With Means To Movably Mount Or Movably Support The Work Or Work Support Patents (Class 134/137)
  • Publication number: 20070267047
    Abstract: The invention provides a method capable of suppressing liquid splash at the circumferential edge of a substrate, and preventing liquid droplets due to liquid splash from adhering to the substrate again when moving a discharge nozzle for scanning while discharging a cleaning solution from the discharge nozzle to the surface of the substrate to make spin drying of the substrate. When a substrate W is held in a horizontal posture by a spin chuck 10 and rotated about a vertical axis with a rotation motor 14, while discharging the cleaning solution onto the surface of the substrate from an outlet of a de-ionized water discharge nozzle 20, the rotation speed of the substrate is decreased in a process that the outlet of the discharge nozzle is traveled from a position opposed to a center of the substrate to a position opposed to the circumferential edge of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Shimpei Hori, Masakazu Sanada, Tomohiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20070240824
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding member configured to rotate along with a substrate held thereon in a horizontal state; a rotary cup configured to surround the substrate and to rotate along with the substrate; a liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a process liquid onto at least a front surface of the substrate; and an exhaust/drain section configured to perform gas-exhausting and liquid-draining out of the rotary cup; and a guide member disposed to surround the substrate, having an upper surface to be substantially continued to the front surface of the substrate, and configured to rotate along with the substrate holding member and the rotary cup, such that a process liquid supplied onto the front surface of the substrate and thrown off from the substrate is guided by the upper surface of the guide member from the rotary cup to the exhaust/drain section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Satoshi Kaneko, Kazuhisa Matsumoto, Norihiro Ito, Masami Akimoto, Takayuki Toshima, Hiromitsu Nanba
  • Patent number: 7267132
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and chemistries for removing layers of stubborn silicon and silicon-nitride contamination layers from the inside surfaces of such articles as deposition tubes. In such embodiments, a tube to be cleaned is gently rolled on it side while a portion the tube's interior surface is exposed to an etchant. The tube is only partially filled with etchant to reduce the requisite etchant volume, and the rolling motion evenly exposes the contaminated inner surface to the etchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Quantum Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David S. Zuck
  • Patent number: 7264008
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a wafer includes a plurality of holders for contacting and securing peripheral portions of a wafer, and for rotating the wafer, a first plate disposed to face a first surface of the wafer, the first plate having a plurality of first nozzles for spraying a first cleaning solution onto the first surface of the wafer, and a second plate disposed to face a second surface of the wafer that is opposite to the first surface, the second plate having a plurality of second nozzles for spraying a second cleaning solution onto the second surface of the wafer. In operation, the first and second plates and the wafer are rotated in opposite directions. The opposite rotation causes the cleaning solutions to flow abruptly thereby increasing a frictional force between the surfaces on the wafer and the cleaning solutions to improve the efficiency of the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Hyun Kim, Sang-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7266196
    Abstract: A telephone mouthpiece and earpiece cover system for helping protect a user from contact from germs on a telephone. The system includes an earpiece cover attachment and a mouthpiece cover attachment. The earpiece cover attachment comprises a base having a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The front surface of the base of the earpiece attachment has an annular lip extending around the outer perimeter of the base of the earpiece cover attachment. The back surface of the base of the earpiece cover attachment has a perimeter wall defining a space adapted for inserting the earpiece of a telephone therein. The mouthpiece cover attachment comprises a top with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The back surface of the top of the mouthpiece cover attachment has an annular wall, which defines a space adapted for inserting a mouthpiece of a telephone therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Dave Robinson
  • Patent number: 7261110
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher
  • Patent number: 7258124
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating surfaces of semiconductor wafers with a reactive gas, such as ozone, utilizes streams of gaseous material ejected from a gas nozzle structure to create depressions on or holes through a boundary layer of processing fluid formed on a semiconductor wafer surface to increase the amount of reactive gas that reaches the wafer surface through the boundary layer. The apparatus and method may be used to clean a semiconductor wafer surface and/or grow an oxide layer on the wafer surface by oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: In Kwon Jeong, Yong Bae Kim, Jungyup Kim
  • Publication number: 20070186955
    Abstract: A stirring nozzle used in an apparatus for abrasive wire cleaning. The stirring nozzles can be used in series to create multiple cleaning steps wherein fresh cleaning compound contacts the wire to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus moves both the wire and an abrasive cleaning compound through the interior of the stirring nozzles. At the exit end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved outward from the wire path. At the inlet end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved inward toward the wire path. The sequential in-and-out movement mixes the cleaning compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Janning
