Patents by Inventor Michael B. Cohn
Michael B. Cohn 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: 20120193754Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: MicroAssembly Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Ji-Hai Xu
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Patent number: 7692521Abstract: Problems with the short lifetime of MEMS devices, low actuation forces, contaminant build-up on contacts, etc. are minimized by a MEMS device with an improved cantilever design that enables high force while maintaining large gaps. The improved cantilever design both allows for high force and fast switching while minimizing damage to contacts. The improved design can be fabricated on one or two substrates, which are bonded together with a seal ring to provide a packaged MEMS device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Microassembly Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael B. Cohn
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Publication number: 20080272867Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: MICROASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Ji-Hai Xu
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Patent number: 7276789Abstract: Improved microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), processes and apparatus using thermocompression bonding are disclosed. For example, process embodiments are disclosed in which wafer-scale as well as die-scale thermocompression bonding is utilized to encapsulate MEMS and/or to provide electrical interconnections with MEMS. Apparatus embodiments include apparatus for performing thermocompression bonding and bonded hybrid structures manufactured in accordance with the process embodiments. Devices having various substrate bonding and/or sealing configurations variously offer the advantage of reduced size, higher manufacturing yields, reduced costs, improved reliability, improved compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing process and/or greater versatility of applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Microassembly Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Joseph T. Kung
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Patent number: 6872902Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: MicroAssembly Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Ji-Hai Xu
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Patent number: 6853067Abstract: Improved microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), processes and apparatus using thermocompression bonding are disclosed. For example, process embodiments are disclosed in which wafer-scale as well as die-scale thermocompression bonding is utilized to encapsulate MEMS and/or to provide electrical interconnections with MEMS. Apparatus embodiments include apparatus for performing thermocompression bonding and bonded hybrid structures manufactured in accordance with the process embodiments. Devices having various substrate bonding and/or sealing configurations variously offer the advantage of reduced size, higher manufacturing yields, reduced costs, improved reliability, improved compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing process and/or greater versatility of applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Microassembly Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Joseph T. Kung
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Publication number: 20040066258Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Ji-Hai Xu
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Publication number: 20020179921Abstract: The present invention provides a compliant seal, particularly for bonding substrates having different thermal expansion coefficients. This invention is also applicable for attaching substrates requiring a significant gap between said substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Michael B. Cohn
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Publication number: 20020144548Abstract: The present invention provides an accelerometer which is more manufacturable, higher performance, and more survivable. This invention is particularly applicable for ultra-low-g sensors and ultra-high-g sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Ryan Roehnelt
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Publication number: 20020146919Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for interconnecting two or more substrates, in which the interconnecting elements are mechanically compliant. Compliant electrical connections between substrates are desirable for absorbing stresses that occur due to thermal cycling. The invention also provides a scalable technique for fabricating structures, which are then pulled up into a pop-up position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Michael B. Cohn
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Publication number: 20020096421Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Michael B. Cohn, Ji-Hai Xu
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Patent number: 6142358Abstract: Break-away tethers to secure electronic, mechanical, optical, or other microstructures, during release from one substrate and transfer to another. Microstructures are fabricated with integrated tethers attaching them to a first substrate. The structures are undercut by etching and contacted and bonded to a second substrate. First and second substrates are separated, breaking the tethers.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1997Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael B. Cohn, Roger T. Howe
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Patent number: 5791231Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is described which has a layered structure and a flattened piston assembly to enhance production speed and reduce the costs of assembly. A system for performing surgery is also described incorporating the hydraulic actuator, having a sensory glove, a computer, and a slender robot manipulator which can be inserted into the human body through a small incision. The robot manipulator has a layered structure with integrated hydraulic pistons. This design allows the use of a novel manufacturing process in which all of the parts are formed from laminated sheets of material. Seals are formed to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid by introducing castable rubber into enclosed channels in the structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Endorobotics CorporationInventors: Michael B. Cohn, D. Curtis Deno, Jennifer T. Fujii
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Patent number: 5355577Abstract: Abstract: A method of rapidly assembling many discrete microelectronic or micro-mechanical devices 56 (FIG. 2 ) in a precise configuration (FIG. 8f). The devices are placed randomly on a template (FIG. 3 ) consisting of a pair of oppositely charged planar electrodes. The upper electrode contains a multiplicity of apertures. The template is vibrated and the devices are attracted to the apertures and trapped thereat. The shape of a given aperture determines the number, orientation, and type of device that it traps. The process is completed by mechanically and electrically connecting the devices. The present method for serf-assembly allows many sub-millimeter sized electronic components or other particles to be rapidly assembled into a predetermined configuration. The method relies on vibration and weak electrical or magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1992Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Inventor: Michael B. Cohn