Patents by Inventor Rick Roberts

Rick Roberts 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: 7255747
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid during semiconductor substrate processing operations. The apparatus includes a first processing chamber, a second processing chamber, and a dispense arm assembly. The apparatus further includes a dispense arm access shutter positioned between the first and second processing chambers and moveable between an open and a closed position. The dispense arm assembly can travel from the first processing chamber to the second processing chamber when the dispense arm assembly is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sokudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts
  • Publication number: 20070042580
    Abstract: An integrated microelectronic circuit has a multi-layer interconnect structure overlying the transistors consisting of stacked metal pattern layers and insulating layers separating adjacent ones of said metal pattern layers. Each of the insulating layers is a dielectric material with plural gas bubbles distributed within the volume of the dielectric material to reduce the dielectric constant of the material, the gas bubbles being formed by ion implantation of a gaseous species into the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Amir Al-Bayati, Rick Roberts, Kenneth Collins, Ken MacWilliams, Hiroji Hanawa, Kartik Ramaswamy, Biagio Gallo, Andrew Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20060286300
    Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, substrates processed in the cluster tool have a more repeatable wafer history, and also the cluster tool has a smaller system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a substrate is coated with a photosensitive material, is then transferred to a stepper/scanner, which exposes the photosensitive material to some form of radiation to form a pattern in the photosensitive material, which is then removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts, Helen Armer, Leon Volfovski, Jay Pinson, Michael Rice, David Quach, Mohsen Salek, Robert Lowrance, William Weaver, Charles Carlson, Chongyang Wang, Jeffrey Hudgens, Harald Herchen, Brian Lue, John Backer
  • Publication number: 20060278165
    Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, substrates processed in the cluster tool have a more repeatable wafer history, and also the cluster tool has a smaller system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a substrate is coated with a photosensitive material, is then transferred to a stepper/scanner, which exposes the photosensitive material to some form of radiation to form a pattern in the photosensitive material, which is then removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts, Helen Armer, Leon Volfovski, Jay Pinson, Michael Rice, David Quach, Mohsen Salek, Robert Lowrance, John Backer, William Weaver, Charles Carlson, Chongyang Wang, Jeffrey Hudgens, Harald Herchen, Brian Lue
  • Publication number: 20060223233
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrates is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of stacked cell structures in the housing. An actuator is adapted to move the plurality of stacked cell structures inside of the housing while substrates in the stacked cell structures are being heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jun Zhao, David Quach, Timothy Weidman, Rick Roberts, Farhad Moghadam, Dan Maydan
  • Publication number: 20060134330
    Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, substrates processed in the cluster tool have a more repeatable wafer history, and also the cluster tool has a smaller system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a substrate is coated with a photosensitive material, is then transferred to a stepper/scanner, which exposes the photosensitive material to some form of radiation to form a pattern in the photosensitive material, which is then removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts, Helen Armer, Leon Volfovski, Jay Pinson, Michael Rice, David Quach, Mohsen Salek, Robert Lowrance, William Weaver, Charles Carlson, Chongyang Wang, Jeffrey Hudgens, Harald Herchen, Brian Lue, John Backer
  • Publication number: 20060134340
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid during semiconductor substrate processing operations. The apparatus includes a first processing chamber, a second processing chamber, and a dispense arm assembly. The apparatus further includes a dispense arm access shutter positioned between the first and second processing chambers and moveable between an open and a closed position. The dispense arm assembly can travel from the first processing chamber to the second processing chamber when the dispense arm assembly is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc. A Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts
  • Publication number: 20060130750
    Abstract: Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, substrates processed in the cluster tool have a more repeatable wafer history, and also the cluster tool has a smaller system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a substrate is coated with a photosensitive material, is then transferred to a stepper/scanner, which exposes the photosensitive material to some form of radiation to form a pattern in the photosensitive material, which is then removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts, Helen Armer, Leon Volfovski, Jay Pinson, Mike Rice, David Quach, Mohsen Salek, Robert Lowrance, John Backer, William Weaver, Charles Carlson, Chongyang Wang, Jeffrey Hudgens, Harald Herchen, Brian Lue
  • Publication number: 20060130747
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid during semiconductor substrate processing operations. The apparatus includes a central fluid dispense bank comprising a plurality of dispense nozzles coupled to a plurality of fluid sources and a first processing chamber positioned to a first side of the central fluid dispense bank. The apparatus also includes a second processing chamber positioned to a second side of the central fluid dispense bank and a dispense arm adapted to translate between the central fluid dispense bank, the first processing chamber, and the second processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Rick Roberts
