USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Patrick M Sullivan

Richard Lee Waters

Barry R Hunt

Stephen Douglas Russell

Pat H Reaves

A vibrational energy harvesting apparatus comprising: a substrate having a plurality of integral compliant regions; at least two ferromagnetic masses each coupled to a corresponding one or more of the integral compliant regions such that at least one of the ferromagnetic masses moves with respect to the substrate responsive to substrate acceleration, each ferromagnetic mass having an inner magnetic pole disposed such that the inner magnetic poles are separated by a gap, wherein the magnetic polarities of the inner magnetic poles on the opposing sides of the gap are similar; wherein the inner magnetic poles form a steep flux gradient region in and around the gap; and a coil coupled to the substrate and disposed within the steep flux gradient region where it is exposed to a changing magnetic flux arising from motion of at least one of the ferromagnetic masses with respect to the substrate.

Apparatus for generating power responsive to mechanical vibration

A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) power generator employing a plurality of magnetic masses disposed to oscillate on spring elements in a manner that produces an unusually steep flux gradient at one or more conductive coils, thereby harvesting a substantial portion of the available mechanical energy. The energy from ambient mechanical vibration is harvested to produce electrical power sufficient to power individual electronic elements for a variety of low-cost and high-performance distributed sensor systems for medical, automotive, manufacturing, robotics, and household applications.

Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) and apparatus for generating power responsive to mechanical vibration

A flexible video display apparatus and a method for making the same. The flexible video display comprises a silicon layer containing at least a portion of the control and display circuitry, a display layer, and a flexible layer. Other layers, such as an insulating layer for dielectric isolation of the semiconducting devices, may be added. To make the flexible video display, display and control circuitry are formed in a silicon-on-insulator wafer. A polymer layer is then formed on the wafer and electrically conductive portions are formed to interconnect the polymer portions to the control electronics, thereby forming the display. Next, a flexible layer is formed on the display layer and patterned if desired. A handle wafer is then bonded to the topside of the wafer so that the backside can be partially removed by mechanical, chemical, or chemical-mechanical means. Finally, the handle wafer is removed leaving the flexible display.

Flexible video display apparatus and method

Diamond is used as a dielectric layer to separate the metalization layers multichip module substrates. The diamond has use for both electrical and thermal conduction. Such multichip module substrates may have a diamond base, or a base constructed from silicon, aluminum nitride, molybdenum, or any other material supportive of the nucleation and growth of diamond films. The metalization may be molybdenum or other conductor supportive of the nucleation and growth of diamond films. Using diamond as an interlayer dielectric in a multichip system permits a significant increase in the amount of power that can be dissipated by the system. The diamond does not obstruct the system's metalization, so that routing density can be increased and interconnection length may be decreased, enhancing host chip operation.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Patrick M Sullivan