Weekly Newsletter - 08.20.04
MEMS -- The Next Wave of Technology Innovation!
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - 08.20.04
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
IntelliSense -- MEMS Software * Engineering Services
IntelliSense offers software tools and custom design, consulting and market research services to blue-chip companies & startups worldwide. With users in over 20 countries, and partnerships with dozens of leading MEMS research institutes worldwide, IntelliSense is a leading innovator in MEMS design and development.
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TOP STORIES
The start of something big?
Microvision demonstrates breakthrough 7.6 million pixel microdisplay
Focus
on energy: sensors head for lower cost, more miniaturization
MEMS Industry Group announces focus of METRIC 2004; MEMS accelerated lifetime testing
MEMS making their mark in consumer electronics
Wireless sensors: how not to replace 1000 batteries
Oki develops world's thinnest tri-axis accelerometer module with digital communication function
Business Wire -
KEY PATENTS
Title: Method and apparatus for MEMS
optical sensing using micromirrors US.
Patent: 6,778,716
Assignee: Lockeed Martin Corporation
Abstract: An optical sensing device uses a set of source mirrors directing light
from a set of light sources to a movable collector mirror. Each of the light
sources has a unique wavelength. The collector mirror is coupled to a MEMS
actuator that moves the collector mirror in response to a physical phenomena. A
light collector gathers light from the collector mirror and the physical
phenomena can be measured by determining the relative intensity associated with
each of the light sources in the light gathered at the collector.
Title: Method for manipulating microscopic
particles and analyzing US.
Patent: 6,777,674
Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.
Abstract: We disclose a method for analyzing the composition of a microscopic
particle resting on a first sample surface. The method comprises positioning a
micro-manipulator probe near the particle; attaching the particle to the probe;
moving the probe and the attached particle away from the first sample surface;
positioning the particle on a second sample surface; and, analyzing the
composition of the particle on the second sample surface by energy-dispersive
X-ray analysis or detection of Auger electrons. The second surface has a reduced
or non-interfering background signal during analysis relative to the background
signal of the first surface. We also disclose methods for adjusting the
electrostatic forces and DC potentials between the probe, the particle, and the
sample surfaces to effect removal of the particle, and its transfer and
relocation to the second sample surface.
Title: Compact sensor using microcavity
structures US.
Patent: 6,777,244
Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
Abstract: A compact sensor for detection of chemical and/or biological compounds
in low concentration. The sensor comprises electromagnetic microcavities. The
agent to be detected passes the microcavities, is absorbed and/or absorbed by
the microcavities, and modifies the electromagnetic field inside the
microcavities. After the agent has been adsorbed and/or absorbed, a probe beam
is applied to the microcavities. The change of electromagnetic field is detected
by the detector, and the frequency of the probe beam at which the resonance is
observed, is indicative of a particular agent being present. A method for
detecting chemical and/or biological compounds using the sensor.
Title: Switch control with light beams
Application Number: 20040161187
Assignee: Unknown
Abstract: An array of micro electromechanical switches (MEMS) is actuated by a
source of one or more light beams, such as a laser. A positioning unit is
arranged to direct the one or more light beams onto the MEMS, thereby actuating
them without the need for control lines. The positioning unit may include a
scanning unit which positions a rotatable mirror.
Title: Microvalve for controlling fluid
flow
Application Number: 20040159813
Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion
having at least one opening formed therein, a shutter located adjacent to and
substantially parallel with the body portion, and a drive mechanism for causing
the shutter to pivot with respect to the body portion so that the shutter is
brought into and out of alignment with the opening of the body portion, wherein
the microvalve is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.
Title: Micro electromechanical systems for
delivering high purity fluids in a chemical delivery system
Application Number: 20040159351
Assignee: Unknown
Abstract: Complex fluidic micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) are
incorporated into high purity chemical delivery systems, while maintaining valve
sealing integrity, quality and performance of the system. In particular, fluidic
MEMS systems are incorporated into high purity chemical delivery systems for
semiconductor fabrication processes.
ZDNet.com.au -
Stanford University grad students and Pria co-founders Jason Pyle and Alexander
Aravanis had teamed up to develop a microelectromechanical system
(MEMS)--essentially a machine on a chip--that would enable doctors to more
clearly examine brain cells suspended in a liquid.
(read more)
TMCnet -
Multi-zone scanning technique unlocks potential for brighter, higher resolution
displays with wider field of views.
(read
more)
Small Times -
Ten wireless sensors stand watch over the Ben Franklin Bridge linking
Philadelphia and New Jersey. Developed by MicroStrain Inc. of Williston, Vt.,
the pager-size devices measure stresses on the bridge whenever commuter trains
cross it.
(read more)
PR Newswire -
The MEMS Industry Group (MIG),
the trade association representing the MEMS and microstructures industries, is
pleased to announce the focus of the fourth annual METRIC event, to take place
on September 29-30, 2004 in Pittsburgh, PA.
(read more)
PhysOrg.com -
MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) are growing up fast when it comes to their
integration into all kinds of Consumer Electronics (CE), reports In-Stat/MDR.
(read
more)
The Feature -
Wireless microsensors
will be used to monitor everything from nesting conditions for endangered birds
to stress-induced cracks in large structures. The big question? How to make
batteries for them that last for years.
(read more)
Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. today announced that it has developed the
world's thinnest ultra small tri-axis accelerometer module, the ML8950.
Integrating the sensor chip with the control IC enabled Oki to develop the
world's thinnest package. In addition to detecting the tri-axis (X, Y and Z)
acceleration (+/-3g), the tri-axis accelerometer module can also detect
inclination and impact shock as well as measure the degree of inclination and
vibration. Targeting the mobile phone, mobile equipment, HDD and entertainment
markets, sample shipments will begin in Japan and North America in October 2004
and volume shipments in April 2005.
(read more)
KEY PATENT APPLICATIONS