  • Patent number: 7255114
    Abstract: An ion sampling method for wafer provides a wafer in a sampling chamber, wherein the wafer surface that is going to be sampled faces upward; spraying an extraction liquid continuously on the wafer surface to form a liquid film thereon; keeping the thickness of the film constant for dissolving the ion contaminants in the extraction liquid; and collecting the extract solution at the bottom of the sampling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Rui-Hui Wen
  • Publication number: 20070181164
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning substrates includes a substrate support that is configured to support a plurality of substrates horizontally as spaced regularly one above the other, a rotating device for rotating the substrate support and a liquid supply system for dispensing cleaning liquid onto the substrates. The substrate support has a base plate and support rods extending upright on the base plate. The support rods include fixed rods and at least one movable rod. The movable rods is movable between an open position to provide a passage that allows the substrates to be placed between the support rods, and a closed position at which the substrates are held by and between the support rods. Once the substrates are supported in this way, the substrates are rotated. Then, the cleaning liquid, such as a chemical solution(s) followed by a rinsing liquid, is dispensed onto all of the substrates as the substrates are being rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jae-Hyung Jung
  • Publication number: 20070169800
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for processing this flat articles, such as semiconductor wafers, with acoustical energy. In a cleaning process, the inventive system, apparatus and method can remove particles from both sides of a wafer more efficiently and effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Pejman Fani, Mark Rouillard, John Korbler, James Brown, Chad Hosack
  • Patent number: 7243911
    Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for performing a predetermined treatment of substrates includes a treating tank for storing a treating solution, a holder for holding a plurality of substrates arranged in one direction inside the treating tank, and a bubble generating device for generating bubbles in the treating solution stored in the treating tank. The bubble generating device includes a plurality of cylindrical bodies extending in the one direction and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. Each of the cylindrical bodies is at least partly formed of a porous member extending in the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Abiko, Tomonori Kojimaru, Keiji Magara, Toshio Hiroe, Koji Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7237564
    Abstract: A transducer for use in an acoustic energy cleaner is provided. The transducer includes a resonator and a plurality of crystals bonded to a surface of the resonator. The plurality of crystals is configured to be bonded to the surface of the resonator in a staggered arrangement with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the plurality of crystals is bonded to the surface of the resonator in a horizontally staggered arrangement. In another embodiment, the plurality of crystals is bonded to the surface of the resonator in a vertically staggered arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Anderson, John M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7225819
    Abstract: The present invention is a method, apparatus and process for an improved substrate mounting and processing technique for various substrate treatments comprising cleaning, dicing, sawing, polishing, and planarization, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: David P Jackson
  • Patent number: 7201176
    Abstract: A wafer chuck is configured to hold a wafer efficiently for spin process cleaning of wafer edges and back sides. A first group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a first portion of the cleaning period. A second group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a second portion of the cleaning period. Residues left between the tips and the wafer edge areas during the first portion of the cleaning period are removed during the second portion. The change from the first group of tips to the second group of tips occurs while the wafer is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoko Kuroki, Hideaki Seto
  • Patent number: 7153388
    Abstract: Broadly speaking, a wafer processing chamber for performing a high pressure wafer process is provided. More specifically, the wafer processing chamber incorporates a wafer processing volume and an outer chamber volume. The wafer processing volume is configured to contain a high pressure. The outer chamber volume is configured to serve as a buffer between the high pressure of the wafer processing volume and a lower pressure of an environment outside the wafer processing chamber. Thus, the outer chamber volume can control a pressure differential between the high pressure wafer processing volume and the lower pressure outside environment. In this manner, the wafer processing chamber, incorporating the high pressure wafer processing volume, can interface with a conventional wafer transfer module operating under either atmospheric or sub-atmospheric pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: John Parks
  • Patent number: 7140066
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is inspected and cleaned by applying a vacuum to the area in which the semiconductor device is positioned. Micro-sized particulates that are brushed off the semiconductor device during cleaning are drawn off by the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Gray Murray, Bruce Alan Maass
  • Patent number: 7056392
    Abstract: A wafer chuck is configured to hold a wafer efficiently for spin process cleaning of wafer edges and back sides. A first group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a first portion of the cleaning period. A second group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a second portion of the cleaning period. Residues left between the tips and the wafer edge areas during the first portion of the cleaning period are removed during the second portion. The change from the first group of tips to the second group of tips occurs while the wafer is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoko Kuroki, Hideaki Seto
  • Patent number: 7051743
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning surfaces of semiconductor wafers utilizes streams of gaseous material ejected from a gas nozzle structure to create depressions on or holes through a boundary layer of cleaning fluid formed on a semiconductor wafer surface to increase the amount of gaseous material that reaches the wafer surface through the boundary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Yong Bae Kim, In Kwon Jeong, Jungyup Kim
  • Patent number: 7047984
    Abstract: A cleaning device for use in the production of semiconductor components comprises two feed devices with which a fluid medium is guided across a respective surface of an object to be cleaned so that different faces of the object are simultaneously cleaned. At least two gas feeding devices, having one means each for directing a gas flow onto the surface of the object to be cleaned, open into a cleaning chamber supplying a pressurized cleaning gas. At least two extraction means are connected to the outside of the cleaning chamber for discharging the gas fed to the cleaning chamber. The object can be introduced into the cleaning chamber through at least one gap. At least two ionization means are used to ionize the gas and the particles that are present in the cleaning chamber. One ionization means each is mounted between a direction means and an extraction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Blattner, Rudy Federici
  • Patent number: 7040330
    Abstract: A system for cleaning a semiconductor substrate is provided. The system includes transducers for generating acoustic energy oriented in a substantially perpendicular direction to a surface of a semiconductor substrate and an acoustic energy oriented in a substantially parallel direction to the surface of the semiconductor substrate. Each orientation of the acoustic energy may be simultaneously or alternately generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Boyd, Michael Ravkin, Fred C. Redeker
  • Patent number: 7028698
    Abstract: Apparatus for pressure processing components is disclosed which includes an improved closure system that minimizes dust-generating parts and allows easy access to the chamber. Ports are provided for introducing and releasing pressurized gases and fluids to and from the processing space. The heating system of the apparatus heats both the cover and the stage inside the pressurized chamber such that cycle time to equilibrate heated, pressurized fluids such as supercritical carbon dioxide inside the chamber are decreased. The apparatus includes a mechanism that raises the stage inside the chamber, pressing it against the fixed cover and sealing the inside of the pressure vessel. In one embodiment a screw-type jack is used to move the component-loaded stage fitted with a deformable o-ring seal a short travel distance to seat against the lid and seal the pressure chamber. In a related embodiment a computer and an electronic stepper motor are used to drive the pressing means in an automated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Nils Hansen, Samuel Wesley Crouch, Brooks Michael Hybertson
  • Patent number: 6983756
    Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus comprises a treatment vessel, a substrate holder for rotating the substrate in a horizontal plane in the treatment vessel, a nozzle unit arranged in an upper part of the treatment vessel such that a liquid is downwardly fed, a feed line for feeding the liquid to the nozzle unit, and a chamber enclosing therein the apparatus in its entirety. The nozzle unit is constructed in a form of a bar such that as viewed in plan, the liquid ejected from the nozzle unit reaches the substrate with an area range having a length not smaller than a diameter of the substrate and a width smaller than the diameter of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: m - FSI Ltd.
    Inventors: Kousaku Matsuno, Masao Iga
  • Patent number: 6964724
    Abstract: An etching/cleaning apparatus is provided, which makes it possible to effectively remove an unnecessary material or materials existing on a semiconductor wafer without damaging the device area with good controllability. The apparatus comprises (a) a rotating means for holding a semiconductor wafer and for rotating the wafer in a horizontal plane; the wafer having a device area and a surface peripheral area on its surface; the surface peripheral area being located outside the device area; and (b) an edge nozzle for emitting an etching/cleaning liquid toward a surface peripheral area of the wafer. The etching/cleaning liquid emitted from the edge nozzle selectively removes an unnecessary material existing in the surface peripheral area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Yamasaki, Hidemitsu Aoki
  • Patent number: 6945259
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a cleaning cup for receiving a to-be-cleaned substrate, a table in the cleaning cup, a first, second, and third nozzles, a pure water heating mechanism configured to supply hot pure water, a branch line, a control mechanism, and an open/close valve, provided between the branch line and the pipe, wherein the open/close valve is configured to interrupt emission of hot water from the third nozzle by opening the open/close valve to lower the pressure in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenji Masui, Akio Kosaka, Hidehiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6907890
