Patents by Inventor Kuniaki Yamaguchi

Kuniaki Yamaguchi 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: 10183374
    Abstract: A buffing module for buffing a substrate is provided. The buffing module comprises a buff table for supporting the substrate, the buff table being rotatable; and a buff head to which a buff pad is attached, being rotatable and movable in a direction of approaching the buff table and a direction of moving away from the buff table. The buff pad includes a first part and a second part arranged so as to surround the first part on an outer side of the first part, the first part and the second part have different characteristics from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Toshio Mizuno, Itsuki Kobata
  • Patent number: 10131030
    Abstract: A buffing apparatus for buffing a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes: a buff table for holding the substrate, the buff table being rotatable; a buff head to which a buff pad for buffing the substrate is attachable, the buff head being rotatable and movable in a direction approaching the buff table and a direction away from the buff table, and an internal supply line for supplying process liquid for the buffing to the substrate being formed inside the buff head; and an external nozzle provided separately through the internal supply line in order to supply the process liquid to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Itsuki Kobata, Toshio Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20180169831
    Abstract: A polishing method of polishing a substrate while preventing coarse particles from being discharged onto a polishing pad is disclosed. In this polishing method, a substrate is brought into sliding contact with a polishing pad while a polishing liquid, which has passed through a filter, is supplied onto the polishing pad. The polishing method includes: passing the polishing liquid through the filter while increasing a physical quantity of the polishing liquid until the physical quantity reaches a predetermined set value, the physical quantity being one of flow rate and pressure of the polishing liquid; and polishing the substrate W on the polishing pad while supplying the polishing liquid that has passed through the filter onto the polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Hiromitsu WATANABE, Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Itsuki KOBATA, Yutaka WADA
  • Publication number: 20180001440
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided with a polishing part that polishes a substrate, a transporting part that transports a substrate before polishing to the polishing part, and a cleaning part that cleans the polished substrate. The cleaning part has a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit that are vertically arranged in two stages. The first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit each have a plurality of cleaning modules that are arranged in series. The transporting part has a slide stage that is disposed between the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit, and transports a substrate before polishing along an arrangement direction of the plurality of cleaning modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi AONO, Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Hiroshi SHIMOMOTO, Koji MAEDA, Tetsuya YASHIMA, Kenji SHINKAI, Koichi HASHIMOTO, Mitsuhiko INABA, Hidetatsu ISOKAWA, Hidetaka NAKAO, Soichi ISOBE
  • Publication number: 20170372893
    Abstract: The cleaning apparatus includes multiple kinds of cleaning modules each configured to perform a cleaning processing of a substrate, a first accommodating section configured to accommodate the multiple kinds of cleaning modules therein, and a fluid supply section configured to supply a fluid to the cleaning modules accommodated in the first accommodating section through a pipe. Each of the multiple kinds of cleaning modules includes a pipe connection portion having a common connection position to be connected with the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Koji Maeda, Hiroshi Shimomoto, Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Aono, Tetsuya Yashima, Hidetatsu Isokawa, Kenji Shinkai, Mitsuhiko Inaba, Koichi Hashimoto, Junji Kunisawa, Mitsuru Miyazaki, Fujihiko Toyomasu
  • Publication number: 20170252895
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a buff process module. The buff process module includes: a buff table on which a processing target object is mounted; a buff head that holds a buff pad for applying a predetermined process to the processing target object; a buff arm that supports and swings the buff head; a dresser for dressing the buff pad; and a cleaning mechanism that is disposed between the buff table and the dresser and is for cleaning the buff pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Itsuki KOBATA, Toshio MIZUNO, Mitsuru MIYAZAKI, Naoki TOYOMURA, Takuya INOUE
  • Publication number: 20170216991
