Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Blum

Thomas F. Blum 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).

  • Miniature device for ultra high sensitivity and stability probing in vacuum
    Patent number: 10520527
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) holders with improved stability and electrical sensitivity. The holders feature a front bearing seal and a rear bearing seal which allow the holders to achieve high sensitivity, high stability, large range of motion and high vacuum isolation. The bearings use a PEEK insulating disk as a pivot point for translation and tilting motion, and use O-rings to dampen vibrations, provide electrical and vacuum insulation, and to set a grabbing force between the bearing and the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Pan, Thomas F. Blum, Mingjie Xu, Jake Jokisaari, Wilbur Bigelow
  • MINIATURE DEVICE FOR ULTRA HIGH SENSITIVITY AND STABILITY PROBING IN VACUUM
    Publication number: 20190187174
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) holders with improved stability and electrical sensitivity. The holders feature a front bearing seal and a rear bearing seal which allow the holders to achieve high sensitivity, high stability, large range of motion and high vacuum isolation. The bearings use a PEEK insulating disk as a pivot point for translation and tilting motion, and use O-rings to dampen vibrations, provide electrical and vacuum insulation, and to set a grabbing force between the bearing and the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Pan, Thomas F. Blum, Mingjie Xu, Jake Jokisaari, Wilbur Bigelow