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying substrates. The inventive apparatus comprises: an object support member for supporting at least one substrate in a process tank having one or more support sections comprising capillary material. The inventive method is a method of removing liquid from a wet substrate in a process tank comprising contacting the wet substrate with capillary material. In another aspect, the invention is a method of drying at least one substrate having a surface in a process tank comprising: submerging the substrate in a liquid having a liquid level; supporting the submerged substrates in the process tank; supplying a drying vapor above the liquid level; lowering the liquid level or raising the substrate so that the liquid level is below the substrate, thereby removing a major portion of liquid from the substrate surface; and removing remaining liquid from the substrate surface with capillary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Akrion LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Myland
  • Patent number: 6899111
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for cleaning substrates. The cleaning chamber defines a processing cavity adapted to accommodate a substrate therein. In one embodiment, the cleaning chamber includes a chamber body having a processing cavity defined therein. A substrate is disposed in the processing cavity without contacting other chamber components by a Bernoulli effect and/or by a fluid cushion above and/or below the substrate. Fluid is flowed into the processing cavity at an angle relative to a radial line of the substrate to induce and/or control rotation of the substrate during a cleaning and drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Luscher, James D. Carducci, Siamak Salimian, Michael D. Welch
  • Patent number: 6892738
    Abstract: The present invention provides a megasonic cleaning apparatus configured to provide effective cleaning of a substrate without causing damage to the substrate. The apparatus includes a probe having one of a variety of cross-sections configured to decrease the ratio of normal-incident waves to shallow-angle waves. One such cross-section includes a channel running along a portion of the lower edge of the probe. Another cross-section includes a narrow lower edge of the probe. Another cross-section is elliptical. Another cross-section includes transverse bores originating in the lower edge of the probe. As an alternative to, or in addition to, providing a probe having a cross-section other than circular, the present invention may also provide a probe having a roughened lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Goldfinger Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mario E. Bran, Michael B. Olesen, Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 6880563
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided with a processing bath to be filled with a cleaning chemical, an ultrasonic oscillator, and a retainer for holding a substrate to be immersed into a cleaning chemical. The front surface of the substrate is cleaned while ultrasonic waves are radiated from the ultrasonic oscillator onto the back surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Semiconductor Leading Edge Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Satoshi Kume
  • Patent number: 6866051
    Abstract: A megasonic module for substrate processing is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include a tank configured to hold processing fluids in which the substrate is submerged, and a lid configured to mate with and seal the tank. At least two megasonic transducers are positioned within the megasonic module to direct megasonic energy to each of an active surface and a backside surface of the substrate. A pair of drive wheels are configured to receive an edge of the substrate to support and rotate the substrate in a horizontal orientation between the at least two megasonic transducers. The substrate is supported against the pair of drive wheels by a substrate stabilizing arm/wheel which also allows the rotation of the substrate. A drive motor is configured to rotate the pair of drive wheels, and a fluid recirculation system provides for temperature control and use of a plurality of processing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Afshin Nickhou, Randolph E. Treur, Michael Ravkin
  • Patent number: 6848455
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a semiconductor wafer by the in-situ generation of oxidizing species. These active species are generated by the simultaneous application of ultra-violet radiation and chemicals containing oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and dissolved ozone. Ultrasonic or megasonic agitation is employed to facilitate removal. Radicals are generated in-situ, thus generating them close to the semiconductor substrate. The process chamber has a means of introducing both gaseous and liquid reagents, through a gas inlet, and a liquid inlet. O2, O3, and H2O vapor gases are introduced through the gas inlet. H2O and H2O2 liquids are introduced through the liquid inlet. Other liquids such as ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), hydrochloric acid (HCI), hydrofluoric acid (HF), and the like, may be introduced to further constitute those elements of the traditional RCA clean. The chemicals are premixed in a desired ration and to a predetermined level of dilution prior to being introduced into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishnan Shrinivasan, Adrianne Tipton
  • Patent number: 6843257
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a megasonic energy cleaning apparatus that has the ability to rotate the wafer to be cleaned, as well as rotate the cleaning probe during the cleaning process. Rotating the cleaning probe while the wafer is being cleaned is effective to increase the cleaning action of the apparatus while also minimizing damage to the wafer. Curved grooves, such as a spiral groove, can be etched into the cleaning probe to minimize forming harmful waves that could potentially cause damage to the wafer surface or to structures already made on the surface. Using a cleaning probe having a curved groove while also rotating the cleaning probe effectively cleans particles from a wafer while also limiting damage to the surface of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-Jun Yeo, Kyung-Hyun Kim, Jeong-Lim Nam, Byoung-Moon Yoon, Hyun-Ho Cho, Sang-Rok Hah
