With Particular Mount Or Drive For Element Patents (Class 359/221.2)
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Patent number: 8746918Abstract: A telescopic flashlight that includes a universally adjustable mirror unit for reflecting the light of the lighting unit over a universal range, which mirror unit is readily and easily attached and detached from the distal end of the flashlight apparatus via a metallic mounting collar that is magnetically retained by means of an annular magnet affixed to the distal end of the apparatus, which mounting collar itself is rotatable relative to the distal end of the flashlight apparatus in order to provide two of the three degrees of freedom on motion of the mirror proper.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Michael Rubino
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Publication number: 20140153074Abstract: An apparatus is formed from a double active layer silicon on insulator (DSOI) substrate that includes first and second active layers separated by an insulating layer. An electrostatic comb drive is formed from the substrate to include a first comb formed from the first active layer and a second comb formed from the second active layer. The comb drive may be used to impart a tilting motion to a micro-mirror. The method of manufacturing provides comb teeth exhibiting an aspect ratio greater than 1:20, with an offset distance between comb teeth of the first and second combs that is less than about 6 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V.Inventors: Moshe Medina, Pinchas Chaviv, Yaron Fein
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Patent number: 8717638Abstract: An optical scanner includes: a light reflecting section having light reflectivity; a movable section which includes the light reflecting section and can be displaced; two link sections connected to positions of ends of the movable section, the positions facing each other; a supporting section supporting the link sections; and a displacement providing section turning the two link sections, wherein each link section includes a turnable drive section, and a shaft section connecting the movable section and the drive section and bending in a thickness direction of the movable section by turning of the drive section.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Yasushi Mizoguchi
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Patent number: 8717653Abstract: A light scanner includes a light reflection part having light reflectivity, a movable part having the light reflection part and being rotatable around a first rotation center axis and a second rotation center axis, a pair of movable beams extending from the movable part, a displacement part connected to the movable beams and rotating the movable part around the first rotation center axis, a first drive part that drives the displacement part, a pair of drive beams extending from the displacement part in parallel to the light reflection surface and orthogonal to an extension direction of the movable beams, a support frame that supports the drive beams, and a second drive part that rotates the movable part around the second rotation center axis, and the movable beam has a bending part that bendingly deforms due to displacement of the displacement part.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Emi Watanabe, Yasushi Mizoguchi
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Patent number: 8711459Abstract: A micromechanical component includes a micromechanical unidimensional optical lattice structure for diffracting an incident light beam, and a linear drive connected to the lattice structure for compressing and/or stretching the lattice structure in the plane of the lattice structure. The lattice structure is of elastic design with regard to a change of shape resulting from the compressing and/or stretching. The micromechanical component may be incorporated in a device for beam deflection of monochromatic light or in a spectrometer.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Mirko Hattass
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Patent number: 8705159Abstract: MEMS and fabrication techniques for positioning the center of mass of released structures in MEMS are provided. In an embodiment, a mirror substrate is affixed to a member partially released from a first substrate and a through hole formed in the second substrate is accessed to complete release of the member.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Calient Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Chris Seung Bok Lee
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Publication number: 20140104840Abstract: Provided is a light-scanning device may be designed to have a high resonance frequency and a large scanning angle. A mirror unit vibrates by using an arbitrary straight line as a rotation axis. A pair of first beam portions are disposed on a straight line that is parallel to the rotation axis, and support the mirror unit. A pair of second beam portions are disposed so as to be line-symmetrical to the pair of the first beam portions about the rotation axis as an axis of symmetry, and support the mirror unit. A pair of first arm portions respectively support the pair of first beam portions. A pair of second arm portions respectively support the pair of second beam portions. A pair of third beam portions support the mirror unit between the first beam portions and the second beam portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: JVC KENWOOD CorporationInventor: Takayuki ISEKI
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Publication number: 20140085697Abstract: A rotary motion controller controlling the motion of a mirror in a projection system is described having a mounting element coupled to a support member. A two-axis coupling is provided with at least two input shafts coupled to two drive mechanisms. A channeled portion is provided in a second of the two input shafts through which the support member extends there through and is guided thereby and where the at least one support member is coupled to the first input shafts via an input coupling coupled to and driving the support member and a control input controlling the position of the at least two input shafts. A method of controlling a mirror in an underwater projection system is also provided along with a method of operating a controller for an underwater projection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventors: Kevin Doyle, Bruce Johnson, Rakesh Reddy
