Patents Assigned to Micronics
  • Publication number: 20070018633
    Abstract: A probe comprises a body member having a front end area and supported on a support member in a cantilever state, and a tip member combined with the front end area of the body member. The tip member includes a base portion with at least a part of the tip member embedded in the front end area; a contact portion to be pressed against a device under test and projecting from the base portion in a second direction; and a reference portion formed at a position spaced apart from the contact portion in a first direction and projecting from the base portion in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and is made of a harder material than the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA NIHON MICRONICS
    Inventors: Hideki Hirakawa, Akira Souma, Takayuki Hayashizaki, Shinji Kuniyoshi
  • Patent number: 7165975
    Abstract: An electrical connecting apparatus is characterized by inserting a first pin having a flange portion into a through hole of an elastic body via a seat, by disposing a second pin in the through hole so as to adjoin in the axial direction of the through hole relative to the first pin, and by bringing the first and second pins into contact in a plane region having a certain angle to the axis of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventors: Yoshiei Hasegawa, Masayoshi Hasegawa, Eichi Osato
  • Patent number: 7167231
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes a method for patterning a workpiece covered at least partly with a layer sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, comprising the actions of, providing a data representation of at least one image to be imaged onto a plurality of locations of said workpiece, fracturing said data representation into a plurality of field stripes, repeating the actions of rasterizing a first field stripe of said data representation, modulating a modulator according to said rasterized field stripe, imaging said first field stripe onto a plurality of locations of said workpiece, rasterizing a second field stripe of said data representation while imaging said first field stripe onto said plurality of locations of said workpiece, terminating the repetition when a predetermined amount of said image is imaged onto said plurality of locations of said workpiece. Other aspects of the present invention are reflected in the detailed description, figures and claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventors: Anders Thurén, Karel Van Der Mast, Arno Bleeker
  • Publication number: 20070007948
    Abstract: Inspection is performed without applying an excessive pressure to an inspection object to thereby resolve inspection failure caused by excessive pressure application. An electrical connection device electrically connects a signal wiring formed on a wiring board to an electrode part of the inspection object. A contact is provided which electrically connects together the electrode part of the inspection object and the signal wiring of the wiring board. The contact includes: an electrode abutting part that abuts the electrode part located on a lower portion of the inspection object, a wiring abutting part that abuts the signal wiring, an elastic body support part that fits with the elastic body to elastically support the entire contact, and a release lever part that is pressed to thereby rotate the entire contact whereby the abutting between the electrode part of the inspection object and the electrode abutting part is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventors: Ken Kimura, Tsutsumi Kamada
  • Patent number: 7158280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that define feature boundaries in a radiation sensitive medium on a workpiece using a diffraction-type micromirror array, extending to production of patterns and structures on a semiconductor substrate. Workpieces include lithographic masks, integrated circuits and other electronic and optical devices. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventor: Torbjörn Sandström
  • Publication number: 20060290952
    Abstract: A print system, and a computer-readable program product for causing a computer to function as a print system, causes a printer to produce a printout of an image based on print data generated by any one of a plurality of programs. The print system includes: a print image data generation unit that generates raster image data pertaining to an image to be printed, based on the print data; a print image data processing unit that performs a rotating process for rotating in 180 degrees the raster image data generated by the print image data generation unit; and a print instruction unit that causing the printer to produce a printout of the raster image data that is performed with the rotating process by the print image data processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Owen
  • Publication number: 20060290966
    Abstract: A print data generation unit generates print data including data which represent a print object character string. A print image data generation unit generates raster image data pertaining to the image to be printed based on the print data. A processing detail determination unit determines processing details pertaining to the raster image data on the basis of the print object character string. A print image data processing unit accepts an input of processing detail information about the processing details and an input of the raster image data, and subjects the raster image data to the image processing based on the processing detail information. A print instruction unit causes a printer to produce a printout of the processed raster image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Owen
  • Patent number: 7153634
    Abstract: The status of a plurality of service orders is summarized. A first data set that includes a plurality of records corresponding to service orders, such as requests for initiation of telephone or other communications services, is imported into a database application. At least one query or test may be executed on the first data set to generate a second data set that includes at least part of the first data set and one or more labels that have been appended to at least some of the plurality of records in the first data set. This second data may be imported into a spreadsheet application so that the spreadsheet application can automatically generate a summary of at least some of the data contained in the second data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventor: Torbjörn Sandström
  • Patent number: 7150949
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for patterning substrates, such as reticles, masks or wafers, which reduce critical dimension variations, improving CD uniformity. In particular, it relates to tuning doses applied in passes of a multipass writing strategy to measurable characteristics of resists or radiation sensitive layers applied to the substrates. Particular writing strategies are described. Aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventors: Per Askebjer, Hans Fosshaug, Robert Eklund, Jonathan Walford
  • Patent number: 7148971
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pattern generating apparatus for writing a pattern on a surface of an object, comprising: a stage having an object having a thickness (T) being provided with a surface, said surface being divided into a number of measurement points, where two adjacent measurement points being spaced a distance apart not exceeding a predetermined maximum distance; means to determine the gradient of the surface at each measurement point; means to calculate a 2-dimensional local offset (d) in the x-y plane for each measurement point as a function of the gradient, and the thickness (T) of object; and means to correct the pattern to be written on said surface by using the 2-dimensional local offset (d). The invention also relates to an apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventors: Lars Stiblert, Peter Ekberg
  • Publication number: 20060274343
    Abstract: A print system includes a first printer and a print data output device that is communicably connected to the first printer. The print data output device is adapted to output to the first printer print data generated based on internal print data generated by any of a plurality of programs. The print data output device includes a second printer-retained information storage unit. The second printer-retained information storage unit obtains and stores the second printer-retained information that is stored in the second printer. The print data output device includes an intermediate data generation section that generates raster image data based on the internal print data and the second printer-retained information. The print data output device includes a print data generation unit that generates the print data used for causing the first printer to form an image based on the raster image data on an image recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Albert Kennis
  • Patent number: 7140122
    Abstract: A method of treating a waste stream comprises a vacuum treatment to promote disintegration of the waste material by “flash vapor” production, causing a swiftly vaporizing fraction inside the material to literally explode or shred apart the matrix of the material as a whole. A main processor operates at a level of vacuum that determines a given boiling temperature for a vaporizing fraction, and one which lower than the fraction's boiling temperature for the local vicinity's barometric pressure (eg., atmospheric pressure). The input stream is pre-heated to above the given boiling temperature for that fraction as determined by the main processor's vacuum level without, however, going over the boiling temperature for the local barometric pressure. It is then introduced into the vacuum of the main processor whereby a minor percentage of the vaporizing fraction flashes into vapor, and this presumptively promotes destruction and/or disintegration of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Micronics, LLC
    Inventors: Randall G. Adams, Marshall R. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20060246575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for detecting rare cells. The disclosed microfluidic devices and methods integrate and automate sample preparation, cell labeling, cell sorting and enrichment, and DNA/RNA analysis of sorted cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Applicant: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christy Lancaster, C. Battrell, Jason Capodanno, John Gerdes, Mark Kokoris, Melud Nabavi, Stephen Mordue, Robert McRuer, John Clemmens, Wayne Breidford
  • Patent number: 7121842
    Abstract: An electrical connecting apparatus comprises: a plurality of plate-like probes, each of which electrically connects an electrode of a device under test and a conductive portion formed in a base plate, and each of which has a tip to be pressed against the electrode on one end side of the probe and a curved outer face on one side in the width direction of the probe, and each of which further has a first recess opening on the one side; and an assembler for assembling the probes into the base plate such that the probes are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction and that the tips are projected to the side opposite to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventor: Ken Kimura
  • Patent number: 7119561
    Abstract: The electrical connecting apparatus according to the present invention includes first, second and third plate members having plate-like portions at intervals from each other in the thickness direction, each plate-like member having a plurality of through holes in the plate-like portions; and a plurality of probes having projected portions passed through the through holes of the first, second and third plate-like members, the probes including projected portions between said first and second plate-like members. Each through hole of the first and second plate-like members has a small diameter portion for preventing the projected portion of the probe from passing and a large diameter portion communicated to the small diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventor: Minoru Sato
  • Patent number: 7110159
    Abstract: An apparatus for patterning a work piece including a source, and at least one reflective tilting surface adapted to induce a phase difference using at least one of a phase shifting plate and a difference in step height. A method corresponding to the apparatus for patterning a work piece. A method of manufacturing the apparatus for patterning a work piece and a Spatial Light Modulator, which may be included therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems
    Inventor: Ulric Ljungblad
  • Patent number: 7110854
    Abstract: A numerical control apparatus for machine tool, including: an NC program storage portion; an electronic cam data transformation unit which transforms an NC program into electronic cam data; a constant circumferential velocity control command detection unit which detects whether a command for executing constant circumferential velocity control is present or not in the NC program; a reference axis pitch setting unit which sets the pitch for generating data; a main shaft rotational velocity calculation unit which calculates the rotational velocity of a main shaft on the basis of parameters corresponding to the position of a cutting edge of a tool; an axial feed velocity calculation unit which calculates axial feed velocity on the basis of the calculated rotational velocity of the main shaft; and an axial position data computing unit which calculates axial position on the basis of the axial feed velocity obtained at intervals of the set pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehisa Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 7109510
    Abstract: A method for aligning a workpiece may include determining a first and second position of a first edge of the workpiece based on a first and a second position of a pickup device. The workpiece may be aligned based on the first and second position of the pickup device. The at least first and second positions of the pickup device may be determined based on an intersection of a laser beam and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventor: Simon Radahl
  • Patent number: 7106490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that define feature boundaries in a radiation sensitive medium on a workpiece using a diffraction-type micromirror array, extending to production of patterns and structures on a semiconductor substrate. Workpieces include lithographic masks, integrated circuits and other electronic and optical devices. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventor: Torbjörn Sandström
  • Patent number: 7097373
    Abstract: A printer including a cutting portion including a plate-shaped fixed blade, a plate-shaped movable blade and a driving unit, which drives the movable blade back and forth with respect to the fixed blade; and a paper stacking portion for stacking a cut-off paper thereon, which is provided on a downstream side of a paper transfer direction with respect to the cutting portion on the fixed blade side, wherein the movable blade is disposed on the downstream side with respect to the fixed blade and configured to move toward the fixed blade to cut a paper, and a tip end portion of the movable blade is configured to have a surface almost perpendicular with respect to a direction of pushing the paper toward the paper stacking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Mochizuki, Yuji Masuda