Min Zhu Yu

US Patent:

7220973, May 22, 2007

Filed:

Aug 31, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/931650

Inventors:

Min Feng Yu - Dallas TX, US
Mark J. Dyer - San Jose CA, US
Ken Bray - Garland TX, US

Assignee:

Zyvex Corporation - Richardson TX

International Classification:

G01N 23/00
G21K 7/00
G21K 5/10
H01J 37/20

US Classification:

25044211, 250309, 250310, 250311, 250398, 2504923

Abstract:

A modular manipulation system and method for using such modular manipulation system for manipulating a sample under study with a microscope are provided. According to at least one embodiment, a platform is provided that comprises an interface to a microscope, a sample stage, and a plurality of interfaces for receiving manipulator modules for manipulating a sample arranged on the sample stage. Preferably, the plurality of interfaces for receiving manipulator modules are each capable of detachably coupling a manipulator module to the platform. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a user may selectively couple one or more desired manipulator modules to the platform to enable a desired type of manipulation to be performed on a sample under study. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment enables great flexibility in configuring a manipulation system in a desired manner.