Patents by Inventor David R. Atwell

David R. Atwell 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: 20140026925
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 8551564
    Abstract: Methods for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20120289059
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 8225745
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20110124201
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 7883745
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 7789319
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a system which includes a tank, a conduit is adapted to carry a recirculating supply of fluid from the tank and into the tank, and at least one injector adapted to dispense fluid from the recirculating supply of fluid into a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20090035465
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20070266941
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a system which includes a tank, a conduit is adapted to carry a recirculating supply of fluid from the tank and into the tank, and at least one injector adapted to dispense fluid from the recirculating supply of fluid into a chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 6540407
    Abstract: In the typical embodiments described in the specification, a rolling element bearing arrangement includes an inner raceway with a curved outer surface facing in one lateral direction, an outer raceway with a curved inner surface facing in the opposite lateral direction, an array of rolling elements such as balls engaging the curved surfaces of the inner and outer raceways, a retaining ring in which the array of balls is received, and a retaining ring stabilizer urging the retaining ring in a lateral direction with respect to one of the raceways to inhibit vibration of the components. In addition, a vibration inhibiting outer ring member which may contain a heavy metal or a resilient material, is retained against the outer surface of the outer raceway by a composite wrap which may be a fiber-reinforced organic or inorganic polymer composite made by a dry layup, resin transfer molding, wet filament winding or preimpreganted filament winding technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, David R. Atwell, Stewart Peil, Vladimir Odessky
  • Publication number: 20020186911
    Abstract: In the typical embodiments described in the specification, a rolling element bearing arrangement includes an inner raceway with a curved outer surface facing in one lateral direction, an outer raceway with a curved inner surface facing in the opposite lateral direction, an array of rolling elements such as balls engaging the curved surfaces of the inner and outer raceways, a retaining ring in which the array of balls is received, and a retaining ring stabilizer urging the retaining ring in a lateral direction with respect to one of the raceways to inhibit vibration of the components. In addition, a vibration inhibiting outer ring member which may contain a heavy metal or a resilient material, is retained against the outer surface of the outer raceway by a composite wrap which may be a fiber-reinforced organic or inorganic polymer composite made by a dry layup, resin transfer molding, wet filament winding or preimpreganted filament winding technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, David R. Atwell, Stewart Peil, Vladimir Odessky
  • Patent number: 6280793
    Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus for providing a vaporized precursor for a vapor deposition process includes a dispensing device for providing precursor spray having a first electrical charge into a vaporization zone. The apparatus further includes a heated element in the vaporization zone having a second electrical charge opposite of the first charge. The heated element vaporizes the precursor spray attracted thereto. The dispensing device may be an electrostatic spray device for spraying a powdered precursor, a mixture of powdered precursors, one or more powdered precursors cut with an inert filler material, one or more liquid precursors adsorbed on solid particles, one or more gas precursors adsorbed on solid particles, a liquid precursor, a mixture of liquid precursors, or one or more solid precursors dissolved in one or more solvents. A method of vaporizing precursors for vapor deposition processes includes providing a precursor spray having a first electrical charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Atwell, Brian A. Vaartstra
  • Patent number: 6206970
    Abstract: Particle traps for semiconductor wafer vapor processors and methods of filtering particles in a semiconductor wafer processor are described. In accordance with a preferred implementation, a semiconductor wafer processor includes a processing chamber for containing a gas during processing of a semiconductor wafer. A particle trap is positioned within the reaction chamber and is operative for removing particles within the processing chamber. In one version, the particle trap is an electrostatic precipitator charged for removing particles from the gas. In accordance with another implementation, a semiconductor wafer vapor processor includes a processing chamber for containing a gas during processing of a semiconductor wafer. A wafer holder is provided within the processing chamber. A particle trap comprising at least two chargeable elements is positioned within the processing chamber and is spaced from the wafer holder. In one version, the processing chamber is a reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 6072939
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for effectively and controllably vaporizing solid material, in general, and specifically, solid precursor material for chemical phase deposition processes. The apparatus includes a hollow container member, capable of retaining solid material and having a longitudinal axis passing through a substantially open first end, that is reciprocally injected at a controlled rate through a heater capable of vaporizing the solid material so that vaporized material passes through the first end along the longitudinal axis of the container member and into the reaction chamber. Preferably, the apparatus includes a hollow body capable of pressure containment that is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and an rod-shaped injector slidably disposed through the hollow body suitable for injecting the container member through the body and the injector is driven external to the body using a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 5943471
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for effectively and controllably vaporizing solid material, in general, and specifically, solid precursor material for chemical phase deposition processes. The apparatus includes a hollow container member, capable of retaining solid material and having a longitudinal axis passing through a substantially open first end, that is reciprocally injected at a controlled rate through a heater capable of vaporizing the solid material so that vaporized material passes through the first end along the longitudinal axis of the container member and into the reaction chamber. Preferably, the apparatus includes a hollow body capable of pressure containment that is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and an rod-shaped injector slidably disposed through the hollow body suitable for injecting the container member through the body and the injector is driven external to the body using a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 5902651
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method of providing a layer of material atop a semiconductor substrate using an organometallic or metal-organic precursor in a manner which minimizes carbon incorporation in the layer includes, a) positioning a substrate within a chemical vapor deposition reactor; b) providing a gaseous precursor within the reactor having the substrate positioned therein, the precursor comprising one or a combination of tetrakisdimethylamidotitanium, cyclopentadienylcycloheptatrienyltitanium (CpTiCht), bis(2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadienyl)titanium (BDPT), and biscyclopentadienyltitanium diazide (Cp.sub.2 Ti(N.sub.3).sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Westmoreland, Brenda D. Wanner, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 5764849
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for effectively and controllably vaporizing solid material, in general, and specifically, solid precursor material for chemical phase deposition processes. The apparatus includes a hollow container member, capable of retaining solid material and having a longitudinal axis passing through a substantially open first end, that is reciprocally injected at a controlled rate through a heater capable of vaporizing the solid material so that vaporized material passes through the first end along the longitudinal axis of the container member and into the reaction chamber. Preferably, the apparatus includes a hollow body capable of pressure containment that is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and an rod-shaped injector slidably disposed through the hollow body suitable for injecting the container member through the body and the injector is driven external to the body using a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 5693377
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method of providing a layer of material atop a semiconductor substrate using an organometallic or metal-organic precursor in a manner which minimizes carbon incorporation in the layer includes, a) positioning a substrate within a chemical vapor deposition reactor; b) providing a gaseous precursor within the reactor having the substrate positioned therein, the precursor comprising one or a combination of tetrakisdimethylamidotitanium, cyclopentadienylcycloheptatrienyltitanium (CpTiCht), bis(2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadienyl)titanium (BDPT), and biscyclopentadienyltitanium diazide (Cp.sub.2 Ti(N.sub.3).sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Westmoreland, Brenda D. Wanner, David R. Atwell
  • Patent number: 5674574
    Abstract: A vapor delivery system for vaporization and delivery of a solid precursor includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a carrier gas. A rotatable substrate surface is contained in the housing having a solid precursor material applied thereon. A focused thermal beam is positioned for impingement on the solid precursor material. A drive mechanism moves one of the rotatable surface and the focused thermal beam relative to the other such that with rotation of the rotatable substrate surface the focused thermal beam continuously impinges on a different contact area of the solid precursor material for vaporization thereof. The housing further has an outlet for transport of the vaporized precursor material therefrom. The rotatable surface may be a cylindrical surface or a circular platen surface. A CVD system having a vapor delivery system is also provided along with a device for use in the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Atwell, Donald L. Westmoreland