Patents Represented by Attorney John A. Thomas
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Patent number: 8288740Abstract: A method for making a specimen assembly for atom probe analysis in an energetic-beam instrument includes milling a post near a region of interest in a sample in the energetic-beam instrument, so that the post has a free end. The probe tip of a nano-manipulator probe shaft is attached to the free end of the post and the post is cut free from the sample to form a rough specimen, so that the region of interest in the rough specimen is exposed at approximately the location where the post is cut from the sample. A specimen assembly form is provided having an open area inside its perimeter. The probe shaft bearing the specimen is joined to the specimen assembly form, so that the region of interest in the rough specimen is located in the open area. Thereafter, the probe shaft can be cut off outside the perimeter of the specimen assembly form, and the specimen conveniently held and sharpened for atom probe analysis. Specimen assembly forms made by the method are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventor: Gonzalo Amador
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Patent number: 8247768Abstract: A method for sample examination in a dual-beam FIB calculates a first angle as a function of second, third and fourth angles defined by the geometry of the FIB and the tilt of the specimen stage. A fifth angle is calculated as a function of the stated angles, where the fifth angle is the angle between the long axis of an excised sample and the projection of the axis of the probe shaft onto the X-Y plane. The specimen stage is rotated by the calculated fifth angle, followed by attachment to the probe tip and lift-out. The sample may then be positioned perpendicular to the axis of the FIB electron beam for STEM analysis by rotation of the probe shaft through the first angle.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman, Thomas M. Moore, Gonzalo Amador, Matthew Hammer
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Variable-tilt specimen holder and method and for monitoring milling in a charged-particle instrument
Patent number: 8227781Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring sample milling in a charged-particle instrument has a variable-tilt specimen holder attached to the instrument tilt stage. The variable-tilt specimen holder includes a first pivoting plate having a slot for holding a specimen rotatably supported in the specimen holder. The first pivoting plate has a range of rotation sufficient to move the axis of thinning of the specimen from a first position where the tilt stage is placed at its maximum range of tilt and the angle between the preferred axis of thinning of the specimen and the axis of the ion beam column of the instrument is greater than zero, to a second position where the axis for thinning of the specimen is substantially parallel to the axis of the ion-beam column. A light detector intercepts light passing through the specimen as it is thinned to determine an endpoint for milling of the specimen.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventors: Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman, Thomas M. Moore, Gonzalo Amador -
Patent number: 8168949Abstract: A method for sample examination in a dual-beam FIB calculates a first angle as a function of second, third and fourth angles defined by the geometry of the FIB and the tilt of the specimen stage. A fifth angle is calculated as a function of the stated angles, where the fifth angle is the angle between the long axis of an excised sample and the projection of the axis of the probe shaft onto the X-Y plane. The specimen stage is rotated by the calculated fifth angle, followed by attachment to the probe tip and lift-out. The sample may then be positioned perpendicular to the axis of the FIB electron beam for STEM analysis by rotation of the probe shaft through the first angle.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman, Thomas M. Moore, Gonzalo Amador, Matthew Hammer
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Patent number: 8110765Abstract: An combined monolithic electroluminescent lamp and membrane switch is manufactured by continuous printing. Graphic indicia is imprinted on deformable substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp. The monolithic switch has a layer for sensing switch actuation by means including resistance change, capacitance change, or magnetic field change.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Oryon Technologies, LLCInventors: M. Richard Marcus, Kenneth Burrows, Thomas L. Brown
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Patent number: 8106578Abstract: We disclose a highly transmissive electroluminescent lamp, where the lamp has a front electrode electrically connected to a first clear conductive layer of PDOT or functionally similar material, a phosphor layer and a dielectric layer. The phosphor layer contains nano-particles of phosphor, where the nano-particles have a size less than about 100 nm. The dielectric layer contains nano-particles of a dielectric, where these nano-particles having a size less than about 100 nm. There is a second clear conductive layer of PDOT, and a back electrode electrically connected to the second clear conductive layer, for energizing the lamp. In other embodiments, the particles in the phosphor layer may have sizes larger than 100 nm, while still achieving the effect of substantial transparency of the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Oryon Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas L. Brown, Manuel R. Adame
