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:
Feb. 26, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 07, 2000
Michael J. Sinclair, Kirkland, WA (US);
Jeremy A. Levitan, Cambridge, MA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
Moving a panel on a microelectromechanical system by generating a magnetic force that acts on the panel is disclosed. The panel is formed on, or coupled to, a substrate so as to be able to move between first and second positions. The panel includes an electrically conductive region, such as a metallic ring or sheet, or a doped polysilicon layer. An electrical coil is also located on the substrate and coupled to a power source that can generate time-varying current. When a time-varying current is conducted through the coil, a magnetic flux is generated in the coil that induces an electromotive force (emf) in the panel that, in turn, generates a magnetic flux having a direction that is opposite the magnetic flux in the coil. The opposing magnetic fluxes create a repulsive magnetic force that urges the panel to move away from the coil. A flat spring is provided to hold the panel in a desired position and provide a drag force on the panel as it moves.