US Patent 7362203 - Multi-tap microelectromechanical inductor

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7362203.html

Inductors can be vary useful in communication systems however they can be difficult to produce using microfabrication. This patent from Intel teaches a micromechanical inductor structure have a selective disconnect mechanism that reduces parasitic effects. Claim 1 reads:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

an inductor formed on a substrate;

a switching mechanism contacting the inductor to vary inductance of said inductor, said switching mechanism comprising one or more microelectromechanical switch armatures; and

a disconnect mechanism contacting the inductor to reduce parasitic effects of the inductor upon actuation of said switching mechanism.