Patents by Inventor Michael L. Bufano

Michael L. Bufano 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: 20110008136
    Abstract: A load port including a frame defining a load port opening, a substrate carrier interface connected to the frame and configured to removably couple with a substrate carrier shell, a load port door configured to interface with a substrate carrier door, the load port door being movably coupled to frame and having a first position substantially blocking the load port opening, and a second position where the load port opening is substantially unblocked by the load port door, and a door coupling member without moving parts, located on the load port door configured to releasably couple with a corresponding member without moving parts on the substrate carrier door, wherein activation of the door coupling member effects coupling between the load port door and substrate carrier door and a passive release of the substrate carrier door from the substrate carrier shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bufano, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight, Christopher Hofmeister, Daniel Babbs, Robert C. May
  • Patent number: 7806643
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier at the load port interface. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a fast swap section for replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Friedman, Michael L. Bufano, Christopher Hofmeister, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight
  • Patent number: 7798758
    Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece processing system having at least one processing apparatus for processing workpieces, a primary transport system, a secondary transport system and one or more interfaces between first transport system and second transport system. The primary and secondary transport systems each have one or more sections of substantially constant velocity and in queue sections communicating with the constant velocity sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bufano, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight, Christopher Hofmeister, Daniel Babbs, Robert C. May
  • Publication number: 20100158643
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier at the load port interface. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a fast swap section for replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Friedman, Michael L. Bufano, Christopher Hofmeister, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight
  • Publication number: 20100147181
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment a substrate transport system is provided. The system has a guideway and at least one transport vehicle. The transport vehicle is adapted for holding at least one substrate and capable of being supported from and moving along the guideway. The guideway comprises at least one travel lane for the vehicle and at least one access lane offset from the travel lane allowing the vehicle selectable access on and off the travel lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bufano, Gerald M. Friedman, Christopher Hofmeister, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight
  • Publication number: 20100054897
    Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece processing system having at least one processing apparatus for processing workpieces, a primary transport system, a secondary transport system and one or more interfaces between first transport system and second transport system. The primary and secondary transport systems each have one or more sections of substantially constant velocity and in queue sections communicating with the constant velocity sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Brooks Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bufano, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight, Christopher Hofmeister, Daniel Babbs, Robert C. May
  • Publication number: 20090289204
    Abstract: An electron beam emitter includes an electron generator for generating electrons. The electron generator can have a housing containing at least one electron source for generating the electrons. The at least one electron source has a width. The electron generator housing can have an electron permeable region spaced from the at least one electron source for allowing extraction of the electrons from the electron generator housing. The electron permeable region can include a series of narrow elongate slots and ribs formed in the electron generator housing and extending laterally beyond the width of the at least one electron source. The electron permeable region can be configured and positioned relative to the at least one electron source for laterally spreading the electrons that are generated by the at least one electron source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Raymond Walther, Michael L. Bufano, Gerald M. Friedman
  • Publication number: 20080107507
    Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece processing system having at least one processing apparatus for processing workpieces, a primary transport system, a secondary transport system and one or more interfaces between first transport system and second transport system. The primary and secondary transport systems each have one or more sections of substantially constant velocity and in queue sections communicating with the constant velocity sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Michael L. Bufano, Ulysses Gilchrist, William Fosnight, Chrstopher Hofmeister, Daniel Babbs, Robert C. May