  • Publication number: 20040255979
    Abstract: A substrate is transferred from an environment at about vacuum into a load lock through a first door. The substrate is then sealed within the load lock. The pressure within the load lock is raised to a high pressure above vacuum. A second door coupling the load lock to a high-pressure processing chamber is then opened and the substrate moved from the load lock into the high-pressure chamber. The substrate is then sealed within the high-pressure chamber. High-pressure processing, such as high pressure cleaning or high pressure deposition, is then performed on the substrate within the high-pressure chamber. Subsequently, the second door is opened and the substrate transferred into the load lock. The substrate is then sealed within the load lock. The pressure within the load lock is lowered to about vacuum and the first door opened. The substrate is then removed from the load lock into the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Michael A. Fury, Robert W. Sherrill
  • Patent number: 6832404
    Abstract: A collar cleaning system for dress shirts comprising a slide plate, a guiding plate, a pressured soap-water spraying subsystem and a rotating brush is presented. The shirt collar is loaded onto the sliding plate and moved under the rotating brush while being sprayed with soap water to remove the dirt ring around the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Yong Koo Hwang
  • Publication number: 20040245214
    Abstract: There are provided an electroless plating apparatus and a post-electroless plating cleaning method which can remove Co or Ni particles, produced upon electroless plating onto Cu interconnects of an electronic circuit substrate and remaining on a silicon oxide film as an interlevel dielectric, without exerting an adverse influence on the Cu interconnects. The electroless plating apparatus for carrying out electroless plating of the surface of interconnects formed in a surface of an electronic circuit substrate having fine circuit patterns of conductive metal interconnects, includes: a substrate transfer device (62, 76, 86); a loading station (58) disposed in association with the substrate transfer device; at least one electroless plating cell (82) disposed in association with the substrate transfer device; and a scrub cleaning device (66a) and/or a solution cleaning device (66c) disposed in association with the substrate transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Ichiro Katakabe, Yuki Inoue, Xinming Wang, Daisuke Takagi
  • Publication number: 20040238008
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward cleaning semiconductor substrates by dividing a processing chamber into a high-pressure compartment and a low-pressure compartment using a baffle. The baffle may include a pattern of nozzles that provide a flow path between the high pressure compartment and the low pressure compartment and that maintain the two compartments at substantially different pressures. A ratable substrate support is positioned within the low pressure compartment, and an inlet port injects a cleaning mist and a carrier gas into the high pressure compartment. The pressure differential between the two compartments accelerates the droplets from the cleaning mist through the nozzles of the baffle into the low pressure compartment toward the substrate, where a portion of the cleaning mist impacts on the surface of the substrate to form a liquid film or to eject elements of the surface film on the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen E. Savas, John Zajac, Carl J. Galewski
  • Publication number: 20040238014
    Abstract: A fixture for holding a valve assembly in an automated washing system, wherein the valve assembly is movable between an opened position and a normally closed position. The fixture is comprised of first and second housing sections that are releaseably attachable to each other. The housing sections define an internal cavity that is dimensioned to hold the valve assembly in an opened position. A fluid inlet is in communication with the chamber, and is attachable to a source of an anti-microbial fluid in the washing system. A fluid outlet communicates with the chamber to allow the anti-microbial fluid to exit the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Halstead, Gerald E. McDonnell, Robert M. Priest
  • Publication number: 20040226583
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a livestock feeding device which unclogs blockage without the need for a workman to enter the feed dispensing area. The system includes at least two swiping arms which are positioned at a lower area of the feed system. The system is environmentally advantageous since workman entry into a hazardous area is reduced. The swiping arms are activated by an external motor which is turned on upon sensing of a clogged or blocked condition of the feed. The system applies to the feeding of hogs, livestock or other dispensing mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Smiley
  • Patent number: 6817475
    Abstract: A system for liquid cleaning a plurality of dirty open-ended cylindrical internal combustion engine paper air filters by subjecting each filter to a cleaning cycle including successive first, intermediate and final cleaning steps. For each step liquid is pumped from a separate tank to spray heads for rinsing a filter at a cleaning station and effluent with entrained contaminants is collected for transfer away from the cleaning station. First step cleaning pumps an unclean liquid previously collected in a first tank as effluent from the intermediate step of a preceding filter cleaning cycle and first step effluent is disposed of away from the system. Intermediate step cleaning pumps a semi-clean liquid previously collected in a second tank as effluent from the final cleaning step of a preceding filter cleaning cycle and intermediate step effluent is collected and transferred as unclean liquid to the first tank for cleaning use during the first stage of the succeeding filter cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Filter Service Corp.
