Abstract: A personal safety device is provided. The device is a wearable device. The device includes a voice recording mechanism and an information download mechanism. The device may also include a voice comparison mechanism, an alert mechanism, a photodetector, a camera and/or a scanner. Method of enabling and using the device is also provided. The device may be used as a personal safety device and as a personnel monitoring device.

Abstract: A personal safety device is provided. The device is a wearable device. The device includes a voice recording mechanism and an information download mechanism. The device may also include a voice comparison mechanism, an alert mechanism, a photodetector, a camera and/or a scanner. Method of enabling and using the device is also provided. The device may be used as a personal safety device and as a personnel monitoring device.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device designed such that the actuating means are only mechanically coupled to the optical components. The device includes a substrate, a mirror supported above the substrate, and a rotatory actuator also supported above the substrate. The mirror and actuator are mechanically coupled via a torsional coupling hinge such that the mirror can be angled and/or tilted by electrostatically driving the rotatory actuator. Advantageously, the micro-mirrors and actuator are fabricated from the same layer during the micro-machining fabrication process. In one embodiment, the mirror is rotatable about a fixed rotation axis. In another embodiment, the mirror is freely rotatable.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device designed such that the actuating means are only mechanically coupled to the optical components. The device includes a substrate, a mirror supported above the substrate, and a rotatory actuator also supported above the substrate. The mirror and actuator are mechanically coupled via a torsional coupling hinge such that the mirror can be angled and/or tilted by electrostatically driving the rotatory actuator. Advantageously, the micro-mirrors and actuator are fabricated from the same layer during the micro-machining fabrication process. In one embodiment, the mirror is rotatable about a fixed rotation axis. In another embodiment, the mirror is freely rotatable.

Abstract: A movable microelectromechanical mirror structure for a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) has an actuator (electrodes) for the moving mirror. The electrodes are situated at a predetermined angle to the horizontal thus improving the relationship between force applied on the mirror and the gap between the mirror and the electrodes. The angular electrode placement is achieved by the provision of a deformable electrode support member mounted on the substrate, with at least one of the electrodes mounted on the electrode support member, and a deforming element mounted against the deformable electrode support member such as to permanently maintain the deformable electrode support member in a deformed state.

Abstract: A movable microelectromechanical mirror structure for a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) has an actuator (electrodes) for the moving mirror. The electrodes are situated at a predetermined angle to the horizontal thus improving the relationship between force applied on the mirror and the gap between the mirror and the electrodes. The angular electrode placement is achieved by the provision of a deformable electrode support member mounted on the substrate, with at least one of the electrodes mounted on the electrode support member, and a deforming element mounted against the deformable electrode support member such as to permanently maintain the deformable electrode support member in a deformed state.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEM) Optical Cross-connect (OXC) switches having mechanical actuators are discussed. In particular, the MEM OXC switches can include a plurality of reflectors, wherein each of the plurality of the reflectors is movable to at least one of a respective first reflector position along a respective optical beam path from an associated input of the MEM OXC switch to an associated output thereof and a respective second reflector position outside the optical beam path. A mechanical actuator moves to at least one of a first mechanical actuator position and a second mechanical actuator position.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a microelectromechanical actuator includes a beam having respective first and second ends attached to a substrate and a body disposed between the first and second ends having a sinuous shape. The body includes a portion operative to engage a object of actuation and apply a force thereto in a direction perpendicular to the beam responsive to at least one of a compressive force and a tensile force on the beam. The sinuous shape may be sinusoidal, e.g., a shape approximating a single period of a cosine curve or a single period of a sine curve. The beam may be thermally actuated or driven by another actuator. In other embodiments, a rotary actuator includes first and second beams, a respective one of which has first and second ends attached to a substrate and a body disposed between the first and second ends. Each body includes first and second oppositely inflected portions.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical devices may include a substrate having first and second optical fibers thereon. An optical shutter may also be provided. This optical shutter is mechanically coupled to a first plurality of arched beams that are supported at opposing ends by support structures which may be mounted on the substrate. A second plurality of arched beams are also provided on a first side of the optical shutter. These arched beams are also supported at opposing ends by support structures. A first brake member is provided that is coupled to the second plurality of arched beams. This first brake member contacts and restricts the optical shutter from moving in the ±y-direction when the second plurality of arched beams are relaxed, but releases the optical shutter when the second plurality of arched beams move in the −x direction. This ability to restrict movement of the optical shutter when the second plurality of arched beams are relaxed provides a degree of nonvolatile position retention.

Abstract: A micromechanical system can include a substrate, an actuator, and an actuated element. In particular, the actuator can include a serpentine arrangement of alternating actuating and opposing segments anchored at a first end thereof to the substrate wherein the actuating segments deflect in response to actuation thereof so that a second end of the serpentine arrangement moves relative to the substrate upon deflection of the actuating segments. The actuated element is attached to the second end of the serpentine arrangement so that the actuated element moves relative to the substrate upon deflection of the actuating segments. Related methods and actuators are also discussed.

Abstract: A variable capacitor having low loss and a correspondingly high Q is provided. In addition to a substrate, the variable capacitor includes at least one substrate electrode and a substrate capacitor plate that are disposed upon the substrate and formed of a low electrical resistance material, such as HTS material or a thick metal layer. The variable capacitor also includes a bimorph member extending outwardly from the substrate and over the at least one substrate electrode. The bimorph member includes first and second layers formed of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The first and second layers of the bimorph member define at least one bimorph electrode and a bimorph capacitor plate such that the establishment of a voltage differential between the substrate electrode and the bimorph electrode moves the bimorph member relative to the substrate electrode, thereby altering the interelectrode spacing as well as the distance between the capacitor plates.