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:
Apr. 10, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 29, 1999
Brian D. Jensen, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Larry L. Howell, Orem, UT (US);
Gregory M. Roach, Springville, UT (US);
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT (US);
Abstract
A compliant, bistable mechanism has a plurality of segments coupled end-to-end in a series to form a continuous chain of segments. The plurality of segments includes at least two rigid segments and at least one relatively flexible and resilient segment. Adjacent rigid segments are coupled by flexible joints or pin joints. The flexible and resilient segment is coupled to adjacent segments either fixedly or by pin joints. There are at least four pin joints, flexible joints, and/or flexible and resilient segments. The joints allow relative movement of the segments while the flexible and resilient segment resists movement and biases the segments. The segments move between first and second stable equilibrium positions. The segments have a pseudo-rigid-body model resembling a four-bar linkage. The segments and flexible joints may be integrally formed. First and second electrical contacts may be coupled to the segments to form an electrical connection as the segments move to one of the positions.
Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile