Patents by Inventor Matthew Fuller

Matthew Fuller 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: 20240096671
    Abstract: Described are substrate containers that are useful for holding or transporting substrates such as semiconductor wafers and microelectronic devices, in a clean environment, as well as methods of using the substrate containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Gary Gallagher, Thomas Martin Adrian
  • Patent number: 11901205
    Abstract: Purge diffusers for use in systems for transporting substrates include: i) a purge diffuser core having an internal purge gas channel, one or more diffuser ports and an outer surface; ii) filter media secured to the outer surface of the purge diffuser core; and iii) a purge port connector for mounting the purge diffuser to a purge port of a substrate container for transporting substrates. The purge diffuser core may be a unitary article, may be formed by injection molding, and may include diverters internal to the internal purge gas channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark V. Smith, Nicholas Thelen, Matthew A. Fuller, Michael C. Zabka, Sung In Moon, John P. Puglia
  • Patent number: 11869787
    Abstract: A substrate container includes a container portion having an open side or bottom, and a door to sealingly close the open side or bottom, one of the door and the container portion defining access structure. The substrate container additionally includes a check-valve assembly, the check-valve assembly being retained with respect to the access structure to provide fluid communication with an interior of the substrate container. The check-valve assembly includes a grommet, the grommet being formed of an elastomeric material. A valve seat is disposed within the grommet, the valve seat being integrally formed with the grommet according to one aspect, and being formed of a separate piece according to another aspect. An elastomeric valve member, specifically an elastomeric umbrella valve member according to one aspect, is disposed within the grommet and held to engage the valve seat, thereby restricting fluid flow through the check-valve assembly with respect to the interior of the substrate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A Fuller, Mark V. Smith, Jeffery J. King, John Burns
  • Publication number: 20230411191
    Abstract: A container includes a deflector, disposed in an interior of a substrate container, having a longitudinal opening and a deflection surface and a gas distributor configured to provide a purging gas to purge an interior of a substrate container. The gas distributor is configured such that at least a portion of the purging gas flows into a gap formed between the gas distributor and the deflector. The deflector is configured such that at least a portion of the purging gas in the gap flows through the longitudinal opening. The deflector directs a gas flow pattern of the purging gas from the gas distributor to an outlet of the substrate container to improve purging efficacy of the substrate container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Aleksandr A. Yakuba, Mark V. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230411192
    Abstract: A filter module includes an interface body and a filter retention body. A filter can be disposed between the filter retention body and a filter retainer joined to the filter retention body. The filter retention body can further include a valve. The filter retainer can be joined to the filter retention body by a snap fit, a press-fit, or a weld. The filter retainer can include stand-offs configured to contact the filter such that the filter is held away from the filter grill. The filter module can be used for providing purge in a wafer container such as a front opening unified pod (FOUP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Colton J. Harr
  • Publication number: 20230377923
    Abstract: An article includes a substrate container for holding one or more substrates or reticles. The substrate container has a housing including one or more sidewalls, a closed end, an open end, and an interior space defined by the one or more side walls and the closed end. The container further has a door configured to close the open end of the housing. The door includes a door body having a seal coupling portion. The door body is formed of a door body polymer. The door further includes a seal member integrally formed with the seal coupling portion of the door body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: William J. Shaner, Matthew A. Fuller, Michael C. Zabka, Alissa Wild
  • Publication number: 20230377925
    Abstract: A substrate container includes a shell defining an interior space and a purge flow distribution system. The shell includes a front opening, a bottom wall, and a rear wall. The purge flow distribution system receives a stream of purge gas and includes an inlet and a network of separate gas distributing devices configured to distribute the stream of purge gas into the interior space. A supply line is also included that is connected to the inlet and configured to divide the supply of purge gas to the network of separate gas distributing devices. A method of purging an open substrate container includes supplying a stream of purge gas to an inlet of a purge flow distribution system and dividing the purge gas to supply a network of separate gas distributing devices to distribute the stream of purge gas into the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Mark V. Smith, Thomas H. Wilkie, Colton J. Harr, Matthew A. Fuller, Shawn D. Eggum, Michael C. Zabka
