US 6,307,815 B1 · Microelectromechanical timer

Abstract

A microminiature timer having an optical readout is disclosed. The timer can be formed by surface micromachining or LIGA processes on a silicon substrate. The timer includes an integral motor (e.g. an electrostatic motor) that can intermittently wind a mainspring to store mechanical energy for driving a train of meshed timing gears at a rate that is regulated by a verge escapement. Each timing gear contains an optical encoder that can be read out with one or more light beams (e.g. from a laser or light-emitting diode) to recover timing information. In the event that electrical power to the timer is temporarily interrupted, the mechanical clock formed by the meshed timing gears and verge escapement can continue to operate, generating accurate timing information that can be read out when the power is restored.

Claims43

Dependent claims

A timing apparatus, comprising:

(a) a coiled mainspring;
(b) a timing gear comprising an optical encoder, and operatively connected to the coiled mainspring for rotation of the timing gear;
(c) an escapement mechanism operatively connected to the timing gear for regulating the rotation of the timing gear;
(d) a silicon substrare whereon the mainspring, the timer gear and the escapement mechanism are located;
(e) an electrostatic motor operatively connected to one end of the mainspring by a ring gear and a reduction gear train to wind the mainspring;
and
(f) means for reading out the optical encoder to recover timing information from the rotation of the timing gear.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microelectromechanical timer

Life of this patent

Microelectromechanical timer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims43