Patents by Inventor Michael E. Simmons

Michael E. Simmons 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: 11874301
    Abstract: Probe systems including imaging devices with objective lens isolators and related methods are disclosed herein. A probe system includes an enclosure with an enclosure volume for enclosing a substrate that includes one or more devices under test (DUTs), a testing assembly, and an imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging device objective lens, an imaging device body, and an objective lens isolator. In examples, the probe system includes an electrical grounding assembly configured to restrict electromagnetic noise from entering the enclosure volume. In examples, methods of preparing the imaging device include assembling the imaging device such that the imaging device objective lens is at least partially electrically isolated from the imaging device body. In some examples, utilizing the probe system includes testing the one or more DUTs while restricting electrical noise from propagating from the imaging device to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuki Negishi, Yu-Wen Huang, Gerald Lee Gisler, Eric Robert Christenson, Michael E. Simmons
  • Patent number: 11131709
    Abstract: Probe systems for optically probing a device under test (DUT) and methods of operating the probe systems. The probe systems include a probing assembly that includes an optical probe that defines a probe tip and a distance sensor. The probe systems also include a support surface configured to support a substrate, which defines a substrate surface and includes an optical device positioned below the substrate surface. The probe systems further include a positioning assembly configured to selectively regulate a relative orientation between the probing assembly and the DUT. The probe systems also include a controller programmed to control the operation of the probe systems. The methods include methods of operating the probe systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph George Frankel, Kazuki Negishi, Michael E. Simmons, Eric Robert Christenson, Daniel Rishavy
  • Patent number: 11047795
    Abstract: Calibration chucks for optical probe systems, optical probe systems including the calibration chucks, and methods of utilizing the optical probe systems. The calibration chucks include a calibration chuck body that defines a calibration chuck support surface. The calibration chucks also include at least one optical calibration structure that is supported by the calibration chuck body. The at least one optical calibration structure includes a horizontal viewing structure. The horizontal viewing structure is configured to facilitate viewing of a horizontally viewed region from a horizontal viewing direction that is at least substantially parallel to the calibration chuck support surface. The horizontal viewing structure also is configured to facilitate viewing of the horizontally viewed region via an imaging device of the optical probe system that is positioned vertically above the calibration chuck support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuki Negishi, Michael E. Simmons, Christopher Anthony Storm, Joseph George Frankel, Eric Robert Christenson, Mario René Berg
  • Publication number: 20210132115
    Abstract: Probe systems including imaging devices with objective lens isolators and related methods are disclosed herein. A probe system includes an enclosure with an enclosure volume for enclosing a substrate that includes one or more devices under test (DUTs), a testing assembly, and an imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging device objective lens, an imaging device body, and an objective lens isolator. In examples, the probe system includes an electrical grounding assembly configured to restrict electromagnetic noise from entering the enclosure volume. In examples, methods of preparing the imaging device include assembling the imaging device such that the imaging device objective lens is at least partially electrically isolated from the imaging device body. In some examples, utilizing the probe system includes testing the one or more DUTs while restricting electrical noise from propagating from the imaging device to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kazuki Negishi, Yu-Wen Huang, Gerald Lee Gisler, Eric Robert Christenson, Michael E. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20210096176
    Abstract: Probe systems for optically probing a device under test (DUT) and methods of operating the probe systems. The probe systems include a probing assembly that includes an optical probe that defines a probe tip and a distance sensor. The probe systems also include a support surface configured to support a substrate, which defines a substrate surface and includes an optical device positioned below the substrate surface. The probe systems further include a positioning assembly configured to selectively regulate a relative orientation between the probing assembly and the DUT. The probe systems also include a controller programmed to control the operation of the probe systems. The methods include methods of operating the probe systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph George Frankel, Kazuki Negishi, Michael E. Simmons, Eric Robert Christenson, Daniel Rishavy
  • Publication number: 20200378888
    Abstract: Calibration chucks for optical probe systems, optical probe systems including the calibration chucks, and methods of utilizing the optical probe systems. The calibration chucks include a calibration chuck body that defines a calibration chuck support surface. The calibration chucks also include at least one optical calibration structure that is supported by the calibration chuck body. The at least one optical calibration structure includes a horizontal viewing structure. The horizontal viewing structure is configured to facilitate viewing of a horizontally viewed region from a horizontal viewing direction that is at least substantially parallel to the calibration chuck support surface. The horizontal viewing structure also is configured to facilitate viewing of the horizontally viewed region via an imaging device of the optical probe system that is positioned vertically above the calibration chuck support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Kazuki Negishi, Michael E. Simmons, Christopher Anthony Storm, Joseph George Frankel, Eric Robert Christenson, Mario René Berg
  • Patent number: 10698002
    Abstract: Probe systems for testing a device under test are disclosed herein. The probe systems include a platen that defines an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, and a platen aperture. The probe systems also include a chuck that defines a support surface configured to support a device under test. The probe systems further include a lower enclosure extending from the lower surface of the platen and an upper enclosure extending from the upper surface of the platen. The upper enclosure includes a side wall that defines a side wall aperture, and the side wall and the platen define an intersection angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 60 degrees. The probe systems also include a manipulator, a probe shaft arm, a probe assembly, a test head, and an electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: FormFactor Beaverton, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Storm, Michael E. Simmons, Bryan Conrad Bolt, Gavin Neil Fisher, Anthony Lord, Kazuki Negishi
  • Publication number: 20190101567
    Abstract: Probe systems for testing a device under test are disclosed herein. The probe systems include a platen that defines an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, and a platen aperture. The probe systems also include a chuck that defines a support surface configured to support a device under test. The probe systems further include a lower enclosure extending from the lower surface of the platen and an upper enclosure extending from the upper surface of the platen. The upper enclosure includes a side wall that defines a side wall aperture, and the side wall and the platen define an intersection angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 60 degrees. The probe systems also include a manipulator, a probe shaft arm, a probe assembly, a test head, and an electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Storm, Michael E. Simmons, Bryan Conrad Bolt, Gavin Neil Fisher, Anthony Lord, Kazuki Negishi
  • Patent number: 10060950
    Abstract: Shielded probe systems are disclosed herein. The probe systems are configured to test a device under test (DUT) and include a measurement chamber that at least partially bounds an enclosed volume, an aperture defined by the measurement chamber, a probing assembly, and a shielding structure. The probing assembly includes a probe, which is oriented within the enclosed volume, a probe arm, which is operatively attached to the probe, and a manipulator, which is operatively attached to the probe arm. At least a portion of the probing assembly extends through the aperture. The shielding structure extends between the measurement chamber and the probing assembly and is configured to restrict fluid flow through the aperture and shield the enclosed volume from an ambient environment that surrounds the measurement chamber while maintaining at least a threshold separation distance from the probe arm throughout a probe arm range-of-motion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: FormFactor Beaverton, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E Simmons, Bryan Conrad Bolt, Christopher Anthony Storm, Kazuki Negishi, Joseph George Frankel, Robbie Ingram-Goble
  • Patent number: 10062597
    Abstract: A chuck for testing an integrated circuit includes an upper conductive layer having a lower surface and an upper surface suitable to support a device under test. An upper insulating layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper conductive layer, and a lower surface. A middle conductive layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper insulating layer, and a lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: FormFactor Beaverton, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Kazuki Negishi, Ryan Garrison, Philip Wolf
  • Patent number: 9991152
    Abstract: Wafer-handling end effectors and semiconductor manufacturing devices that include and/or are utilized with wafer-handling end effectors are disclosed herein. The end effectors include an end effector body and a plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces that is supported by the end effector body and configured to form an at least partially face-to-face contact with a wafer. The end effectors further include a vacuum distribution manifold that extends between a robot-proximal end of the end effector body and the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces. The end effectors also include a plurality of vacuum openings that is defined within the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces and extends between the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces and the vacuum distribution manifold. The end effectors further include a plurality of sealing structures each of which is associated with a respective one of the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robbie Ingram-Goble, Michael E. Simmons, Philip Wolf, Ryan Garrison, Christopher Storm
