Patents by Inventor John A. Bishop
John A. Bishop 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).
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Patent number: 6743988Abstract: An optically controlled switch includes first and second electrodes, a channel extending between the electrodes, and a light source positioned to illuminate the channel. The light source produces a wavelength capable of changing the material's conductivity. The channel includes a photosensitive organic material and is configured to operate as a light controlled switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Zhenan Bao, David John Bishop, Robert Albert Boie, Dustin W. Carr, Edwin Arthur Chandross, Peter Kian-Hoon Ho
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Patent number: 6690885Abstract: An optical crossconnect constructed of micro -electromechanical systems (MEMS) tilt mirror arrays for selectively routing optical signals to optic fibers. The crossconnect includes a lens array for directing optical signals from a fiber array to the MEMS mirror array. Individual mirror elements in the mirror array reflect the optic signals to additional optic elements such as a planar mirror, a transmissive/reflective optical element or a second MEMS mirror array for routing the optical signals to output optic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignees: Lucent Technologies Inc., Agere Systems, Inc.Inventors: Vladmir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop, Randy Clinton Giles
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Publication number: 20030205180Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible table that has the benefit of the interlocking legs supporting each other independently of the top, and of supporting the top itself. The present invention table includes components generally referred to as interlocking legs, but because one set extends to the floor and the other set need not extend to the floor, they are more specifically referred to as table support members and table brace members. In the present invention table, there is a pair of table support members, each table support member having a general frontal view shape of an inverted “U”. There is a substantially horizontal top portion and two substantially vertical leg portions, the top portion having two receiving slots at opposite ends from one another. These two receiving slots face or open upwardly when the table support members are upright for assembly, and these receiving slots have a predetermined height, h, and a predetermined width, w−1.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: John A. Bishop
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Patent number: 6507421Abstract: An optical crossconnect (OXC) fabric including an array of tiltable mirrors, a reflector and a plurality of optical fibers controls the position of the mirrors to optimize the transfer of a signal between an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber by monitoring the optical signal at an optical translation unit in each of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber. The optical translation units are operable for regenerating the optical signals transmitted through the fibers.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignees: Lucent Technologies Inc., Agere Systems Guardian Corp.Inventors: David John Bishop, Randy Clinton Giles, David Thomas Neilson
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Publication number: 20020176649Abstract: An optically controlled switch includes first and second electrodes, a channel extending between the electrodes, and a light source positioned to illuminate the channel. The light source produces a wavelength capable of changing the material's conductivity. The channel includes a photosensitive organic material and is configured to operate as a light controlled switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Zhenan Bao, David John Bishop, Robert Albert Boie, Dustin W. Carr, Edwin Arthur Chandross, Peter Kian-Hoon Ho
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Publication number: 20020154381Abstract: The specification describes an improved Moving Anti-Reflection Switch (MARS) device structure that largely eliminates charge build up on the movable membrane, and reduces stresses that cause curling of the membrane. The improved device uses a movable membrane made of single crystal silicon.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: David John Bishop, Keith Wayne Goossen, Dennis S. Greywall, James Albert Walker
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Patent number: 6441360Abstract: An opto-isolator incorporating a MEMS device includes an optical signal source and an optical signal detector defining therebeween an optical path for communication of optical signals. A MEMS device having an actuator for controlling a moveable element is disposed between the source and detector for manipulating the optical signals. In one embodiment, the moveable element is a shutter which is operable to selectively allow optical signals to be received by the detector and prevent signals from being detected. In another embodiment, the moveable member is a MEMS tilt mirror for selectively directing optical signals to the detector.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignees: Lucent Technologies, Inc., Agere Systems Guardian Corp.Inventors: David John Bishop, Randy Clinton Giles
