Patent ID: 7225674

Claim:
A floating MEMS device comprising: a) an electrostatically charged proof mass; and, b) at least two stabilizing electrode structures carrying charges that repel the electrostatic charges on said proof mass, wherein i) said proof mass is located with respect to said stabilizing electrode structures so as to levitate due to like-charge repulsion between said proof mass and said stabilizing electrode structures; and wherein ii) said proof mass and said stabilizing electrode structures are located so as to produce electrostatic repulsion leading to stable levitation such that displacements of said proof mass from its equilibrium floating position result in electrostatic forces on said proof mass tending to return said proof mass to said equilibrium position; and further comprising a plurality of side electrodes disposed about the periphery of said proof mass, having first ends of said side electrodes integrally attached to said proof mass and having the opposite, second ends of said side electrodes projecting outward from said proof mass, and wherein said side electrodes carry at least a portion of said electrostatic charge of said proof mass, and wherein each of said second ends of said side electrodes project into one of said stabilizing electrode structures.