Abstract: The micro-electromechanical (MEMS) switch comprises a first double-sided cantilever MEMS actuator attached to a substrate and movable in two opposite directions, and a second cantilever MEMS actuator attached to the substrate. In use, the first MEMS actuator is moved in either directions to distribute the stress more uniformly, thereby reducing the mechanical creep and improving its reliability as well as its operation life.

Abstract: The micro-electromechanical (MEMS) actuator comprises a hot arm member and a cold arm member. The cold arm member comprises at least two longitudinally spaced-apart flexors. The actuators may also be constructed with at least one among the hot arm member and the cold arm member comprising at least one spring section. The stress in this improved MEMS actuator is more uniformly distributed, thereby reducing the mechanical creep and improving its reliability as well as its operation life.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) structures and switches employing movable actuators wherein particular ones of which move perpendicular to an underlying substrate and particular others move in a direction substantially parallel to the underlying substrate thereby providing more positive actuation.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators and switches exhibiting geometries and configurations providing superior operating characteristics and longer lifetimes.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) package that includes a substrate onto which is disposed or otherwise formed an active MEMS device, a first barrier wall for preventing sealant from contaminating the MEMS device, a second barrier wall for preventing sealant from contaminating unintended areas of the substrate, and a cap for hermetically sealing the MEMS package with a particular gas or mixtures thereof which enhance the MEMS performance.

Abstract: The electro-mechanical relay comprises a base having a transversal axis and a rocking member operatively connected over the base. The rocking member is pivotable, with reference to the transversal axis, between a first position and a second position. The relay also comprises a first contact provided on the base at a location facing the rocking member and being spaced-apart from the transversal axis, and a second contact having at least a portion provided on the rocking member and being in registry with the first contact. The first and second contacts are configured and disposed to be electrically engaged at the first position of the rocking member, and electrically disengaged from each other at the second position thereof.

Abstract: The collapsing bridge crimp comprises a central portion and two mutually-opposite side arms extending from the central portion. Each side arm comprises a first portion attached to the central portion, the first portion being inwardly curved, and a second portion extending from the first portion and located above the central portion. The second portion of each side arm is substantially straight and defines an upwardly-oriented angle with reference to the central portion. The second portion also has a free end provided with an end face, the end face of both side arms defining a top-opened wire-receiving groove between them.

Abstract: MEMS structures employing movable conductive member and a number of current-carrying stationary contact terminals which advantageously permit higher current carrying capability that prior art devices in which currents flowed through movable conductive members. Current carrying capability in excess of 1.0 amp without the need for additional current limiting devices is realized thereby lowering overall system manufacturing costs for systems employing our structures.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for installing a wire in a crimp, in particular a wire being provided on a wire spool mounted on a spool holder. The wire outputs the apparatus at a wire output guide. The apparatus comprises a crimp punch tool located in front of the wire output guide. A first actuator allows operating the crimp punch tool. The wire is cut using a wire cutter adjacent to the crimp punch tool. The cutter tool is operated by a second actuator. In use, the wire is installed by feeding the wire from the wire spool through the wire output guide and then into the crimp. The crimp is closed by punching it using the crimp punch tool. The wire is cut after the last crimp using the wire cutter tool. The apparatus and method can be used for installing very fragile and small wires.

Abstract: The MEMS cantilever actuator is designed to be mounted on a substrate. The actuator comprises an elongated hot arm member having two spaced-apart portions, each provided at one end with a corresponding anchor pad connected to the substrate. The portions are connected together at a common end that is opposite the anchor pads. It further comprises an elongated cold arm member adjacent to and substantially parallel of the hot arm member, the cold arm member having at one end an anchor pad connected to the substrate, and a free end that is opposite the anchor pad thereof. A dielectric tether is attached over the common end of the portions of the hot arm member and the free end of the cold arm member. This MEMS actuator allows improving the performance, reliability and manufacturability of MEMS switches.

Abstract: A bistable shape memory alloy (SMA) micro-switch includes a single continuous SMA element such as a nitinol wire that provides bi-directional motion for switching functions. Bifunctional contact arms provide a mechanical force to maintain an open state of the micro-switch in addition to conducting current through a circuit. The SMA element includes first and second segments that are alternately heated above a transition temperature to cause the SMA element to alternate between first and second conformations. A cursor attached to the SMA element moves from a first position to a second position as the SMA element moves from its first to its second conformation. To close the SMA micro-switch, the contact arm is moved from an open position to a closed position through sliding contact with the cursor as the cursor moves from its second position to its first position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bistable switch using a shape memory alloy, and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the bistable switch includes a substrate having at least one power source; a flexible sheet having a first distal end attached to the substrate; a bridge contact formed at a second and opposite distal end of the flexible sheet; and at least one heat activated element connected to a first surface of the flexible sheet and between the second distal end and the power source. During operation, current from the power source passing through the heat activated element to indirectly bend the flexible sheet and short the signal contacts on the substrate with a sustainable force.