Patents Examined by Jason McCormack
  • Patent number: 9953821
    Abstract: An ion guide system includes an ion guide with pole rods, a device for laterally introducing an ion species, and a mass spectrometer for analyzing product ions of reactions between different ion species. The device is configured and positioned such that an RF field with at least two-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the axis is generated. The device includes shortened pole rods and/or further electrodes. The pole rods and the further electrodes have at least two-fold rotational symmetry. The symmetry of the RF field allows ions to travel straight ahead through the ion guide with no hindrance. Such arrangements are particularly suitable for bringing together largely loss-free positive and negative ion species for reacting them. The reactions may be used to fragment multiply charged biopolymer ions by electron transfer or to remove excess charges of multiply charged biopolymer ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Bruker Daltonik GmbH
    Inventor: Carsten Stoermer
  • Patent number: 9952164
    Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods that compensate for the limited dynamic range of certain X-Ray detector systems, such as CAT-Scan detector systems. In some embodiments, the system alternates between different photon emission flux values and then gives more consideration to an attenuation value associated with a more favorable detection flux. In this manner, different object densities may be accounted for and may be more properly imaged despite the particular characteristics of the X-Ray system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Daniel David Harrison
  • Patent number: 9953798
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for generating a charged particle beam comprising a magnetic element for controlling the profile of the beam in a predetermined plane. A cathode can be provided for emitting charged particles and an anode for accelerating the charged particles along an axis of travel. The present invention also pertains to a method for generating a particle beam that has a uniform profile in a predetermined plane comprising inducing emission of charged particles from an emitter, accelerating those particles along and toward an axis of beam travel, generating a magnetic field with a component aligned with the axis of beam travel but different in the predetermined plane than at the emitter, and modifying the beam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NOVARAY MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A Case, Josh Star-Lack, Brian Patrick Wilfley
  • Patent number: 9953801
    Abstract: A resolving aperture assembly for an ion implantation system has a first plate and a second plate, where the first plate and second plate generally define a resolving aperture therebetween. A position of the first plate with respect to the second plate generally defines a width of the resolving aperture. One or more actuators are operably coupled to one or more of the first plate and second plate and are configured to selectively vary the position the first plate and second plate with respect to one another, thus selectively varying the width of the resolving aperture. A servo motor precisely varies the resolving aperture width and a pneumatic cylinder independently selectively closes the resolving aperture. A downstream position actuator varies a position of the resolving aperture along a path of the ion beam, and a controller controls the one or more actuators based on desired properties of the ion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Cristoforo, Justin White McCabe
  • Patent number: 9953802
    Abstract: A method of manipulating an electron beam is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting the beam through a phase mask selected to spatially modulate a phase of the beam over a cross-section thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Roy Shiloh, Yossi Lereah, Ady Arie
  • Patent number: 9947428
    Abstract: An atomic beam source includes a tubular cathode that includes an emission portion that includes an emission port through which an atomic beam can be emitted, a rod-shaped first anode disposed inside the cathode, and a rod-shaped second anode disposed inside the cathode and spaced from the first anode. At least one selected from the group consisting of a shape of the cathode, a shape of the first anode, a shape of the second anode, and a positional relationship between the cathode, the first anode, and the second anode is predetermined so that emission of sputter particles resulting from collision of cations, which have been generated by plasma between the first anode and the second anode, with at least one selected from the cathode, the first anode, and the second anode is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Tomonori Takahashi, Yoshimasa Kondo, Kazumasa Kitamura, Takayoshi Akao, Tomoki Nagae
  • Patent number: 9943271