  • Publication number: 20170338142
    Abstract: A chuck for testing an integrated circuit includes an upper conductive layer having a lower surface and an upper surface suitable to support a device under test. An upper insulating layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper conductive layer, and a lower surface. A middle conductive layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper insulating layer, and a lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Kazuki Negishi, Ryan Garrison, Philip Wolf
  • Patent number: 9741599
    Abstract: A chuck for testing an integrated circuit includes an upper conductive layer having a lower surface and an upper surface suitable to support a device under test. An upper insulating layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper conductive layer, and a lower surface. A middle conductive layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper insulating layer, and a lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Kazuki Negishi, Ryan Garrison, Philip Wolf
  • Publication number: 20170205446
    Abstract: Shielded probe systems are disclosed herein. The probe systems are configured to test a device under test (DUT) and include a measurement chamber that at least partially bounds an enclosed volume, an aperture defined by the measurement chamber, a probing assembly, and a shielding structure. The probing assembly includes a probe, which is oriented within the enclosed volume, a probe arm, which is operatively attached to the probe, and a manipulator, which is operatively attached to the probe arm. At least a portion of the probing assembly extends through the aperture. The shielding structure extends between the measurement chamber and the probing assembly and is configured to restrict fluid flow through the aperture and shield the enclosed volume from an ambient environment that surrounds the measurement chamber while maintaining at least a threshold separation distance from the probe arm throughout a probe arm range-of-motion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Bryan Conrad Bolt, Christopher Anthony Storm, Kazuki Negishi, Joseph George Frankel, Robbie Ingram-Goble
  • Patent number: 9506973
    Abstract: A chuck for testing an integrated circuit includes an upper conductive layer having a lower surface and an upper surface suitable to support a device under test. An upper insulating layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper conductive layer, and a lower surface. A middle conductive layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper insulating layer, and a lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Kazuki Negishi, Roy Jensen, Ryan Garrison, Philip Wolf
  • Publication number: 20160195579
    Abstract: A chuck for testing an integrated circuit includes an upper conductive layer having a lower surface and an upper surface suitable to support a device under test. An upper insulating layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper conductive layer, and a lower surface. A middle conductive layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper insulating layer, and a lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Kazuki Negishi, Ryan Garrison, Philip Wolf
  • Publication number: 20150255322
    Abstract: Wafer-handling end effectors and semiconductor manufacturing devices that include and/or are utilized with wafer-handling end effectors are disclosed herein. The end effectors include an end effector body and a plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces that is supported by the end effector body and configured to form an at least partially face-to-face contact with a wafer. The end effectors further include a vacuum distribution manifold that extends between a robot-proximal end of the end effector body and the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces. The end effectors also include a plurality of vacuum openings that is defined within the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces and extends between the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces and the vacuum distribution manifold. The end effectors further include a plurality of sealing structures each of which is associated with a respective one of the plurality of wafer-contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Robbie Ingram-Goble, Michael E. Simmons, Philip Wolf, Ryan Garrison, Christopher Storm
  • Publication number: 20130075982
    Abstract: A chuck for testing an integrated circuit includes an upper conductive layer having a lower surface and an upper surface suitable to support a device under test. An upper insulating layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper conductive layer, and a lower surface. A middle conductive layer has an upper surface at least in partial face-to-face contact with the lower surface of the upper insulating layer, and a lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Cascade Microtech, Inc
    Inventors: Michael E. Simmons, Kazuki Negishi, Roy Jensen, Ryan Garrison, Philip Wolf
  • Patent number: D800893
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Marley Engineered Products LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Krob, Jr., Michael E. Simmons, Anosh Wadia
  • Patent number: D804644
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Marley Engineered Products LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Krob, Jr., Michael E. Simmons, Anosh Wadia