Patents by Inventor David J. Zapp

David J. Zapp 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: 9833980
    Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20170028697
    Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Patent number: 9539801
    Abstract: A first surface of a debonder defines a recess that holds an assembly that includes a wafer bonded to a carrier plate having a first diameter that is larger than a second diameter of the wafer. The plate includes a peripheral area not covered by the wafer, and when the wafer of the assembly is placed within the recess, a portion of the peripheral area of the plate engages a portion of the first surface. A second surface of the debonder is disposed in the recess and is separated from the first surface. The second surface includes suction openings that deliver suction to the recess. A third surface of the debonder substantially connects the first and the second surfaces and includes an opening dimensioned to limit a pressure differential between the recess and outside the recess during application of the suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel Eduardo Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9533484
    Abstract: A first surface of a debonder defines a recess to hold an assembly that includes a wafer bonded to a carrier plate having a first diameter that is larger than a second diameter of the wafer. The carrier plate includes a peripheral area not covered by the wafer, and when the wafer of the assembly is placed within the recess, a portion of the peripheral area of the carrier plate engages a portion of the first surface. A second surface of the debonder is disposed in the recess and is separated from the first surface, where the second surface includes suction openings that deliver a suction force to the recess, and a portion of the second surface is in contact with a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel Eduardo Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9412630
    Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20160167360
    Abstract: A first surface of a debonder defines a recess that holds an assembly that includes a wafer bonded to a carrier plate having a first diameter that is larger than a second diameter of the wafer. The plate includes a peripheral area not covered by the wafer, and when the wafer of the assembly is placed within the recess, a portion of the peripheral area of the plate engages a portion of the first surface. A second surface of the debonder is disposed in the recess and is separated from the first surface. The second surface includes suction openings that deliver suction to the recess. A third surface of the debonder substantially connects the first and the second surfaces and includes an opening dimensioned to limit a pressure differential between the recess and outside the recess during application of the suction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel Eduardo Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20160167359
    Abstract: A first surface of a debonder defines a recess to hold an assembly that includes a wafer bonded to a carrier plate having a first diameter that is larger than a second diameter of the wafer. The carrier plate includes a peripheral area not covered by the wafer, and when the wafer of the assembly is placed within the recess, a portion of the peripheral area of the carrier plate engages a portion of the first surface. A second surface of the debonder is disposed in the recess and is separated from the first surface, where the second surface includes suction openings that deliver a suction force to the recess, and a portion of the second surface is in contact with a heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel Eduardo Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9296194
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for debonding wafers from carrier plates. In certain wafer processing operations, it is desirable to temporarily mount a wafer on a carrier plate for support and ease of handling. Such a mounting can be achieved by bonding the wafer and the carrier plate with an adhesive. Once such operations are completed, the wafer needs to be debonded from the carrier plate. Such a debonding process can be achieved by applying a suction force to the wafer-carrier plate assembly. Various debonding systems, devices and methodologies, and related features, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel Eduardo Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20150034131
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methodologies for cleaning wafers in wafer processing operations such as solvent cleaning. In an example situation, a wafer that has been separated from a support plate can be cleaned. The wafer still needs to be handled carefully during such a cleaning operation. Various devices and methodologies that facilitate efficient handling of wafers and solvent cleaning operations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Patent number: 8888085
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for handling wafers in wafer processing operations such as solvent and plasma cleaning. In an example situation, a wafer that has been separated from a support plate can be cleaned. The wafer still needs to be handled carefully during such a cleaning operation. Various devices and methodologies that facilitate efficient handling of wafers and wafer-cleaning operations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20140262053
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for debonding wafers from carrier plates. In certain wafer processing operations, it is desirable to temporarily mount a wafer on a carrier plate for support and ease of handling. Such a mounting can be achieved by bonding the wafer and the carrier plate with an adhesive. Once such operations are completed, the wafer needs to be debonded from the carrier plate. Such a debonding process can be achieved by applying a suction force to the wafer-carrier plate assembly. Various debonding systems, devices and methodologies, and related features, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel Eduardo Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20140182762
    Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Patent number: 8758553
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for separating wafers from carrier plates. In certain wafer processing operations, it is desirable to temporarily mount a wafer on a carrier plate for support and ease of handling. Such a mounting can be achieved by bonding the wafer and the carrier plate with an adhesive. Once such operations are completed, the wafer needs to be separated or unbonded from the carrier plate. Such a separation process can be achieved by applying a mechanical shear force to the wafer-carrier plate assembly. Various devices and methodologies, and related features, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jens A. Riege, Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Patent number: 8758552
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for debonding wafers from carrier plates. In certain wafer processing operations, it is desirable to temporarily mount a wafer on a carrier plate for support and ease of handling. Such a mounting can be achieved by bonding the wafer and the carrier plate with an adhesive. Once such operations are completed, the wafer needs to be debonded from the carrier plate. Such a debonding process can be achieved by applying a suction force to the wafer-carrier plate assembly. Various debonding systems, devices and methodologies, and related features, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel E. Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 8640755
    Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20120080052
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for handling wafers in wafer processing operations such as solvent and plasma cleaning. In an example situation, a wafer that has been separated from a support plate can be cleaned. The wafer still needs to be handled carefully during such a cleaning operation. Various devices and methodologies that facilitate efficient handling of wafers and wafer-cleaning operations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20120080150
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for separating wafers from carrier plates. In certain wafer processing operations, it is desirable to temporarily mount a wafer on a carrier plate for support and ease of handling. Such a mounting can be achieved by bonding the wafer and the carrier plate with an adhesive. Once such operations are completed, the wafer needs to be separated or unbonded from the carrier plate. Such a separation process can be achieved by applying a mechanical shear force to the wafer-carrier plate assembly. Various devices and methodologies, and related features, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jens A. Riege, Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20120080832
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for handling wafers in wafer processing operations through use of wafer carriers. In an example situation, a wafer carrier can be configured as a plate to allow bonding of a wafer thereto to provide support for the wafer during some processing operations. Upon completion of such operations, the processed wafer can be separated from the support plate so as to allow further processing. Various devices and methodologies related to such wafer carriers for efficient handling of wafers are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Elena B. Woodard, Daniel K. Berkoh, David J. Zapp, Steve Canale
  • Publication number: 20120080132
    Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp
  • Publication number: 20110297329
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies for debonding wafers from carrier plates. In certain wafer processing operations, it is desirable to temporarily mount a wafer on a carrier plate for support and ease of handling. Such a mounting can be achieved by bonding the wafer and the carrier plate with an adhesive. Once such operations are completed, the wafer needs to be debonded from the carrier plate. Such a debonding process can be achieved by applying a suction force to the wafer-carrier plate assembly. Various debonding systems, devices and methodologies, and related features, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Canale, David J. Zapp, Daniel E. Sanchez, Hung V. Phan, Hyong Y. Lee