Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7227140?dq=6,240,376
Timestamp: 2014-03-17 17:35:28
Document Index: 741984720

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 03734223', 'Application No. 03736728', 'Application No. 05251070', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1']

Patent US7227140 - Method, system and device for microscopic examination employing fib-prepared ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA method including, in one embodiment, severing a sample at least partially from a substrate by cutting the substrate with a focused ion beam (FIB), capturing the substrate sample by activating a grasping element, and separating the captured sample from the substrate. The captured sample may be separated...http://www.google.com/patents/US7227140?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7227140 - Method, system and device for microscopic examination employing fib-prepared sample grasping elementAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7227140 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/948,385Publication dateJun 5, 2007Filing dateSep 23, 2004Priority dateSep 23, 2003Fee statusPaidAlso published asCN1871684A, CN1871684B, EP1671346A2, US20050178980, US20070187623, WO2005031789A2, WO2005031789A3Publication number10948385, 948385, US 7227140 B2, US 7227140B2, US-B2-7227140, US7227140 B2, US7227140B2InventorsGeorge Skidmore, Matthew D. Ellis, Aaron Geisberger, Kenneth Bray, Kimberly Tuck, Robert FolaronOriginal AssigneeZyvex Instruments, LlcExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (102), Non-Patent Citations (94), Referenced by (10), Classifications (31), Legal Events (7) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod, system and device for microscopic examination employing fib-prepared sample grasping elementUS 7227140 B2Abstract A method including, in one embodiment, severing a sample at least partially from a substrate by cutting the substrate with a focused ion beam (FIB), capturing the substrate sample by activating a grasping element, and separating the captured sample from the substrate. The captured sample may be separated from the substrate and transported to an electron microscope for examination.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS2782682May 29, 1953Feb 26, 1957Iben BrowningMicromanipulatorsUS3134942Dec 13, 1960May 26, 1964Rhodes Richard EMultiple probe resistivity measuring apparatus with workpiece support meansUS3535515Jun 14, 1967Oct 20, 1970Us NavyUltrasonic apparatus for electron microscopeUS3714423May 21, 1971Jan 30, 1973Ass Elect IndSpecimen stages for electron microscopesUS4019073Aug 12, 1975Apr 19, 1977Vladimir Sergeevich VishnevskyPiezoelectric motor structuresUS4463257Aug 5, 1982Jul 31, 1984Tracor Xray Inc.Rotatable support for selectively aligning a window with the channel of a probeUS4587431Apr 18, 1984May 6, 1986Jeol Ltd.Specimen manipulating mechanism for charged-particle beam instrumentUS4601551Jan 23, 1984Jul 22, 1986The Micromanipulator Microscope Company, Inc.Manipulation of embryos and ovaUS4610475Sep 6, 1984Sep 9, 1986Microflex Technology, Inc.Piezoelectric polymer micromanipulatorUS4672256Dec 23, 1985Jun 9, 1987Canon Kabushiki KaishaLinear vibration wave motorUS4678955Apr 18, 1986Jul 7, 1987Rca CorporationPiezoelectric positioning deviceUS4729646May 15, 1986Mar 8, 1988Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedMulti-use microscope having modular construction of extruded partsUS4736129May 27, 1986Apr 5, 1988Marcon Electronics Co., Ltd.Ultrasonic motorUS4798989Sep 24, 1987Jan 17, 1989Research Development CorporationScanning tunneling microscope installed in electron microscopeUS4850779Feb 12, 1986Jul 25, 1989Tekscan LimitedManipulator for handling objects within a sealed chamberUS4874979Oct 3, 1988Oct 17, 1989Burleigh Instruments, Inc.Electromechanical translation apparatusUS4919001Oct 7, 1988Apr 24, 1990Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Coarse/fine