Patents by Inventor Dean Hunt

Dean Hunt 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: 7482576
    Abstract: One or more problems related to processing workpieces using processes that involve optical radiation are presented along with solutions to one or more of the problems. One embodiment of the invention comprises a sensor apparatus for collecting optical radiation data representing one or more process conditions used for processing a workpiece. In a further embodiment, the sensor apparatus is also configured for measuring data other than optical radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Randall S. Mundt, Andrew Beers, Paul D. MacDonald, Mason L. Freed, Dean Hunt
  • Patent number: 7299148
    Abstract: This invention seeks to provide methods and apparatus that can improve the accuracy of measured parameter data used for processing workpieces. One aspect of the present invention includes methods of measuring process conditions with low distortion of the measurements caused by the measuring apparatus. The measurements include data for applications such as data for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes and process tools. Another aspect of the present invention includes apparatus for measuring substantially correct data for applications such as generating data for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes and process tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: OnWafer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hunt, Costas J. Spanos, Michael Welch, Kameshwar Poolla, Mason L. Freed
  • Publication number: 20060289763
    Abstract: One or more problems related to processing workpieces using processes that involve optical radiation are presented along with solutions to one or more of the problems. One embodiment of the invention comprises a sensor apparatus for collecting optical radiation data representing one or more process conditions used for processing a workpiece. In a further embodiment, the sensor apparatus is also configured for measuring data other than optical radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: Randall Mundt, Andrew Beers, Paul MacDonald, Mason Freed, Dean Hunt
  • Publication number: 20060052969
    Abstract: This invention seeks to provide methods and apparatus that can improve the accuracy of measured parameter data used for processing workpieces. One aspect of the present invention includes methods of measuring process conditions with low distortion of the measurements caused by the measuring apparatus. The measurements include data for applications such as data for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes and process tools. Another aspect of the present invention includes apparatus for measuring substantially correct data for applications such as generating data for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes and process tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Dean Hunt, Costas Spanos, Michael Welch, Kameshwar Poolla, Mason Freed
  • Publication number: 20050168212
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for optically testing (e.g., using a laser beam) an operating integrated circuit (device under test—DUT) that actively control the operating temperature of the DUT. This is chiefly useful with flip-chip packaged ICs. The temperature of the DUT varies with its operating power consumption, and this fluctuation in temperature adversely affects the results obtained during optical probing or other optical testing. Furthermore, the DUT may be damaged if its temperature exceeds design limits. The temperature of the DUT is controlled by thermally contacting the exposed backside surface of the DUT die to a diamond film heat conductor, an associated heat sink structure, and at least one thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device is controlled by a temperature sensor proximal to the DUT. By controlling the amount and direction of the electrical current supplied to the thermoelectric device in response to the sensed temperature, the temperature of the DUT is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Applicant: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Hunt, Don Haga