Patents by Inventor James E. Tappan

James E. Tappan 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: 20220415702
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing for semiconductor processing chambers configured for use with two concentric edge rings with dual-lift mechanisms are disclosed. The dual-lift mechanisms may each have a first lifter structure and a second lifter structure which may be each at least partially independently actuatable. The first lifter structure may be used to move a lower edge ring of the edge rings between two or more vertically offset positions, and the second lifter structure may be used to raise and lower an upper edge ring of the edge rings. The dual-lift mechanism may be interfaced to the chamber housing of the semiconductor processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: John Stephen Drewery, James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 10665435
    Abstract: A plasma chamber is provided to increase conductance within the plasma chamber and to increase uniformity of the conductance. A radio frequency (RF) path for supplying power to the plasma chamber is symmetric with respect to a center axis of the plasma chamber. Moreover, pumps used to remove materials from the plasma chamber are located symmetric with respect to the center axis. The symmetric arrangements of the RF paths and the pumps facilitate an increase in conductance uniformity within the plasma chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Arthur Brown, John Patrick Holland, Michael C. Kellogg, James E. Tappan, Jerrel K. Antolik, Ian Kenworthy, Theo Panagopoulos, Zhigang Chen
  • Publication number: 20190371579
    Abstract: A plasma chamber is provided to increase conductance within the plasma chamber and to increase uniformity of the conductance. A radio frequency (RF) path for supplying power to the plasma chamber is symmetric with respect to a center axis of the plasma chamber. Moreover, pumps used to remove materials from the plasma chamber are located symmetric with respect to the center axis. The symmetric arrangements of the RF paths and the pumps facilitate an increase in conductance uniformity within the plasma chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Arthur Brown, John Patrick Holland, Michael C. Kellogg, James E. Tappan, Jerrel K. Antolik, Ian Kenworthy, Theo Panagopoulos, Zhigang Chen
  • Patent number: 10395902
    Abstract: A plasma chamber is provided to increase conductance within the plasma chamber and to increase uniformity of the conductance. A radio frequency (RF) path for supplying power to the plasma chamber is symmetric with respect to a center axis of the plasma chamber. Moreover, pumps used to remove materials from the plasma chamber are located symmetric with respect to the center axis. The symmetric arrangements of the RF paths and the pumps facilitate an increase in conductance uniformity within the plasma chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Arthur Brown, John Patrick Holland, Michael C. Kellogg, James E. Tappan, Jerrel K. Antolik, Ian Kenworthy, Theo Panagopoulos, Zhigang Chen
  • Publication number: 20180323044
    Abstract: A plasma chamber is provided to increase conductance within the plasma chamber and to increase uniformity of the conductance. A radio frequency (RF) path for supplying power to the plasma chamber is symmetric with respect to a center axis of the plasma chamber. Moreover, pumps used to remove materials from the plasma chamber are located symmetric with respect to the center axis. The symmetric arrangements of the RF paths and the pumps facilitate an increase in conductance uniformity within the plasma chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Arthur Brown, John Patrick Holland, Michael C. Kellogg, James E. Tappan, Jerrel K. Antolik, Ian Kenworthy, Theo Panagopoulos, Zhigang Chen
  • Publication number: 20180323041
    Abstract: A plasma processing device may include a plasma processing chamber, a plasma electrode assembly, a wafer stage, a plasma producing gas inlet, a plurality of vacuum ports, at least one vacuum pump, and a multi-port valve assembly. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a movable seal plate positioned in the plasma processing chamber. The movable seal plate may comprise a transverse port sealing surface that is shaped and sized to completely overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a closed state, to partially overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a partially open state, and to avoid substantial overlap of the plurality of vacuum ports in an open state. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a transverse actuator coupled to the movable seal plate and a sealing actuator coupled to the movable seal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel A. Brown, Michael C. Kellogg, Leonard J. Sharpless, Allan K. Ronne, James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 10049862
    Abstract: A plasma chamber is provided to increase conductance within the plasma chamber and to increase uniformity of the conductance. A radio frequency (RF) path for supplying power to the plasma chamber is symmetric with respect to a center axis of the plasma chamber. Moreover, pumps used to remove materials from the plasma chamber are located symmetric with respect to the center axis. The symmetric arrangements of the RF paths and the pumps facilitate an increase in conductance uniformity within the plasma chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Arthur Brown, John Patrick Holland, Michael C. Kellogg, James E. Tappan, Jerrel K. Antolik, Ian Kenworthy, Theo Panagopoulos, Zhigang Chen