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Patent number: 8054558Abstract: A multiple magnification optical system has a single objective focused upon a specimen at a given working distance. A graded-index lens receives light passing through the objective from the specimen. A beam splitter splits the light exiting the gradient-index lens into a first optical axis and a second optical axis. A first lens is aligned in the first optical axis between the beam splitter and a first camera to focus a magnified image at the first camera. A second camera is situated along the second optical axis from the rear principal plane of the objective so as to obtain unity magnification when the working distance of the objective is set at twice its focal length. Multiple magnifications can be obtained with a single objective by moving the optical system axially to set different working distances from a specimen, and by using multiple beam splitters, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Herschel M. Marchman, Gonzalo Amador
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Patent number: 8016027Abstract: An apparatus for rotating down hole pumps has a right angle gear box driving a hollow output shaft. The output shaft is oriented to the vertical and supports and rotates the drive string of a down hole rotary pump. A clamp on the drive string rests on the upper end of the hollow shaft and engages the hollow shaft with a key and keyway arrangement. The hollow shaft of the right angle gearbox is sized to accommodate the drive string, including rod boxes, so that the entire drive string can be pulled through the hollow shaft without dismantling or removing the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Direct Drivehead, Inc.Inventor: Greg Boyles
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Patent number: 7961397Abstract: A single-channel optical processing system for an energetic-beam instrument has separate sources for processing radiation and illumination radiation. The processing radiation and the illumination radiation are combined in a single optical path and directed to a sample surface inside the energetic-beam instrument through a self-focusing rod lens. The self-focusing rod lens thus has a working distance from the sample surface that will not interfere with typical arrangements of ion beams and electron beams in such instruments. A combination of polarizers and beam splitters allows separation of the combined incident radiation and the combined radiation reflected from the sample surface and returned through the same optical channel, so that the reflected radiation may be directed to an optical detector, such as a camera or spectrometer. In other embodiments, additional illumination of the sample surface is provided at an angle to the central axis of the self-focusing rod lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Omniprobe, IncInventors: Herschel M. Marchman, Thomas M. Moore, Rocky Kruger
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Patent number: 7935937Abstract: A TEM sample holder is formed from at least one nano-manipulator probe tip and a TEM sample holder pre-form. The probe tip is permanently attached to the TEM sample-holder pre-form to create a TEM sample holder before attachment of a sample to the point of the probe tip inside a FIB. In the preferred embodiment the probe tip is attached to the TEM sample holder pre-form by applying pressure to the pre-form and the probe tip, so as to cause plastic flow of the pre-form material about the probe tip. The TEM sample holder may have smaller dimensions than the TEM sample holder pre-form; in this case the TEM sample holder is cut from the larger TEM sample holder pre-form, preferably in the same operation as attaching the probe tip.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Omniprobe, In.cInventors: Thomas M. Moore, Gonzalo Amador, Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman
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Patent number: 7834315Abstract: A method for sample examination in a dual-beam FIB calculates a first angle as a function of second, third and fourth angles defined by the geometry of the FIB and the tilt of the specimen stage. A fifth angle is calculated as a function of the stated angles, where the fifth angle is the angle between the long axis of an excised sample and the projection of the axis of the probe shaft onto the X-Y plane. The specimen stage is rotated by the calculated fifth angle, followed by attachment to the probe tip and lift-out. The sample may then be positioned perpendicular to the axis of the FIB electron beam for STEM analysis by rotation of the probe shaft through the first angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman, Thomas M. Moore, Gonzalo Amador, Matthew Hammer
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Patent number: 7802393Abstract: A method for making a gun barrel for soft projectiles includes providing a mandrel for the bore of the barrel. The mandrel is inserted into a barrel base that can be connected in use to the receiver of a soft-projectile gun. The connected barrel base and mandrel are inserted into a tube. A resin, preferably reinforced, is poured into the space between the inside of the tube and the mandrel. The barrel base, mandrel and tube are surrounded by a pressure chamber. A vacuum is applied to the pressure chamber to de-gas the resin. Then a positive pressure is applied to the pressure chamber to force the tube against the mandrel and resin to form the desired barrel. The mandrel may have rifling impressions. The tube may have a mold shape for forming an ornamental design in the outside of the barrel. Barrels made by the method are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: SJS Paintball, LPInventors: Robert Judson, Paul Judson
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Patent number: 7755372Abstract: Methods for testing flip-chip packages includes aligning a microscope and a test engine. The package under test is placed between the microscope and the test engine, and an acoustic transducer is attached to the package under test. The test engine delivers an impact to the package under test on the side of the package opposite its ball-grid array. Acoustic information and image information from the package under test is recorded. In alternate embodiments, a sequence of packages may be automatically tested.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman, Thomas M. Moore