adjustment coaxial handle for feeding microscope stageUS5036205Nov 17, 1989Jul 30, 1991Chaixmeca SarlApparatus for the transfer and in-situ reactions under a controlled atmosphere, of specimens for transmissive electron microscopyUS5055680Apr 3, 1990Oct 8, 1991Lk Technologies, Inc.Scanning tunneling microscopeUS5068535Mar 3, 1989Nov 26, 1991University Of Houston - University ParkTime-of-flight ion-scattering spectrometer for scattering and recoiling for electron density and structureUS5081353Feb 11, 1991Jan 14, 1992Hitachi, Ltd.Combined scanning electron and scanning tunnelling microscope apparatus and methodUS5089740Apr 5, 1990Feb 18, 1992Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaDisplacement generating apparatusUS5117110Jul 24, 1990May 26, 1992Seiko Instruments, Inc.Composite scanning tunnelling microscope with a positioning functionUS5124645Apr 24, 1991Jun 23, 1992The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air ForceTransmission electron microscope (TEM) power probe for in-situ viewing of electromigration and operation of an integrated circuit or microprocessorUS5225683Nov 27, 1991Jul 6, 1993Jeol Ltd.Detachable specimen holder for transmission electron microscopeUS5237238Jul 18, 1991Aug 17, 1993Omicron Vakuumphysik GmbhAdjusting device for microscopic movementsUS5270552Aug 21, 1992Dec 14, 1993Hitachi, Ltd.Method for separating specimen and method for analyzing the specimen separated by the specimen separating methodUS5332275Nov 27, 1991Jul 26, 1994Microscience Group, Inc.MicrogripperUS5338997Mar 22, 1993Aug 16, 1994Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Micromanipulator for moving objectsUS5412503Aug 23, 1993May 2, 1995U.S. Philips CorporationSpecimen holder for a particle beam optical apparatusUS5455420Jul 12, 1994Oct 3, 1995TopometrixScanning probe microscope apparatus for use in a scanning electronUS5458387Mar 16, 1994Oct 17, 1995Microscience Group, Inc.MicrogripperUS5493236Jun 23, 1994Feb 20, 1996Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaTest analysis apparatus and analysis method for semiconductor wafer using OBIC analysisUS5510615Jun 7, 1995Apr 23, 1996Topometrix CorporationScanning probe microscope apparatus for use in a scanning electron microscopeUS5538305May 25, 1995Jul 23, 1996Microscience Group, Inc.MicrogripperUS5568004Sep 7, 1993Oct 22, 1996Kleindiek; StephanElectromechanical positioning deviceUS5589723Mar 15, 1995Dec 31, 1996Minolta Co., Ltd.Driving apparatus using transducerUS5635836Oct 21, 1994Jun 3, 1997International Business Machines CorporationMechanical apparatus with rod, pivot, and translation means for positioning a sample for use with a scanning microscopeUS5677709Feb 7, 1995Oct 14, 1997Shimadzu CorporationMicromanipulator system with multi-direction control joy stick and precision control meansUS5727915Mar 29, 1996Mar 17, 1998Nikon CorporationMaster input apparatus for microgripper and microgripper system provided with the master input apparatusUS5756997Mar 4, 1996May 26, 1998General Nanotechnology, L.L.C.Scanning probe/optical microscope with modular objective/probe and drive/detector unitsUS5886684May 30, 1997Mar 23, 1999Shimadzu CorporationMicromanipulator system with multi-direction control joy stick and precision control meansUS5895084Feb 19, 1997Apr 20, 1999Mauro; GeorgeCam operated microgripperUS5922179Oct 20, 1997Jul 13, 1999Gatan, Inc.Apparatus for etching and coating sample specimens for microscopic analysisUS5939816Jun 24, 1994Aug 17, 1999Rockwell International CorporationPiezoelectric actuatorUS5973471Dec 23, 1998Oct 26, 1999Shimadzu CorporationMicromanipulator system with multi-direction control joy stick and precision control meansUS5989779Oct 17, 1995Nov 23, 1999Ebara CorporationFabrication method employing and energy beam sourceUS5994820Mar 25, 1999Nov 30, 1999Kleindiek; StephanElectromechanical positioning unitUS5998097Apr 28, 1999Dec 7, 1999Ebara CorporationFabrication method employing energy beam sourceUS6000280Mar 23, 1998Dec 14, 1999Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.Drive electrodes for microfabricated torsional cantileversUS6002136May 8, 1998Dec 14, 1999International Business Machines CorporationMicroscope specimen holder and grid arrangement for in-situ and ex-situ repeated analysisUS6007696Sep 26, 1997Dec 28, 1999Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaApparatus and method for manufacturing electrolytic ionic water and washing method using electroyltic ionic waterUS6010831Mar 23, 1999Jan 4, 2000Ebara CorporationUltra-fine microfabrication method using an energy beamUS6043548Dec 12, 1996Mar 28, 2000Yeda Research And Development Co., Ltd.Semiconductor device with stabilized junctionUS6048671Nov 18, 1998Apr 11, 2000Ebara CorporationUltra-fine microfabrication method using an energy beamUS6111336Oct 9, 1997Aug 29, 2000Minolta Co., Ltd.Driving apparatus using transducerUS6127681Aug 12, 1988Oct 3, 2000Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Scanning tunnel microscopeUS6127682Sep 25, 1997Oct 3, 2000Jeol Ltd.Scanning probe microscope and method of analyzing sample using sameUS6188161Jun 2, 1998Feb 13, 2001Minolta Co., Ltd.Driving apparatus using transducerUS6198299Aug 27, 1998Mar 6, 2001The Micromanipulator Company, Inc.High Resolution analytical probe stationUS6210988Jan 14, 2000Apr 3, 2001The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaPolycrystalline silicon germanium films for forming micro-electromechanical systemsUS6268958Aug 26, 1998Jul 31, 2001Nikon CorporationMicroscope having adjustable objective lens holderUS6279007Nov 30, 1998Aug 21, 2001Microsoft CorporationArchitecture for managing query friendly hierarchical valuesUS6279389Oct 27, 2000Aug 28, 2001Nanodevices, Inc.AFM with referenced or differential height measurementUS6346710Aug 30, 1999Feb 12, 2002Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Stage apparatus including displacement amplifying mechanismUS6403968Jul 2, 1999Jun 11, 2002Hitachi, Ltd.Scanning electron microscopeUS6420722May 23, 2001Jul 16, 2002Omniprobe, Inc.Method for sample separation and lift-out with one cutUS6422077Apr 6, 2000Jul 23, 2002The University Of ChicagoUltrananocrystalline diamond cantilever wide dynamic range acceleration/vibration/pressure sensorUS6448622Jul 17, 2000Sep 10, 2002The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaPolycrystalline silicon-germanium films for micro-electromechanical systems applicationUS6452307Jun 13, 2000Sep 17, 2002Nanofactory Instruments AbDevice for micropositioning of an objectUS6501289Mar 9, 2000Dec 31, 2002Tokyo Electron LimitedInspection stage including a plurality of Z shafts, and inspection apparatusUS6538254Jul 21, 1998Mar 25, 2003Hitachi, Ltd.Method and apparatus for sample fabricationUS6539519May 31, 2000Mar 25, 2003Mark D. MeekerSpatial characteristic and logical hierarchy based manner for compactly storing IC design data and related operationsUS6576900May 18, 2001Jun 10, 2003Imago Scientific InstrumentsMethods of sampling specimens for microanalysisUS6580076Aug 25, 2000Jun 17, 2003Japan Science And Technology CorporationMicro-manipulation methodUS6583413Aug 30, 2000Jun 24, 2003Hitachi, Ltd.Method of inspecting a circuit pattern and inspecting instrumentUS6597359May 17, 2000Jul 22, 2003Raychip, Inc.Hierarchical space subdivision hardware for ray tracingUS6603239Jul 11, 2000Aug 5, 2003Forschungszentrum Julich GmbhMicromanipulator with piezoelectric movement elementsUS6627889May 22, 2002Sep 30, 2003Hitachi, Ltd.Apparatus and method for observing sample using electron beamUS6664552Nov 5, 2001Dec 16, 2003Hitachi, Ltd.Method and apparatus for specimen fabricationUS6690101Mar 8, 2001Feb 10, 2004Elliptec Resonant Actuator AgVibratory motors and methods of making and using sameUS6777674Sep 23, 2002Aug 17, 2004Omniprobe, Inc.Method for manipulating microscopic particles and analyzingUS6841788Aug 3, 2001Jan 11, 2005Ascend Instruments, Inc.Transmission electron microscope sample preparationUS6865509Mar 9, 2001Mar 8, 2005Smiths