    Abstract: The invention simulates polishing amount taking into account pressure concentration that occurs in the vicinity of the edge of a substrate when a small-diameter buffing pad overhangs the substrate to be buffed. One embodiment of the invention provides a method for simulating polishing amount in a case where a polishing pad of a smaller size than a substrate is used to buff the substrate. The method includes measuring distributions of pressure that is applied from the polishing pad to the substrate according to each overhang amount of the polishing pad relative to the substrate by using a pressure sensor, and correcting the pressure that is used in the polishing amount simulation in accordance with the overhang amounts and the measured pressure distributions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, ltsuki KOBATA, Toshio MIZUNO
  • Patent number: 9700988
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a buff process module. The buff process module includes: a buff table on which a processing target object is mounted; a buff head that holds a buff pad for applying a predetermined process to the processing target object; a buff arm that supports and swings the buff head; a dresser for dressing the buff pad; and a cleaning mechanism that is disposed between the buff table and the dresser and is for cleaning the buff pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Itsuki Kobata, Toshio Mizuno, Mitsuru Miyazaki, Naoki Toyomura, Takuya Inoue
  • Publication number: 20170066101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate processing system and a substrate processing method capable of cleaning a processing-liquid supply line. A substrate processing system includes: a substrate processing apparatus (1) configured to process a substrate W; and a flushing device for cleaning a distribution line (93) and a processing-liquid supply line (92). The flushing device includes: a cleaning-liquid supply line (99) coupled to the distribution line (93); a drain mechanism (101) configured to direct a cleaning liquid, supplied into the processing-liquid supply line (92) through the distribution line (93), to a liquid disposal area (100); a supply switching valve (104) configured to allow only the processing liquid or the cleaning liquid to flow in the distribution line (93); and an operation controller (30) configured to control operations of the drain mechanism (101) and the supply switching valve (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160101498
    Abstract: A buffing apparatus for buffing a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes: a buff table for holding the substrate, the buff table being rotatable; a buff head to which a buff pad for buffing the substrate is attachable, the buff head being rotatable and movable in a direction approaching the buff table and a direction away from the buff table, and an internal supply line for supplying process liquid for the buffing to the substrate being formed inside the buff head; and an external nozzle provided separately through the internal supply line in order to supply the process liquid to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Itsuki KOBATA, Toshio MIZUNO
  • Publication number: 20160099156
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus is provided. The polishing apparatus includes: a polishing unit configured to polish a substrate by bringing a polishing tool into contact with the substrate and moving the substrate relatively to the polishing tool; a cleaning unit; and a first transfer robot configured to transfer the substrate before polishing to the polishing unit and/or configured to transfer the substrate after polishing from the polishing unit to the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes: at least one cleaning module, a buff processing module configured to perform a buff process to the substrate, and a second transfer robot configured to transfer the substrate between the cleaning module and the buff processing module, the second transfer robot being different from the first robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Toshio MIZUNO, Itsuki KOBATA, Mitsuru MIYAZAKI, Naoki TOYOMURA, Takuya INOUE
  • Publication number: 20160074988
    Abstract: PROBLEM An upper treatment module performs polishing treatment by, while bringing a pad smaller in diameter than a wafer into contact with the wafer, relatively moving the wafer and the pad. MEANS FOR SOLVING The upper treatment module includes a state detecting section configured to detect states of a polishing treatment surface of the wafer before the polishing treatment or during the polishing treatment and a control section configured to control conditions of the polishing treatment in a portion of the surface of the wafer according to the states of the polishing treatment surface detected by the state detecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Toshio MIZUNO, Itsuki KOBATA
  • Publication number: 20160059380
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a buff process module. The buff process module includes: a buff table on which a processing target object is mounted; a buff head that holds a buff pad for applying a predetermined process to the processing target object; a buff arm that supports and swings the buff head; a dresser for dressing the buff pad; and a cleaning mechanism that is disposed between the buff table and the dresser and is for cleaning the buff pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Itsuki KOBATA, Toshio MIZUNO, Mitsuru MIYAZAKI, Naoki TOYOMURA, Takuya INOUE
  • Publication number: 20160059376
