Patent · US Expired

Microelectromechanical devices including rotating plates and related methods

US6256134A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
64References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 28, 2000
Grant dateJul 3, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 28, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/24479
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An electromechanical device includes a first frame having a first aperture therein, a second frame suspended in the first frame wherein the second frame has a second aperture therein, and a plate suspended in the second aperture. A first pair of beams support the second frame along a first axis relative to the first frame so that the second frame rotates about the first axis. A second pair of beams supports the plate along a second axis relative to the second frame so that the plate rotates about the second axis relative to the frame. The first and second axes preferably intersect at a 90.degree. angle. A first actuator provides mechanical force for rotating the second frame relative to the first frame about the first axis. A second actuator provides mechanical force for rotating the plate relative to the second frame about the second axis. Accordingly, the plate can be independently rotated relative to the first axis and the second axis. Related methods are also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.