Detection - Pasadena, Inc.System for providing control to an industrial process using one or more multidimensional variablesUS6891170Jun 17, 2002May 10, 2005Zyvex CorporationModular manipulation system for manipulating a sample under study with a microscopeUS6927400Mar 12, 2004Aug 9, 2005Ascend Instruments, LlcSample manipulation systemUS6967335Jun 17, 2002Nov 22, 2005Zyvex CorporationManipulation system for manipulating a sample under study with a microscopeUS6982429Jul 6, 2004Jan 3, 2006Joseph RobinsonTransmission electron microscope sample preparationUS6986739Aug 23, 2002Jan 17, 2006Sciperio, Inc.Architecture tool and methods of useUS20010044156May 18, 2001Nov 22, 2001Kelly Thomas F.Methods of sampling specimens for microanalysisUS20020000522 *Jun 5, 2001Jan 3, 2002Reza AlaniIon beam milling system and method for electron microscopy specimen preparationUS20020064341Nov 26, 2001May 30, 2002Fauver Mark E.Micro-fabricated optical waveguide for use in scanning fiber displays and scanned fiber image acquisitionUS20020121614Feb 28, 2002Sep 5, 2002Moore Thomas M.Total release method for sample extraction from a charged-particle instrumentUS20020125427Jul 13, 2001Sep 12, 2002Veeco Instruments Inc.Method and apparatus for manipulating a sampleUS20020138353Mar 2, 2001Sep 26, 2002Zvi SchreiberMethod and system for analysis of database records having fields with setsUS20020166976Feb 21, 2002Nov 14, 2002Masakazu SugayaBeam as well as method and equipment for specimen fabricationUS20020195422 *Jun 22, 2001Dec 26, 2002International Business Machines CorporationFocused ion beam process for removal of copperUS20030042921Apr 8, 2002Mar 6, 2003Hollman Kenneth F.High resolution analytical probe stationUS20030089852May 22, 2002May 15, 2003Isao OchiaiApparatus and method for observing sample using electron beamUS20030089860 *Sep 23, 2002May 15, 2003Asjes Ronald JanElectrostatic manipulating apparatusUS20030137539Oct 1, 2002Jul 24, 2003Walter DeesMethod of styling a user interface and device with adaptive user interfaceUS20030187867Oct 22, 2002Oct 2, 2003Smartt Brian E.System and method of optimizing database queries in two or more dimensions* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1"Electrical Characterization of Transistors in an SRAM Array for the 90nm Process Node", Multi Probe, Inc., Santa Barbara, California, Application Note: MPI 011603, 2002.2"IDS 10000cs", Schiumberger Semiconductor Solutions, San Jose, California, Aug. 2001.3"Investment Approaches: Lux NanoSphere: Measurement", Nanotechnology, The Nanotech Report 2001, pp. 122-136.4"KZ100 Nanomanipulator System", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: KZ00-ZZDS-001c, 2004.5"NanoEffector Tools", Zyvex Corporation, http://www.zyvex.com/Products/Grippers<SUB>-</SUB>Features.html.6"Processing Material In Electron Microscopes: Nanomanipulation With Several D.O.F." http://www.nanomotor.de/aa<SUB>-</SUB>processing.htm.7"SEM-Manipulators," http://www.nanomotor.de/pdf/Compare<SUB>-</SUB>e<SUB>-</SUB>lo.PDF.8"SRAM Probing with Multiscan AFP", MultiProbe, Inc., Santa Barbara, California, Mulitprobe Movie, 2004.9"Zyvex A 100 Assembly System", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: A100-ZZDS-001c, 2004.10"Zyvex F100 Nanomanipulator System", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: F100-ZZDS-001c, 2004.11"Zyvex Mdriver 1000 MEMS Driving Station", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: ZMDR-ZZDS-001a, 2004.12"Zyvex NanoSharp Probes", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: ZPRB-ZZDS-001c, 2004.13"Zyvex Nanosolve Additives for Epoxies", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: EPOX-ZZDS-001a, 2004.14"Zyvex Nanosolve Additives", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: ZZPN-ZZDS-001c, 2004.15"Zyvex Nonosolve Additives for Polyurethane", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: ZNAP-ZZDA-001c, 2004.16"Zyvex S100 Nanomanipulator System", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: S100-ZZDS-001c, 2004.17Akazawa, "Bistable Si Growth Conditions on Ge(100) in Synchrotron-Radiation-Excited Atomic Layer Epitaxy from SiH2CI2", J. Appl. Phys. 81 (7), Apr. 1, 1997, pp. 3320-3322.18Akazawa, "Characterization of Self-limiting SiH2CI2 chemisorption and photon-stimulated desorption as elementary steps for Si atomic-layer epitaxy", NTT LSI Lab., Kanagawa, Japan, Physical Review B: Condensed Matter (1996), 54 (15), pp. 10917-10926.19Beck et al., "Ultrahigh Vacuum Instrument That Combines Variable-Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy with Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy for Studies of Chemical Reactions at Surfaces," Rev. Sci. Instrum. 73(3), Mar. 2002, pp. 1267-1272.20Bergander et al., "A Testing Mechanism and Testing Procedure for Materials in Inertial Drives", IEEE MHS, pp. 213-218, Nagoya, Oct. 20-22, 2002.21Bergander et al., "Development of Miniature Manipulators for Applications in Biology and Nanotechnologies", proceeding of Workshop "Microrobotics for Biomanipulation", pp. 11-35, IEEE IROS 2003, Oct. 27-31, 2003, Las Vegas, USA.22Bergander et al., "Integrated Sensors for PZT Actuators Based on Thick-Film Resistors", IEEE MHS, pp. 181-186, Nagoya, Oct. 20-22, 2002.23Bergander et al., "Micropositioners for Microscopy Applications and Microbiology Based on Piezoelectric Actuators", Journal of Micromechatronics, vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 65-76, 2003.24Bergander et al., "Micropositioners for Microscopy Applications based on the Stick-Slip Effect", MHS 2000, Nagoya, pp. 213-216, Oct. 22-25, 2000.25Bergander et al., "Monolithic Piezoelectric Push-pull Actuators for Inertial Drives", IEEE MHS, pp. 309-316, Nagoya, Oct. 19-22, 2003.26Bergander et al., "Performance Improvements for Stick-Slip Positioners", IEEE MHS, pp. 59-66, Nagoya, Oct. 19-22, 2003.27Bergander, "Control, Wear Testing & Integration Of Stick-Slip Micropositioning", these no 2843, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2003.28Binnig et al., "Single-tube three-dimensional scanner for scanning tunneling microscopy", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 57(8), Aug. 1986, pp. 1688-1689.29Blackford et al., "A vertical/horizontal two-dimensional piezoelectric driven inertial slider micropositioner for cryogenic applications", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 63(4), Apr. 1992, pp. 2206-2209.30Bleuler et al., "Applications of microrobotics and microhandling" in RIKEN Review No. 36 (Jun., 2001): Focused on Science and Technology in Micro/Nano Scale, pp. 26-28.31Breguet et al., "New Designs For Long Range, High Resolution, Multi-Degrees-Of-Freedom Piezoelectric Actuators", ACTUATOR'98, Breman, Germany, pp. 198-201, Jun. 17-19, 1998.32Breguet et al., "Stick and Slip Actuators: design, control, performances and applications", International Symposium on Micromechatronics and Human Science, Nagoya, Japan, pp. 89-95, Nov. 25-28, 1998.33Breguet, "Stick and Slip Micro-Robots", Institut de Systemes Robotiques (ISR), Jan. 14, 1999.34Co et al., "Iso-splatting: A Point-Based Alternative to Isosurface Visualization", Computer Graphics and Applications, 2003. Proceedings 11th Pacific Conference on Oct. 8-10, 2003, Piscataway, NJ, IEEE, Oct. 8, 2003, pp. 325-334.35Codourey et al., "High Precision Robots for Automated Handling of Micro Objects", Seminar on Handling and Assembly of Microparts, Vienna, Nov. 1994.36Colclough, "A fast high-voltage amplifier for driving piezoelectric positioners", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 71(11), Mar. 2000, pp. 4323-4324.37Danuser et al., "Manipulation of Microscopic Objects with Nanometer Precision: Potentials and Limitations in Nano-Robot Design".38Dr. Volker Klocke Nanotechnik, Technical Data from Klocke Nanotechnik Websites, Aachen, Germany, 1998, 127 pages and CD ROM with movie.39Driesen et al., "Energy Consumption of Piezoelectric Actuators for Inertial Drives", IEEE MHS, pp. 51-58, Nagoya, Oct. 