The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 12, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 01, 1999
Lee A McMillan, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Robert D Streeter, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Raytheon Company, Lexington, MA (US);
Abstract
A single pole, double throw micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch. The inventive switch includes a first contact providing a first terminal of the switch. A second contact provides a second terminal of said switch. A cantilever beam provides a third terminal of the switch. The inventive switch includes a system for electrostatically pushing or pulling the beam to disengage the first contact and engage the second contact. In an illustrative implementation, the system for electrostatically operating the switch includes a first charge storage structure on the beam, a second charge storage structure on the switch, and an electrical supply for creating an electrical charge on the first and the second charge storage structures. The first and second charge storage structures are effective to create a force of repulsion therebetween on the application of an electrical charge thereto. The 'pull' electrostatic force closes the MEM switch. The 'push' force aids in opening the switch. The 'push' capability is the result of the use of like (same polarity) electrostatic charges on the control surfaces. The like charges provide an electrostatic repulsion force during the switch opening process.