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Patent number: 8681408Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a substrate, a frame, a torsion beam, and a cantilever. The substrate has a three-layer structure including an oxide film sandwiched between two silicon substrates. The torsion beam swingably supports a mirror portion which deflects a light beam projected from a light source. The cantilever is supported by the frame to connect to the torsion beam and applies torque to the torsion beam. The cantilever and the torsion beam are formed on the same silicon substrate. The cantilever has a thickness substantially thinner than the thickness of the torsion beam. An image forming apparatus includes the optical scanning device. An image projection device includes the optical scanning device.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventor: Eiji Mochizuki
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Patent number: 8681409Abstract: A nonvolatile nano-electromechanical system device is provided and includes a cantilever structure, including a beam having an initial shape, which is supported at one end thereof by a supporting base and a beam deflector, including a phase change material (PCM), disposed on a portion of the beam in a non-slip condition with a material of the beam, the PCM taking one of an amorphous phase or a crystalline phase and deflecting the beam from the initial shape when taking the crystalline phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David J. Frank, Guy Cohen
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Publication number: 20140063580Abstract: A layered micro-electronic and/or micro-mechanic structure comprises at least three alternating electrically conductive layers with insulating layers between the conductive layers. There is also provided a via in a first outer layer, said via comprising an insulated conductive connection made of wafer native material through the layer, an electrically conductive plug extending through the other layers and into said via in the first outer layer in order to provide conductivity through the layers, and an insulating enclosure surrounding said conductive plug in at least one selected layer of said other layers for insulating said plug from the material in said selected layer. It also relates to micro-electronic and/or micro- mechanic device comprising a movable member provided above a cavity such that it is movable in at least one direction. The device has a layered structure according to the invention. Methods of making such a layered MEMS structure is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: SILEX Microsystems ABInventors: Thorbjorn Ebefors, Edvard Kalvesten, Peter Agren, Niklas Svedin
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Publication number: 20140063579Abstract: An optical beam steering device is disclosed which includes a compartment for containing an optical component for interacting with an optical beam, a gimbal supporting the optical component and defining a pan axis, a roll cage rotatably supporting the gimbal and defining a tilt axis, wherein the tilt axis is orthogonal to the pan axis, and a mount that houses and rotatably supports the roll cage, wherein the angular position of the roll cage with respect to the mount and the angular position of the gimbal with respect to the roll cage are both locked from one side of the mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC.Inventor: Timothy J. DeAngelo
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Patent number: 8654427Abstract: An optical beam steering device is disclosed which includes a compartment for containing an optical component for interacting with an optical beam, a gimbal supporting the optical component and defining a pan axis, a roll cage rotatably supporting the gimbal and defining a tilt axis, wherein the tilt axis is orthogonal to the pan axis, and a mount that houses and rotatably supports the roll cage, wherein the angular position of the roll cage with respect to the mount and the angular position of the gimbal with respect to the roll cage are both locked from one side of the mount.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. DeAngelo
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Patent number: 8654423Abstract: A taut-band resonant scanner is disclosed that includes an elongated band and a sub-assembly. The elongated band has a length in an elongated direction, a width in a width direction that is orthogonal to the elongated direction, and a thickness in a thickness direction that is orthogonal to both the width direction and the elongated direction, wherein the thickness is substantially smaller than the width and wherein the width direction and elongated direction define a band width/length plane. The sub-assembly is attached to a portion of the band, and includes at least one mounting structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Cambridge Technology, Inc.Inventor: David C. Brown
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System and Method for Positioning a Mirror in a Lidar System Using Open Loop and Closed Loop Control
Publication number: 20140036332Abstract: A control system structure is provided that improves system bandwidth without affecting optimization for other performance criteria (such as, suppressing loop disturbances, or other optimization criteria) and stability of a closed-loop system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Digital Signal CorporationInventor: Stephan Schulz -
Publication number: 20140002877Abstract: An optical device includes a soft polymer film having a first and second surface. A first compliant electrode is connected to the first surface and a second compliant electrode is connected to the second surface. A rigid optical element is connected on the first and/or second surface or integrated into the polymer film.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: OPTOTUNE AGInventor: Manuel Aschwanden
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Publication number: 20130335798Abstract: Irradiance control systems (“ICSs”) that control the irradiance of a beam of light are disclosed. ICSs include in a beam translator and a beam launch. The beam translator translates the beam substantially perpendicular to the propagating direction of the beam with a desired displacement so that the beam launch can remove a portion of the translated beam and the beam can be output with a desired irradiance. The beam launch attenuates the irradiance of the beam based on the amount by which the beam is translated. ISCs can be incorporated into fluorescent microscopy instruments to provide high-speed, fine-tune control over the irradiance of excitation beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Applied Precision, Inc.Inventor: Jeremy R. Cooper
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Publication number: 20130308173Abstract: A micromechanical assembly having a holder, a drive frame which has at least one energizable coil device disposed at least one of on and in the drive frame and which is joined to the holder via at least one frame spring, a mirror element that is at least partially framed by the drive frame and is suspended from the drive frame by a first mirror spring and a second mirror spring, the mirror element being disposed between the two mirror springs and being adjustable about a mirror axis of rotation in relation to the drive frame, and the mirror element being suspended from the drive frame asymmetrically relative to the mirror axis of rotation. A method for manufacturing a micromechanical assembly is also described. A method for operating a micromechanical assembly is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Joerg MUCHOW, Helmut GRUTZECK, Jochen FRANZ, Zoltan LESTYAN
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Publication number: 20130301101Abstract: The force on the electrodes of an electrostatic field is used so that lateral tensile or compressive forces result which can deform a deformable element or can strongly deflect a deflectable structure. For this, a micromechanical device includes, apart from an electrode and a deformable element, an insulating spacer layer via which the electrode is fixed to the deformable element, wherein the insulating spacer layer is structured into several spaced-apart segments along a lateral direction, so that by applying an electric voltage between the electrode and the deformable element lateral tensile or compressive forces bending the deformable element along the lateral direction result. Thereby, the problem that normally accompanies electrostatic drives, namely the problem of the pull-in effect, is overcome. The deflection of the deformable element can be much larger than the gaps of the two electrodes, i.e. the above-mentioned electrode and the deformable element. A usage as a sensor is also possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Holger CONRAD, Harald SCHENK, Christian SCHIRRMANN, Thilo SANDNER, Fabian ZIMMER, Jan-Uwe SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20130301100Abstract: An optical scanner includes: a movable portion that includes a base portion and a light reflecting plate which is fixed to the base portion and includes a light reflecting portion with a light reflecting property and is rotatable about the Y-axis; a frame portion that is provided so as to surround the base portion and is rotatable about the X-axis perpendicular to the Y-axis; a shaft portion that supports the movable portion so as to be rotatable about the Y-axis with respect to the frame portion; and a permanent magnet that is provided in the frame portion. The light reflecting plate is provided such that it is separated from the shaft portion in a thickness direction and overlaps the shaft portion, as viewed from the thickness direction. The permanent magnet is fixed to a surface of the frame portion close to the light reflecting plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasushi MIZOGUCHI, Makiko HINO
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Publication number: 20130301102Abstract: An optical deflector includes a movable portion having a mirror plane, a fixed portion, a pair of combined torsion bars connecting the movable portion and the fixed portion to each other so that the movable portion can be rotationally displaced about a rotation axis with respect to the fixed portion, and a driver to drive the movable portion. Each combined torsion bar includes a plurality of torsion bars extending to be parallel to the rotation axis and a plurality of connecting bars, each of the connecting bars connecting one ends of each adjacent two of the torsion bars to each other. A torsion bar farther from the rotation axis has higher torsional rigidity than a torsion bar closer to the rotation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Yoshitaka KAMIYA, Yoshitaka SAKATA
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Publication number: 20130301099Abstract: An optical scanner is an optical device including a base portion that is rotatable about the Y-axis, a frame portion that is rotatable about the X-axis intersecting the Y-axis, and a shaft portion that supports the base portion so as to be rotatable about the Y-axis with respect to the frame portion. The optical scanner includes a light reflecting plate that is fixed to the base portion and includes a light reflecting portion with a light reflecting property. The frame portion is provided so as to surround the base portion. The shaft portion includes one end connected to the base portion and the other end connected to the frame portion. The light reflecting plate is separated from the shaft portion in the thickness direction of the light reflecting plate and overlaps the shaft portion, as viewed from the thickness direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasushi MIZOGUCHI, Makiko HINO
