Patents by Inventor Sean ANDREWS

Sean ANDREWS 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).

  • Publication number: 20250123444
    Abstract: An integrated MEMS waveguide modulator, including: a static, non-suspended waveguide to guide light traveling through the waveguide; and a dielectric slab movable into and out of an evanescent field surrounding the waveguide using an actuation mechanism, wherein the dielectric slab is movable between a first position that is farthest away possible for the slab from the waveguide and a second position that is closest possible for the slab from the waveguide, wherein dispersion characteristic of the light is controlled by moving the dielectric slab from an unactuated mode that is at the first position to an actuated mode that is at the second position, and wherein the dielectric slab is layered to include non-uniform refractive index profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2024
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Inventors: Karl JOHNSON, John HONG, Bing WEN, Sean ANDREWS, Heesun SHIN, Edward CHAN, Tallis CHANG
  • Publication number: 20250042727
    Abstract: An electromechanical systems structure including: providing a stack, including a structural layer extending in a plane, a sidewall layer including a first portion lying in a plane parallel to the structural layer plane and a second portion lying in a plane transverse to the structural layer plane, an etch-stop layer, positioned between the sidewall layer and the structural layer, including an etch-selectivity different from an etch-selectivity of the structural layer and an etch-selectivity of the sidewall layer, and a mold comprising a wall parallel to the sidewall layer's second portion; etching the sidewall layer's first portion to expose the etch-stop layer; removing the mold; etching the etch-stop layer such that the sidewall layer's second portion masks a portion of the etch-stop layer; removing the sidewall layer's second portion; and etching the structural layer such that the portion of the etch-stop layer masks a portion of the structural layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: John HONG, Tallis CHANG, Edward CHAN, Bing WEN, Yaoling PAN, Sean ANDREWS
  • Publication number: 20240379694
    Abstract: Electronic devices comprising pixels for sensing, methods for operating the electronic devices, and methods for manufacturing the electronic devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the electronic devices comprise hinges for supporting the pixels. In some embodiments, the electronic devices are configured to provide a bias voltage to the pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Heesun SHIN, Bing WEN, Edward CHAN, Sean ANDREWS, Tallis CHANG, John HONG
  • Publication number: 20240359974
    Abstract: Membrane fabrication including: depositing a bottom Molybdenum (Mo) layer; depositing a polyimide (PI) layer and defining a first release hole; curing the PI layer; depositing a top Mo layer; and defining and etching a second release hole within the first release hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: John HONG, Tallis CHANG, Bing WEN, Edward CHAN, Sean ANDREWS, Heesun SHIN
  • Patent number: 12061331
    Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, methods of operating the MEMS device, and methods of manufacturing the MEMS device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the MEMS device includes a glass substrate; an electrode on the glass substrate; a hinge mechanically coupled to the electrode; a membrane mirror mechanically coupled to the hinge; a TFT on the glass substrate and electrically coupled to the electrode; and a control circuit comprising: a multiplexer configured to turn on or turn off the TFT; and a drive source configured to provide a drive signal for charging the electrode through the TFT. An amplitude of the drive signal corresponds to an amount of charge, and the amount of charge generates an electrostatic force for actuating the hinge and a portion of the membrane mirror mechanically coupled to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hong, Tallis Chang, Bing Wen, Edward Chan, Sean Andrews, Heesun Shin
  • Patent number: 12006209
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electromechanical systems structure includes manufacturing sub-micron structural features. In some embodiments, the structural features are less than the lithographic limit of a lithography process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hong, Tallis Chang, Edward Chan, Bing Wen, Yaoling Pan, Sean Andrews
  • Patent number: 11959806
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hong, Bing Wen, Edward Chan, Tallis Chang, Sean Andrews
  • Publication number: 20240043264
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of manufacturing a plurality of MEMS devices, each device including a first material and a second material with different CTE. The method includes providing a carrier with substantially equal CTE as the first material, the carrier comprising a plurality of cavities. The method also includes positioning a plurality of components in respective cavities of the carrier, the components comprising the second material. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning a layer of the first material on the second material components. In some embodiments, the method includes bonding the first material layer and the second material components. The method also includes removing the carrier and singulating the first material layer to produce the plurality of MEMS devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Tallis CHANG, Sean ANDREWS
  • Publication number: 20230314228
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Bing WEN, Edward CHAN, Tallis CHANG, Sean ANDREWS
  • Publication number: 20230288258
    Abstract: Systems and methods for spectrometry are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) comprising a waveguide and a delay element. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining a power spectral density of an input optical signal via the FTS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Bing WEN, Sean ANDREWS, Heesun SHIN, Edward CHAN, Tallis CHANG, Ming YING
  • Patent number: 11624657
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems for transmitting and detecting radiation. The devices and methods described herein are applicable to terahertz radiation. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications. In some embodiments, a microelectromechanical system comprises a glass substrate configured to pass radiation from a first surface of the glass substrate through a second surface of the glass substrate, the glass substrate comprising TFT circuitry; a lid comprising a surface; spacers separating the lid and glass substrate; a cavity defined by the spacers, surface of the lid, and second surface of the glass substrate; a pixel in the cavity, positioned on the second surface of the glass substrate, electrically coupled to the TFT circuitry, and comprising an absorber to detect the radiation; and a reflector to direct the radiation to the absorbers and positioned on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hong, Bing Wen, Edward Chan, Tallis Chang, Sean Andrews
  • Publication number: 20230061174
    Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, methods of operating the MEMS device, and methods of manufacturing the MEMS device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the MEMS device includes a glass substrate; an electrode on the glass substrate; a hinge mechanically coupled to the electrode; a membrane mirror mechanically coupled to the hinge; a TFT on the glass substrate and electrically coupled to the electrode; and a control circuit comprising: a multiplexer configured to turn on or turn off the TFT; and a drive source configured to provide a drive signal for charging the electrode through the TFT. An amplitude of the drive signal corresponds to an amount of charge, and the amount of charge generates an electrostatic force for actuating the hinge and a portion of the membrane mirror mechanically coupled to the hinge. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices comprise a charge transfer circuit for providing the amount of charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Tallis CHANG, Bing WEN, Edward CHAN, Sean ANDREWS, Heesun SHIN
  • Publication number: 20220411261
    Abstract: In some embodiments, electromechanical systems including a semiconductor layer that has a planar surface and includes conductive and adjacent non-conductive regions and a hermetic seal applied above the planar surface and methods of manufacturing the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, electromechanical devices that include first and second planar semiconductor layers are disclosed. Each of the semiconductor layers includes conductive regions, and at least one conductive region from each of the layers is electrically coupled to each other. Methods of manufacturing the electromechanical devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Tallis CHANG, Sean ANDREWS, Jan BOS, Jia-Wei MA
  • Patent number: 11415381
    Abstract: Heat exchangers and methods for assembling a heat exchanger are described, such as for example a round tube heat exchanger, which may be a fin and tube heat exchanger, and which may be used for example in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system and/or unit thereof. The heat exchanger includes aluminum tubes mechanically rolled into an aluminum tube support and the tubes are fluidically sealed with the tube support. The aluminum tube support including the aluminum tubes rolled therein is assembled to a fluid manifold configured to allow fluid flow through the heat exchanger and into and/or out of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William Burgess Fox, Jacob Levi Gregg, Corey Michael Gilbertson, Sean Andrews Smith, Jeffery Carl Gill, Robert John Larrinaga
  • Publication number: 20210294093
    Abstract: Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, methods of operating the MEMS device, and methods of manufacturing the MEMS device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the MEMS device includes a glass substrate; an electrode on the glass substrate; a hinge mechanically coupled to the electrode; a membrane mirror mechanically coupled to the hinge; a TFT on the glass substrate and electrically coupled to the electrode; and a control circuit comprising: a multiplexer configured to turn on or turn off the TFT; and a drive source configured to provide a drive signal for charging the electrode through the TFT. An amplitude of the drive signal corresponds to an amount of charge, and the amount of charge generates an electrostatic force for actuating the hinge and a portion of the membrane mirror mechanically coupled to the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Tallis CHANG, Bing WEN, Edward CHAN, Sean ANDREWS, Heesun SHIN
  • Publication number: 20210164839
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems for transmitting and detecting radiation. The devices and methods described herein are applicable to terahertz radiation. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications. In some embodiments, a microelectromechanical system comprises a glass substrate configured to pass radiation from a first surface of the glass substrate through a second surface of the glass substrate, the glass substrate comprising TFT circuitry; a lid comprising a surface; spacers separating the lid and glass substrate; a cavity defined by the spacers, surface of the lid, and second surface of the glass substrate; a pixel in the cavity, positioned on the second surface of the glass substrate, electrically coupled to the TFT circuitry, and comprising an absorber to detect the radiation; and a reflector to direct the radiation to the absorbers and positioned on the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Bing WEN, Edward CHAN, Tallis CHANG, Sean ANDREWS
  • Publication number: 20210071971
    Abstract: Heat exchangers and methods for assembling a heat exchanger are described, such as for example a round tube heat exchanger, which may be a fin and tube heat exchanger, and which may be used for example in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system and/or unit thereof. The heat exchanger includes aluminum tubes mechanically rolled into an aluminum tube support and the tubes are fluidically sealed with the tube support. The aluminum tube support including the aluminum tubes rolled therein is assembled to a fluid manifold configured to allow fluid flow through the heat exchanger and into and/or out of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: William Burgess FOX, Jacob Levi GREGG, Corey Michael GILBERTSON, Sean Andrews Smith, Jeffery Carl GILL, Robert John LARRINAGA
  • Publication number: 20200407219
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electromechanical systems structure includes manufacturing sub-micron structural features. In some embodiments, the structural features are less than the lithographic limit of a lithography process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Obsidian Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: John HONG, Tallis CHANG, Edward CHAN, Bing WEN, Yaoling PAN, Sean ANDREWS
  • Patent number: 10837720
    Abstract: Heat exchangers and methods for assembling a heat exchanger are described, such as for example a round tube heat exchanger, which may be a fin and tube heat exchanger, and which may be used for example in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system and/or unit thereof. The heat exchanger includes aluminum tubes mechanically rolled into an aluminum tube support and the tubes are fluidically sealed with the tube support. The aluminum tube support including the aluminum tubes rolled therein is assembled to a fluid manifold configured to allow fluid flow through the heat exchanger and into and/or out of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William Burgess Fox, Jacob Levi Gregg, Corey Michael Gilbertson, Sean Andrews Smith, Jeffery Carl Gill, Robert John Larrinaga
  • Publication number: 20150122455
    Abstract: Heat exchangers and methods for assembling a heat exchanger are described, such as for example a round tube heat exchanger, which may be a fin and tube heat exchanger, and which may be used for example in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system and/or unit thereof. The heat exchanger includes aluminum tubes mechanically rolled into an aluminum tube support and the tubes are fluidically sealed with the tube support. The aluminum tube support including the aluminum tubes rolled therein is assembled to a fluid manifold configured to allow fluid flow through the heat exchanger and into and/or out of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: William Burgess FOX, Jacob Levi GREGG, Corey Michael GILBERTSON, Sean Andrews Smith, Jeffery Carl GILL, Robert John LARRINAGA