Patents by Inventor John H. Comtois

John H. Comtois 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: 6322374
    Abstract: A micro-zero insertion force socket is fabricated capable of connecting pins with diameters of 25 to 200 microns and minimum pitches of from 3:1 to 10:1 using micro-fabrication techniques, MEMS components, and high-density interconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John H. Comtois, James C. Lyke
  • Patent number: 6028689
    Abstract: Provided is a movable micromirror assembly wherein a mirror is mounted on, e.g. four flexible support arms, which are mounted in turn on a center support post. The post and arms resiliently support such mirror over, e.g. four address electrodes. The micromirror device is actuated like a parallel-plate capacitor by applying an address potential to the electrodes, which draw a part or all of the mirror toward same, countered by the spring force of the proximate support arms. Motion of the micromirror can be achieved along two axes since the device can be tilted and retracted according to the varying potentials applied to each of the four electrodes and the attractive force applied in turn to various portions of the micromirror in spaced proximity therewith. The support system of the micromirror is positioned beneath the mirror so that no reflective service area is lost to these features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: M. Adrian Michalicek, Victor M. Bright, John H. Comtois