Patents Assigned to nPoint, Inc.
  • Active scanner bow compensator
    Patent number: 8424364
    Abstract: An active scanner bow compensator for use with a scanner is described. The scanner includes a moveable scanning platform supported within a frame. The active scanner bow compensator supports the scanner and includes a frame of reference, sensors, and an actuator. The sensors detect out-of-plane motion of the scanning platform relative to the frame of reference, and the actuators compensate for the out-of-plane motion by adjusting the orientation of the frame relative to the frame of reference. The active scanner bow compensator may be used in atomic force microscopy applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: nPoint, Inc.
    Inventors: Katerina Moloni, Richard Arndt, Lucas Chasteen, Douglas M. Code, Adam Frost, Timothy K. Klemp
  • Heavy-load nanopositioner with dual-parallel flexure design
    Patent number: 7348709
    Abstract: A positioning device for heavy loads is provided. The positioning device includes a frame and a stage disposed or integrally defined within the frame. The stage is dimensioned and configured to be translatable within the frame in at least one axis of motion. At least one dual-parallel flexure connects the stage to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: nPoint, Inc.
    Inventor: Ying Xu
  • Piezoelectric force motion scanner
    Patent number: 6715336
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a corresponding method to test the fretting of a ball bearing under precisely controlled conditions. The device employs a first piezoelectric actuator to deliver a pre-determined force to the surface of a ball bearing or other object to be tested. The force is applied in a first axis of motion. A second piezoelectric actuator, coupled to a flexure hinge platform, translates the workpiece in a second axis of motion that is different (and preferably substantially orthogonal) to the first axis. The combination of the relative motion between the workpiece and the force exerted upon it produces predetermined dynamic patterns of the stress and strain on the surfaces of the workpiece being tested. Closed-loop control architecture, piezoelectric actuators, and force/displacement sensors included in the device provide highly accurate and rapid tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: nPoint, Inc.
    Inventor: Ying Xu
  • Linear nanopositioning translational motion stage based on novel composite materials
    Patent number: 6638625
    Abstract: A nanopositioner made of novel materials is provided. The materials exhibit desirable properties such as low density and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) derived from their ceramic matrices, but show even better (higher) Young's modulus of elasticity and flexural strength than neat ceramics. The materials are also amenable to wire electric discharge machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: nPoint, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Draeger