  • Publication number: 20230369087
    Abstract: Described are substrate containers that include an opening, a door to close the opening, and a gasket to seal the opening with the door placed over the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Aaron Vestal, Matthew A. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20230307275
    Abstract: A purge port assembly for a wafer container includes a purge module configured to allow inlet flow of purge gas and a transition portion disposed over an intermediate outlet of the purge module. The transition portion includes a receiver configured to receive the purge gas discharged from the purge module, an outlet connector configured to attach with a diffuser, and an intermediate conduit. The intermediate conduit connects the receiver to the outlet connector and extends from the receiver at an acute angle relative to an axis of the inlet opening of the receiver. The intermediate conduit has a length that spaces apart the outlet connector from the receiver. A wafer container includes a shell and a purge port assembly. The shell includes an interior space. The purge port assembly extends through an opening in the shell into the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Wei Sheng Hsu, Kobold Yang, Colton J. Harr
  • Publication number: 20230248747
    Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions including cannabinoids and omega fatty acids and methods of using those compositions including, for example, to treat or prevent inflammation, as an immunosuppressant, and/or as an anti-cancer therapeutic. In some aspects, the cannabinoid is chosen from i) CBC, CBCA, CBD, CBDA, CBDV, CBDVA, CBG, CBGA, CBL, CBLA, CBN, CBNA, THCV, THCVA, and any combination thereof, and ii) an approximately 1:1 equimolar mixture of CBD:CBDA. In some aspects, the omega fatty acid is chosen from an omega-3 fatty acid (such as ALA, DHA, or EPA), an omega-7 fatty acid, or an omega-9 fatty acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Elliot Altman, Matthew Fuller, Gheda Alsaif, Shannon Antoine Smith, Karen Maynard, Anthony Farone
  • Publication number: 20230245908
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a substrate container having at least two purge modules. Each purge module of the at least two purge modules includes a flow control device. The flow control device of each purge module is configured to be actuated for egress of a purge fluid. A method of actuating flow control devices of purge modules of a substrate container is provided. The method includes starting a purge process of the substrate container; streaming a purge fluid into an interior of the substrate container, the substrate container having at least two purge modules, each purge module of the at least two purge modules including a flow control device, the flow control device of each purge module being configured to be actuated for egress of the purge fluid; and actuating the flow control device for egress of the purge fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Mark V. Smith, Colton J. Harr
  • Publication number: 20230197490
    Abstract: Purge diffusers for use in systems for transporting substrates include: i) a purge diffuser core having an internal purge gas channel, one or more diffuser ports and an outer surface; ii) filter media secured to the outer surface of the purge diffuser core; and iii) a purge port connector for mounting the purge diffuser to a purge port of a substrate container for transporting substrates. The purge diffuser core may be a unitary article, may be formed by injection molding, and may include diverters internal to the internal purge gas channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Mark V. Smith, Nicholas Thelen, Matthew A. Fuller, Michael C. Zabka, Sung In Moon, John P. Puglia
  • Publication number: 20230197489
    Abstract: Methods of installing a purge fluid conditioning element into an interior space of a semiconductor substrate carrying container are described. The purge fluid conditioning element is installed from outside the semiconductor substrate carrying container through a port formed in one of the walls of the container, where the port is sized to permit the purge fluid conditioning element to be inserted into the interior space of the container by installing the purge fluid conditioning element through the port. The wall may be a bottom wall of the container or another wall of the container. The described methods eliminate the need to install the purge fluid conditioning element from the inside of the container which can cause human contamination of the interior environment of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Shawn D. Eggum, Mark V. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230128154
