon. An optical shutter may also be provided. This optical shutter is mechanically coupled to a first plurality of arched beams that are supported at opposing ends by support structures which may be mounted on the substrate. A second plurality of arched beams are also provided on a first side of the optical shutter. These arched beams are also supported at opposing ends by support structures. A first brake member is provided that is coupled to the second plurality of arched beams. This first brake member contacts and restricts the optical shutter from moving in the ±y-direction when the second plurality of arched beams are relaxed, but releases the optical shutter when the second plurality of arched beams move in the −x direction. This ability to restrict movement of the optical shutter when the second plurality of arched beams are relaxed provides a degree of nonvolatile position retention. A third plurality of arched beams are also preferably provided on a second side of the optical shutter. A second brake member, which is coupled to the third plurality of arched beams, also contacts and restricts the shutter member from moving in the ±y direction when the third plurality of arched beams are relaxed, but releases the optical shutter when the third plurality of arched beams move in the +x direction.

摘要翻译： 微机电装置可以包括其上具有第一和第二光纤的基板。 还可以提供光学快门。 该光学快门机械地联接到第一多个拱形梁，其通过可安装在基板上的支撑结构在相对端被支撑。 第二组多个拱形梁也设置在光学快门的第一侧上。 这些拱形梁也通过支撑结构支撑在相对端。 提供第一制动构件，其联接到第二多个拱形梁。 当第二多个拱形梁松弛时，该第一制动构件接触并限制光学快门在±y方向上移动，而当第二组多个拱形梁沿-x方向移动时释放光学快门。 当第二多个拱形梁松弛时，限制光学快门的运动的这种能力提供一定程度的非挥发性位置保持。 第三组多个拱形梁也优选设置在光学快门的第二侧上。 当第三组多个弓形梁松弛时，联接到第三组多个拱形梁的第二制动构件也接触并限制活门构件在±y方向上的移动，而当第三组多个 拱形梁在+ x方向移动。

公开(公告)号：US06367252B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-09

申请号：US09610047

申请日：2000-07-05

申请人： Edward A. Hill ,  Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler ,  Allen Cowen ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan ,  Robert L. Wood

发明人： Edward A. Hill ,  Vijayakumar Rudrappa Dhuler ,  Allen Cowen ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan ,  Robert L. Wood

IPC分类号： F01B2910

CPC分类号： B81B3/0051 ,  B81B2201/038 ,  B81B2203/0109 ,  B81B2203/056 ,  H01H1/0036 ,  H01H61/00 ,  H01H2061/006

摘要： In embodiments of the present invention, a microelectromechanical actuator includes a beam having respective first and second ends attached to a substrate and a body disposed between the first and second ends having a sinuous shape. The body includes a portion operative to engage a object of actuation and apply a force thereto in a direction perpendicular to the beam responsive to at least one of a compressive force and a tensile force on the beam. The sinuous shape may be sinusoidal, e.g., a shape approximating a single period of a cosine curve or a single period of a sine curve. The beam may be thermally actuated or driven by another actuator. In other embodiments, a rotary actuator includes first and second beams, a respective one of which has first and second ends attached to a substrate and a body disposed between the first and second ends. Each body includes first and second oppositely inflected portions. The bodies of the first and second beams intersect one another at points at which the first and second oppositely inflected portions of the first and second bodies meet. The bodies of the first and second beams are operative to engage the object of actuation and rotate the object of actuation around the point of intersection responsive to at least one of compressive force and tensile force on the first and second beams. Related methods are also described.

摘要翻译： 在本发明的实施例中，微机电致动器包括具有附接到基板的相应的第一端和第二端的梁，以及设置在具有弯曲形状的第一端和第二端之间的主体。 主体包括可操作地接合致动对象的部分，该部分响应于梁上的压缩力和拉力中的至少一个，沿垂直于梁的方向施加力。 弯曲形状可以是正弦的，例如，近似于余弦曲线的单个周期或正弦曲线的单个周期的形状。 梁可以由另一致动器热致动或驱动。 在其他实施例中，旋转致动器包括第一和第二梁，其中相应的一个具有附接到基板的第一和第二端以及设置在第一和第二端之间的主体。 每个主体包括第一和第二相对弯曲的部分。 第一和第二梁的主体在第一和第二主体的第一和第二相对弯曲部分相交的点处彼此相交。 第一和第二梁的主体可操作以接合致动对象，并且响应于第一和第二梁上的压缩力和拉力中的至少一个而使作动点周围的相对点旋转。 还描述了相关方法。

公开(公告)号：US20130050768A1

公开(公告)日：2013-02-28

申请号：US13222976

申请日：2011-08-31

申请人： Edward A. Hill ,  Donald G. Harris ,  John H. Arterberry

发明人： Edward A. Hill ,  Donald G. Harris ,  John H. Arterberry

IPC分类号： H04N1/00

CPC分类号： H04N1/0249 ,  H04N2201/02404 ,  H04N2201/02454 ,  H04N2201/02485 ,  H04N2201/02495

摘要： Scanners and scanner housings are disclosed. An example scanner includes a housing to carry an optical element, the housing having a first support feature, and a printed circuit board having a second support feature to mate with the first support feature of the housing, the printed circuit board to provide vertical support to the housing when the first and second support features are mated.