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Patent number: 6400009Abstract: A package for hermetically sealing a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device in a hybrid circuit comprise a firewall formed on a substrate for the MEMS device and which has a height defining a cavity of the package in which the MEMS device will be sealed. A second substrate spaced from the first substrate hermetically seals the cavity when the second substrate is flip-chip bonded to the first substrate and soldered to the first substrate with a thin film metal material placed on at least a top portion of the firewall. The resulting firewall MEMS device package can be further packaged using conventional CMOS packaging techniques. By hermetically sealing the cavity, the enclosed MEMS device is protected from deleterious conditions found in the environment of conventional CMOS packaging techniques which is often detrimental to MEMS device function.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignees: Lucent Technologies Inc., Agere Systems Guardian Corp.Inventors: David John Bishop, John VanAtta Gates, II, Jungsang Kim
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Patent number: 6392221Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical optical device is disclosed. The micro-electro-mechanical optical device includes a micro-electro-mechanical structure coupled with an optical device. Both the micro-electro-mechanical structure and the optical device are disposed on a substrate surface. The micro-electro-mechanical structure lifts the optical device a predetermined distance above the plane of the substrate surface. Thereafter, the lifted optical device is moveable relative to the plane of the substrate surface in response to an electrostatic field generated between the optical device and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignees: Agere Systems Guardian Corp., Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop
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Patent number: 6366414Abstract: An electro-mechanical structure which controls the movement of an optical device coupled thereto is disclosed. Both the electro-mechanical structure and the optical device are disposed on a substrate surface. The electro-mechanical structure controls the movement of the optical device by first lifting the optical device a predetermined distance above the plane of the substrate surface. Thereafter, the lifted optical device is moveable relative to the plane of the substrate surface in response to an electrostatic field generated between the electro-mechanical structure and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignees: Agere Systems Guardian Corp., Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop
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Patent number: 6356377Abstract: A variable optical delay line using MEMS devices. A reflector on a micro machine linear rack is positioned and spaced from an input source and/or an output to receive and reflect input light waves toward the output. The distance between the reflector and the input and output is variable and thereby enables selective path delay compensation of the input light wave signals. Other disclosed embodiments utilize pivoting MEMS mirrors and selective adjustment of the mirror pivot angles to provide the selective path delay compensation required in a light wave system.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignees: Agere Systems Guardian Corp., Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: David John Bishop, Randy Clinton Giles
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Patent number: 6351577Abstract: The invention provides tunable optical filters which incorporate a surface-micromachined out-of-plane plate having a moveable membrane with a high reflective (HR) coated mirror. The mirror defines one side of a Fabry-Perot (FP) filter cavity and is movable in a direction along an axis of the filter cavity. The other side of the filter cavity is defined by a second HR-coated mirror. In one illustrative embodiment, a first plate is formed on a substrate, and then subsequently released from the substrate and secured in a plane orthogonal to the substrate. The first HR-coated mirror is formed as part of a movable membrane supported in an opening through the first plate. The second mirror is formed on a second plate secured in another plane orthogonal to the plane of the substrate, such that the filter cavity is defined horizontally between the first and second mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop, Anat Sneh
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Publication number: 20020013054Abstract: A simple method for making large, uniformly flat electrostatically actuated micro-mirrors for use as variable attenuators and switches in optical networking systems is disclosed. The devices are fabricated by fusion bonding ultra-thin, single crystal silicon wafers to micromachined silicon substrates, forming robust, non-deforming reflective surfaces which are simpler to fabricate than similar devices fabricated by conventional chemical vapor deposition of polycrystalline silicon, which require careful engineering to avoid stress-induced deformation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Kenneth R. Farmer, II, Richard A. Brown, Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop, James Albert Walker
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Patent number: 6300619Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) optical device having a reduced footprint for increasing yield on a substrate. The MEM device includes an optical element having an outer edge and supported by a support structure disposed on a substrate. The support structure is mechanically connected to the substrate through first and second pairs of beams which move the structure to an active position for elevating the optic device above the substrate. When in an elevated position, the optical device can be selectively tilted for deflecting optic signals. The beams are connected at one end to the support structure, at the other end to the substrate and are disposed so that the first and second beam ends are located proximate the optical device outer edge. In a preferred embodiment, a stiction force reducing element is included on the outer edge of the optical device for reducing the contact area between the optic device edge and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignees: Lucent Technologies Inc., Agere Systems Optoelectronics Guardian Corp.Inventors: Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop, Cristian A. Bolle, Randy Clinton Giles, Flavio Pardo
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Patent number: 6288821Abstract: An optical signal processing apparatus includes at least two mirror array chips mounted on an upper surface of a base in close proximity to each other to form a compound array. Each mirror array chip includes a substrate, and a plurality of spaced-apart mirrors mounted on an upper surface of the substrate. The mirrors are movable in response to an electrical signal. A plurality of electrical leads for conduct the electrical signals to the mirrors, at least a portion of the electrical leads extending at least partially along the upper surface of the base between a lower surface of the substrate and the upper surface of the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop, Cristian A. Bolle, John VanAtta Gates, II, Randy Clinton Giles, Ronald Edward Scotti
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Patent number: 6265239Abstract: A method for pivoting an optical device about one or more axes thereof is disclosed. Springs couple the optical device to the micro-electro-mechanical structure. A portion of the springs are fastened on the micro-electro-mechanical structure. Fastening the portion of each spring on the electromechanical structure prevents the springs from moving the optical device in a translational direction when such optical device pivots about the one or more axes.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignees: Agere Systems Optoelectronics Guardian Corp., Lucent Technologies IncInventors: Vladimir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, David John Bishop
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Publication number: 20010008157Abstract: A device having electrical contacts formed from an alloy having improved wear resistance is provided, the alloy being particularly useful in microrelay devices formed by MEMS technology. In one embodiment, the alloys are chosen to allow sufficient precipitation hardening to improve wear resistance, but keep precipitation below a level that would unacceptably reduce electrical conductivity. This is achieved by using alloying materials that have very limited or no solid solubility in the noble metal matrix, e.g., less than 4 wt. % solid solubility. In a second embodiment, an alloy contains a noble metal matrix and insoluble, dispersoid particles having no solubility in the matrix, these dispersoid particles offering a similar strengthening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: July 19, 2001Inventors: David John Bishop, Sungho Jin, Jungsang Kim, Ainissa G. Ramirez, Robert Bruce Van Dover
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Patent number: 6249075Abstract: A micro-machined transducer having a structure in which an acoustic enclosure is formed on a substrate above the plane of the substrate surface is disclosed. Forming the acoustic enclosure on the substrate above the plane of the substrate surface, rather than an acoustic cavity in a surface of the substrate, provides an acoustic cavity whose size is not limited by the thickness of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignees: Lucent Technologies Inc., Agere SystemsInventors: David John Bishop, Robert Albert Boie, Flavio Pardo
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Patent number: 6163643Abstract: An electronically variable optical attenuator includes focusing optics that enable the use of a micro-mechanical actuation device with minute movement properties. The actuation device controls the position of a light blocking member relative to the path of a focused light beam to thereby control the attenuation of the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Ernest Eisenhardt Bergmann, David John Bishop
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Patent number: 6124650Abstract: An actuation device employing square-loop latchable magnetic material having a magnetization direction (polarization) capable of being changed in response to exposure to an external magnetic field is disclosed. The magnetic field is created by a conductor assembly with non-solenoid configuration. Once the magnetization direction of the material is so changed, the external magnetic field is no longer required to maintain the new magnetization direction. The latchable magnetic material is disposed on the mobile electrode of a switching device, and another magnetic material is disposed in spaced relation to the latchable magnetic material on a stationary electrode or surface. By applying an electrical current to a conductor assembly arranged proximate the latchable material, a magnetic field is created about the latchable magnetic material, to change the magnetization direction and thereby enable the attraction or repulsion of another magnetic material located on the stationary electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: David John Bishop, Sungho Jin, Jungsang Kim, Ainissa G. Ramirez