  • Publication number: 20050288121
    Abstract: A golf swing improvement apparatus which is worn by a golfer and helps the golfer develop a repetitive and consistent golf swing that improves golf scores. The golf swing apparatus includes a generally U-shaped body with tabs extending from the arms and a strap to secure the apparatus to the golfer's arm. The apparatus helps the golfer feel the proper contact of his or her arm during the swing and the tabs help limit the golfer's swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Rick Roberts, Linda Roberts
  • Publication number: 20050191828
    Abstract: An integrated microelectronic circuit has a multi-layer interconnect structure overlying the transistors consisting of stacked metal pattern layers and insulating layers separating adjacent ones of said metal pattern layers. Each of the insulating layers is a dielectric material with plural gas bubbles distributed within the volume of the dielectric material to reduce the dielectric constant of the material, the gas bubbles being formed by ion implantation of a gaseous species into the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Amir Al-Bayati, Rick Roberts, Kenneth Collins, Ken MacWilliams, Hiroji Hanawa, Kartik Ramaswamy, Biagio Gallo, Andrew Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20050130404
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for fabricating a low-k dielectric film that included steps of: (a) chemical vapor depositing a lower-k dielectric film; and (b) e-beam treating the lower-k dielectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Farhad Moghadam, Jun Zhao, Timothy Weidman, Rick Roberts, Li-Qun Xia, Alexandros Demos
  • Patent number: 6843414
    Abstract: A smart fluid storage container assembly and methods of using the container assembly. The container assembly includes features that minimize the risk of degradation of any fluid or other material contained in the container, provide for monitoring of the conditions the fluid has and is being subjected to, and provide for storage of identifying information and other data with the container itself. The information accompanying the container can be used to identify the contents of the container and/or the proper storage and use of the material contained within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro R. Madrid, Rick Roberts, Hans-Ulrich Hahn, Jim Seagoe
  • Publication number: 20050005629
    Abstract: An anti-stratification-delivery system comprises a multi-zone-refrigeration unit having at least first and second zone temperature controllers, the first and second zone temperature controllers are capable of being set at different temperatures to establish a temperature gradient in a liquid, the temperature gradient being sufficient to cause natural-thermal convention within the liquid to stir a colloid suspended in the liquid to an approximately uniform-colloidal suspension; and a delivery system configured to dispense the approximately uniform-colloidal suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Zhao, Rick Roberts
  • Patent number: 6559071
    Abstract: A process for forming a nanoporous silica dielectric coating on a substrate. A substrate containing a deposited film is suspended within a sealable hotplate, while remaining free of contact with the hotplate. The hotplate is sealed and an inert gas is flowed across the substrate. The hotplate is heated to a temperature of from about 350° C. or higher, and the substrate is forced to contact the heated hotplate. The substrate is heated for a time that sufficiently removes outgassing remnants from the resultant nanoporous dielectric coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Ramos, Douglas M. Smith, James Drage, Rick Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020173168
    Abstract: A process for forming a nanoporous silica dielectric coating on a substrate. A substrate containing a deposited film is suspended within a sealable hotplate, while remaining free of contact with the hotplate. The hotplate is sealed and an inert gas is flowed across the substrate. The hotplate is heated to a temperature of from about 350° C. or higher, and the substrate is forced to contact the heated hotplate. The substrate is heated for a time that sufficiently removes outgassing remnants from the resultant nanoporous dielectric coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Teresa Ramos, Douglas M. Smith, James Drage, Rick Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020139840
    Abstract: A smart fluid storage container assembly and methods of using the container assembly. The container assembly includes features that minimize the risk of degradation of any fluid or other material contained in the container, provide for monitoring of the conditions the fluid has and is being subjected to, and provide for storage of identifying information and other data with the container itself. The information accompanying the container can be used to identify the contents of the container and/or the proper storage and use of the material contained within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro R. Madrid, Rick Roberts, Hans-Ulrich Hahn, Jim Seagoe
  • Patent number: 6372666
    Abstract: A process for forming a nanoporous silica dielectric coating on a substrate. A substrate containing a deposited film is suspended within a sealable hotplate, while remaining free of contact with the hotplate. The hotplate is sealed and an inert gas is flowed across the substrate. The hotplate is heated to a temperature of from about 350° C. or higher, and the substrate is forced to contact the heated hotplate. The substrate is heated for a time that sufficiently removes outgassing remnants from the resultant nanoporous dielectric coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Ramos, Douglas M. Smith, James Drage, Rick Roberts