Patents by Inventor Shaun W. Crawford

Shaun W. Crawford 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: 20240077890
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and system used to collect waste fluids. A system controller is disclosed to control the operation of at least a portion of the system. The controller has a CPU. The fabrication facility includes a first processing system having fluid dispensed therein for processing a material on a part. A first drain is configured to collect the processing fluid as waste fluid after processing the part. The fabrication facility also includes a waste collection system fluidly coupled to the system drain. The waste collection system has two or more valves configured to couple the system drain and two or more facility drains. Each facility drain is uniquely coupled to one of the two or more valves. The CPU is configured to operate the valves between an open and a closed state in response to the fluid entering the system drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Maxime CAYER, John L. KOENIG, Tony H. TONG, Shaun W. CRAWFORD, James L'HEUREUX, Andreas NEUBER, Ching-Hong HSIEH
  • Patent number: 10452039
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling manufacturing equipment are provided herein. In some embodiments, a manufacturing system may include an integrated controller having one or more inputs to receive input values corresponding to operating information of at least one of a process tool, a mass flow controller or at least one sub-fab auxiliary system, wherein the integrated controller is configured to receive the input values, determine that an error condition is matched based on the received input values, and control the at least one sub-fab auxiliary system to operate at a fail-safe operating mode responsive to the determined error condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel O. Clark, Youssef A. Loldj, Shaun W. Crawford, Maxime Cayer, Tony H. Tong, Eric Rieske
  • Publication number: 20170329293
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling manufacturing equipment are provided herein. In some embodiments, a manufacturing system may include an integrated controller having one or more inputs to receive input values corresponding to operating information of at least one of a process tool, a mass flow controller or at least one sub-fab auxiliary system, wherein the integrated controller is configured to receive the input values, determine that an error condition is matched based on the received input values, and control the at least one sub-fab auxiliary system to operate at a fail-safe operating mode responsive to the determined error condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: DANIEL O. CLARK, YOUSSEF A. LOLDJ, SHAUN W. CRAWFORD, MAXIME CAYER, TONY H. TONG, ERIC RIESKE
  • Patent number: 9740182
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling manufacturing equipment are provided herein. In some embodiments, a manufacturing system may include an integrated controller having one or more inputs to receive input values corresponding to operating information of at least one of a process tool, a mass flow controller or at least one sub-fab auxiliary system, wherein the integrated controller is configured to receive the input values, determine that an error condition is matched based on the received input values, and control the at least one sub-fab auxiliary system to operate at a fail-safe operating mode responsive to the determined error condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel O. Clark, Youssef A. Loldj, Shaun W. Crawford, Maxime Cayer, Tony H. Tong, Eric Rieske
  • Patent number: 8668868
    Abstract: A method for abating effluent from an electronic device manufacturing process is provided, including abating the effluent in a thermal abatement tool to form abated effluent; determining whether the abated effluent contains one or more chemical species of interest; and changing one or more operating parameters of the thermal abatement tool based upon the determination. Numerous other embodiments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Youssef A. Loldj, Robbert M. Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20130331973
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling manufacturing equipment are provided herein. In some embodiments, a manufacturing system may include an integrated controller having one or more inputs to receive input values corresponding to operating information of at least one of a process tool, a mass flow controller or at least one sub-fab auxiliary system, wherein the integrated controller is configured to receive the input values, determine that an error condition is matched based on the received input values, and control the at least one sub-fab auxiliary system to operate at a fail-safe operating mode responsive to the determined error condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: DANIEL O. CLARK, YOUSSEF A. LOLDJ, SHAUN W. CRAWFORD, MAXIME CAYER, TONY H. TONG, ERIC RIESKE
  • Patent number: 8095240
    Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus for use with a flame heated thermal abatement reactor is provided, including a flame sensor adapted to sense a flame within the thermal abatement reactor; and a shutter adapted to selectively block the transmission of radiation from the flame to the flame sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Youssef A. Loldj, Robbert M. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 8003067
    Abstract: An abatement system is provided which includes 1) an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent; and 2) an ambient air supply system. The ambient air supply system includes an air moving device, wherein the ambient air supply system is adapted to supply ambient air to the abatement unit for use as an oxidant. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Curry, Barry Page, Shaun W. Crawford, Robbert Vermeulen, William D. Pyzel, Youssef Loldj, Rene T. Correa, Daniel S. Brown, Allen Fox
  • Patent number: 7985379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion and decomposition of gaseous pollutants while reducing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems include a novel thermal reaction chamber design having stacked reticulated ceramic rings through which fluid, e.g., gases, may be directed to form a boundary layer along the interior wall of the thermal reaction chamber, thereby reducing particulate matter buildup thereon. The systems further include the introduction of fluids from the center pilot jet to alter the aerodynamics of the interior of the thermal reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Leonard B. Todd, Robbert Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 7736600
    Abstract: A thermal reactor for use during the abatement of a semiconductor manufacturing process is provided, including a thermal reaction unit having: an interior porous wall that defines a central chamber, the interior porous wall formed from a plurality of stacked porous sections; at least one gas inlet in fluid communication with the central chamber and adapted to introduce gaseous waste stream to the central chamber; a thermal mechanism positioned within the central chamber and adapted to decompose the gaseous waste stream within the central chamber, thereby forming reaction products; and a fluid delivery system adapted to provide a fluid to the central chamber through the interior porous wall at a sufficient force to reduce deposition of reaction products on an inner surface of the interior porous wall of the central chamber; wherein at least one of the porous sections has one or more of: a property that varies within the porous section; and a property that differs from a property of at least one other porous se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel O. Clark, Sebastien Raoux, Robbert M. Vermeulen, Shaun W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7736599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion and decomposition of gaseous pollutants while reducing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems include a novel thermal reaction chamber design having stacked reticulated ceramic rings through which fluid, e.g., gases, may be directed to form a boundary layer along the interior wall of the thermal reaction chamber, thereby reducing particulate matter buildup thereon. The systems further include the introduction of fluids from the center pilot jet to alter the aerodynamics of the interior of the thermal reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Leonard B. Todd, Robbert Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20100143222
    Abstract: Exhaust condensate removal apparatuses for abatement systems and methods of removing exhaust condensate from abatement systems are described. An exhaust condensate removal apparatus includes a cabinet exhaust and a process gas exhaust, the process exhaust openly cross-exchanged with the cabinet exhaust. Another exhaust condensate removal apparatus includes a cabinet exhaust and a process gas exhaust, the process exhaust closedly cross-exchanged with the cabinet exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Phil Chandler, Shaun W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7700049
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for use in removing pollutants from a gas stream. The apparatus includes a thermal reaction unit formed from a plurality of stacked porous ceramic rings. At least one of the stacked ceramic sections may be adapted to allow sensing of a characteristic of contents of the central chamber. In some embodiments, waste gas inlets to the thermal reaction unit may be angled to create a helical vortex within the thermal reaction unit. Other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel O. Clark, Sebastien Raoux, Robert M. Vermeulen, Shaun W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7682574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal reactor apparatus used to treat industrial effluent fluids, for example waste effluent produced in semiconductor and liquid crystal display manufacturing processes. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved monitoring and control features for the thermal reactor apparatus, including a flame sensing device, an intrinsically safe flammable gas sensing device, and a sequential mode of operation having built-in safety redundancy. The improved monitoring and control features ensure the safe and efficient abatement of waste effluent within the thermal reactor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Youssef A. Loldj, Robbert Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20090222128
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficiently operating an electronic device manufacturing system are provided. In one aspect, an electronic device manufacturing system is provided, including: a process tool; a process tool controller linked to the process tool, wherein the process tool controller is adapted to control the process tool; a first sub-fab auxiliary system linked to the process tool controller; wherein the first sub-fab auxiliary system is adapted to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode; and wherein the process tool controller is adapted to cause the first sub-fab auxiliary system to change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel O. Clark, Phil Chandler, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Youssef A. Loldj, Maxime Cayer
  • Publication number: 20090214991
    Abstract: An abatement apparatus for introducing fuel into an electronic device manufacturing effluent abatement tool, including: a manifold; a fuel source adapted to supply fuel to the manifold through a fuel conduit; and a plurality of nozzles adapted to receive fuel from the manifold; wherein the manifold is adapted to supply fuel to the nozzles at a fuel velocity greater than a flame velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel O. Clark, Allen G. Fox, Robbert M. Vermeulen, Shaun W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20090148339
    Abstract: An abatement system is provided, including an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent using ambient air; and an ambient air delivery system in fluid communication with the abatement unit and adapted to deliver ambient air to the abatement unit; wherein the ambient air delivery system allows sufficient ambient air to flow into the abatement unit to abate the effluent without compressed air. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark W. Curry, Shaun W. Crawford, Barry Page, Robbert M. Vermeulen, Allen Fox, Daniel S. Brown, Rene Correa, Youssef A. Loldj, William D. Pyzel, Daniel O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20090110622
    Abstract: A method for abating effluent from an electronic device manufacturing process is provided, including abating the effluent in a thermal abatement tool to form abated effluent; determining whether the abated effluent contains one or more chemical species of interest; and changing one or more operating parameters of the thermal abatement tool based upon the determination. Numerous other embodiments are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Youssef A. Loldj, Robbert M. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 7522974
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling one or more abatement systems. One or more abatement systems may be represented on a display alone with one or more effluent flows from processing tools. A selected effluent flow configuration is received. An interface manifold is controlled to implement the selected effluent flow configuration. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef A. Loldj, Shaun W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20090098492
    Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus for use with a flame heated thermal abatement reactor is provided, including a flame sensor adapted to sense a flame within the thermal abatement reactor; and a shutter adapted to selectively block the transmission of radiation from the flame to the flame sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Man Rodney Chiu, Daniel O. Clark, Shaun W. Crawford, Jay J. Jung, Youssef A. Loldj, Robbert M. Vermeulen