Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for preparing a TEM sample holder

US7126132B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
11References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 19, 2006
Grant dateOct 24, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 19, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/5147
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The preferred embodiment further includes a press for cutting a TEM sample holder from a TEM coupon and joining a probe-tip point with an attached sample to the TEM sample holder. The press includes: an outer die; an inner die situated inside the outer die; a former rod opposing the inner and outer dies; and, a shear punch situated coaxially with the former rod. A hold-down spring biases the former rod toward the inner die. A trigger or other mechanism responsive to the contact of the former rod and the inner die, and an actuator responsive to the trigger, drive the shear punch toward the inner and outer dies. This press can be located either inside or outside the vacuum chamber of the FIB or other analytical instrument.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.