Patents by Inventor MICHAËL MÉNARD
MICHAËL MÉNARD 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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Publication number: 20230358975Abstract: Silicon photonics provides an attractive platform for optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) exploiting hybrid or monolithic integration with or without concurrent integration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and/or CMOS electronic. Such OEICs offering optical component solutions across multiple applications from optical sensors through to optical networks operating upon one or more wavelengths. Accordingly, various silicon photonic building blocks are required in order to provide a toolkit for a circuit designer to exploit OEICs where these building blocks must address specific aspects of OEICs such as polarisation dependency of the optical waveguides. Accordingly, the inventors have established designs for: polarisation rotators with MEMS based tuning to allow the dual polarisations from a polarisation splitter to be managed by an OEIC operating upon a single polarisation; analog or digital phase shifts with MEMS actuation for switches, attenuators etc.; and passband filters with MEMS tuning.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: NIHARIKA KOHLI, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, SURAJ SHARMA
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Patent number: 11656412Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.Inventors: Francois Menard, Michael Menard, Frederic Nabki, Martin Berard, Jonathan Briere
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Publication number: 20230042123Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have found widespread applications across biotechnology, medicine, communications, and consumer electronics. These are typically one-dimensional MEMS (e.g. rotation, linear translation on a single axis) or two-dimensional MEMS (e.g. linear translation in two directions in the plane of the MEMS). It would be beneficial therefore for designers of components, circuits, and systems to exploit MEMS elements that produce both out-of-plane and in-plane motion thereby allowing for novel two-dimensional and three-dimensional MEMS micropositioners.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: SEYEDFAKHREDDIN NABAVI, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI
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Publication number: 20210349265Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MARTIN BERARD, JONATHAN BRIERE
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Patent number: 11125948Abstract: Hybrid optical integration places very strict manufacturing tolerances and performance requirements upon the multiple elements to exploit passive alignment techniques as well as having additional processing requirements. Alternatively, active alignment and soldering/fixing where feasible is also complex and time consuming with 3, 4, or 6-axis control of each element. However, microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems can sense, control, and activate mechanical processes on the micro scale. Beneficially, therefore the inventors combine silicon MEMS based micro-actuators with silicon CMOS control and drive circuits in order to provide alignment of elements within a silicon optical circuit either with respect to each other or with other optical elements hybridly integrated such as compound semiconductor elements. Such inventive MEMS based circuits may be either maintained as active during deployment or powered off once the alignment has been “locked” through an attachment/retention/latching process.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.Inventors: Francois Menard, Frederic Nabki, Michael Menard, Martin Berard
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Patent number: 11086079Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.Inventors: Francois Menard, Michael Menard, Frederic Nabki, Martin Berard, Jonathan Briere
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Patent number: 11086078Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.Inventors: Francois Menard, Michael Menard, Frederic Nabki, Martin Berard, Jonathan Briere
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Patent number: 11009664Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To Microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) integrating optical waveguides upon a MEMS can provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Improvements to the design and implementation of MOEMS devices are presented where monolithically integrated optical waveguides are directly supported, moved and/or deformed upon a beam coupled to and manipulated by a MEMS. Accordingly, such MOEMS can provide programmable functionality by enabling alignment of the optical waveguide upon the MEMS to one of multiple optical waveguides disposed relative to the moving facet of the rotating optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.Inventors: Francois Menard, Michael Menard, Frederic Nabki, Martin Berard, Jonathan Briere
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Patent number: 10852530Abstract: Optical spectroscopy is a widely used method to identify the chemical composition of materials and the characteristics of optical signals. Silicon based integrated photonics offers a platform for many optical functions through microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS), silicon waveguides, integrated CMOS electronics and hybrid integration of compound semiconductor elements for optical gain. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide advanced optical tools for techniques such as optical spectroscopy and optical tomography exploiting MOEMS to provide swept filters that offer improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, reconfigurability, and lower cost. Further, such MOEMS elements can support the provisioning of swept optical sources, swept filters, swept receivers etc. in the planar waveguide domain without free space optics.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Transfert Plus, Societe en CommanditeInventors: Michaël Ménard, Fréderic Nabki, Mohannad Elsayed
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Publication number: 20200219818Abstract: Unlike most MEMS device configurations which simply switch between two positions in many optical devices the state of a MEMS mirror is important in all transition positions. It may determine the characteristics of an optical delay line system and by that an optical coherence tomography system in one application and in another the number of wavelength channels and the dynamic wavelength switching capabilities in the other. The role of the MEMS is essential and it is responsible for altering the paths of the different wavelengths in either device. It would be beneficial to improve the performance of such MEMS and thereby the performance of the optical components and optical systems they form part of. The inventors have established improvements to the design and implementation of such MEMS mirrors as well as optical waveguide technologies to in-plane optical processing as well as the mid infrared for optical spectroscopy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MOHAMED RAHIM, JONATHAN BRIERE, PHILIPPE-OLIVIER BEAULIEU