    Abstract: A medical device is controlled as a function of a position of a control element projected onto a projection surface, wherein a geometric property of the projected control element is adjusted to the surface structure. The adjustment is accomplished by means of a transformation of projection data, the projection data corresponding to the control element that is to be projected. The optical projection of the control element is based on the transformed projection data. Such an adjustment and transformation are made possible by determining the surface structure of the projection surface. The control system has an image processor both for determining the surface structure and for transforming the projection data. The control system additionally has a projector for optically projecting the control element and a control unit for controlling the medical device based on the first position of the projected control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Dirauf, Thilo Hannemann, Anja Jaeger, Robert Kagermeier
  • Patent number: 9946822
    Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ho-Yiu Lam, Jason Liang
  • Patent number: 9941094
    Abstract: A source assembly for producing an ion beam and comprising a collision ionization ion source having: A pair of stacked plates, sandwiched about an intervening gap; An ionization space between said plates, connected to a gas supply duct; An input zone, provided in a first of said plates, to admit an input beam of charged particles to said ionization space; An output aperture, located opposite said input zone and provided in the second of said plates, to allow emission of a flux of ions produced in said ionization space by said input beam, which source assembly comprises: A carrier provided with a plurality of different collision ionization ion sources that mutually differ in respect of a gap height d between said plates; A selecting device, which allows a given one of said ion sources to be individually selected for production of said ion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Leon van Kouwen, Gerard Nicolaas Anne van Veen
  • Patent number: 9939461
    Abstract: An object of the application is to provide a head-integrated for an atomic force microscope capable of realizing minimization of a weight and a volume and improvement of structural stability by optimizing a head structure of the atomic force microscope. Another object of the application is to provide a head-integrated atomic force microscope capable of being utilized for imaging a large-area sample by enabling high-rate head scan due to dynamic characteristics improved by mounting the integrated-head described above. Still another object of the application is to provide a composite microscope including a head-integrated atomic force microscope, capable of performing high-rate position search and imaging and performing precise observation of a three-dimensional shape up to an atomic image level in a region of interest by combining the head-integrated atomic force microscope having the improved dynamic characteristics as described above and an electron microscope or an optical microscope with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Dal Hyun Kim, Byong Chon Park, Chae Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 9941104
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source are provided herein: In various aspects, the methods and systems described herein can utilize the flow provided by an LC pump(s) to drive a calibration fluid to an ion source of a mass spectrometer system. In various aspects, methods and systems described herein can additionally or alternatively be placed upstream of an LC column for providing an elution gradient of a plurality of solvents, without requiring a plurality of pumps and/or separate mixing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DH Technologies Development Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Kovarik
  • Patent number: 9939728
    Abstract: A target processing machine (100), such as a lithography or inspection machine, comprising a rigid base plate (150), a projection column (101) for projecting one or more optical or particle beams on to a target (130), a support frame (102) supporting the projection column, the support frame being supported by and fixed to the base plate, a stage comprising a movable part (128) for carrying the target and a fixed part (132, 133) being supported by and fixed to the base plate, a beam sensor (160) for detecting one or more of the beams projected by the column, the beam sensor at least in part being supported by and fixed to the base plate, and a vacuum chamber (110) enclosing the support frame and the column, for maintaining a vacuum environment in the interior space of the chamber, the vacuum chamber formed with the base plate forming part thereof, and supporting a plurality of wall panels (171, 172) including a plurality of side wall panels (171) supported by and fixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MAPPER LITHOGRAPHY IP B.V.