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Publication number: 20130301098Abstract: An optical membrane device comprises a substrate, at least one support block on a surface of the substrate, and at least one plate. A torsion beam supports the plate above the substrate on the support block. The optical membrane device also includes an optical membrane structure supported by the plate above the substrate and at least one electrode on the substrate underneath the plate. In one implementation, the optical membrane device further comprises a tether for coupling the optical membrane structure to the plate. The tether extends between the optical membrane structure and the plate. In another implementation, the substrate of the optical membrane device has an optical port through the substrate directly below the optical membrane structure. The plate is substantially balanced around the torsion beam to minimize a sensitivity to orientation in a gravitational field.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: AXSUN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Vaibhav Mathur, Dale C. Flanders, Peter S. Whitney, James W. Getz
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Publication number: 20130293659Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a rotating body having a rotating polygon mirror that deflects a light beam; a circuit board having a supporting member that supports the rotating member and a driving unit that drives the rotating body; a container containing the rotating body and the circuit board and having a positioning portion that positions a positioned portion of the rotating body, the positioned portion projecting from the circuit board; first and second fastening portions that fasten the circuit board to the container; and an adjusting portion that adjusts an angle of a rotating shaft of the rotating body with respect to the container. A virtual straight line connecting the first and second fastening portions passes through the rotating body when seen in an axial direction of the rotating shaft. The adjusting portion resides on a side of the virtual straight line opposite the rotating shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshiyuki SUZUKI, Keiichi MIKAMI, Naoyuki TADA
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Patent number: 8570632Abstract: A pair of support members each having a spring section in a part thereof support a mirror element, and a pair of drive mechanisms arranged respectively corresponding to a pair of the support members transform the spring sections of the corresponding support members, thereby changing a distance between each of support points at which the support members support the mirror element and a base. Accordingly, the mirror element can be translated by driving all of the drive mechanisms, or the mirror element can be inclined with respect to the base by driving some of the drive mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Soichi Owa, Junji Suzuki
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Patent number: 8570629Abstract: The present invention is a sweeping or reciprocating laser scanning device. The reciprocation or sweeping motion is cam driven. As the cam rotates, a lever arm is reciprocated or oscillated between two positions, which causes the laser or beam of light to move linearly, thus creating a triangular plane of light resulting in a reciprocating linear reference across the hypotenuse of the triangular plane of light.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Steve Spears
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Publication number: 20130278986Abstract: A micro scanning mirror is disclosed in the present invention. The micro scanning mirror includes a substrate, an annular structure and a mirror structure. The substrate includes a hollow area and a first shaft. The annular structure is disposed inside the hollow area on the substrate and encircles the mirror structure. The mirror structure includes a second shaft connected to the annular structure. The annular structure includes at least one first edge, at least one second edge and a first comb electrode. The first edge is connected to the first shaft, and an end of the second edge is connected to the first edge. The second edge includes a first side adjacent to the mirror structure, and a second side adjacent to the substrate. The first comb electrode is disposed on the second edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: TOUCH MICRO-SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: BorShiun LEE, MingFa CHEN
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Publication number: 20130271807Abstract: A micromechanical component having a control element is described, which is connected via at least one supply line spring having a supply line spring constant to a mounting support in an adjustable manner, and a drive device having at least one actuator component situated on the control element. Via at least one line component guided over the at least one supply line spring an electric potential or a current signal is able to be provided to the actuator component in such a way that the control element is able to be set by the drive device into a motion with respect to the mounting support. The control element is additionally connected to the mounting support, and the supply line spring constant is less than vibratory spring constant. Also described is a method for producing a micromechanical component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Heiko Nitsche, Stefan Pinter, Wolfram Schock, Joerg Muchow, Christoph Friese
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Publication number: 20130271806Abstract: A micromechanical component is described as having a mounting support, an actuator plate having a coil, situated on and/or in the actuator plate, which is connected to the mounting support via at least one supply line spring. A mirror element and/or filter element is connected to the mounting support via the actuator plate and the at least one supply line spring. A spacer has a first end that contacts an inner side of the mirror element and/or the filter element that is directed away from an incident light surface of the mirror element and/or the filter element. The spacer has a second end that contacts a carrier side of the actuator plate that is aligned towards the mirror element and/or the filter element. Also described is a method for producing a micromechanical component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Christoph Friese
