Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Aubuchon

Christopher M. Aubuchon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7518781
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Exajoule LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20080130090
    Abstract: Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures are provided for reflective applications. Generally, light is reflected by these structures adapted for three-dimensional tilt as well as up-and-down or out-of-plane actuation. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable solutions for use in optical switching, projection and other applications, especially optical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 7145711
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Exajoule LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 7095547
    Abstract: A reliable micromirror device for imaging applications is presented. The device includes a projection lens assembly and an array of micromirrors for fast and efficient color separation and projection. Each of the micromirrors simultaneously receives a plurality of light beams. The position of a micromirror in the array of micromirrors is adjustable such that the micromirror selects one of the plurality of light beams to direct toward the projection lens assembly. Each micromirror also has an “off” position where none of the reflected light beams is directed toward the projection lens assembly. An image is formed when each of the micromirrors in the array either directs one of the light beams toward the projection lens assembly or is turned “off.” The device may include a total internal reflection prism assembly that separates the light beams for improved contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher M. Aubuchon, Steven D. Gottke
  • Patent number: 6906848
    Abstract: Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures are provided for reflective applications. Generally, light is reflected by these structures adapted for three-dimensional tilt as well as up-and-down or out-of-plane actuation. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable solutions for use in optical switching, projection and other applications, especially optical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Exajoule, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 6900922
    Abstract: Multi-tilt mirrors, assemblies and applications of the same, and methods of making. Micromirror devices employing a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above substructure. Various features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable optics solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Exajoule, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 6870659
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Exajoule, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 6825968
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Exajoule, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20040190817
    Abstract: Multi-tilt mirrors, assemblies and applications of the same, and methods of making. Micromirror devices employing a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable optics solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Exajoule LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 6798560
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Exajoula, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20040165249
    Abstract: Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures are provided for reflective applications. Generally, light is reflected by these structures adapted for three-dimensional tilt as well as up-and-down or out-of-plane actuation. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable solutions for use in optical switching, projection and other applications, especially optical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20040165250
    Abstract: Multi-tilt mirrors, assemblies and applications of the same, and methods of making. Micromirror devices employing a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable optics solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20040070040
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20040070815
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon
  • Publication number: 20040070813
    Abstract: Micromirror devices, especially for use in digital projection are disclosed. Other applications are contemplated as well. The devices employ a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above a substructure. Various improvements to the superstructure over known micromirror devices are provided. The features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein, possibly offering cost savings, lower power consumption, and higher resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher M. Aubuchon