Patent Number: 059230401
Section: description

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing wherein like reference characters are used for like parts throughout the several views, a wafer sample retainer 10, shown in FIG. 1, includes a base 12 and a sample holder 14. The base 12 is slidably positionable along a conventional dove-shaped rail 16 which is driven by a threaded rod 18. In this way, the position of the base 12 along the rail 16 can be adjusted to appropriately locate the samples for viewing in the electron microscope. The base 12 includes a central opening 20 which receives a pin 22 connected to the sample holder 14. Thus, the sample holder 14 is removably securable on the base 12 in appropriate alignment therewith. The illustrated sample holder 14 is arranged to hold two sets of samples "A" and "B". Each of the samples may be made up of one or more semiconductor wafer pieces which may be sandwiched together for conjoined viewing. In some instances, only one of the sample holders may be utilized. Each set of samples is secured against an upstanding post 24 by a spring biased pivotal member 26. The member 26 is secured for pivoting about the axial pin 28 secured in a plate 30 which is part of the sample holder 14. Referring to FIG. 2, the member 26 may be L-shaped having a first portion 34 which includes a spring keeper 32 and a second portion 38 which includes a rounded bump 40. The bump 40 contacts the semiconductor wafers "B" and, because of its rounded configuration, avoids damaging those samples. The foot 42 of the holder 14 also includes a spring keeper 44 which maintains one end of a spring 36 while the other end is maintained in the keeper 32 in the portion 34. The illustrated sample holder 14 is symmetrical and similar parts are contained on each side. For example, the sample retaining opening 50 could be on the order of 0.0170 of an inch which would receive 6 normal thickness semiconductor wafer samples. The retainer 10 is operated by depressing the tops of the first portions 34, forming the sample retaining openings 50, as shown in FIG. 2. Once released, the member 26 biases the samples against the opposite side of the upstanding post 24. While the present invention has been described with respect to a single preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. For example, while the illustrated embodiment includes two spring biased members, in some instances one such member may be sufficient. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.