Patents by Inventor Greg Patrick Mulligan
Greg Patrick Mulligan 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).
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Patent number: 12652983Abstract: Apparatuses for controlling fluid flow are important components for delivering process fluids for semiconductor fabrication. These apparatuses for controlling fluid flow require a variety of fluid flow components which are tightly packaged within the apparatuses for controlling flow. In an effort to improve packaging density, fluid delivery modules preferably incorporate both active and passive components into a single substrate block. This enables increases in packaging density as well as enabling reduced cost through greater simplification of the fluid delivery module. For instance, incorporating a filter to filter incoming fluid with a valve or other component in a single monolithic block avoids the need for separate components which add cost and complexity.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2022Date of Patent: June 9, 2026Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Dustin Tomhave, Christopher Bryant Davis
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Publication number: 20250132170Abstract: Systems for processing articles are essential for semiconductor fabrication. These systems employ a variety of apparatuses for controlling flow. In one implementation, an apparatus for controlling flow may utilize a body having a flow path extending from an inlet to an outlet. A valve, a flow restrictor, and a pressure sensor are operably coupled to the flow path. The valve incorporates first and second actuators which enable control of mass flow rates of fluid flowing through the flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2024Publication date: April 24, 2025Applicant: Ichor Systems, Inc.Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Christopher Bryant Davis, Randolph Treur, Gary Lei Xing, Todd Mark Cushman
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Publication number: 20240363369Abstract: Systems for manufacturing semiconductors are essential to enabling modern technologies. Such systems may include a central controller, a plurality of fluid supplies, a plurality of apparatus for controlling flow, and a processing chamber. The central controller may have a processor, a memory, and a communication module. The plurality of apparatus for controlling flow may have a device controller having an active component, a sensor, and a communication module. The communication may have a communication module, a memory, a sensor drive circuit operably coupled to the sensor, and an active component drive operably coupled to the active component. The central controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensors of the plurality of apparatus for controlling flow and transmit active component commands to the active component drives of the device controllers to control the plurality of apparatus for controlling flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2024Publication date: October 31, 2024Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Sean Joseph Penley, Christopher Bryant Davis
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Publication number: 20240183463Abstract: Systems for processing articles are essential for semiconductor fabrication. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising a plurality of fluid supplies configured to supply process fluids, a plurality of apparatuses for controlling flow, a plurality of mounting substrates, a vacuum manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of mounting substrates, an outlet manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of mounting substrates, a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the vacuum manifold, and a processing chamber fluidly coupled to the outlet manifold. The plurality of apparatuses for controlling flow have a bleed port and an outlet. The outlets of the plurality of apparatuses are fluidly coupled to corresponding outlet ports of the plurality of mounting substrates. The bleed ports of the plurality of apparatuses are fluidly coupled to the corresponding vacuum ports of the plurality of mounting substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2024Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Philip Ryan BARROS, Greg Patrick MULLIGAN, Dustin TOMHAVE, Christopher Bryant DAVIS
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Patent number: 11899477Abstract: Systems for processing articles are essential for semiconductor fabrication. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising a plurality of fluid supplies configured to supply process fluids, a plurality of apparatuses for controlling flow, a plurality of mounting substrates, a vacuum manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of mounting substrates, an outlet manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of mounting substrates, a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the vacuum manifold, and a processing chamber fluidly coupled to the outlet manifold. The plurality of apparatuses for controlling flow have a bleed port and an outlet. The outlets of the plurality of apparatuses are fluidly coupled to corresponding outlet ports of the plurality of mounting substrates. The bleed ports of the plurality of apparatuses are fluidly coupled to the corresponding vacuum ports of the plurality of mounting substrates.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan
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Publication number: 20230317471Abstract: An improved fluid delivery system and method that directly controls the concentration of constituent components in a fluid mixture delivered, for example, to a process chamber. Pressure of the fluid mixture can also be directly controlled. A concentration sensor capable of measuring concentration of all of the constituent components in a fluid mixture is used to provide signals used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. The signal output of one or more pressure sensors can also be used to provide a signal used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. By directly controlling these two extremely important process variables, embodiments of the present invention provide a significant advantage in measurement accuracy over the prior art, enable real-time process control, reduce system level response time, and allow for a system with a significant footprint reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Chris Melcer