    Inventor: Jerry Johannes Martinus Peijster
  • Patent number: 9941089
    Abstract: A primary ion source subassembly for use with a secondary ion mass spectrometer may include a unitary graphite ionizer tube and reservoir base. A primary ion source may include a capillary insert defining an ionizer aperture. An ionizer aperture may be centrally arranged in an outwardly protruding conical or frustoconical surface, and may be overlaid with a refractory metal coating or sheath. Parameters including ionizer surface shape, ionizer materials, ionizer temperature, and beam stop plate orifice geometry may be manipulated to eliminate ghost images. A graphite tube gasket with a dual tapered surface may promote sealing of a source material cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS, A BODY CORPORATE OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA, ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peter Williams, Karen Amanda Williams, Maitrayee Bose, John Prince
  • Patent number: 9934934
    Abstract: Electrostatic lenses for focusing a beam of charged particles, and in particular an electron beam, are used especially in the electron guns of electron microscopes or electron-beam lithography apparatuses. The present disclosure improves the possibilities for focusing the particle beam, in particular an electron beam emitted by a cathode. The lens comprises at least one conducting electrode having at least one through-opening for the passage of an electron beam. Different electric fields are set up upstream and downstream of the opening. The passage opening is at least partially closed by a planar or curved thin membrane of semi-conducting material that is transparent to electrons and has a high dielectric permittivity. Structuring the membrane (holes or thickened portions of electrodes deposited on the membrane) makes it possible to correct lens aberration defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Christophe Constancias
  • Patent number: 9934933
    Abstract: Extractors and extractor systems minimize the generation of secondary electrons which interact with and degrade the primary electron beam. This can improve the performance of an electron beam system, such as a scanning electron microscope. The extractor may include a frustoconical aperture that widens as distance from the source of the electron beam increases. The entrance into the frustoconical aperture also can include a curved edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence S. Hordon, Nikolai Chubun, Luca Grella, Xinrong Jiang, Daniel Bui, Kevin Cummings, Christopher Sears, Oscar G. Florendo
  • Patent number: 9925390
    Abstract: A protective case for a mobile electronic device is provided. The case includes at least one light emitting diode that emits electromagnetic radiation in the range of UV-C light for sanitizing contaminated surfaces. The case also includes additional LEDs that emit light at wavelengths known to have a therapeutic effect such as a blue light for treating seasonal affective disorder. The LEDs are provided in a separate encasement that is detachable from the protective cover configured to receive and protect the mobile electronic device. A short-range wireless receiver is included to communicate with an application installed on the mobile electronic device for controlling the activation, intensity, duration and mode of the LEDs including predetermined treatment or sanitization protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ETS Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shaul Yehezkel
  • Patent number: 9928988
    Abstract: An ion source includes an ion source chamber having a longitudinal axis, the ion source chamber operative to define a plasma therein. The ion source also includes a split solenoid assembly comprising a first solenoid and a second solenoid that are mutually disposed along opposite sides of the ion source chamber, where each of the first solenoid and second solenoid comprises a metal member having a long axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ion source chamber, and a main coil having a coil axis parallel to the long axis and comprising a plurality of windings that circumscribe the metal member. The main coil defines a coil footprint that is larger than an ion source chamber footprint of the ion source chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: James Buff
  • Patent number: 9924640
    Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of the Earth comprises placing particles of sand into the upper atmosphere, wherein the particles are selected on the basis of size and refractive index such that the particles will scatter and reflect incoming sunlight having a wavelength in the near-IR back into space. The average diameter of the particles may be selected based on the index of refraction and the Mie scattering intensity for dielectric particles, to maximize the amount of light scattered at wavelengths between 0.8 ?m and 2 ?m. The average diameter of the particles may be selected based on the index of refraction and the Mie scattering intensity for dielectric particles, to minimize the amount of light scattered at wavelengths between 5 ?m and 20 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Marvin S Keshner, Erik Garth Vaaler
  • Patent number: 9929002
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a first mass filter comprising a plurality of electrodes and a first device arranged and adapted to generate an axial force which drives at least some ions axially through or along the first mass filter and a quadrupole mass filter or mass analyzer arranged downstream of the mass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MIROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Giles, Martin Raymond Green, Darren Hewitt, Daniel James Kenny, David J. Langridge, Steven Derek Pringle, Jason Lee Wildgoose
  • Patent number: 9927408
    Abstract: The present technology provides methods for increasing sensitivity of detection and/or quantification of a negatively charged analyte, e.g., an oligonucleotide, using an analytical system that comprises liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The methods comprise passing an acidic solution through the analytical system, i.e., through a fluidic path from the mobile phase reservoir to the detector to remove or displace, at least in part, metal ions adsorbed to charged sites in the fluidic path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert E. Birdsall