摘要翻译： 公开了扫描仪和扫描仪外壳。 示例性扫描器包括用于承载光学元件的壳体，所述壳体具有第一支撑特征，以及具有第二支撑特征以与壳体的第一支撑特征相配合的印刷电路板，印刷电路板提供垂直支撑 当第一和第二支撑特征配合时，壳体。

公开(公告)号：US08199374B2

公开(公告)日：2012-06-12

申请号：US12437798

申请日：2009-05-08

申请人： Ken Ko ,  Edward A. Hill

发明人： Ken Ko ,  Edward A. Hill

IPC分类号： H04N1/04 ,  G03G15/00

CPC分类号： H04N1/10 ,  G03G15/605 ,  G03G2215/00185 ,  H04N2201/0422

摘要： Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for holding a document sheet in place against a scanning surface of an image capture system. One such apparatus is a document cover comprising: a body that is oriented parallel to the scanning surface when the document cover is in the closed position; a compliant and elastic document backing that is partially attached to the body and configured to reflect light originating from the image capture system; and a backing constraint configured to secure a central region of the document backing to the body and further configured to constrain movement of the central region in a first direction that is normal to the scanning surface while allowing movement in the same direction of outer regions that are lateral to the central region. The document backing generates a downward spring force which biases the outer regions toward the platen.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于将文件片保持在与图像拍摄系统的扫描表面相对的位置的装置和方法。 一种这样的装置是文件盖，包括：文档盖处于关闭位置时平行于扫描表面定向的主体; 柔性和弹性的文件背衬，其部分地附接到主体并且被配置为反射源自图像捕获系统的光; 以及背衬约束，其构造成将所述文件背衬的中心区域固定到所述主体并且进一步被配置为约束所述中心区域在垂直于所述扫描表面的第一方向上的移动，同时允许在与所述扫描表面相同的外部区域的相同方向上的移动， 横向于中部地区。 文件背衬产生朝着压板偏压外部区域的向下的弹簧力。

公开(公告)号：US07995234B2

公开(公告)日：2011-08-09

申请号：US11831846

申请日：2007-07-31

申请人： Kevin Bokelman ,  Ryan M. Smith ,  Edward A. Hill

发明人： Kevin Bokelman ,  Ryan M. Smith ,  Edward A. Hill

IPC分类号： G06K15/00 ,  H04N1/04 ,  H04N1/36

CPC分类号： H04N1/0473 ,  H04N1/1017 ,  H04N1/12 ,  H04N1/1911 ,  H04N1/32358 ,  H04N1/32448 ,  H04N2201/02439 ,  H04N2201/03108 ,  H04N2201/04755 ,  H04N2201/04756 ,  H04N2201/04794

摘要： A scanning device includes a scanning mechanism, a memory, a processing mechanism, and a scan rate adjustment mechanism. The scanning mechanism scans a media sheet having an image thereon at a variable scan rate, to yield raw data. The memory temporarily stores the raw data. The processing mechanism converts the raw data within the memory into processed data. The raw data is removed from the memory as the raw data is converted. The scan rate adjustment mechanism adjusts the variable scan rate, based on one or more of an amount of free space within the memory, a fill rate at which the raw data is filling the memory, and a removal rate at which the raw data is being removed from the memory, so that the memory does not become completely full.

摘要翻译： 扫描装置包括扫描机构，存储器，处理机构和扫描速率调整机构。 扫描机构以可变扫描速率扫描其上具有图像的介质片，以产生原始数据。 内存暂时存储原始数据。 处理机制将存储器中的原始数据转换为处理数据。 当原始数据被转换时，原始数据将从存储器中删除。 扫描速率调整机构基于存储器内的可用空间量，原始数据填充存储器的填充率以及原始数据的移除速度的一个或多个来调整可变扫描速率 从内存中删除，以使内存不会完全充满。

公开(公告)号：US06496351B2

公开(公告)日：2002-12-17

申请号：US09822128

申请日：2001-03-30

申请人： Edward A. Hill ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan

发明人： Edward A. Hill ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan

IPC分类号： H01G501

CPC分类号： H01H1/0036 ,  B81B3/001 ,  B81B2201/032 ,  B81B2203/0118 ,  B81B2203/0307 ,  F03G7/06 ,  H01G5/16 ,  H01G5/18 ,  H01H59/0009 ,  H01H61/02 ,  H01H2059/0063 ,  H01H2059/0072 ,  H01H2059/0081 ,  H01H2061/006

摘要： MEMS devices include a substrate, an anchor attached to the substrate, and a multilayer member attached to the anchor and spaced apart from the substrate. The multilayer member can have a first portion that is remote from the anchor and that curls away from the substrate and a second portion that is adjacent the anchor that contacts the substrate. Related methods are also disclosed.