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Patent number: 11682565Abstract: An improved fluid delivery system and method that directly controls the concentration of constituent components in a fluid mixture delivered, for example, to a process chamber. Pressure of the fluid mixture can also be directly controlled. A concentration sensor capable of measuring concentration of all of the constituent components in a fluid mixture is used to provide signals used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. The signal output of one or more pressure sensors can also be used to provide a signal used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. By directly controlling these two extremely important process variables, embodiments of the present invention provide a significant advantage in measurement accuracy over the prior art, enable real-time process control, reduce system level response time, and allow for a system with a significant footprint reduction.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Chris Melcer
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Publication number: 20230029366Abstract: Apparatuses for controlling fluid flow are important components for delivering process fluids for semiconductor fabrication. These apparatuses for controlling fluid flow require a variety of fluid flow components which are tightly packaged within the apparatuses for controlling flow. In an effort to improve packaging density, fluid delivery modules preferably incorporate both active and passive components into a single substrate block. This enables increases in packaging density as well as enabling reduced cost through greater simplification of the fluid delivery module. For instance, incorporating a filter to filter incoming fluid with a valve or other component in a single monolithic block avoids the need for separate components which add cost and complexity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Dustin Tomhave, Christopher Bryant Davis
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Publication number: 20220283596Abstract: Systems for processing articles are essential for semiconductor fabrication. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising a plurality of fluid supplies configured to supply process fluids, a plurality of apparatuses for controlling flow, a plurality of mounting substrates, a vacuum manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of mounting substrates, an outlet manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of mounting substrates, a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the vacuum manifold, and a processing chamber fluidly coupled to the outlet manifold. The plurality of apparatuses for controlling flow have a bleed port and an outlet. The outlets of the plurality of apparatuses are fluidly coupled to corresponding outlet ports of the plurality of mounting substrates. The bleed ports of the plurality of apparatuses are fluidly coupled to the corresponding vacuum ports of the plurality of mounting substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan
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Publication number: 20210366735Abstract: An improved fluid delivery system and method that directly controls the concentration of constituent components in a fluid mixture delivered, for example, to a process chamber. Pressure of the fluid mixture can also be directly controlled. A concentration sensor capable of measuring concentration of all of the constituent components in a fluid mixture is used to provide signals used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. The signal output of one or more pressure sensors can also be used to provide a signal used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. By directly controlling these two extremely important process variables, embodiments of the present invention provide a significant advantage in measurement accuracy over the prior art, enable real-time process control, reduce system level response time, and allow for a system with a significant footprint reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Chris Melcer
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Patent number: 11094563Abstract: An improved fluid delivery system and method that directly controls the concentration of constituent components in a fluid mixture delivered, for example, to a process chamber. Pressure of the fluid mixture can also be directly controlled. A concentration sensor capable of measuring concentration of all of the constituent components in a fluid mixture is used to provide signals used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. The signal output of one or more pressure sensors can also be used to provide a signal used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. By directly controlling these two extremely important process variables, embodiments of the present invention provide a significant advantage in measurement accuracy over the prior art, enable real-time process control, reduce system level response time, and allow for a system with a significant footprint reduction.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Chris Melcer
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Publication number: 20180286705Abstract: An improved fluid delivery system and method that directly controls the concentration of constituent components in a fluid mixture delivered, for example, to a process chamber. Pressure of the fluid mixture can also be directly controlled. A concentration sensor capable of measuring concentration of all of the constituent components in a fluid mixture is used to provide signals used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. The signal output of one or more pressure sensors can also be used to provide a signal used to vary the flow rate of constituent gases under a closed loop feedback system. By directly controlling these two extremely important process variables, embodiments of the present invention provide a significant advantage in measurement accuracy over the prior art, enable real-time process control, reduce system level response time, and allow for a system with a significant footprint reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Philip Ryan Barros, Greg Patrick Mulligan, Chris Melcer, Hong Peng, Chris Ellec
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Publication number: 20080302426Abstract: A system for enabling a distribution of fluids includes a backplane and at least two component bases. Each component base has a first flange segment on one side and a second flange segment on an opposite side. Each of the first flange segment and the second flange segment has through holes formed therein. Fasteners secure the two component bases to the backplane. The fasteners extending through the through holes formed in the first flange segment of a first component base and through holes formed in the second flange segment of a second component base and into the backplane. Methods of assembling a distribution system are further provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Greg Patrick Mulligan, Philip Ryan Barros, Joshua David Anderson