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Publication number: 20130271805Abstract: An electronic element includes a fixed portion, and a movable portion which is movable with respect to the fixed portion and which is provided to generate a spring force to make restoration to a predetermined position. The fixed portion is provided with a first driving electrode and a first signal electrode. The movable portion is provided with a second driving electrode and a second signal electrode. An electrostatic force is generated between the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode by a voltage applied therebetween so that the electrostatic force resists against the spring force; and the first and second driving electrodes and the first and second signal electrodes are arranged so that the electrostatic force is generated in a direction in which a spacing distance between the first and second signal electrodes is widened.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Nikon CorporationInventor: Nikon Corporation
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Publication number: 20130250389Abstract: A device for generating optical vortex of desired topological charge is disclosed. The device comprises a circular mirror having hole at its centre and a radial slit. The mirror comprises a piezoelectric actuator. The actuator comprises a hollow tube having inner diameter equal to the diameter of the hole of the mirror, a through cut extending along the length of the tube from an inner till an outer diameter, and an inner and outer electrode being formed on inner and outer wall of the tube respectively, wherein the length of the electrode increases continuously in the azimuth direction across said outer wall. The Actuator is coaxially joined to the mirror such that the slit formed between the inner and outer diameter of the tube overlaps with the radial slit. Shape of the mirror undergoes azimuthal expansion upon applying excitation voltage across electrodes forming single turn helix to generate optical vortex.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Defence Research Development OrganizationInventors: Devinder Pal Ghai, Anil Kumar Maini
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Publication number: 20130250390Abstract: In an optical deflector including a mirror, a movable ring-shaped frame surrounding the mirror, a pair of torsion bars connected between the mirror and the movable ring-shaped frame and oppositely arranged along a rocking direction of the mirror, a support body surrounding the movable ring-shaped frame, and piezoelectric actuators for rocking the mirror through the torsion bars along the rocking direction, first, second, third and fourth coupling bars are connected between the support body and the movable ring-shaped frame. The first and third coupling bars are oppositely arranged along a first direction obtained by inclining the rocking direction by a first predetermined angle between +30° and +45°, and the second and fourth coupling bars are oppositely arranged along a second direction obtained by inclining the rocking direction by a second predetermined angle between ?30° and ?60°.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Masanao Tani
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Patent number: 8534852Abstract: A mirror unit of an exposure device includes: a mirror having support points including one support point on one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof and two support points at two portions in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the other end portion thereof; and a mirror base member that holds the mirror in a way to support the mirror at the three support points, wherein the mirror is arranged so that the support point on a side of the one support point and a support point on one side of the two support points is positioned on a scanning optical axis, and so that the longitudinal direction is tilted from the scanning optical axis in the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Shinji Morita
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Publication number: 20130235441Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a beam scanner may comprise a nanophotonics chip to provide a scanned output beam. The nanophotonics chip comprises a substrate, a grating in-coupler formed in the substrate to couple a beam from a light source into the substrate, a modulator to modulate the beam, and a photonic crystal (PC) superprism to provide a scanned output beam that is scanned in response to the modulated beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Wyatt O. Davis, Taha Masood
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Patent number: 8520279Abstract: A micro movable device includes a movable member, a stationary portion, and connecting portions each connected to the movable member and the stationary portion. The movable member includes a pair of electrodes. The stationary portion includes a pair of electrodes cooperating with the electrodes of the movable member to generate a driving force for translating the movable member in its thickness direction. The connection points at which the respective connecting portions are connected to the movable member are spaced from each other. The electrodes of the movable member are positioned between two mutually spaced connection points, as viewed along the spacing direction of the two connection points.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Norinao Kouma, Osamu Tsuboi, Tsuyoshi Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8508808Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus has: a deflection unit that scans beams emitted from a plurality of laser light sources; an imaging unit having one or more optical elements for imaging beams scanned by the deflection unit; and a supporting unit having a higher rigidity than a rigidity of the imaging unit. The supporting unit has a pair of receiving members that support the imaging unit, in a sub-scanning direction, near both ends, as seen in a main scanning direction, of the imaging unit. The optical scanning apparatus also has; a bend-adjustment unit that corrects bend. The bend-adjustment unit is disposed on the supporting unit at a plurality of positions along the main scanning direction. The optical scanning apparatus further has a free-sliding unit for securing free expansion of the imaging unit due to temperature changes thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Shimizu, Atsuhiko Ogawa