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Publication number: 20200049891Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber.-To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MARTIN BERARD, JONATHAN BRIERE
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Publication number: 20200049892Abstract: Hybrid optical integration places very strict manufacturing tolerances and performance requirements upon the multiple elements to exploit passive alignment techniques as well as having additional processing requirements. Alternatively, active alignment and soldering/fixing where feasible is also complex and time consuming with 3, 4, or 6-axis control of each element. However, microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems can sense, control, and activate mechanical processes on the micro scale. Beneficially, therefore the inventors combine silicon MEMS based micro-actuators with silicon CMOS control and drive circuits in order to provide alignment of elements within a silicon optical circuit either with respect to each other or with other optical elements hybridly integrated such as compound semiconductor elements. Such inventive MEMS based circuits may be either maintained as active during deployment or powered off once the alignment has been “locked” through an attachment/retention/latching process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MICHAEL MENARD, MARTIN BERARD
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Publication number: 20200049893Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber.-To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MARTIN BERARD, JONATHAN BRIERE
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Publication number: 20200049894Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: FRANCOIS MENARD, MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MARTIN BERARD, JONATHAN BRIERE
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Patent number: 10534137Abstract: Unlike most MEMS device configurations which simply switch between two positions in many optical devices the state of a MEMS mirror is important in all transition positions. It may determine the characteristics of an optical delay line system and by that an optical coherence tomography system in one application and in another the number of wavelength channels and the dynamic wavelength switching capabilities in the other. The role of the MEMS is essential and it is responsible for altering the paths of the different wavelengths in either device. It would be beneficial to improve the performance of such MEMS and thereby the performance of the optical components and optical systems they form part of. The inventors have established improvements to the design and implementation of such MEMS mirrors as well as optical waveguide technologies to in-plane optical processing as well as the mid infrared for optical spectroscopy.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Transfert Plus Societe en CommanditeInventors: Michael Menard, Frederic Nabki, Mohamed Rahim, Jonathan Briere, Philippe-Olivier Beaulieu
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Patent number: 10485559Abstract: A surgical file instrument including a surgical file assembly having an elongated tubular member with a guide/shield supporting the blade of the surgical file and being formed on the distal end thereof, the guide/shield portion being generally planar shaped and having an elongated longitudinally extending dimple defining a rail for guiding said blade and keeping it central and preventing wobbling. The side edges of said guide/shield extend upwardly and bear against the underside of the blade for supporting the same.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Eddy H. del Rio, David Narducci, Michael Menard
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Patent number: 10481336Abstract: Hybrid optical integration places very strict manufacturing tolerances and performance requirements upon the multiple elements to exploit passive alignment techniques as well as having additional processing requirements. Alternatively, active alignment and soldering/fixing where feasible is also complex and time consuming with 3, 4, or 6-axis control of each element. However, microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems can sense, control, and activate mechanical processes on the micro scale. Beneficially, therefore the inventors combine silicon MEMS based micro-actuators with silicon CMOS control and drive circuits in order to provide alignment of elements within a silicon optical circuit either with respect to each other or with other optical elements hybridly integrated such as compound semiconductor elements. Such inventive MEMS based circuits may be either maintained as active during deployment or powered off once the alignment has been “locked” through an attachment/retention/latching process.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignees: Aeponyx Inc., Universite Du Quebec a MontrealInventors: Francois Menard, Fréderic Nabki, Michaël Ménard, Martin Bérard
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Patent number: 10466421Abstract: Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Aeponyx Inc.Inventors: Francois Menard, Michael Menard, Frederic Nabki, Martin Berard, Jonathan Briere
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Publication number: 20190179136Abstract: Optical spectroscopy is a widely used method to identify the chemical composition of materials and the characteristics of optical signals. Silicon based integrated photonics offers a platform for many optical functions through microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS), silicon waveguides, integrated CMOS electronics and hybrid integration of compound semiconductor elements for optical gain. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide advanced optical tools for techniques such as optical spectroscopy and optical tomography exploiting MOEMS to provide swept filters that offer improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, reconfigurability, and lower cost. Further, such MOEMS elements can support the provisioning of swept optical sources, swept filters, swept receivers etc. in the planar waveguide domain without free space optics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michaël Ménard, Fréderic Nabki
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Publication number: 20180364420Abstract: Unlike most MEMS device configurations which simply switch between two positions in many optical devices the state of a MEMS mirror is important in all transition positions. It may determine the characteristics of an optical delay line system and by that an optical coherence tomography system in one application and in another the number of wavelength channels and the dynamic wavelength switching capabilities in the other. The role of the MEMS is essential and it is responsible for altering the paths of the different wavelengths in either device. It would be beneficial to improve the performance of such MEMS and thereby the performance of the optical components and optical systems they form part of. The inventors have established improvements to the design and implementation of such MEMS mirrors as well as optical waveguide technologies to in-plane optical processing as well as the mid infrared for optical spectroscopy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: MICHAEL MENARD, FREDERIC NABKI, MOHAMED RAHIM, JONATHAN BRIERE, PHILIPPE-OLIVIER BEAULIEU