Patents by Inventor R. Scot Clark

R. Scot Clark 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).

  • Publication number: 20020081237
    Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system for preparing ultra-high-purity buffered-hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride controlled concentration. The method comprises bubbling purified ammonia vapor into ultra-pure hydrofluoric acid. The inventive method and system can be used as an on-site subsystem in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the buffered-hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Publication number: 20020079478
    Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system for preparing ultra-high-purity buffered-hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride controlled concentration. The method comprises bubbling purified ammonia vapor into ultra-pure hydrofluoric acid. The inventive method and system can be used as an on-site subsystem in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the buffered-hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 6350425
    Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system for preparing ultra-high-purity buffered-hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride controlled concentration The method comprises bubbling purified ammonia vapor into ultra-pure hydrofluoric acid. The inventive method and system can be used as an on-site subsystem in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the buffered-hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Publication number: 20010051128
    Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system for preparing ultra-high-purity buffered-hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride controlled concentration. The method comprises bubbling purified ammonia vapor into ultra-pure hydrofluoric acid. The inventive method and system can be used as an on-site subsystem in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the buffered-hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: JOE G. HOFFMAN, R. SCOT CLARK
  • Patent number: 6214173
    Abstract: Provided is a novel on-site system and method for providing ultra-high-purity nitric acid to a point of use. The system includes a source of nitric acid at a concentration greater than 68 wt %; a reflux distillation column having an inlet in communication with the nitric acid source for introducing nitric acid into the column, a reboiler, and a condensate outlet to provide a flow of nitric acid condensate from the column; a reservoir in communication with the condensate outlet for receiving the flow of nitric acid condensate; and piping for delivering nitric acid from the reservoir to a point of use. The system and method can be used as an on-site subsystem, in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the nitric acid condensate to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics Chemicals & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mindi Xu, Wallace I. Yuan, Tracey Jacksier, Hwa-Chi Wang, Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 6063356
    Abstract: A system for purification and generation of hydrofluoric acid on-site at a semiconductor device fabrication facility. An evaporation stage (optionally with arsenic oxidation) is followed by a fractionating column to remove most other impurities, an Ionic Purifier column to suppress contaminants not removed by the fractionating column, and finally the HF Supplier (HFS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 6050283
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing and/or diluting ultrapure fluids, such as liquid acids, for semiconductor processing. The system includes first and second chemical dispensers, the first and second chemical dispensers adapted to contain first and second fluids to be mixed, respectively; a process connection between the first and second chemical dispensers which allows the first and second fluids to flow therethrough and intermingle to form a mixed fluid, the process connection further allowing the mixed fluid to flow to a location needed by the operator; and an ultrasonic wave emitting device provided in a location sufficient to transmit an ultrasonic wave through the mixed fluid, the device including means to measure the velocity of the wave through the mixed fluid, and thus indirectly measure a ratio defined by a quantity of the first chemical to a quantity of the second chemical in the mixed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark, Allen H. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6015477
    Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 6001223
    Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5846387
    Abstract: Highly purified HCl for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing HCl vapor from a liquid HCl reservoir, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a low-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics Chemicals & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5785820
    Abstract: A system for purification and generation of hydrofluoric acid on-site at a semiconductor device fabrication facility. An evaporation stage (optionally with arsenic oxidation) is followed by a fractionating column to remove most other impurities, an Ionic Purifier column to suppress contaminants not removed by the fractionating column, and finally the HF Supplier (HFS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5755934
    Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5722442
    Abstract: A process for preparing ultra-high-purity buffered hydrofluoric acid on-site at a semiconductor manufacturing facility (front end). Anhydrous ammonia is purified by scrubbing in a high-pH liquor, and then combined with high-purity aqueous HF which has been purified by a similar process. The generation is monitored by a density measurement to produce an acid whose pH and buffering are accurately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5496778
    Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5354428
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the distillation of liquids which is particularly suited for the removal of soluble impurities and insoluble and non-volatile particles of 10 microns to 0.2 micron or less in size. A substantially elongated distillation chamber having walls equipped with axially disposed concentric boiling rings spaced from the walls near the bottom, and a packing stop, packing redirector rings for condensed vapor, and a reflux condenser in the upper part of the distillation chamber provide, during distillation, a smooth convective upward flow of distilling liquid and vapor proximate the walls and boiling rings and a smooth convective downward flow of distilling liquid and vapor substantially centrally of the distillation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Athens Corp.
    Inventors: R. Scot Clark, Joe G. Hoffman, John B. Davison, David W. Persichini, Wallace I. Yuan, Bruce A. Lipisko, Alan H. Jones, Alan W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5242468
    Abstract: Semiconductor wafers and other electronic parts which similarly require ultra-high purity manufacturing environments are treated with ultra-high purity liquid cleaning and etching agents prepared at the site of use from gaseous raw materials which have been purified to a level compatible with semiconductor manufacturing standards, combined when appropriate with ultra-pure water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Scot Clark, Stephen S. Baird, Joe G. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5164049
    Abstract: Method for the production of ultrapure sulfuric acid including distillation of sulfuric acid material for the removal of soluble impurities and insoluble and non-volatile particles of 10 microns to 0.2 micron or less in size. Reprocessing is also provided. Distillation takes place in a distillation chamber having walls which are provided with means within the chamber to provide smooth convective upward flow of distilling liquid and vapor proximate the walls and means for smooth convective downward flow substantially centrally of the distillation chamber. Redirection means and packing together with reflux means insure the washing of rising vapor and direct the condensing vapor substantially centrally of the distillation chamber. Ultrapure sulfuric acid is also provided having 5 or less particles per cubic centimeter of a size of 0.5 micron and larger and less than 10 ppb of any specific trace impurity such as cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Athens Corporation
    Inventors: R. Scot Clark, John B. Davison, David W. Persichini, Wallace I. Yuan, Bruce A. Lipisko, Alan W. Jones, Allen H. Jones, Jr., Joe G. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4855023
    Abstract: An improved wafer cleaning process wherein a novel oxidant solution comprising ultrapure sulfuric acid, peroxydisulfuric acid, and ultrapure water used in a semiconductor wafer cleaning process is continuously withdrawn after use. The withdrawn oxidant is reprocessed continuously by contacting with alumina to remove fluoride ions. Water is continuously separated or stripped from the oxidant solution by heating the solution and bubbling an inert gas therethrough. The separated oxidant is continuously distilled and condensed to form a purified stream of sulfuric acid. The major portion of this stream is continuously returned to the wafer cleaning process. The remaining minor portion is continuously cooled, subjected to analysis for purity, and diluted with ultrapure water prior to electrochemical treatment in the anode compartment of an electrochemical cell. This converts at least a portion of the dilute sulfuric acid to peroxydisulfuric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Athens, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Scot Clark, Joe G. Hoffman, John B. Davison, Alan W. Jones, Allen H. Jones, Jr., David W. Persichini, Wallace I. Yuan, Bruce A. Lipisko
  • Patent number: RE37972
    Abstract: Semiconductor wafers and other electronic parts which similarly require ultra-high purity manufacturing environments are treated with ultra-high purity liquid cleaning and etching agents prepared at the site of use from gaseous raw materials which have been purified to a level compatible with semiconductor manufacturing standards, combined when appropriate with ultra-pure water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Scot Clark, Stephen S. Baird, Joe G. Hoffman
  • Patent number: RE36290
    Abstract: Semiconductor wafers and other electronic parts which similarly require ultra-high purity manufacturing environments are treated with ultra-high purity liquid cleaning and etching agents prepared at the site of use from gaseous raw materials which have been purified to a level compatible with semiconductor manufacturing standards, combined when appropriate with ultra-pure water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics Chemicals & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Scot Clark, Stephen S. Baird, Joe G. Hoffman