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Patent number: 8498037Abstract: A method for processing workpieces includes performing a laser processing operation in which a laser beam is directed at a first mirror face and at a second mirror face of a redirecting mirror. The second mirror face is at least partially surrounded by the first mirror face. During the laser processing operation, the second mirror face performs a pendulum movement relative to the first mirror face.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Trumpf Laser—und Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Andreasch, Stefan Boeckmann
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Publication number: 20130155479Abstract: Provided is an image-capturing apparatus including a connecting portion having an opening through which a beam coming from an observation device is incident; an optical-path switching portion that switches an optical path of the beam incident along an incident optical axis; image-capturing devices that capture an image of the beam passing along the switched optical path. A first image-capturing device is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the central axis thereof. The optical-path switching portion is provided so as to be pivotable such that a reflecting surface thereof is disposed on or retracted from the incident optical axis. When the reflecting surface is retracted, the beam is incident on a second image-capturing device. When the reflecting surface is disposed, the beam is reflected by the reflecting surface and incident on at least the first image-capturing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8446655Abstract: An actuation system for at least two mobile elements with dynamically compensated and opposite relative motions, without disturbance of the elements fixed in the same rigid structure as it, and resistant to exterior loadings, in the case of a translational motion of the mobile elements, includes, in a rigid structure, at least one linear actuator linked to a motion transmission device with four rigid arms, articulated at their ends and forming a lozenge, of which each of two first opposite vertices is linked to a corresponding mobile element, and whose other two opposite vertices have a single translational degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventor: Yannick Baudasse
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Publication number: 20130104981Abstract: Systems and methods for optical tracking are disclosed. One optical tracking system includes a first optical element configured to focus a light beam and a second optical element configured to redirect the focused light beam from the first optical element. The second optical element is configured to move in order to continuously receive the focused light beam during movement of the focused light beam. Another optical tracking system includes an optical element configured to redirect a light beam and a photosensitive material configured to change its optical properties when it receives the redirected light beam, in order to continuously redirect the light beam during movement of the light beam. The optical tracking methods employ the above-described optical tracking systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: University of DelawareInventor: University of Delaware
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Publication number: 20130094071Abstract: A fast modular port switching device is described. The device can be used with an optical microscope to facilitate using multiple devices with the microscope. The port switching is done with a galvanometer for switching very fast. The device is modular so it can be combined with any number of similar devices for building a complex, multi-modal imaging system. Also described is the combination of a port switcher with automated spherical aberration correction. Even further described is a similar device where the outputs are recombined, thus making the device a fast filter switcher.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: INTELLIGENT IMAGING INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventor: INTELLIGENT IMAGING INNOVATIONS, INC.
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Publication number: 20130077143Abstract: Devices with tilting plates, in particular tilting mirror plates, having improved dynamic flatness and shock resistance and methods for forming and operating such devices. A mirror device includes a minor plate operative to perform a tilt motion around a mirror tilt axis and an elastic foundation which provides distributed support to the minor plate. In an embodiment, the minor plate and the elastic foundation are formed in a single silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. In another embodiment, the minor plate and the elastic foundation are formed in separate SOI wafers. The elastic foundation may include spiral or serpentine or any other appropriate shaped springs distributed uniformly or non-uniformly between the minor plate and a base.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: ZODIAC UNDERWRITERS ENERGY INVESTMENTS LTD.Inventors: Slava Krylov, Avigdor Huber
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Patent number: 8400697Abstract: A disclosed optical scanner apparatus can include a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An optical scanning device can be configured to direct optical radiation, which is moveably coupled to the proximal portion of the member and can be configured to rotate in a plane of movement to a first position to direct the optical radiation along a first path and can be configured to rotate in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the optical radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator can be coupled to the optical scanning device, where the MEMS actuator can be configured to move in a first direction to move the optical scanning device to the first position and can be configured to move in a second direction to move the optical scanning device to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Duke University, University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Stephen W. Smith, Kenneth L. Gentry, Jason Zara, Stephen M. Bobbio
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Patent number: 8395834Abstract: The deflecting mirror includes a fixed base member; a mirror having a reflection surface; a support member swingablly supporting the mirror; a pair of driving beam members, each having a first end connected with the fixed base member and a second end connected with the support member to support the support member from both sides; and a piezoelectric member fixed to each driving beam member and extending from the first or second end of each driving beam member while having length not longer than about half the length of the driving beam member. The piezoelectric member and the driving beam members constitute piezoelectric unimorph or bimorph structure. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric member, the driving beam members are driven at the same time in the same direction, thereby vibrating the support member in a direction perpendicular to the reflection surface of the mirror, resulting in swinging of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Goichi Akanuma, Tomofumi Kitazawa, Fumiko Sakoh
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Patent number: 8390911Abstract: A micro movable element array includes a first frame; a second frame; a first movable part row including plural first movable parts and a second movable part row including plural second movable parts. The first movable parts include first movable main parts. The second movable parts include second movable main parts. The first and second frames are stacked such that the first and second movable part rows are opposed to each other. In the first movable part row, the first movable parts are located such that the first movable main parts are arranged in a first direction and the first movable main parts and gaps are disposed alternately. In the second movable part row, the second movable parts are located such that the second movable main parts are arranged in the first direction and the second movable main parts are opposed to the corresponding gaps.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Osamu Tsuboi, Norinao Kouma, Tsuyoshi Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20130050793Abstract: An apparatus is formed from a double active layer silicon on insulator (DSOI) substrate that includes first and second active layers separated by an insulating layer. An electrostatic comb drive is formed from the substrate to include a first comb formed from the first active layer and a second comb formed from the second active layer. The comb drive may be used to impart a tilting motion to a micro-mirror. The method of manufacturing provides comb teeth exhibiting an aspect ratio greater than 1:20, with an offset distance between comb teeth of the first and second combs that is less than about 6 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V.Inventor: STMicroelectronics International N.V.
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Patent number: 8384975Abstract: A micromechanical assembly having a mounting, at least one stator electrode comb, which is fixedly placed on the mounting, having at least two stator electrode fingers, whose central longitudinal axes are on a central plane of the stator electrode comb, at least one actuator electrode comb having at least two actuator electrode fingers, and a displaceable component, which is coupled to the at least one actuator electrode comb so that the displaceable component is displaceable in relation to the mounting at least in one first displacement direction using a nonzero operating voltage, which is applied between the at least two stator electrode fingers and the at least two actuator electrode fingers, the first displacement direction having one first nonzero directional component perpendicular to the central plane.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Tjalf Pirk, Stefan Pinter, Joachim Fritz, Christoph Friese
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Patent number: 8362673Abstract: A micro-image acquisition and transmission system is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system is comprised of an image acquisition chip comprising an electronic imager, control electronics and a micro powered rotary stage comprising a transceiver array that acts as a hub to optically link a group of distributed image acquisition chips. A preferred embodiment is further comprised of a transceiver array chip comprising one or more micro-powered rotary stages having a transceiver array assembly disposed thereon. The micro-powered rotary stage is supported by a micro-brush bearing.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: ISC8 Inc.Inventor: Ying Hsu
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Patent number: 8358457Abstract: A miniature rotating transmissive optical scanner system employs a drum of small size having an interior defined by a circumferential wall rotatable on a drum axis, an optical element positioned within the interior of the drum, and a light-transmissive lens aperture provided at an angular position in the circumferential wall of the drum for scanning a light beam to or from the optical element in the drum along a beam azimuth angle as the drum is rotated. The miniature optical drum scanner configuration obtains a wide scanning field-of-view (FOV) and large effective aperture is achieved within a physically small size.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Honeybee Robotics, Ltd.Inventors: Robert Lewis, Lawrence Parrington, Michael Rutberg
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Patent number: 8345336Abstract: A MEMS scanning micromirror with reduced dynamic deformation with a mirror support including a rotation axis beam 120 having a rotation axis 58; a pair of extension bars 56 parallel to the rotation axis 58, each having a first end 140, a midpoint 142, and a second end 144; and a pair of X beams 130, each of the pair of X beams 130 having a cross midpoint 134. One of the pair of X beams 130 is connected to the first end 140 and the midpoint 142 of each of the pair of extension bars 56; the other of the pair of X beams 130 is connected to the midpoint 142 and the second end 144 of each of the pair of extension bars 56; and the rotation axis beam 120 is connected to the cross midpoint 134 of each of the pair of X beams 130.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Innoluce B.V.Inventors: Krassimir T. Krastev, Hendrikus W. L. A. M. van Lierop, Hermanus M. J. R. Soemers, Renatus H. M. Sanders