Patent ID: 7302132

Claim:
A micro-electro-mechanical device mounted on a substrate comprising: a first pivoting member pivotally mounted above the substrate; a second pivoting member pivotally mounted above the substrate adjacent the first pivoting member; a first electrode for actuating the first pivoting member; a second electrode positioned proximate the first electrode for actuating the second pivoting member; a first shield positioned between the first and second electrodes for shielding the first pivoting member from fringing electric fields from the second electrode; and a second shield extending downwardly from the first or second pivoting member, laterally offset from the first shield, whereby during movement of the first or second pivoting member the first and second shields overlap providing increased shielding effects, wherein the first shield extends the full length of the first electrode under the first pivoting member enabling the first and second pivoting members to be closely packed with only an air gap therebetween with enough clearance between the first shield and the first pivoting member to prevent any contact therebetween during a full range of motion thereof.