Patents by Inventor Hector B. Cavazos

Hector B. Cavazos has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6941823
    Abstract: A method to compensate for stress deflection in a compound microprobe that includes a substrate, a microcantilever extending outwardly from the substrate, and a film formed on the microcantilever. The method preferably comprises the steps of determining an amount of stress-induced deflection of the microcantilever, and then mounting the microprobe so as to compensate for the stress-induced deflection. The mounting step preferably includes selecting a compensation piece based upon the amount of stress-induced deflection, where the compensation piece is a wedge generally aligning the microcantilever with a deflection detection apparatus. In general, the step of selecting the compensation piece includes correcting an angle between a longitudinal axis of the microcantilever and the substrate so as to insure that light reflected from the microcantilever during operation contacts a detector of a deflection detection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Lai, Hector B. Cavazos, Stephen C. Minne, Dennis M. Adderton
  • Patent number: 6912893
    Abstract: A method of operating a probe-based instrument includes providing a probe assembly and a probe holder and oscillating a probe of the probe assembly with an actuator that generates oscillation energy. The method also includes mounting the probe assembly on the probe holder so as to lessen interference with the oscillation energy coupled to the tip of the probe. A corresponding probe assembly includes a base having two substantially opposed surfaces and a cantilever extending from the base and supporting a tip. The probe assembly is mounted in a probe holder such that a probe holder surface contacts one of the opposed surfaces. The one opposed surface preferably includes at least one opening such that the surface area of the one opposed surface is substantially less than the surface area of the probe holder surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Minne, Hector B. Cavazos
  • Publication number: 20040206165
    Abstract: A method of operating a probe-based instrument includes providing a probe assembly and a probe holder and oscillating a probe of the probe assembly with an actuator that generates oscillation energy. The method also includes mounting the probe assembly on the probe holder so as to lessen interference with the oscillation energy coupled to the tip of the probe. A corresponding probe assembly includes a base having two substantially opposed surfaces and a cantilever extending from the base and supporting a tip. The probe assembly is mounted in a probe holder such that a probe holder surface contacts one of the opposed surfaces. The one opposed surface preferably includes at least one opening such that the surface area of the one opposed surface is substantially less than the surface area of the probe holder surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: NonoDevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Minne, Hector B. Cavazos