Abstract: Described are wound-pleated filters and methods of preparing and using these filters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular filtration cassettes for filtering liquids including, for example, liquids used in semiconductor manufacturing. A filter housing may define a filter cavity comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The filter may further comprise a filter element disposed in the filter cavity. The filter element may at least partially overlap the filter inlet on a first side of the filter element. The filter element may comprise a rectangular pleated filter with a set of pleats having a first set of pleat tips on an upstream side of the filter element and a second set of pleat tips on a downstream side of the pleated filter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular purification systems using removable purifier cassettes for purifying liquids including, for example, liquids used in semiconductor manufacturing. A purification system may include a removable purifier cassette having a purifier inlet port and a purifier outlet port, and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly can include a plurality of connection systems to that provide manifold ports to provide fluid to/from the cassette. In some embodiments, the connection systems may use connection nuts that can provide 360 degrees of thread engagement with less than 360 degrees of rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular purification systems using removable purifier cassettes for purifying liquids including, for example, liquids used in semiconductor manufacturing. A purification system may include a removable purifier cassette having a purifier inlet port and a purifier outlet port, and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly can include a plurality of connection systems to that provide manifold ports to provide fluid to/from the cassette. In some embodiments, the connection systems may use connection nuts that can provide 360 degrees of thread engagement with less than 360 degrees of rotation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to connection systems for fluid connections. Even more particularly, some embodiments relate to fluid connections for use with semiconductor manufacturing fluids. The connection system uses a connection nut (110) that seals fluid fittings (112, 114) with less than 360 degrees of rotation of the connection nut by making use of multi-start threads in the nut (110). According to one embodiment, the connection nut creates at least 360 degrees of threaded engagement with less than 360 degrees of rotation. Embodiments further provide connection systems that can seal multiple ports simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus and a control system for monitoring (preferably digitally) and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a proportional fluid control valve and using a measurement input from a fluid measurement device that responds to a flow rate, the liquid measurement input being used to control the pressure to the pneumatic load so that pneumatic load may be increased or decreased (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to change the flow rate of the fluid to a desired rate. The pneumatic load can also be adjusted (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to accommodate changes in temperature and viscosity of a fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular filtration cassettes for filtering liquids including, for example, liquids used in semiconductor manufacturing. A filter housing may define a filter cavity comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The filter may further comprise a filter element disposed in the filter cavity. The filter element may at least partially overlap the filter inlet on a first side of the filter element. The filter element may comprise a rectangular pleated filter with a set of pleats having a first set of pleat tips on an upstream side of the filter element and a second set of pleat tips on a downstream side of the pleated filter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular filtration systems using removable filter cassettes for filtering liquids including, for example, liquids used in semiconductor manufacturing. A filtration system may include a removable filter cassette having a filter inlet port and a filter outlet port, a filter cassette holder configured to receive and retain the filter cassette, and a main assembly. The main assembly can further comprise a filter inlet interface port configured to receive the filter inlet port, and a filter outlet interface port configured to receive the filter outlet port and can define flow paths to direct flow to and from the filter cassette. The filter cassette holder may be movably coupled to the main assembly such that the filter cassette is movable relative to the main assembly from an unmated position to a mated position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to purification cassettes that have reinforcing features. One embodiment relates to a purification cassette with tensions members. A purification system may include a removable cassette defining a media cavity. A set of tension members may span between a first sidewall and second sidewall. The set of tension members can divide the media cavity into a plurality of lanes.

Abstract: A proportional fluid control valve with improved linearity and reduced hysteresis is disclosed. The valve allows for smooth, gentle flow of fluid in a substantially linear fashion, with minimal turns. Preferably the valve is pneumatically actuated. Where temperature is not an issue, the valve can be actuated by any suitable means, including stepper motors, linear motors, voice coils or other force actuators. A versatile molded valve body that requires fewer parts compared to a machined valve is disclosed. In one embodiment, the molded valve body is designed specifically for flow control and contains two sensor housings with carefully positioned flow paths to optimize the use of space. The sensor housing or housings can be separately formed as inserts, allowing installation in various orientations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present, invention provide a system and method for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining a home position to reduce hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: Apparatus and a control system for monitoring (preferably digitally) and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a proportional fluid control valve and using a measurement input from a fluid measurement device that responds to a flow rate, the liquid measurement input being used to control the pressure to the pneumatic load so that pneumatic load may be increased or decreased (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to change the flow rate of the fluid to a desired rate. The pneumatic load can also be adjusted (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to accommodate changes in temperature and viscosity of a fluid.

Abstract: Fluid control apparatus including a proportional flow valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a pneumatic proportional control valve in communication with the proportional flow valve for modulating the proportional flow valve; a frictional flow element having a frictional flow element fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the proportional flow valve and having a frictional flow element fluid outlet spaced from the frictional flow element fluid inlet, an upstream pressure sensor; a downstream pressure sensor; and a controller in communication with the upstream pressure sensor, the downstream pressure sensor and the pneumatic proportional control valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of controlling fluid dispense to ensure clean break off of fluid at the end of a dispense process and to reduce crystallization of fluid in the dispense nozzle. One embodiment of the present invention can include a controller that can, generate a flow control signal to cause a control valve to close according to a first close rate parameter for a first segment of the close range and to generate the flow control signal to cause the control valve to close according to a second close rate parameter for a second segment of the close range.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media player having one-touch capability are disclosed. This capability reduces the complexity of MP3 players such that a one-year-old could use and enjoy the device, yet be desirable to users of any age. Also disclosed are the means to manufacture, sell, and provide various levels of user customization for the media player. Other embodiments provide an MP3-style device with the potential for use in a wide range of additional applications.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device that comprises an inlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, a pressure sensor, which may or may not be the only pressure sensor of the fluid control device, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller can be configured to generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a single pressure sensor.