19-22, 2003.40Eigler et al., "Positioning Single Atoms with a Scanning Tunnelling Microscope", Nature, vol. 344, Apr. 5, 1990, pp. 524-526.41Erickson, "Gate Fault Isolation and Parametric Characterization through the use of Atomic Force Probing", Multiprobe, Inc. Santa Barbara, California.42European Patent Application No. 03734223.5 Search Report dated Feb. 6, 2006.43European Patent Application No. 03736728.1 Search Report dated Feb. 8, 2006.44European Patent Application No. 05251070.8 Search Report dated May 3, 2006.45European Patent Application Number 05251070.8 Search Report dated Jun. 27, 2005.46Fatikow et al., "A Flexible Microbot-Based Microassembly Station", Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, 1999. Proceeding ETFA '99. 1999 7<SUP>th </SUP>IEEE International Conference, Barcelona, Spain Oct. 18-21, 1999, Piscataway, NJ USA, pp. 397-406.47Frohn et al., "Coarse Tip Distance Adjustment and Positioner for a Scanning Tunneling Microscope", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 60 (6), Jun. 1989, pp. 1200-1201.48FuturePundit, "Nanopore Technology: Sequence your DNA in Two hours!", Sep. 4, 2002, http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/000017.html.49Gupta, "Attaching a Nanotube to a Zyvex S100 Nanomanipulator End Effector", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: S1EE-ZZAN-001a, 2004.50Gupta, et al., "Measuring Electrical Breakdown of a Dielectric-Filled Trench Used for Electrical Isolation of Semiconductor Devices", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: MEBD-ZZAN-001a, 2004.51Hartman, "Mechanical Measurement of Individual Carbon Nanotubes Using MEMS and the S100 Nanomanipulator", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: MMIC-ZZAN-001b, 2004.52Hasunuma et al., "Gas-Phase-Reaction-Controlled Atomic-Layer Epitaxy of Silicon", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A16 (1998) 679.53Hersam et al., "Silicon-Based Molecular Nanotechnology", Nanotechnology 11, (2000), pp. 70-76.54Hinze, "Memo Functions, Polytypically!", Institut fur Informatik III, University Bonn, Bonn Germany, Jul. 2000.55Hochberg et al., "Four Point Probe I-V Electrical Measurements Using the Zyvex Test System Employing a Keithley 4200", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: KZOO-ZZAN-001a, 2004.56IBM Research Press Solutions, "IBM Scientists Build World's Smallest Operating Computing Circuits", San Jose, CA, Oct. 24, 2002.57Imai et al., "Atomic layer epitaxy of silicon by gas confinement method", Department Physical Electronics, Tokyo Institute Technology, Tokyo, Japan, Transactions of the Materials Research Society of Japan (1994), 19A (Superconductors, Surfaces and Superlattices), pp. 145-148.58International Preliminary Examination Report PCT/US03/16695, dated Sep. 03, 2004.59International Preliminary Examination Report PCT/US03/16750, dated Sep. 03,2004.60International Search Report PCT/US03/16695, dated Sep. 25, 2003.61International Search Report PCT/US03/16750, dated Sep. 25, 2003.62International Search Report/Written Opinion PCT/US2004/031482, dated Mar. 18, 2005.63Ishida et al., "Growth temperature window and self-limiting process in sub-atomic-layer Epitaxy", Faculty Technology, Tokyo University Agriculture and Technology, Koganeri, Japan. Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1: (1996), 35(7), pp. 4011-4015.64Klocke Nanotechnik, "Manipulators: Universal Tools with 1 Nanometer Resolution," http://www.nanomotor.de/p<SUB>-</SUB>nanomanipulator.htm.65Langen et al., "Stick-slip actuators for micromachining of glass", International Conference on Micromechatronics for Information and Precision Equipment, Tokyo, Japan, pp. 261-264, Jul. 20-23, 1997.66Lyding et al., "Variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscope", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 59 (9), Sep. 1998, pp. 1897-1902.67Matsuyama et al., "Hetero atomic-layer epitaxy of Ge on Si(100)", Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1, vol. 