Patents by Inventor Karen M. Fitzgerald

Karen M. Fitzgerald 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: 4497465
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost flexural mechanism upon which tracking mirrors and the like used in optical systems may be mounted. The flexural mechanism is made from a single sheet of metal by placing a desired shape or pattern in the metal. The resulting shape is then formed into a base, mounting surface, and flex arms. The mechanism is stiff in directions other than rotation, has low noise, has low thermal sensitivity, and can be made in any practical size. The flexural mechanism can be designed to place the pivot axis at the center of gravity of the mass being rotated, even when the center of gravity is outside the flexural mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Storage Technology Partners II
    Inventors: Lester M. Yeakley, Karen M. Fitzgerald