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. 16, 2013
Filed:
Jul. 25, 2006
Shawn Jay Cunningham, Irvine, CA (US);
Dana Richard Dereus, Irvine, CA (US);
Subham Sett, Lincoln, RI (US);
John Gilbert, Brookline, MA (US);
Shawn Jay Cunningham, Irvine, CA (US);
Dana Richard DeReus, Irvine, CA (US);
Subham Sett, Lincoln, RI (US);
John Gilbert, Brookline, MA (US);
Wispry, Inc., Irvine, CA (US);
Abstract
Methods for Implementation of a Switching Function in a Microscale Device and for Fabrication of a Microscale Switch. According to one embodiment, a method is provided for implementing a switching function in a microscale device. The method can include providing a stationary electrode and a stationary contact formed on a substrate. Further, a movable microcomponent suspended above the substrate can be provided. A voltage can be applied between the between a movable electrode of the microcomponent and the stationary electrode to electrostatically couple the movable electrode with the stationary electrode, whereby the movable component is deflected toward the substrate and a movable contact moves into contact with the stationary contact to permit an electrical signal to pass through the movable and stationary contacts. A current can be applied through the first electrothermal component to produce heating for generating force for moving the microcomponent.