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:
Aug. 27, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 27, 2001
Douglas P. Goetz, St. Paul, MN (US);
Mike E. Hamerly, Vadnais Heights, MN (US);
Daniel B. Pendergrass, Mendota Heights, MN (US);
Robert G. Smith, Vadnais Heights, MN (US);
Silva K. Theiss, Woodbury, MN (US);
Billy L. Weaver, Eagan, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A micrometer sized multi-directional thermal actuator capable of repeatable and rapid displacement in a substantially horizontal direction, a substantially vertical direction, and/or a combination thereof. The multi-directional thermal actuator constructed on a surface of a substrate includes three or more beams each cantilevered from one or more anchors at a first end to extend generally parallel to the surface of the substrate. A member mechanically and electrically couples the distal ends of the beams. Application of current to a circuit comprising combinations of any two or more of the beams displaces the member in one of three or more non-parallel radial directions, respectively.