    Abstract: A substrate container includes a shell defining an interior space and a purge flow distribution system. The shell includes a front opening, a bottom wall, and a rear wall. The purge flow distribution system receives a stream of purge gas and includes an inlet and a network of separate gas distributing devices configured to distribute the stream of purge gas into the interior space. A supply line is also included that is connected to the inlet and configured to divide the supply of purge gas to the network of separate gas distributing devices. A method of purging an open substrate container includes supplying a stream of purge gas to an inlet of a purge flow distribution system and dividing the purge gas to supply a network of separate gas distributing devices to distribute the stream of purge gas into the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Mark V. Smith, Thomas H. Wilkie, Colton J. Harr, Matthew A. Fuller, Shawn D. Eggum, Michael C. Zabka
  • Publication number: 20230131451
    Abstract: Substrate containers include purge flow distribution systems. The purge flow distribution systems can divide one or more input flows of purge gas to a plurality of gas distribution surfaces of a network of gas distribution devices. Methods of controlling purge can include configuring the substrate containers to provide determined purge gas flow rates at each of the gas distribution surfaces. The configuration can be performed using flow controls of the purge flow distribution systems. The purge gas flow rates can be determined based on purge performance parameters. A controller can direct the operation of the purge flow distribution systems. The controller and the substrate container can be combined in a substrate container purging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fuller, Mark V. Smith, Shawn D. Eggum, Thomas H. Wilkie, Colton J. Harr, Michael C. Zabka
  • Patent number: 11610795
    Abstract: Purge diffusers for use in systems for transporting substrates include: i) a purge diffuser core having an internal purge gas channel, one or more diffuser ports and an outer surface; ii) filter media secured to the outer surface of the purge diffuser core; and iii) a purge port connector for mounting the purge diffuser to a purge port of a substrate container for transporting substrates. The purge diffuser core may be a unitary article, may be formed by injection molding, and may include diverters internal to the internal purge gas channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark V. Smith, Nicholas Thelen, Matthew A. Fuller, Michael C. Zabka, Sung In Moon, John P. Puglia
  • Patent number: 11587810
    Abstract: Wafer cushions for use in wafer carriers include spring beams that include a first arm extending from the frame of the wafer cushion in a first direction and a second arm extending from the first arm in a second direction, and a wafer contact at the end of the second arm opposite where the second arm is joined to the first arm. The wafer cushion may contact a substrate within the wafer carrier only at the wafer contacts during normal conditions. The substrate may also contact secondary contact points on the second arm when a shock event occurs. The wafer contact can be v-groove style wafer contact. The wafer contact may include a contact surface having a convex surface where it is configured to contact the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Colton J. Harr, Matthew A. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20230015268
    Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions including cannabinoids and omega fatty acids and methods of using those compositions including, for example, to treat or prevent inflammation, as an immunosuppressant, and/or as an anti-cancer therapeutic. In some aspects, the cannabinoid is chosen from i) CBC, CBCA, CBD, CBDA, CBDV, CBDVA, CBG, CBGA, CBL, CBLA, CBN, CBNA, THCV, THCVA, and any combination thereof, and ii) an approximately 1:1 equimolar mixture of CBD:CBDA. In some aspects, the omega fatty acid is chosen from an omega-3 fatty acid (such as ALA, DHA, or EPA), an omega-7 fatty acid, or an omega-9 fatty acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Elliot Altman, Matthew Fuller, Gheda Alsaif, Shannon Smith, Karen Maynard, Anthony Farone
  • Patent number: 11551957
    Abstract: A substrate container including a plate, a shell, a connector, and a seal, where the connector is threaded and secured via a nut, and the seal contacts each of the shell, plate, and connector. The plate has a recess accommodating an end of the connector and the nut. Field-serviceable, removable purge modules including check valves may be used with the substrate container, and may be secured to the substrate container in the recess in the plate. Filters may be secured to the connector or included in the purge modules. These filters may have diameters larger than an internal diameter of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn D. Eggum, Mark V. Smith, Matthew A. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20220406637
    Abstract: Gaskets for wafer containers include a seal body and a retention projection. The retention projection includes a retention segment extending from the seal body, a compression relief segment extending from the retention segment, and a bead disposed at an end of the compression relief segment. The compression relief segment has a cross-sectional width less than a cross-sectional width of the retention segment. The bead has a shape including portion having a width greater than a cross-sectional width of the gland at a corresponding depth in the gland. The gasket can be provided in a wafer container or a door of the wafer container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Aaron Vestal, Matthew A. Fuller, Christopher Strickhouser