Abstract: A vertical farming system is disclosed herein. The vertical farming system can comprise a frame configured to fit into an enclosed growing environment. The vertical farming system can further comprise a track supported by the frame, where the track is configured to provide side access. The vertical farming system also includes an irrigation conduit coupled to the frame adjacent to the track. The vertical farming system includes a growth media field where the growth media field includes brackets coupled to a top portion of the growth media field. The growth media field can be made of porous material configured to form a root zone environment support and provide fluid distribution to root systems. The brackets can be configured to slidably couple to one or more tracks such that the growth media field is suspended from the one or more tracks.

Abstract: An automated cassette-to-cassette substrate handling system includes a cassette storage module for storing a plurality of substrates in cassettes before and after processing. A substrate carrier storage module stores a plurality of substrate carriers. A substrate carrier loading/unloading module loads substrates from the cassette storage module onto the plurality of substrate carriers and unloads substrates from the plurality of substrate carriers to the cassette storage module. A transport mechanism transports the plurality of substrates between the cassette storage module and the plurality of substrate carriers and transports the plurality of substrate carriers between the substrate carrier loading/unloading module and a processing chamber. A vision system recognizes recesses in the plurality of substrate carriers corresponding to empty substrate positions in the substrate carrier.

Abstract: An automated cassette-to-cassette substrate handling system includes a cassette storage module for storing a plurality of substrates in cassettes before and after processing. A substrate carrier storage module stores a plurality of substrate carriers. A substrate carrier loading/unloading module loads substrates from the cassette storage module onto the plurality of substrate carriers and unloads substrates from the plurality of substrate carriers to the cassette storage module. A transport mechanism transports the plurality of substrates between the cassette storage module and the plurality of substrate carriers and transports the plurality of substrate carriers between the substrate carrier loading/unloading module and a processing chamber. A vision system recognizes recesses in the plurality of substrate carriers corresponding to empty substrate positions in the substrate carrier.

Abstract: A space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The fluid delivery system includes an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and the various fluid handling and monitoring components may be partially integrated or fully integrated into the substrate, depending on design and material requirements.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The present invention also pertains to an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and the various fluid handling and monitoring components may be partially integrated or fully integrated into the substrate, depending on design and material requirements.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The present invention also pertains to an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and the various fluid handling and monitoring components may be partially integrated or fully integrated into the substrate, depending on design and material requirements.

Abstract: Described is a space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The system includes integrated fluid flow network architecture, and may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded. Subsequent to diffusion bonding, a stainless steel diffusion bonded part may advantageously be treated to enhance corrosion resistance using a series of steps designed to bring more chromium to the surface of the steel.

Abstract: A space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The invention pertains to a diffusion bonded integrated fluid flow network architecture, which includes, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, an in-line filter and may include various fluid handling and monitoring components. The integrated fluid delivery system that is formed from a layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and the various fluid handling and monitoring components may be partially integrated or fully integrated into the substrate, depending on design and material requirements.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a compact integrated fluid control valve useful in controlling process fluids handled as part of a semiconductor processing operation. In the wetted section of the valve, process fluids enter through one or more entrance ports and exit through an annular metallic valve seat. In the valve's drive section, a sliding cylinder, including an upper horizontal member tied to a lower horizontal member, moves up and down. The lower horizontal member presses a diaphragm against the valve seat to close the valve, and moves away from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the valve. A spring presses at the top of the upper horizontal member of the sliding cylinder, while a controlled pneumatic pressure is applied at the bottom of the upper horizontal member. The balance between the force of the spring and the force of the pneumatic pressure determines the extent to which the valve is open.