Patents by Inventor Christian Drabe

Christian Drabe 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).

  • Publication number: 20210387851
    Abstract: A micromechanical structure has a first micromechanical element, a second micromechanical element and a torsion spring arrangement having a first torsion spring element, having a first center line, mechanically connected to the first micromechanical element at a first contact region and to the second micromechanical element at a second contact region, and having a second torsion spring element, having a second center line, mechanically connected to the first micromechanical member at a third contact region and to the second micromechanical member at a fourth contact region in order to connect the first micromechanical member and the second micromechanical member to be movable relative to each other. A distance between the first and second center lines, starting from the first and third contact regions toward the second and fourth contact regions, decreases in a first portion and increases in a second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christian DRABE, Bert KAISER
  • Publication number: 20210380401
    Abstract: A micromechanical apparatus includes a substrate, a movable element disposed in a reference plane in an undeflected state, a transmission structure having a first transmission side coupled to the substrate, and a second transmission side coupled to the movable element, and an actuator configured to provide a force along a force direction parallel to the reference plane and apply the same to the first transmission side. The transmission structure is configured to transfer the force along the force direction to a movement of the movable element out of the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Christian DRABE, André DREYHAUPT
  • Patent number: 9620375
    Abstract: A production methods includes providing a substrate including a lattice plane that extends in a non-symmetrical manner and such that it is offset at an angle ? from at least a first or second main surface region of the substrate, the first and second main surface regions extending parallel to each other; anisotropic etching, starting from the first main surface region, into the substrate so as to obtain an etching structure which includes, in a plane extending perpendicularly to the first main surface region, two different etching angles relative to the first main surface region; arranging a cover layer on the first main surface region, so that the cover layer lies against the etching structure in at least some sections; and removing, section-by-section, the material of the substrate starting from the second main surface region in the area of the deformed cover layer, so that the cover layer is exposed in at least one window region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Sergiu Langa, Christian Drabe, Thilo Sandner
  • Publication number: 20150200105
    Abstract: A production methods includes providing a substrate including a lattice plane that extends in a non-symmetrical manner and such that it is offset at an angle ? from at least a first or second main surface region of the substrate, the first and second main surface regions extending parallel to each other; anisotropic etching, starting from the first main surface region, into the substrate so as to obtain an etching structure which includes, in a plane extending perpendicularly to the first main surface region, two different etching angles relative to the first main surface region; arranging a cover layer on the first main surface region, so that the cover layer lies against the etching structure in at least some sections; and removing, section-by-section, the material of the substrate starting from the second main surface region in the area of the deformed cover layer, so that the cover layer is exposed in at least one window region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Sergiu LANGA, Christian DRABE, Thilo SANDNER
  • Patent number: 8511657
    Abstract: The invention relates to the torsion springs for micromechanical applications. They can be used if elements are to be pivoted about an axis in an oscillating fashion. According to the object which is set, the torsion springs are to have an improved linear spring characteristic. The torsion springs according to the invention have a square, rectangular or trapezoidal cross section. A slot which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring and another slot which is formed in the torsion spring along its longitudinal axis and which opens into the first slot are formed at a clamping end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Patent number: 8357944
    Abstract: The invention relates to semiconductor substrates and methods for producing such semiconductor substrates. In this connection, it is the object of the invention to provide semiconductor substrates which can be produced more cost-effectively and with which a high arrangement density as well as good electrical conductivity and closed surfaces can be achieved. In accordance with the invention, an electrically conductive connection is guided from its front side through the substrate up to the rear side. The electrically conductive connection is completely surrounded from the outside. The insulator is formed by an opening which is filled with material. The inner wall is provided with a dielectric coating and/or filled with an electrically insulating or conductive material. The electrically conductive connection is formed with a further opening which is filled with an electrically conductive material and is arranged in the interior of the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V., Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Drabe, Alexander Wolter, Roger Steadman, Andreas Bergmann, Gereon Vogtmeier, Ralf Dorscheid
  • Patent number: 8199390
    Abstract: Method for structuring a device layer of a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a carrier layer, the device layer and an intermediate layer disposed between the carrier layer and the device layer. Thereby, the intermediate layer is structured for exposing, at least in one portion, a first surface of the carrier layer facing the device layer. Starting from a second surface of the carrier layer opposing the first surface, the thickness of the device layer is reduced to a predetermined thickness at those positions where the intermediate layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellshaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Patent number: 7940439
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a micromechanical structure, first a two-dimensional structure is formed in a substrate. The two-dimensional structure is deflected from the substrate plane by action of force and fixed in the deflected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Denis Jung, Christian Drabe, Thilo Sandner, Harald Schenk, Thomas Klose, Alexander Wolter
  • Patent number: 7932788
    Abstract: The invention relates to micromechanical elements deflectable in an oscillating manner and to a method for the operation of such elements. In this respect, it is the object of the invention to be able to operate the micromechanical elements in a stable and simple manner on the oscillating deflection while taking account of the respective mechanical resonant frequency. A least one spring element is present on elements in accordance with the invention with which it is held. It is deflected between two reversal points using an electrical AC voltage. The one or more spring element(s) has/have non-linear spring characteristics so that a changed mechanical resonant frequency results in dependence on the respective deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.v.
    Inventors: Harald Schenk, Alexander Wolter, Thilo Sandner, Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Patent number: 7872319
    Abstract: A deflectable structure includes a layer having a first area and a second area, a trench structure in the layer which penetrates the layer and separates the first area from the second area, a first junction between the first area and the second area, and a second junction between the first area and the second area, the first area being permanently moveable from a first, permanent position with regard to the second area to a second position, deflected as compared to the first position, with regard to the second area by applying a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Christian Drabe
  • Publication number: 20100295066
    Abstract: The invention relates to semiconductor substrates and methods for producing such semiconductor substrates. In this connection, it is the object of the invention to provide semiconductor substrates which can be produced more cost-effectively and with which a high arrangement density as well as good electrical conductivity and closed surfaces can be achieved. In accordance with the invention, an electrically conductive connection is guided from its front side through the substrate up to the rear side. The electrically conductive connection is completely surrounded from the outside. The insulator is formed by an opening which is filled with material. The inner wall is provided with a dielectric coating and/or filled with an electrically insulating or conductive material. The electrically conductive connection is formed with a further opening which is filled with an electrically conductive material and is arranged in the interior of the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Christian Drabe, Alexander Wolter, Roger Steadman, Andreas Bergmann, Gereon Vogtmeier, Ralf Dorscheid
  • Publication number: 20090303563
    Abstract: Method for structuring a device layer of a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a carrier layer, the device layer and an intermediate layer disposed between the carrier layer and the device layer. Thereby, the intermediate layer is structured for exposing, at least in one portion, a first surface of the carrier layer facing the device layer. Starting from a second surface of the carrier layer opposing the first surface, the thickness of the device layer is reduced to a predetermined thickness at those positions where the intermediate layer is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Publication number: 20090302960
    Abstract: The invention relates to micromechanical elements deflectable in an oscillating manner and to a method for the operation of such elements. In this respect, it is the object of the invention to be able to operate the micromechanical elements in a stable and simple manner on the oscillating deflection while taking account of the respective mechanical resonant frequency. A least one spring element is present on elements in accordance with the invention with which it is held. It is deflected between two reversal points using an electrical AC voltage. The one or more spring element(s) has/have non-linear spring characteristics so that a changed mechanical resonant frequency results in dependence on the respective deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Harald Schenk, Alexander Wolter, Thilo Sandner, Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Publication number: 20090250853
    Abstract: The invention relates to torsion spring elements for the suspension of deflectable micromechanical elements such as reflecting elements pivotable around a rotational axis. It is therefore the object of the invention to provide torsion spring elements for suspensions of deflectable micromechanical elements which can achieve improved properties in operation with respect to known spring elements. Torsion spring elements in accordance with the invention are made so that they have a changing geometrical design in the direction of their longitudinal axis and thereby have non-linear spring characteristics. The longitudinal axis is in this respect aligned between a clamping or support and the deflectable micromechanical element which is held by at least one torsion spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander Wolter, Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Patent number: 7466474
    Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a micromechanical functional structure, which can be deflected about a main axis from a rest position, a movable electrode, which is mounted to the micromechanical functional structure, and a fixed electrode, which can be tilted about a tilting axis with respect to the movable electrode in the rest position, wherein the tilting axis is parallel to the main axis or is identical with the main axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Denis Jung, Christian Drabe, Harald Schenk, Thilo Sandner, Thomas Klose
  • Publication number: 20080239446
    Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a micromechanical functional structure, which can be deflected about a main axis from a rest position, a movable electrode, which is mounted to the micromechanical functional structure, and a fixed electrode, which can be tilted about a tilting axis with respect to the movable electrode in the rest position, wherein the tilting axis is parallel to the main axis or is identical with the main axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Frauhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Denis Jung, Christian Drabe, Harald Schenk, Thilo Sandner, Thomas Klose
  • Publication number: 20080241462
    Abstract: A deflectable structure includes a layer having a first area and a second area, a trench structure in the layer which penetrates the layer and separates the first area from the second area, a first junction between the first area and the second area, and a second junction between the first area and the second area, the first area being permanently moveable from a first, permanent position with regard to the second area to a second position, deflected as compared to the first position, with regard to the second area by applying a force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Christian DRABE
  • Publication number: 20080239431
    Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a deflectable micromechanical functional structure and a non-rigid biased suspension positioning the micromechanical functional structure in the micromechanical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas KLOSE, Christian DRABE
  • Publication number: 20080242049
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a micromechanical structure, first a two-dimensional structure is formed in a substrate. The two-dimensional structure is deflected from the substrate plane by action of force and fixed in the deflected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Denis JUNG, Christian DRABE, Thilo SANDNER, Harald SCHENK, Thomas KLOSE, Alexander WOLTER
  • Patent number: 7301690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-optical arrangement with which in particular optical properties of an optical element or its influencing of electromagnetic radiation may be changed. Thereby the optical elements with a reflecting surface are preferred. It is the object of the invention to provide for a changeability of optical parameters, in particular of the focal width with small time constants, in an inexpensive manner and with a small required constructional volume. The micro-optical arrangement according to the invention comprises a plate-like optical element onto which electromagnetic radiation is directed on an optically effective surface. The optical element thereby is fixed or clamped at least at one outer edge point. The optical element is elastically deformed due to mass inertia as a result of a translatory movement at least approximately parallel to the optical axis between two reversal points (?z0, z0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Harald Schenk, Christian Drabe