Patents by Inventor Matthias Metz

Matthias Metz 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).

  • Patent number: 9003885
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Zhiyu Pan, Christoph Lang, Gary Yama, Matthias Metz, Markus Ulm
  • Patent number: 8418559
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Zhiyu Pan, Christoph Lang, Gary Yama, Matthias Metz, Markus Ulm
  • Patent number: 8020266
    Abstract: Methods of making an energy harvesting device are described. A case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz
  • Patent number: 7898046
    Abstract: An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450 C is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz, Tino Fuchs, Franz Laermer, Silvia Kronmueller
  • Publication number: 20100263447
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Zhiyu Pan, Christoph Lang, Gary Yama, Matthias Metz, Markus Ulm
  • Patent number: 7757555
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Zhiyu Pan, Christoph Lang, Gary Yama, Matthias Metz, Markus Ulm
  • Patent number: 7671515
    Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a MEMS device, and technique of fabricating or manufacturing a MEMS device, having mechanical structures encapsulated in a chamber prior to final packaging. An embodiment further includes location of a piezoelectric material as part of a semiconductor sensing structure. The semiconductor sensing structure, in conjunction with the piezoelectric material, can be used as a sensing device to provide an output signal associated with a sensed event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch, GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Metz, Zhiyu Pan, Brian Stark, Markus Ulm, Gary Yama
  • Patent number: 7625773
    Abstract: A mechanical structure is disposed in a chamber, at least a portion of which is defined by the encapsulation structure. A first method provides a channel cap having at least one preform portion disposed over or in at least a portion of an anti-stiction channel to seal the anti-stiction channel, at least in part. A second method provides a channel cap having at least one portion disposed over or in at least a portion of an anti-stiction channel to seal the anti-stiction channel, at least in part. The at least one portion is fabricated apart from the electromechanical device and thereafter affixed to the electromechanical device. A third method provides a channel cap having at least one portion disposed over or in at least a portion of the anti-stiction channel to seal an anti-stiction channel, at least in part. The at least one portion may comprise a wire ball, a stud, metal foil or a solder preform. A device includes a substrate, an encapsulation structure and a mechanical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Lutz, Aaron Partridge, Wilhelm Frey, Markus Ulm, Matthias Metz, Brian Stark, Gary Yama
  • Publication number: 20090278214
    Abstract: An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450 C is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz, Tino Fuchs, Franz Laermer, Silvia Kronmueller
  • Patent number: 7582514
    Abstract: An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450° C. is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Cyril Vancura, Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz, Tino Fuchs, Franz Laermer, Silvia Kronmueller
  • Patent number: 7563633
    Abstract: An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450 C is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz, Tino Fuchs, Franz Laermer, Silvia Kronmueller
  • Publication number: 20090065928
    Abstract: A mechanical structure is disposed in a chamber, at least a portion of which is defined by the encapsulation structure. A first method provides a channel cap having at least one preform portion disposed over or in at least a portion of an anti-stiction channel to seal the anti-stiction channel, at least in part. A second method provides a channel cap having at least one portion disposed over or in at least a portion of an anti-stiction channel to seal the anti-stiction channel, at least in part. The at least one portion is fabricated apart from the electromechanical device and thereafter affixed to the electromechanical device. A third method provides a channel cap having at least one portion disposed over or in at least a portion of the anti-stiction channel to seal an anti-stiction channel, at least in part. The at least one portion may comprise a wire ball, a stud, metal foil or a solder preform. A device includes a substrate, an encapsulation structure and a mechanical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Lutz, Aaron Partidge, Wilhelm Frey, Markus Ulm, Matthias Metz, Brian Stark, Gary Yama
  • Patent number: 7449355
    Abstract: A mechanical structure is disposed in a chamber, at least a portion of which is defined by the encapsulation structure. A first method provides a channel cap having at least one preform portion disposed over or in at least a portion of an anti-stiction channel to seal the anti-stiction channel, at least in part. A second method provides a channel cap having at least one portion disposed over or in at least a portion of an anti-stiction channel to seal the anti-stiction channel, at least in part. The at least one portion is fabricated apart from the electromechanical device and thereafter affixed to the electromechanical device. A third method provides a channel cap having at least one portion disposed over or in at least a portion of the anti-stiction channel to seal an anti-stiction channel, at least in part. The at least one portion may comprise a wire ball, a stud, metal foil or a solder preform. A device includes a substrate, an encapsulation structure and a mechanical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Lutz, Aaron Partridge, Wilhelm Frey, Markus Ulm, Matthias Metz, Brian Stark, Gary Yama
  • Publication number: 20080265712
    Abstract: Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz
  • Patent number: 7414351
    Abstract: Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz
  • Publication number: 20080122020
    Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a MEMS device, and technique of fabricating or manufacturing a MEMS device, having mechanical structures encapsulated in a chamber prior to final packaging. An embodiment further includes location of a piezoelectric material as part of a semiconductor sensing structure. The semiconductor sensing structure, in conjunction with the piezoelectric material, can be used as a sensing device to provide an output signal associated with a sensed event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Matthias Metz, Zhiyu Pan, Brian Stark, Markus Ulm, Gary Yama
  • Publication number: 20080079333
    Abstract: Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz
  • Publication number: 20080053228
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Zhiyu Pan, Christoph Lang, Gary Yama, Matthias Metz, Markus Ulm
  • Publication number: 20080050861
    Abstract: An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450° C. is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Cyril Vancura, Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz, Tino Fuchs, Franz Laermer, Silvia Kronmueller
  • Publication number: 20080050845
    Abstract: An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450 C is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz, Tino Fuchs, Franz Laermer, Silvia Kronmueller