Patents by Inventor John Wesley Stocker

John Wesley Stocker 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).

  • Low inertia latching microactuator
    Patent number: 6831380
    Abstract: A surface micromachined micromagnetic actuator is described, wherein rotary actuation is accomplished by a member pivotably mounted on the surface of the substrate. Angular motion of the member about the pivot point is imparted by the interaction of a magnetic tab affixed to the member, with flux generated in the gap of an electromagnetic core. Rotary motion is restricted to less than 360 degrees by using an integrally formed hinge between the pivoting member and the pivot point, rather than by a more complex bearing. By virtue of this design, a large range of motion can be achieved without requiring a true bearing to be fabricated in the device. The pivoting member is also constrained in either of two stable positions upon de-energization of the electromagnetic core, by the attachment of a bistable spring between the pivoting member and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: Tara Jean Rybnicek, John Wesley Stocker, Jeffery Frank Summers, John Stuart Foster, Richard Thomas Martin, Paul John Rubel, Patrick Edward Feierabend
  • Low inertia latching microactuator
    Publication number: 20030117027
    Abstract: A surface micromachined micromagnetic actuator is described, wherein rotary actuation is accomplished by a member pivotably mounted on the surface of the substrate. Angular motion of the member about the pivot point is imparted by the interaction of a magnetic tab affixed to the member, with flux generated in the gap of an electromagnetic core. Rotary motion is restricted to less than 360 degrees by using an integrally formed hinge between the pivoting member and the pivot point, rather than by a more complex bearing. By virtue of this design, a large range of motion can be achieved without requiring a true bearing to be fabricated in the device. The pivoting member is also constrained in either of two stable positions upon de-energization of the electromagnetic core, by the attachment of a bistable spring between the pivoting member and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Tara Jean Rybnicek, John Wesley Stocker, Jeffery Frank Summers, John Stuart Foster, Richard Thomas Martin, Paul John Rubel, Patrick Edward Feierabend