US5659374A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of repairing defective pixels
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1994-12-08
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Granted: 1997-08-19
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Expires: 2014-12-08
Abstract
Abstract Methods are disclosed by which the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel 20 having a beam 30 and a hinge 32,34 are mitigated. These methods may damage the hinge 32,34 or the beam 30 and comprise the step of applying a voltage sufficient to damage the hinge 32,34 or beam 30 of said electromechanical pixel 20 by mechanical overstress, thermal overstress, electrochemical reaction, or thermally induced chemical reaction. Other methods are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Ovid Gale, Jr.
- 👤 Brian C. McCormack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:40
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/20; G09G3/34; G09G3/3433; G09G3/346; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816; G02B26/0833; G02B26/0841; G09F; G09F9/00; G09F9/30; G09F9/37; G09F9/372
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
28 words
A method of mitigating the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel, the method comprising the step of applying electromagnetic energy to said pixel to render said pixel operable.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
28 words
A method of mitigating the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel, the method comprising the step of applying electromagnetic energy to said pixel to render said pixel operable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic energy is provided by a differential current applied to said pixel relative to an underlying structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 whereto said differential current is an eddy current induced in said pixel relative to said underlying structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said underlying structure is a set of address electrodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said differential current is applied to said pixel through blocking capacitors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic energy is provided by the motion of external magnets.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said motion of said external magnets induces eddy currents in said pixel relative to an underlying structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic energy is provided as a set of periodic pulses of electromagnetic energy applied to said pixels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said pixel is an electromechanical pixel having a hinge.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of mitigating the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel, the method comprising the step of applying a differential current to said pixel relative to underlying address electrodes, said differential current causing said pixel and said address electrodes to repel each other whereby said defective pixel is rendered operable by said repulsion.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of mitigating the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel, the method comprising the step of applying a differential current to said pixel relative to underlying address electrodes, said differential current causing said pixel and said address electrodes to repel each other whereby said defective pixel is rendered operable by said repulsion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said electromagnetic energy is provided as a set of periodic pulses of electromagnetic energy applied to said pixels.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said electromechanical pixel has a hinge whereby said repulsion operates to separate said pixel from said address electrodes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said repulsion operates to maximize said separation between said pixel and said address electrodes.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-02-17 | 2001-08-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-18 | 2005-02-17 | 2005-08-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-02-17 | 2009-08-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |