Patents by Inventor Michael E. Hess

Michael E. Hess 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: 20030030122
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Publication number: 20020194968
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices. The wafer saw may also be used to simultaneously sever and electrically isolate conductive traces that extend over adjacent semiconductor devices from connective lines therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6493934
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Publication number: 20020179681
    Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, Warren M. Farnworth, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 6459105
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6427676
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6427899
    Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, Warren M. Farnworth, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 6423616
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6419143
    Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, Warren M. Farnworth, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 6417685
    Abstract: A test system for testing semiconductor components includes an interconnect having contacts for making temporary electrical connections with terminal contacts on the components. The interconnect contacts can be configured to electrically engage planar terminal contacts (e.g., bond pads, test pads) or bumped terminal contacts (e.g., solder bumps, solder balls) on the components. The test system also includes an alignment member for aligning the components to the interconnect. Different embodiments of the alignment member include: a curable polymer material molded in place on the interconnect; an alignment opening formed as an etched pocket in a substrate of the interconnect; and a separate fence attached to the interconnect using an alignment fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Warren M. Farnworth, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Publication number: 20020082740
    Abstract: An inventive method in an integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing process for using data regarding repair procedures conducted on IC's at probe to determine whether any further repairs will be conducted later in the manufacturing process includes storing the data in association with a fuse ID of each of the IC's. The ID codes of the IC's are automatically read, for example, at an opens/shorts test during the manufacturing process. The data stored in association with the ID codes of the IC's is then accessed, and additional repair procedures the IC's may undergo are selected in accordance with the accessed data. Thus, for example, the accessed data may indicate that an IC is unrepairable, so the IC can proceed directly to a scrap bin without having to be queried to determine whether it is repairable, as is necessary in traditional IC manufacturing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Warren M. Farnworth, Derek J. Gochnour, David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, James M. Wark, Alan G. Wood
  • Patent number: 6401580
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6400174
    Abstract: A test system for testing semiconductor components includes an interconnect having contacts for making temporary electrical connections with terminal contacts on the components. The interconnect contacts can be configured to electrically engage planar terminal contacts (e.g., bond pads, test pads) or bumped terminal contacts (e.g., solder bumps, solder balls) on the components. The test system also includes an alignment member for aligning the components to the interconnect. Different embodiments of the alignment member include: a curable polymer material molded in place on the interconnect; an alignment opening formed as an etched pocket in a substrate of the interconnect; and a separate fence attached to the interconnect using an alignment fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Warren M. Farnworth, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6363295
    Abstract: An inventive method in an integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing process for using data regarding repair procedures conducted on IC's at probe to determine whether any further repairs will be conducted later in the manufacturing process includes storing the data in association with a fuse ID of each of the IC's. The ID codes of the IC's are automatically read, for example, at an opens/shorts test during the manufacturing process. The data stored in association with the ID codes of the IC's is then accessed, and additional repair procedures the IC's may undergo are selected in accordance with the accessed data. Thus, for example, the accessed data may indicate that an IC is unrepairable, so the IC can proceed directly to a scrap bin without having to be queried to determine whether it is repairable, as is necessary in traditional IC manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Warren M. Farnworth, Derek J. Gochnour, David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, James M. Wark, Alan G. Wood
  • Publication number: 20020017177
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Publication number: 20010048018
    Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, Warren M. Farnworth, Alan G. Wood
  • Publication number: 20010045446
    Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, Warren M. Farnworth, Alan G. Wood
  • Publication number: 20010039728
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6296171
    Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Michael E. Hess, John O. Jacobson, Warren M. Farnworth, Alan G. Wood
  • Publication number: 20010023973
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree