Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Hopcroft

Matthew A. Hopcroft 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).

  • Piezoelectric actuators
    Patent number: 8324785
    Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ya-Mei Chen, Michael Stephen Sheppy, Matthew A. Hopcroft, Albert P. Pisano, Rajesh Vinodrai Mehta, Michael Alan Marcus, Gilbert Allan Hawkins
  • PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS
    Publication number: 20110107962
    Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Ya-Mei Chen, Michael Stephen Sheppy, Matthew A. Hopcroft, Albert P. Pisano, Rajesh Vinodrai Mehta, Michael Alan Marcus, Gilbert Allan Hawkins
  • Micro-electro-mechanical systems switch
    Patent number: 6621387
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical switch includes a transmission line having a gap disposed along it. The switch also includes at least one ground plane located proximal to the transmission line. A first bridge is configured to close the gap along the transmission line, and a second bridge is configured to connect the transmission line to the ground plane. A method of manufacturing a micro-electro-mechanical switch includes forming, on a first substrate, a transmission line and at least one ground plane, wherein the transmission line includes a gap along it. The method also includes forming, on a second substrate, a first bridge configured to close the gap disposed along the transmission line, and a second bridge configured to connect the transmission line to the ground plane. Then transferring the first and second bridges to the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Analatom Incorporated
    Inventor: Matthew A. Hopcroft