39, No. 5A, May 2000, pp. 2536-2540.68Meller et al., "Voltage-Driven DNA Translocations through a Nanopore", Physical Review Letters, vol. 86, No. 15, Apr. 9, 2001, pp. 3435-3438.69Moller et al., "Tunneling Tips Imaged by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 8 (1), Jan./Feb. 1990, pp. 434-437.70Mugele et al., "New Design of a variable-temperature ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 69(4), Apr. 1998, pp. 1765-1769.71Ott et al., "Al203 thin film growth on Si (100) using binary reaction sequence chemistry", Thin Solid Films 292 (1997) 135-144.72Parker et al., "Exploiting Self-Similarity in Geometry for Voxel Based Solid Modeling", Proc Symp Solid Model Appl; Proceedings of the Symposium on Solid Modeling and Applications 2003, Jun. 2003 (Jun. 2003), pp. 157-166.73P�rez et al, "Modelling, characterisation and implementation of a monolithic piezo actuator (MPA) of 2 and 3 degrees of freedom (DOF)", Actuator 2002, Bremen, Germany, Jun. 10-12, 2002.74P�rez et al., "Monolithic piezo-actuators: modeling, validation in the laboratory and optimisation of working conditions", ACTUATOR 2000, pp. 49-52, Bremen, Germany, Jun. 19-21, 2000.75Physik Instrumente, Theory and Applications of Piezo Actuators and PZT NanoPositioning Systems, www.physikinstrumente.com/tutorial, 2001.76Pi, "Basic Introduction to Nano-Positioning with Piezoelectric Technology", http/www.pi.ws, pp. 4/9-4/14.77Piezo Brochure, "Ultra Sonic Transducers & Crystals".78Pohl, "Dynamic Piezoelectric Translation Devices", Rev. Sci. Instrum., 58(1), Jan. 1987, pp. 54-57.79Popinet, "Gerris: a Tree-Based Adaptive Solver for the Incompressible Euler Equations in Complex Geometries", Journal of Computational Physics Academic Press USA, vol. 190, No. 2, Sep. 2003.80Renner et al., "A vertical piezoelectric inertial slider", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 61 (3), Mar. 1990, pp. 965-967.81Ritala et al., "Atomic Layer Epitaxy - a valuable tool for nanotechnology?", Nanotechnology V10 1999 pp. 19-24.82Rusinkiewicz et al., "Qspalt: A Multiresolution Point Rendering System for Large Meshes", Computer Graphics Proceedings, Annual Conference Series, 2000, pp. 343-352.83Satoh et al., "Atomic-layer epitaxy of silicon on (100) surface", Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1: Regular Papers and Short Notes and Review Papers v 39 n 10 Oct. 2000, pp. 5732-5736.84Shim et al., "Piezo-driven Metrological Multiaxis Nanopositioner", Rev. Sci. Instrum., 72(1); Nov. 2001, pp. 4183-4187.85Sugahara et al., "Modeling of silicon atomic-layer-epitaxy", Department of Physical Electronics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Applied Surface Science (1996), 107 (Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Atomically Controlled Surfaces and Interfaces, 1995), pp. 161-171.86Tu et al., "The Etree Library: A System for Manipulating Large Octrees on Disk", School of Computer Science, Pittsburgh, PA Jul. 2003.87Tuck, et al., "Powering MEMS Devices Using the S100 Nanomanipulator System", Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, Texas, Document: S1PM-ZZAN-001a, 2004.88Udeshi et al., "Memulator: A Fast and Accurate Geometric Modeling, Visualization and Mesh Generation for 3D MEMS Design and Simulation," Nanotech 2003, vol. 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and TradeShow.89Udeshi, "Tetrahedral Mesh Generation from Segmented Voxel Data", 12th International Meshing Roundtable, Sep. 14-17, 2003.90Wildoer et al., "Scanning Tunneling Microscope Tip as a Positionable Contact: Probing a Josephson-Junction Array at Subkelvin Temperatures", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 16(5), Sep./Oct. 1998, pp. 2837-2840.91Yakimov, "Vertical Ramp-Actuated Inertial Micropositioner with a Rolling-Balls Guide", Rev. Sci. Instrum. 