Patent ID: 6211599
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: F03G,F16H,H02K,H02N,Y10T

Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus formed on a substrate, comprising:(a) a member moveable about a straight or curved path, with the moveable member having a plurality of indexing elements extending outward from a surface or edge of the moveable member;(b) an electrostatic actuator providing reciprocating motion substantially parallel or tangential to the direction of the path, the electrostatic actuator further comprising:a plurality of pairs of electrostatic arms, with one electrostatic arm of each pair being stationary, and with the other electrostatic arm of each pair being moveable in response to a voltage applied across the pair of electrostatic arms; andat least one restoring spring operatively connected to the moveable electrostatic arms to restore the moveable electrostatic arms to a rest position in the absence of the applied voltage; and(c) at least one pawl operatively connected to the actuator and engageable with the indexing elements to urge the moveable member along the path by reciprocating motion of the pawl in a direction substantially parallel or tangential to the direction of the path.