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Patent number: 7644637Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of samples from an analytical instrument has a sealable transfer capsule and a means for connecting the transfer capsule to a vacuum instrument, such as a FIB, through an interface connected to the instrument. The capsule has a door that can be opened to insert a sample holder, such as a TEM sample holder, into the instrument, and then closed when the sample holder holding an excised sample is retracted back into the transfer capsule. The instrument interface contains means for sealing the instrument before the transfer capsule holding a sample is disconnected, and for purging the transfer capsule with an inert gas. The sample may thus be transported in the sealed transfer capsule without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The sample may be transported to and connected to a glove box also purged with an inert gas for examination or further operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Moore, Gonzalo Amador
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Patent number: 7608020Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a frame supporting a pivotable lower right arm and a lower left arm, and also a pivotable upper right arm and upper left arm. The upper right arm and the upper left arm are pivotably connected to the frame at points above the pivotable connections of the lower right arm and the lower left arm. The lower arms have handles for grasping by a user and weight pegs. The upper right arm and the upper left arm each further have a rail connected to the arm and running substantially parallel to it. A sleeve slideably engages the rail and supports a shoulder harness for a user and also weight pegs. The user grasps the handles connected to the lower arms and lifts upward, whereby his shoulders contact the resistance of the upper arms through the shoulder harness.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventor: Christopher M. Mason
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Patent number: 7533106Abstract: A serial interface controller provides for transferring data between a data source having a least one channel and a processor. The serial interface controller has a plurality of control registers; the control registers in turn include a data structure for configuring the serial interface controller for a data transfer. That data structure further comprises a field for selectively setting the serial interface controller in its run mode or its configuration mode; a field for storing the I/O mode of the serial interface controller; a field for storing the address of the active data channel; and, a field for storing the system clock rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Quickfilter Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Magdeburger, Aaron Headley
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Patent number: 7511208Abstract: A selectable string capo allows a musician to engage one or more strings selectively while the capo is connected to a stringed instrument, while leaving one or more strings disengaged. The capo has at least one plunger and a finger lever allowing a musician to depress the plunger during performance so as to cause the plunger to engage one or more strings. When the finger lever is released, the plunger disengages from the string or strings.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Milton Kyser
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Patent number: 7473212Abstract: An apparatus for lower back exercise comprises a support structure and a body support platform supported by the support structure. A pendulum having three segments is connected to the support structure. The pendulum has a first segment; pivotably connected to the support structure; a second segment that proceeds from the first segment at a first angle; and a third segment that proceeds from the second segment at a second angle, so that the center of mass of the pendulum is offset from the vertical. Weights may be connected to the third segment of the pendulum. There is a means, such as straps, connected to the pendulum, for engaging the legs of a user. The user exerts force with his legs to move the pendulum through a range of motion greater than 90 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Inventor: Louis J. Simmons
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Patent number: 7446542Abstract: An apparatus for testing flip-chip packages has a programmed computer, a test-engine stage for applying an impact to at least one package under test, and a monitoring stage. The test-engine stage causes an impact on the package on the side opposite its ball-grid array. The test-engine stage has actuators connected to the test-engine stage and the computer, for moving and aligning the test-engine stage. The monitoring stage has a digital camera connected to the computer for transmitting digital images from the ball-grid array side of the package to the computer. A microscope is preferably connected to the digital camera. A sample stage located between the test-engine stage and the monitoring stage holds the package under test. The sample stage has an acoustic transducer capable of being removably connected to the package under test. The acoustic transducer is connected to the computer for transmitting signals from the acoustic transducer to the computer.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Omniprobe, Inc.Inventors: Lyudmila Zaykova-Feldman, Thomas M. Moore
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Patent number: 7441557Abstract: In a barrel for a paint-ball gun, the entrance to the bore has a chamfer. The chamfer has a smooth transition from the entrance to the bore; preferably in the form of a section of a circle or parabola. In another embodiment, the bore of the barrel has a similar smooth transition in the muzzle of the barrel at the exit of the bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: SJS Paintball, LPInventor: Robert Judson