68 (1), Jan. 1997, pp. 136-139.92Yu et al., "Three-Dimensional Manipulation of Carbon Nanotubes Under a Scanning Electron Microscope", Nanotechnology 10 (1999), pp. 244-252.93Zesch et al., "Inertial Drives for Micro-and Nanorobots: Two Novel Mechanims" Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.94Zesch, "Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Micropositioning Using Stepping Principles," Dissertation submitted to the Swiss Federal Instritute of Technology, Zurich, 1997.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7315023 *Jan 19, 2006Jan 1, 2008Omniprobe, Inc.Method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEMUS7888655 *Jul 25, 2007Feb 15, 2011Fei CompanyTransfer mechanism for transferring a specimenUS8003955 *Sep 29, 2006Aug 23, 2011Roland KilperSample manipulation deviceUS8071960 *Oct 9, 2009Dec 6, 20113D-Micromac AgMethod and apparatus for producing samples for transmission electron microscopyUS8258473 *Mar 17, 2011Sep 4, 2012Nanotem, Inc.Method and apparatus for rapid preparation of multiple specimens for transmission electron microscopyUS8539854Oct 5, 2009Sep 24, 2013Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas SystemMicrorobots with large actuation volumes, and controllers, systems, and methodsUS20120119084 *Mar 17, 2011May 17, 2012Nanotem, Inc.Method and Apparatus for Rapid Preparation of Multiple Specimens for Transmission Electron MicroscopyUS20130193343 *Oct 5, 2011Aug 1, 2013Yasuhira NagakuboSample device for charged particle beamUS20130214468 *Feb 22, 2012Aug 22, 2013L.A. Giannuzzi & Associates LlcMethod and apparatus for ex-situ lift-out specimen preparationWO2013109405A1 *Jan 14, 2013Jul 25, 2013The Scripps Research InstitutePreparation of specimen arrays on an em grid* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification250/307, 702/84, 250/492.21, 250/442.11, 438/17, 250/492.3International ClassificationH01J37/305, H01J37/20, G02B21/32, G01N1/32, G21G5/00, G01N35/00, G01N1/28Cooperative ClassificationH01J37/20, H01J2237/2007, H01J2237/31745, G02B21/32, H01J37/185, H01J2237/204, G01N1/28, H01J37/3056, G01N2001/2886, G01N1/32, H01J2237/31749, G01N1/286European ClassificationG01N1/32, G01N1/28, H01J37/305B2, G01N1/28M, H01J37/18A, H01J37/20Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionOct 29, 2010FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4May 11, 2010ASAssignmentOwner name: DCG SYSTEMS, INC.,CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZYVEX INSTRUMENTS, LLC;US-ASSIGNMENT DATABASE UPDATED:20100512;REEL/FRAME:24370/47Effective date: 20100211Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZYVEX INSTRUMENTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:024370/0047May 30, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: ZYVEX INSTRUMENTS, LLC, TEXASFree format text: NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:ZYVEX CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:019353/0363Effective date: 20070521Jan 5, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: ZYVEX CORPORATION, TEXASFree format text: RELEASE;ASSIGNOR:SILICON VALLEY BANK;REEL/FRAME:018777/0003Effective date: 20070105May 25, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK, CALIFORNIAFree format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZYVEX CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:017921/0368Effective date: 20050929Owner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK,CALIFORNIAFree format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZYVEX CORPORATION;US-ASSIGNMENT DATABASE UPDATED:20100330;REEL/FRAME:17921/368Apr 20, 2005ASAssignmentOwner name: ZYVEX CORPORATION, TEXASFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SKIDMORE, GEORGE;GEISBERGER, AARON;BRAY, KENNETH;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015924/0178;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040922 TO 20040923Dec 17, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: ZYVEX CORPORATION, TEXASFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ELLIS, MATTHEW D.;REEL/FRAME:015467/0725Effective date: 20040924RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google