Patents by Inventor Michael James Nystrom

Michael James Nystrom 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: 11656454
    Abstract: The description relates to computing devices that employ steerable optics. One example includes a steering mechanism and a base substrate positioned relative to the steering mechanism. The example also includes an optical substrate positioned over the base substrate and an adhesive complex securing the optical substrate relative to the base substrate with multiple different types of adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chuan Pu, Jincheng Wang, Kingsuk Maitra, Michael James Nystrom
  • Publication number: 20230146362
    Abstract: Electrical connections are created between the actuator frame of a piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system and the substrate separate from the structural adhesive creating the mechanical bond between the actuator frame and the substrate. A structural bond (with no conducive properties) is formed between the actuator frame and the substrate. After the bond is fully formed, separate electric connections can be created by one or both of: 1) coating the actuator frame with a coating that enables a surface of the actuator frame to be wire bondable and creating a wire bond between the actuator frame and the substrate; or 2) depositing a trace of conductive material on the outside edge of the mechanical bond between the actuator frame and the substrate and a final protection layer may be applied over the conductive trace to protect the trace from mechanical or environmental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventor: Michael James NYSTROM
  • Patent number: 11555999
    Abstract: Electrical connections are created between the actuator frame of a piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system and the substrate separate from the structural adhesive creating the mechanical bond between the actuator frame and the substrate. A structural bond (with no conducive properties) is formed between the actuator frame and the substrate. After the bond is fully formed, separate electric connections can be created by one or both of: 1) coating the actuator frame with a coating that enables a surface of the actuator frame to be wire bondable and creating a wire bond between the actuator frame and the substrate; or 2) depositing a trace of conductive material on the outside edge of the mechanical bond between the actuator frame and the substrate and a final protection layer may be applied over the conductive trace to protect the trace from mechanical or environmental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James Nystrom
  • Patent number: 11175492
    Abstract: A system that includes a substrate for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror systems is provided. The MEMS scanning mirror system includes a substrate that includes a ceramic body. An actuator frame is mounted on the ceramic body of the substrate. The actuator frame includes at least one moveable member. At least one actuator is operatively connected to the at least one moveable member such that the actuator is configured to move the at least one moveable member. A scanning mirror assembly is mounted to the at least one moveable member such that movement of the at least one moveable member moves the scanning mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Nystrom, Wyatt Owen Davis, Jincheng Wang
  • Patent number: 11163151
    Abstract: A piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system is provided. In particular, the efficiency and life of the system are improved by use of new bonding methods. Mechanical and electrical connections between the actuator frame of a piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system and the piezoelectric actuators in the system may be created using an anisotropic conductive adhesive. An anisotropic conductive adhesive only conducts electricity across the bond line between a lower portion of the piezoelectric actuator and a top of the metal frame. One way this is done is to provide a sparse loading of conductive particles. When the piezoelectric element is compressed against the frame, the conductive particles only form a conductive path across the bond line. Grit blasting, sanding, or chemical etching may be used to roughen the metal surface prior to bonding. A surface roughness between 2 RMS and 6 RMS may be created on the metal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Luizzi, Michael James Nystrom
  • Patent number: 11125969
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to a resonant scanning mirror system comprising a mirror structure mounted to a frame via an adhesive. One example provides a resonant scanning mirror system comprising a frame defining a perimeter around a space, the frame including a mirror mounting portion having an opening. The mirror system also comprises a mirror structure spanning the space, the mirror structure having an oscillating mirror portion and a foot, the foot being attached to the mirror mounting portion with an adhesive and being positioned such that a location of the opening in the mirror mounting portion at least partially defines a location of an edge of a fillet of the adhesive where the adhesive meets the foot of the mirror structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James Nystrom
  • Patent number: 11016289
    Abstract: A micromirror actuator assembly includes a lower printed circuit board (PCB), an upper PCB, and a frame spaced away from the lower PCB and spaced away from the upper PCB between the lower PCB and the upper PCB. A micromirror is rotatably attached to the frame. A plurality of piezoelectric actuators are affixed to the frame and configured to selectively deform the frame to scan the micromirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James Nystrom
  • Publication number: 20210132363
    Abstract: The description relates to computing devices that employ steerable optics. One example includes a steering mechanism and a base substrate positioned relative to the steering mechanism. The example also includes an optical substrate positioned over the base substrate and an adhesive complex securing the optical substrate relative to the base substrate with multiple different types of adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chuan PU, Jincheng WANG, Kingsuk MAITRA, Michael James NYSTROM
  • Patent number: 10962766
    Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system is provided. The micro electro mechanical system includes a first part bonded to a second part by a structural adhesive interface. The structural adhesive interface includes a conductive structural adhesive portion, and a non-conductive structural adhesive portion at least partially surrounding the conductive structural adhesive portion. The conductive structural adhesive portion and the non-conductive structural adhesive portion have a thixotropy index greater than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Luizzi, Seungwoo Lee, Utku Baran, Michael James Nystrom, Robert J. Dyer
  • Publication number: 20210048663
    Abstract: A system that includes a substrate for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror systems is provided. The MEMS scanning mirror system includes a substrate that includes a ceramic body. An actuator frame is mounted on the ceramic body of the substrate. The actuator frame includes at least one moveable member. At least one actuator is operatively connected to the at least one moveable member such that the actuator is configured to move the at least one moveable member. A scanning mirror assembly is mounted to the at least one moveable member such that movement of the at least one moveable member moves the scanning mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael James NYSTROM, Wyatt Owen DAVIS, Jincheng WANG
  • Patent number: 10895713
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to actuator frames for scanning mirror systems. In one example an actuator frame for a scanning mirror assembly comprises a mounting member comprising a first side and an opposite second side. A first moveable member comprises a first interior side that defines a first gap and a second gap with the first side of the mounting member. A second moveable member comprises a second interior side that defines a third gap and a fourth gap with the second side of the mounting member. A first hinge connects a central portion of the mounting member with the first moveable member, and a second hinge connects the central portion of the mounting member with the second moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jincheng Wang, Wyatt Owen Davis, Michael James Nystrom, Joshua Owen Miller, Richard Allen James
  • Patent number: 10890755
    Abstract: The description relates to computing devices that employ steerable optics. One example includes a steering mechanism and a base substrate positioned relative to the steering mechanism. The example also includes an optical substrate positioned over the base substrate and an adhesive complex securing the optical substrate relative to the base substrate with multiple different types of adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chuan Pu, Jincheng Wang, Kingsuk Maitra, Michael James Nystrom
  • Publication number: 20200363631
    Abstract: A piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system is provided. In particular, the efficiency and life of the system are improved by use of new bonding methods. Mechanical and electrical connections between the actuator frame of a piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system and the piezoelectric actuators in the system may be created using an anisotropic conductive adhesive. An anisotropic conductive adhesive only conducts electricity across the bond line between a lower portion of the piezoelectric actuator and a top of the metal frame. One way this is done is to provide a sparse loading of conductive particles. When the piezoelectric element is compressed against the frame, the conductive particles only form a conductive path across the bond line. Grit blasting, sanding, or chemical etching may be used to roughen the metal surface prior to bonding. A surface roughness between 2 RMS and 6 RMS may be created on the metal frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Michael LUIZZI, Michael James NYSTROM
  • Publication number: 20200341236
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to a resonant scanning mirror system comprising a mirror structure mounted to a frame via an adhesive. One example provides a resonant scanning mirror system comprising a frame defining a perimeter around a space, the frame including a mirror mounting portion having an opening. The mirror system also comprises a mirror structure spanning the space, the mirror structure having an oscillating mirror portion and a foot, the foot being attached to the mirror mounting portion with an adhesive and being positioned such that a location of the opening in the mirror mounting portion at least partially defines a location of an edge of a fillet of the adhesive where the adhesive meets the foot of the mirror structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James NYSTROM
  • Publication number: 20200326531
    Abstract: Electrical connections are created between the actuator frame of a piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system and the substrate separate from the structural adhesive creating the mechanical bond between the actuator frame and the substrate. A structural bond (with no conducive properties) is formed between the actuator frame and the substrate. After the bond is fully formed, separate electric connections can be created by one or both of: 1) coating the actuator frame with a coating that enables a surface of the actuator frame to be wire bondable and creating a wire bond between the actuator frame and the substrate; or 2) depositing a trace of conductive material on the outside edge of the mechanical bond between the actuator frame and the substrate and a final protection layer may be applied over the conductive trace to protect the trace from mechanical or environmental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventor: Michael James NYSTROM
  • Patent number: 10712550
    Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to collocating a signal processing device with a micromechanical scanning silicon mirror as part of an apparatus. The micromechanical scanning silicon mirror and the signal processing device are part of separate dies. According to various embodiments, the apparatus can include wire bonds directly between sensor contacts of the micromechanical scanning silicon mirror and the signal processing device; the signal processing device can be mounted on a printed circuit board or mounted on or adjacent to the micromechanical scanning silicon mirror. Pursuant to other embodiments, the signal processing device can be mounted on the micromechanical scanning silicon mirror (e.g., mounted on a foot) and electrically coupled to sensor contacts of the micromechanical scanning silicon mirror (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Champion, Michael James Nystrom
  • Publication number: 20200218060
    Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system is provided. The micro electro mechanical system includes a first part bonded to a second part by a structural adhesive interface. The structural adhesive interface includes a conductive structural adhesive portion, and a non-conductive structural adhesive portion at least partially surrounding the conductive structural adhesive portion. The conductive structural adhesive portion and the non-conductive structural adhesive portion have a thixotropy index greater than one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Michael LUIZZI, Seungwoo LEE, Utku BARAN, Michael James NYSTROM, Robert J. DYER
  • Publication number: 20200124823
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to actuator frames for scanning mirror systems. In one example an actuator frame for a scanning mirror assembly comprises a mounting member comprising a first side and an opposite second side. A first moveable member comprises a first interior side that defines a first gap and a second gap with the first side of the mounting member. A second moveable member comprises a second interior side that defines a third gap and a fourth gap with the second side of the mounting member. A first hinge connects a central portion of the mounting member with the first moveable member, and a second hinge connects the central portion of the mounting member with the second moveable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jincheng WANG, Wyatt Owen DAVIS, Michael James NYSTROM, Joshua Owen MILLER, Richard Allen JAMES
  • Publication number: 20200073113
    Abstract: A micromirror actuator assembly includes a lower printed circuit board (PCB), an upper PCB, and a frame spaced away from the lower PCB and spaced away from the upper PCB between the lower PCB and the upper PCB. A micromirror is rotatably attached to the frame. A plurality of piezoelectric actuators are affixed to the frame and configured to selectively deform the frame to scan the micromirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James NYSTROM
  • Publication number: 20190369386
    Abstract: The description relates to computing devices that employ steerable optics. One example includes a steering mechanism and a base substrate positioned relative to the steering mechanism. The example also includes an optical substrate positioned over the base substrate and an adhesive complex securing the optical substrate relative to the base substrate with multiple different types of adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chuan PU, Jincheng WANG, Kingsuk MAITRA, Michael James NYSTROM