Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing thin films on the surface of a device such as a spherical shaped devices. The apparatus includes an enclosure containing a plurality of apertures and a conductor coil. The apertures connect to conduits for inputting and outputting the devices as well as injecting and releasing different gases and/or processing constituents. A chamber is formed within the enclosure and is configured to be coaxial with the conductor coil. Devices move through the input conduit where they are preheated by a resistance-type furnace. The preheated devices then move into the chamber where they are further heated by radio frequency energy from the conductor coil. At this time, the gases and/or processing constituents react with the heated device thereby growing a thin film on its outer surface.

Abstract: A spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit ("ball") and a system and method for manufacturing same. The ball replaces the function of the flat, conventional chip. The physical dimensions of the ball allow it to adapt to many different manufacturing processes which otherwise could not be used. Furthermore, the assembly and mounting of the ball may facilitate efficient use of the semiconductor as well as circuit board space.

Abstract: A unique integrated circuit device and method for using same is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of bonding pads. Coupled to each bonding pads is a ferromagnetic material and an external connector, such as a solder bump. The ferromagnetic material is isolated to an area associated with each bonding pad. When the ferromagnetic material is magnetized, it is capable of aligning the solder bump to a connection point of another device, as long as the connection point is magnetically attracted. The other device may be a second integrated circuit device or a circuit board. As a result, the bonding pad aligns with and connects to the connection point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating integrated circuits according to which a plurality of members of a semiconductor material are continuously introduced into a chamber. A process gas is introduced into the chamber in a direction extending at an angle to the direction of passage of the members into the chamber in a manner so that the gas contacts the members during its passage through the chamber to treat the members.

Abstract: A spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit ("ball") and a system and method for manufacturing same. The ball replaces the function of the flat, conventional chip. The physical dimensions of the ball allow it to adapt to many different manufacturing processes which otherwise could not be used. Furthermore, the assembly and mounting of the ball may facilitates efficient use of the semiconductor as well as circuit board space.

Abstract: A photolithograhic method and apparatus for exposure of a spherical shaped semiconductor substrate according to a mask pattern of a primary spherical object mask in the manufacture of a spherical semiconductor device is disclosed. A secondary mask is provided, the secondary mask having stored therein a hologram recorded from the primary spherical object mask and containing spherical mask pattern information. The spherical shaped semiconductor substrate is then positioned with respect to the secondary mask in preparation for a photolithographic exposure. Lastly, a reference beam is directed upon the secondary mask for enabling inverse scattering of the hologram to produce an inverse scattered holographic image photolithographic exposure of the spherical shaped semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an inductor on a spherical shaped integrated circuit for use in a rectifier circuit and/or an antenna. The integrated circuit is formed around a spherical substrate and includes a conductive layer. Signal lines formed from of the conductive layer wrap around the spherical substrate to form an inductor. The inductor may be used to create a transformer or an antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting and interconnecting spherical ICs. The apparatus includes an enclosure which is used to hold and secure one or more spherical ICs or to connect to a device such as a printed circuit board. The enclosure includes two groups of electrical contact points. These contact points may be solder bumps, pads, leads, or any other type of connector. One group of contact points on the enclosure aligns and connects with a corresponding set of contact points on the first spherical shaped IC and the other group of contact points on the enclosure aligns and connects with a corresponding set of contact points on the other device. The two groups of enclosure contact points are interconnected with each other through a circuit located inside the enclosure. As a result, alignment is no longer required by the contact points on the spherical shaped IC and the other device.