    Abstract: A buffing module for buffing a substrate is provided. The buffing module comprises a buff table for supporting the substrate, the buff table being rotatable; and a buff head to which a buff pad is attached, being rotatable and movable in a direction of approaching the buff table and a direction of moving away from the buff table. The buff pad includes a first part and a second part arranged so as to surround the first part on an outer side of the first part, the first part and the second part have different characteristics from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Toshio MIZUNO, Itsuki KOBATA
  • Patent number: 9156130
    Abstract: The method includes the steps of measuring a surface height of a polishing member 10 at each of plural oscillation sections Z1 to Z5 which are defined in advance on the polishing member 10 along an oscillation direction of a dresser 5; calculating a difference between a current profile obtained from measured values of the surface height and a target profile of the polishing member 10; and correcting moving speeds of the dresser 5 in the plural oscillation sections Z1 to Z5 so as to eliminate the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Shimano, Mutsumi Tanikawa, Hisanori Matsuo, Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Katsuhide Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9108292
    Abstract: The method includes: calculating an increment of a sliding distance of a dresser by multiplying a relative speed between the dresser and a polishing member by a contact time between them; correcting the increment of the sliding distance by multiplying the calculated increment of the sliding distance by at least one correction coefficient; calculating the sliding distance by repeatedly adding the corrected increment of the sliding distance to the sliding distance according to elapse of time; and producing the sliding-distance distribution of the dresser from the obtained sliding distance and a position of a sliding-distance calculation point. The at least one correction coefficient includes an unevenness correction coefficient provided for the sliding-distance calculation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Shimano, Mutsumi Tanikawa, Hisanori Matsuo, Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Katsuhide Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9067296
    Abstract: A polishing method for reducing an amount of polishing liquid used without lowering a polishing rate is provided. The polishing method comprises determining, in advance, the relationship between a supply flow rate of a polishing liquid and a polishing rate at the time the substrate is polished without controlling a surface temperature of the polishing pad, and the relationship between a supply flow rate of a polishing liquid and a polishing rate at the time the substrate is polished while controlling a surface temperature of the polishing pad at a predetermined level, and continuously supplying the polishing liquid to the surface of the polishing pad to achieve a higher polishing rate when the substrate is polished while controlling the surface temperature of the polishing pad at the predetermined level, than when the substrate is polished without controlling the surface temperature of the polishing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Ono, Yu Ishii, Hisanori Matsuo, Kuniaki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20150140907
    Abstract: A polishing method of polishing a substrate while preventing coarse particles from being discharged onto a polishing pad is disclosed. In this polishing method, a substrate is brought into sliding contact with a polishing pad while a polishing liquid, which has passed through a filter, is supplied onto the polishing pad. The polishing method includes: passing the polishing liquid through the filter while increasing a physical quantity of the polishing liquid until the physical quantity reaches a predetermined set value, the physical quantity being one of flow rate and pressure of the polishing liquid; and polishing the substrate W on the polishing pad while supplying the polishing liquid that has passed through the filter onto the polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Hiromitsu WATANABE, Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Itsuki KOBATA, Yutaka WADA
  • Publication number: 20140342642
    Abstract: The method includes: calculating an increment of a sliding distance of a dresser by multiplying a relative speed between the dresser and a polishing member by a contact time between them; correcting the increment of the sliding distance by multiplying the calculated increment of the sliding distance by at least one correction coefficient; calculating the sliding distance by repeatedly adding the corrected increment of the sliding distance to the sliding distance according to elapse of time; and producing the sliding-distance distribution of the dresser from the obtained sliding distance and a position of a sliding-distance calculation point. The at least one correction coefficient includes an unevenness correction coefficient provided for the sliding-distance calculation point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Takahiro SHIMANO, Mutsumi TANIKAWA, Hisanori MATSUO, Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI, Katsuhide WATANABE
  • Patent number: D795315
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuru Miyazaki, Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Naoki Toyomura, Takuya Inoue