Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2002-2004
Title: Innovations by Dennis E. Melvin
Introduction
Dennis E. Melvin is an accomplished inventor based in Santa Clara, CA. He has made significant contributions to the field of piezoelectric technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to actuator control.
Latest Patents
Melvin's latest patents include a "Method and apparatus for controlling a piezo actuator" and an "Apparatus for controlling a piezoelectric assembly of a piezo actuator coupled with a driven member." Both patents describe a method for controlling piezo-electric actuators that respond to waveforms with asymmetrical voltage/current profiles. This technology allows for consistent and cumulative movement of a driven member in either direction. The waveforms are digitally generated from a stored set of numbers, which correspond to discrete digital values associated with the desired movement. The controller can drive multiple piezo-electric actuators and includes feedback mechanisms for accurate positioning. Additionally, it can update stored functions or values to improve efficiency with new or existing actuators, all while maintaining a smaller form factor and reduced complexity compared to prior art analog drivers.
Career Highlights
Dennis E. Melvin is currently employed at New Focus, Inc., where he continues to develop innovative solutions in the field of piezoelectric technology. His work has significantly advanced the capabilities of piezo-electric actuators, making them more efficient and versatile.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Melvin has collaborated with notable colleagues, including John Pease and Sherwin D. Cabatic. These partnerships have contributed to the successful development and implementation of his innovative technologies.
Conclusion
Dennis E. Melvin's contributions to piezoelectric technology through his patents and work at New Focus, Inc. highlight his role as a leading inventor in this field. His innovative methods for controlling piezo-electric actuators are paving the way for advancements in various applications.