Abstract: A micromechanical device and a method for forming the device is disclosed, wherein the micromechanical device has a laterally movable mechanically active element that has a quiescent position in which it is in physical contact with a second structural element. The device is fabricating by disposing the mechanically active element on a first substrate and disposing the second structural element on a second substrate. After the two substrates are aligned and joined such that both the mechanically active element and the second structural element are in contact and affixed to one of the substrates, the other substrate is removed leaving all structural elements disposed on a single substrate.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: A micro-relay that overcomes some of the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art is disclosed. The micro-relay comprising: (1) a first substrate comprising one or more monolithically integrated planar coils for generating a magnetic field; and (2) a second substrate comprising a magnetically actuated switch having a moving contact that selectively moves in a plane parallel to its substrate. The first and second substrate are aligned and bonded to collectively provide a closed magnetic circuit that efficiently channels the generated magnetic field through the switch.

Abstract: A microswitch is disclosed, wherein the microswitch has (1) an electrical path between a first terminal and a second terminal and (2) a closed-loop magnetic path for channeling a magnetic field through a working gap to efficiently actuate the microswitch, where the electrical path and the closed-loop magnetic path are path independent. The electrical path includes a laterally movable mechanically active element. The closed-loop magnetic path includes one or more integrated coils for generating the magnetic field. The microswitch comprises: an electromagnetic module, which includes the one or more coils and some of the magnetic element of the closed-loop magnetic path; and a switch module, which includes the switching elements and the remainder of the magnetic elements of the closed-loop magnetic path. After the modules are joined the magnetic elements on both modules are magnetically coupled to collectively define the closed-loop magnetic path.

Abstract: A micro-relay that overcomes some of the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art is disclosed. The micro-relay comprising: (1) a first substrate comprising one or more monolithically integrated planar coils for generating a magnetic field; and (2) a second substrate comprising a magnetically actuated switch having a moving contact that selectively moves in a plane parallel to its substrate. The first and second substrate are aligned and bonded to collectively provide a closed magnetic circuit that efficiently channels the generated magnetic field through the switch.

Abstract: A micromechanical device and a method for forming the device is disclosed, wherein the micromechanical device has a laterally movable mechanically active element that has a quiescent position in which it is in physical contact with a second structural element. The device is fabricating by disposing the mechanically active element on a first substrate and disposing the second structural element on a second substrate. After the two substrates are aligned and joined such that both the mechanically active element and the second structural element are in contact and affixed to one of the substrates, the other substrate is removed leaving all structural elements disposed on a single substrate.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to reed switches, and more particularly to micro-miniaturized reed switches and batch microfabrication techniques used to fabricate micro-miniaturized reed switches. The present invention can provide miniaturized reed switches with more consistent operating parameters, and that can be produced more efficiently than conventional reed switches. The present invention can also provide methods of making miniaturized reed switches using microfabrication techniques. The present invention can use lithographic-based fabrication to enable monolithic construction of a reed switch. Microlithography can repeatedly form micrometer dimensions with tight tolerances over large arrays of devices which, if the patterns are translated into materials appropriate for electromechanical devices, can provide for repeatable and consistent electromechanical operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch suitable for efficient microfabric. The switch elements are disposed in several layers. Various embodiments provide various switching capabilities and operational characteristics. The switches can be protected by suitable packaging, and can be efficiently fabricated in groups or arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch suitable for efficient microfabrication. The switch elements are disposed in several layers. Various embodiments provide various switching capabilities and operational characteristics. The switches can be protected by suitable packaging, and can be efficiently fabricated in groups or arrays.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch suitable for efficient microfabrication. The switch elements are disposed in several layers. Various embodiments provide various switching capabilities and operational characteristics. The switches can be protected by suitable packaging, and can be efficiently fabricated in groups or arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch suitable for efficient microfabrication. The switch elements are disposed in several layers. Various embodiments provide various switching capabilities and operational characteristics. The switches can be protected by suitable packaging, and can be efficiently fabricated in groups or arrays.