公开(公告)号：US06360539B1

公开(公告)日：2002-03-26

申请号：US09542672

申请日：2000-04-05

申请人： Edward A. Hill ,  Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Allen B. Cowen ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan ,  Robert L. Wood

发明人： Edward A. Hill ,  Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Allen B. Cowen ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan ,  Robert L. Wood

IPC分类号： F01B2910

CPC分类号： H01H1/0036 ,  H01H61/02 ,  H01H2061/006

摘要： Microelectromechanical actuators include a substrate, spaced apart supports on the substrate and a thermal arched beam that extends between the spaced apart supports and that further arches upon heating thereof, for movement along the substrate. One or more driven arched beams are coupled to the thermal arched beam. The end portions of the driven arched beams move relative to one another to change the arching of the driven arched beams in response to the further arching of the thermal arched beam, for movement of the driven arched beams. A driven arched beam also includes an actuated element at an intermediate portion thereof between the end portions, wherein a respective actuated element is mechanically coupled to the associated driven arched beam for movement therewith, and is mechanically decoupled from the remaining driven arched beams for movement independent thereof.

摘要翻译： 微机电致动器包括衬底，衬底上的间隔开的支撑件和在间隔开的支撑件之间延伸的热拱形梁，并且在其加热时进一步拱形地沿着衬底运动。 一个或多个被驱动的弓形梁联接到热拱形梁。 被驱动的拱形梁的端部相对于彼此移动，以响应于热拱形梁的进一步拱形来改变被驱动的弓形梁的拱形，以便驱动的拱形梁的运动。 被驱动的弓形梁还包括在其端部之间的中间部分处的致动元件，其中相应的致动元件机械地联接到相关联的被驱动的弓形梁以与其一起运动，并且与剩余的被驱动的弓形梁机械地分离以便独立运动 其中。

公开(公告)号：US06275320B1

公开(公告)日：2001-08-14

申请号：US09405789

申请日：1999-09-27

申请人： Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Edward A. Hill ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan ,  Mark David Walters ,  Robert L. Wood

发明人： Vijayakumar R. Dhuler ,  Edward A. Hill ,  Ramaswamy Mahadevan ,  Mark David Walters ,  Robert L. Wood

IPC分类号： G02B2600

CPC分类号： G02B26/0841 ,  B81B3/0054 ,  B81B2201/038 ,  B81B2201/047 ,  G02B6/266

摘要： A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) variable optical attenuator is provided that is capable of optical attenuation over a full range of optical power. The MEMS variable optical attenuator comprises a microelectronic substrate, a MEMS actuator and an optical shutter. The MEMS variable optical attenuator may also comprise a clamping element capable of locking the optical shutter at a desired attenuation position. The variable light attenuator is capable of attenuating optical beams that have their optical axis running parallel and perpendicular to the substrate. Additionally, the MEMS actuator of the present invention may comprise an array of MEMS actuators capable of supplying the optical shutter with greater displacement distances and, thus a fuller range of optical attenuation. In one embodiment of the invention, the MEMS actuator comprises a thermal arched beam actuator. Additionally, the variable optical attenuator of the present invention may be embodied in a thermal bimorph cantilever structure. This alternate embodiment includes a microelectronic substrate and a thermal bimorph cantilever structure having at least two materials of different thermal coefficient of expansion. The thermal bimorph is responsive to thermal activation and moves in the direction of the material having the lower thermal coefficient expansion. Upon activation, the thermal bimorph intercepts the path of the optical beam and provides for the desired level of optical attenuation. The invention also provides for a method of optical attenuation and a method for fabricating an optical attenuator in accordance with the described structures.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种能够在全光范围内进行光衰减的MEMS（微机电系统）可变光衰减器。 MEMS可变光衰减器包括微电子衬底，MEMS致动器和光学快门。 MEMS可变光衰减器还可以包括能够将光学快门锁定在期望的衰减位置的夹紧元件。 可变光衰减器能够衰减其光轴平行且垂直于衬底的光束。 另外，本发明的MEMS致动器可以包括MEMS致动器的阵列，其能够向光学快门提供更大的位移距离，并且因此具有更宽的光学衰减范围。 在本发明的一个实施例中，MEMS致动器包括热拱形梁致动器。 另外，本发明的可变光衰减器可以以热双压电晶片悬臂结构体现。 该替代实施例包括具有不同热膨胀系数的至少两种材料的微电子衬底和热双压电晶片悬臂结构。 热双压电晶体响应于热激活并沿具有较低热系数膨胀的材料的方向移动。 在激活时，热双压电晶片截取光束的路径并提供所需的光衰减水平。 本发明还提供了一种光衰减的方法以及根据所述结构制造光衰减器的方法。