Patents by Inventor Robert Vopat

Robert Vopat 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: 9696097
    Abstract: Embodiments of multi-substrate thermal management apparatus are provided herein. In some embodiments, a multi-substrate thermal management apparatus includes a plurality of plates vertically arranged above one another; a plurality of channels extending through each of the plurality of plates; a supply manifold including a supply channel coupled to the plurality of plates at first locations; and a return manifold including a return channel coupled to the plurality of plates via a plurality of legs at second locations, wherein the supply and return channels are fluidly coupled to the plurality of channels to flow a heat transfer fluid through the plurality of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kallol Bera, Kim Vellore, Andrew Constant, Jacob Newman, Jeffrey Blahnik, Jason Schaller, William Weaver, Robert Vopat, Benjamin Riordon
  • Publication number: 20160033205
    Abstract: Embodiments of multi-substrate thermal management apparatus are provided herein. In some embodiments, a multi-substrate thermal management apparatus includes a plurality of plates vertically arranged above one another; a plurality of channels extending through each of the plurality of plates; a supply manifold including a supply channel coupled to the plurality of plates at first locations; and a return manifold including a return channel coupled to the plurality of plates via a plurality of legs at second locations, wherein the supply and return channels are fluidly coupled to the plurality of channels to flow a heat transfer fluid through the plurality of plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: KALLOL BERA, KIM VELLORE, ANDREW CONSTANT, JACOB NEWMAN, JEFFREY BLAHNIK, JASON SCHALLER, WILLIAM WEAVER, ROBERT VOPAT, BENJAMIN RIORDON
  • Patent number: 8920103
    Abstract: A rotary end effector for use for the high speed handling of workpieces, such as solar cells, is disclosed. The rotary end effector is capable of infinite rotation. The rotary end effector has a gripper bracket, capable of supporting a plurality of grippers, arranged in any configuration, such as a 4×1 linear array. Each gripper is in communication with a suction system, wherein, in some embodiments, each gripper can be selectively enabled and disabled. Provisions are also made to allow electrical components, such as proximity sensors, to be mounted on the rotating gripper bracket. In another embodiment, an end effector with multiple surfaces, each with a plurality of grippers, is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Schaller, Robert Vopat
  • Publication number: 20130302126
    Abstract: A rotary end effector for use for the high speed handling of workpieces, such as solar cells, is disclosed. The rotary end effector is capable of infinite rotation. The rotary end effector has a gripper bracket, capable of supporting a plurality of grippers, arranged in any configuration, such as a 4×1 linear array. Each gripper is in communication with a suction system, wherein, in some embodiments, each gripper can be selectively enabled and disabled. Provisions are also made to allow electrical components, such as proximity sensors, to be mounted on the rotating gripper bracket. In another embodiment, an end effector with multiple surfaces, each with a plurality of grippers, is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Schaller, Robert Vopat
  • Publication number: 20130108406
    Abstract: A system and method for receiving unprocessed workpieces, moving them, orienting them and placing them in a load lock, or other end point is disclosed. The system includes a gantry module for moving workpieces from a conveyor system to a swap module. The swap module is used to remove a carrier or matrix of processed workpieces from a load lock and place a carrier of matrix of unprocessed workpieces in its place. The processed workpieces are then moved by the gantry module back to the conveyor. The gantry module may have X, Y, Z and rotational actuators and include an end effector having multiple grippers. A method of aligning a plurality of workpieces on the end effector so that the plurality can be transported at the same time is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Schaller, Robert Vopat, Charles T. Carlson, Malcolm N. Daniel, JR., Aaron Webb, William T. Weaver