Patent US5390161A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5390161A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microprobe, method for producing the same, and information input and/or output apparatus utilizing the same
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1994-05-10
•
Granted: 1995-02-14
•
Expires: 2014-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A probe for reading an information from an object and/or inputting an information to an object is disclosed. The probe has a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to the object for information reading therefrom and/or information input thereto. The rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of the supporting member. The information reading from the object and/or information input to the object is effected at the longitudinal end of the probe. The probe provides precise and accurate output and/or input of information regardless of the surface state of the object.
Inventors
- 👤 Suomi Kurihara
- 👤 Haruki Kawada
- 👤 Kiyoshi Takimoto
- 👤 Yuji Kasanuki
- 👤 Toshimitsu Kawase
- 👤 Hisaaki Kawade
- 👤 Ken Eguchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:00
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B9/00; G11B9/12; G11B9/14; G11B9/1409; G01; G01Q; G01Q60/00; G01Q60/10; G01Q60/16; G11B11/00; G11B11/08; G01Q60/24; G01Q60/38; G01Q60/40; G01Q70/00; G01Q70/08; G01Q70/10; G01Q70/12; G01Q80/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S977/00; Y10S977/84; Y10S977/849; Y10S977/86; Y10S977/875; Y10S977/878
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 78
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A probe for effecting, at a longitudinal end thereof, at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross-sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm, and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
A probe for effecting, at a longitudinal end thereof, at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross-sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm, and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A probe according to claim 1, wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a single crystal whisker.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
185 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through a longitudinal end of said probe, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said support member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
185 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through a longitudinal end of said probe, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said support member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to measure the surface information of the object based on the information read through said probe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information recording to and information reproduction from an information recording medium, serving as said object, through said probe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information recording by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium thereby inducing an electric memory effect therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said probe is adapted to effect the recording while moving along a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information reproduction by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium and detecting the current flowing therebetween.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said probe is adapted to read data recorded in a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a metal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a non-conductive material, and is coated with a conductive material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
134 words
A probe for effecting at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto; wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
134 words
A probe for effecting at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto; wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A probe according to claim 13, wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
189 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect the at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading from and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longer length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
189 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect the at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading from and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longer length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to measure surface information of the object based on the information read through said probe.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information recording to and information reproduction from an information recording medium, serving as said object, through said probe.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information recording by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium thereby inducing an electric memory effect therein.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said probe is adapted to effect the recording while moving along a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information reproduction by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium and detecting the current flowing therebetween.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said probe is adapted to read data recorded in a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a metal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a non-conductive material, and is coated with a conductive material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
122 words
A probe positioned close to an object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and/or information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
122 words
A probe positioned close to an object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and/or information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object, is within a range from 1 nm to 1 μm.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
A probe according to claim 25, wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
190 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through said probe in a state thereof positioned close to said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object is within a range from 1 um to 1 μm.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
190 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through said probe in a state thereof positioned close to said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, said rod-shaped projection has a variation rate of the cross sectional area not exceeding 10% continuously over a longitudinal length of at least 5 nm and the maximum cross-sectional dimension or diameter in the end portion of said rod-shaped projection, positioned within the height of surface irregularities of said object is within a range from 1 um to 1 μm.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to measure surface information of the object based on the information read through said probe.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading to and information reproduction from an information recording medium, serving as said object, through said probe.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information recording by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium thereby including an electric memory effect therein.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said probe is adapted to effect the recording while moving along a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information reproduction by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium and detecting the current flowing therebetween.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said probe is adapted to read data recorded in a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a metal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a non-conductive material, and is coated with a conductive material.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
83 words
A probe for effecting, at a longitudinal end thereof, at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, and wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a single crystal whisker.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
83 words
A probe for effecting, at a longitudinal end thereof, at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, and wherein said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a single crystal whisker.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through a longitudinal end of said probe, said probe includes a supporting member, and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said support member and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through a longitudinal end of said probe, said probe includes a supporting member, and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said support member and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to measure the surface information of the object based on the information read through said probe.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information recording to and information reproduction from an information recording medium, serving as said object, through said probe.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information recording by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium thereby inducing an electric memory effect therein.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said probe is adapted to effect the recording while moving along a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information reproduction by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium and detecting the current flowing therebetween.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein said probe is adapted to read data recorded in a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a metal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a non-conductive material, and is coated with a conductive material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
86 words
A probe for effecting at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which an end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member and said rod-shape projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
86 words
A probe for effecting at least one of information reading from an object and information input to an object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which an end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member and said rod-shape projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect the at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect the at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object by applying a voltage between said probe and said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to measure surface information of the object based on the information read through said probe.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information recording to and information reproduction from an information recording medium, serving as said object, through said probe.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information recording by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium thereby inducing an electric memory effect therein.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein said probe is adapted to effect the recording while moving along a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information reproduction by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium and detecting the current flowing therebetween.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein said probe is adapted to read data recorded in a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a metal.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a non-conductive material, and is coated with a conductive material.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
76 words
A probe positioned close to an object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which an end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information inputting thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
76 words
A probe positioned close to an object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, comprising: a supporting member; and a rod-shaped projection of which an end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information inputting thereto, wherein said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through said probe in a state thereof positioned close to said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for at least one of information reading from an object and information input into an object, comprising: a signal processing unit for signal processing for at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object; and a probe positioned opposed to said object; wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading from said object and information input to said object through said probe in a state thereof positioned close to said object, said probe includes a supporting member and a rod-shaped projection of which the end is positioned opposed to said object for at least one of information reading therefrom and information input thereto, said rod-shaped projection protrudes from a partial area of said supporting member, and said rod-shaped projection at least includes a part composed of a monocrystalline whisker.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to measure surface information of the object based on the information read through said probe.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect at least one of information reading to and information reproduction from an information recording medium, serving as said object, through said probe.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect information recording by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium thereby including an electric memory effect therein.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said probe is adapted to effect the recording while moving along a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said signal processing unit is adapted to effect the information reproduction by applying a voltage between said probe and said information recording medium and detecting the current flowing therebetween.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said probe is adapted to read data recorded in a recessed groove formed on said information recording medium.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a metal.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said monocrystalline whisker is composed of a non-conductive material, and is coated with a conductive material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4575822A
Cited
JPS63161553A
Cited
JPS63161552A
Cited
JPS63204531A
Cited
US4894538A
Cited
EP0309236A2
Cited
JPH0196841A
Cited
US4880975A
Cited
US4943720A
Cited
JPH0245602A
Cited
EP0355241A1
Cited
US5010249A
Cited
US4998016A
Cited
EP0413040A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-02-13 | 1998-08-15 | 1999-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-08-15 | 2003-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-02-13 | 2006-08-15 | 2007-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |