Patents by Inventor Michael D. Gouin

Michael D. Gouin 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).

  • Method of making an acceleration sensor
    Patent number: 5628100
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor is shown having a substrate (16, 16', 16", 16'") on which a capacitor detect plate (24) and source plate mounting portion (28c) are disposed. An electrically conductive blade member (40, 44) having an attachment portion (40a, 44h), a source plate portion (40i, 44a) and integrally attached beams (40b, 40c; 44b) extending along opposite sides of the blade member is mounted on the substrate by welding the attachment portion to a mounting element (36, 36', 36", 36'") which is closely received in a bore (32, 32', 32", 32'") formed through the substrate at the source plate mounting portion. The mounting element or the bore is formed with a surface suitable for forming an interference fit and for making electrical engagement with a conductive layer received in the bore. The mounting element has one end (36b, 36b', 36b") which extends above the top surface (26, 26") an adjustable selected amount(s) to provide desired spacing between the source plate portion and the detect plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry K. Johnson, Eric P. Reidemeister, Robert O. Southworth, Michael D. Gouin, William Silva, Andrew A. Amatruda, Jr.
  • Acceleration sensor apparatus and method for making same
    Patent number: 5555766
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor is shown having a substrate (16, 16', 16", 16'") on which a capacitor detect plate (24) and source plate mounting portion (28c) are disposed. An electrically conductive blade member (40, 44) having an attachment portion (40a, 44h), a source plate portion (40i, 44a) and integrally attached beams (40b, 40c; 44b) extending along opposite sides of the blade member is mounted on the substrate by welding the attachment portion to a mounting element (36, 36', 36", 36'") which is closely received in a bore (32, 32', 32", 32'") formed through the substrate at the source plate mounting portion. The mounting element or the bore is formed with a surface suitable for forming an interference fit and for making electrical engagement with a conductive layer received in the bore. The mounting element has one end (36b, 36b', 36b") which extends above the top surface (26, 26") an adjustable selected amount(s) to provide desired spacing between the source plate portion and the detect plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry K. Johnson, Eric P. Reidemeister, Robert O. Southworth, Michael D. Gouin, William Silva, Andrew A. Amatruda, Jr.