  • Patent number: 10037869
    Abstract: A plasma processing device may include a plasma processing chamber, a plasma electrode assembly, a wafer stage, a plasma producing gas inlet, a plurality of vacuum ports, at least one vacuum pump, and a multi-port valve assembly. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a movable seal plate positioned in the plasma processing chamber. The movable seal plate may comprise a transverse port sealing surface that is shaped and sized to completely overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a closed state, to partially overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a partially open state, and to avoid substantial overlap of the plurality of vacuum ports in an open state. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a transverse actuator coupled to the movable seal plate and a sealing actuator coupled to the movable seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Brown, Michael C. Kellogg, Leonard J. Sharpless, Allan K. Ronne, James E. Tappan
  • Publication number: 20160307743
    Abstract: A plasma chamber is provided to increase conductance within the plasma chamber and to increase uniformity of the conductance. A radio frequency (RF) path for supplying power to the plasma chamber is symmetric with respect to a center axis of the plasma chamber. Moreover, pumps used to remove materials from the plasma chamber are located symmetric with respect to the center axis. The symmetric arrangements of the RF paths and the pumps facilitate an increase in conductance uniformity within the plasma chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Arthur Brown, John Patrick Holland, Michael C. Kellogg, James E. Tappan, Jerrel K. Antolik, Ian Kenworthy, Theo Panagopoulos, Zhigang Chen
  • Publication number: 20160033977
    Abstract: A plasma processing device may include a plasma processing chamber, a plasma electrode assembly, a wafer stage, a plasma producing gas inlet, a plurality of vacuum ports, at least one vacuum pump, and a multi-port valve assembly. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a movable seal plate positioned in the plasma processing chamber. The movable seal plate may comprise a transverse port sealing surface that is shaped and sized to completely overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a closed state, to partially overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a partially open state, and to avoid substantial overlap of the plurality of vacuum ports in an open state. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a transverse actuator coupled to the movable seal plate and a sealing actuator coupled to the movable seal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel A. Brown, Michael C. Kellogg, Leonard J. Sharpless, Allan K. Ronne, James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 9103416
    Abstract: An auto-aligning linear motion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a leadscrew. The apparatus also includes a nut arrangement configured to surround the leadscrew, wherein the nut arrangement includes at least a nut, a nut bracket, and a floating collar. A shoulder screw is inserted through a nut bracket slot of the nut bracket and a nut slot of the nut to rest at least partially within the floating collar. One dimension of the not bracket slot is larger than a dimension through a cross-section area of the shoulder screw to enable the shoulder screw to move within the nut bracket slot to adjust the nut arrangement as the leadscrew is rotated to maintain a concentric relationship between the nut arrangement and the leadscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 8735765
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber includes a cantilever assembly and at least one vacuum isolation member configured to neutralize atmospheric load. The chamber includes a wall surrounding an interior region and having an opening formed therein. A cantilever assembly includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the chamber. The cantilever assembly extends through the opening such that a portion is located outside the chamber. The chamber includes an actuation mechanism operative to move the cantilever assembly relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Tappan, Scott Jeffery Stevenot
  • Publication number: 20130340938
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber includes a cantilever assembly and at least one vacuum isolation member configured to neutralize atmospheric load. The chamber includes a wall surrounding an interior region and having an opening formed therein. A cantilever assembly includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the chamber. The cantilever assembly extends through the opening such that a portion is located outside the chamber. The chamber includes an actuation mechanism operative to move the cantilever assembly relative to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Tappan, Scott Jeffery Stevenot
  • Publication number: 20130333498
    Abstract: An auto-aligning linear motion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a leadscrew. The apparatus also includes a nut arrangement configured to surround the leadscrew, wherein the nut arrangement includes at least a nut, a nut bracket, and a floating collar. A shoulder screw is inserted through a nut bracket slot of the nut bracket and a nut slot of the nut to rest at least partially within the floating collar. One dimension of the not bracket slot is larger than a dimension through a cross-section area of the shoulder screw to enable the shoulder screw to move within the nut bracket slot to adjust the nut arrangement as the leadscrew is rotated to maintain a concentric relationship between the nut arrangement and the leadscrew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 8552334
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber includes a cantilever assembly and at least one vacuum isolation member configured to neutralize atmospheric load. The chamber includes a wall surrounding an interior region and having an opening formed therein. A cantilever assembly includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the chamber. The cantilever assembly extends through the opening such that a portion is located outside the chamber. The chamber includes an actuation mechanism operative to move the cantilever assembly relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Tappan, Scott Jeffery Stevenot
  • Patent number: 8438712
    Abstract: An auto-aligning linear motion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a leadscrew. The apparatus also includes a nut arrangement configured to surround the leadscrew, wherein the nut arrangement includes at least a nut, a nut bracket, and a floating collar. A shoulder screw is inserted through a nut bracket slot of the nut bracket and a nut slot of the nut to rest at least partially within the floating collar. One dimension of the nut bracket slot is larger than a dimension through a cross-section area of the shoulder screw to enable the shoulder screw to move within the nut bracket slot to adjust the nut arrangement as the leadscrew is rotated to maintain a concentric relationship between the nut arrangement and the leadscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 8394233
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting an orientation of an electrode in a plasma processing chamber is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber may be utilized to process at least a substrate, which may be inserted into the plasma processing chamber in an insertion direction. The mechanism may include a support plate disposed outside a chamber wall of the plasma processing chamber and pivoted relative to the chamber wall. The support plate may have a first thread. The mechanism may also include an adjustment screw having a second thread that engages the first thread. Turning the adjustment screw may cause translation of a portion of the support plate relative to the adjustment screw. The translation of the portion of the support plate may cause rotation of the support plate relative to the chamber wall, thereby rotating the electrode with respect to an axis that is orthogonal to the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Publication number: 20120291954
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting an orientation of an electrode in a plasma processing chamber is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber may be utilized to process at least a substrate, which may be inserted into the plasma processing chamber in an insertion direction. The mechanism may include a support plate disposed outside a chamber wall of the plasma processing chamber and pivoted relative to the chamber wall. The support plate may have a first thread. The mechanism may also include an adjustment screw having a second thread that engages the first thread. Turning the adjustment screw may cause translation of a portion of the support plate relative to the adjustment screw. The translation of the portion of the support plate may cause rotation of the support plate relative to the chamber wall, thereby rotating the electrode with respect to an axis that is orthogonal to the insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 8257548
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting an orientation of an electrode in a plasma processing chamber is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber may be utilized to process at least a substrate, which may be inserted into the plasma processing chamber in an insertion direction. The mechanism may include a support plate disposed outside a chamber wall of the plasma processing chamber and pivoted relative to the chamber wall. The support plate may have a first thread. The mechanism may also include an adjustment screw having a second thread that engages the first thread. Turning the adjustment screw may cause translation of a portion of the support plate relative to the adjustment screw. The translation of the portion of the support plate may cause rotation of the support plate relative to the chamber wall, thereby rotating the electrode with respect to an axis that is orthogonal to the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Publication number: 20090199766
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting an orientation of an electrode in a plasma processing chamber is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber may be utilized to process at least a substrate, which may be inserted into the plasma processing chamber in an insertion direction. The mechanism may include a support plate disposed outside a chamber wall of the plasma processing chamber and pivoted relative to the chamber wall. The support plate may have a first thread. The mechanism may also include an adjustment screw having a second thread that engages the first thread. Turning the adjustment screw may cause translation of a portion of the support plate relative to the adjustment screw. The translation of the portion of the support plate may cause rotation of the support plate relative to the chamber wall, thereby rotating the electrode with respect to an axis that is orthogonal to the insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: James E. Tappan