    Inventors: Jon D. Jacobson, Paul M. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040211447
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing high-pressure processing of a workpiece having a top face and a bottom face. The apparatus comprises a processing chamber and a holder for securing the workpiece within the processing chamber so that a substantial portion of the top face and a substantial portion of the bottom face is exposed to a processing material introduced into the processing chamber. In one embodiment, the holder comprises an upper segment and a lower segment. The lower segment contacts the workpiece at or near an edge of the workpiece, thus supporting the workpiece in a first vertical direction and securing it in a horizontal plane. The upper segment contacts the workpiece at or near an edge of the workpiece, securing it in a second vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Supercritical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Yokomizo
  • Publication number: 20040206380
    Abstract: A paint roller includes a spindle adapted to hold a rotatable cylindrical paint pad, and an arm connecting the spindle to a handle. A semi-cylindrical cover curves about the roller's spindle. A liquid manifold is integral with the cover to deliver a curtain of liquid to the paint roller for washing the cylindrical pad. The liquid manifold is made up of a tubular section having a hollow interior, a closed lower end and an open upper end adapted for attachment to a hose, the section including a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned holes in communication with the interior, whereby liquid is capable of flowing from the tubular section upper end through the hollow interior for discharge through the holes. An adapter plate for adapting the paint roller cover, to cover all types of rollers including different length spindles or roller cages, is slidably attachable to the cover outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Millard F. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20040168713
    Abstract: A vacuum transfer system for transferring food grade products. A biased ball in a cage with a substantially uninterrupted cage wall is utilized as a check valve. The ball may be biased by a weight to float in a predictable orientation relative to the cage. The biased ball assures that a certain portion of the ball will consistently engage with and aperture. The biased ball also minimizes chattering of the ball in the cage under high flow conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Marcus J. Engle
  • Publication number: 20040168707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a megasonic cleaning apparatus configured to provide effective cleaning of a substrate without causing damage to the substrate. The apparatus includes a probe having one of a variety of cross-sections configured to decrease the ratio of normal-incident waves to shallow-angle waves. One such cross-section includes a channel running along a portion of the lower edge of the probe. Another cross-section includes a narrow lower edge of the probe. Another cross-section is elliptical. Another cross-section includes transverse bores originating in the lower edge of the probe. As an alternative to, or in addition to, providing a probe having a cross-section other than circular, the present invention may also provide a probe having a roughened lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mario E. Bran, Michael B. Olesen, Yi Wu
  • Publication number: 20040159343
    Abstract: A substrate treatment method for treating a substrate by supplying a treatment liquid to the substrate while rotating the substrate. The method comprises the steps of: performing a first substrate rotation process for rotating the substrate while clamping the substrate by a first clamping member set; performing a second substrate rotation process after the first substrate rotation step for rotating the substrate while clamping the substrate by the first clamping member set and a second clamping member set provided separately from the first clamping member set; and performing a third substrate rotation process after the second substrate rotation step by unclamping the substrate from the first clamping member set for rotating the substrate while clamping the substrate by the second clamping member set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Shimbara, Masaharu Kimura, Yasuhiro Kurata, Takashi Hara
  • Publication number: 20040149318
    Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus is disclosed comprising a mount for a filter element having a fluid channel, the fluid channel positioned interior to the filter element; and a plurality of fluid outlets located along the fluid channel, wherein the fluid outlets are positioned to generate a fluid flow against the filter element to rotate the filter element about the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Nan-Yao Su
  • Publication number: 20040129297
    Abstract: A system for processing wafers is disclosed. In the invention, a tank contains a processing liquid. A movable submersion mechanism is positioned to move in and out of the tank. Wafer holders in the submersion mechanism have an unequal spacing within the submersion mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Settlemyer
  • Publication number: 20040129302
    Abstract: A system for processing wafers includes a robot moveable within an enclosure to load and unload workpieces into and out of workpiece processors. A processor includes an upper rotor having alignment pins, and a lower rotor having one or more openings for receiving the alignment pins to form a processing chamber around the workpiece. The alignment pins center the workpiece relative to a rotor spin axis and to an etch or drain groove in the upper rotor. A first fluid outlet delivers processing fluid to a central region of the workpiece. The processing fluid is distributed across the workpiece surface via centrifugal force generated by spinning the processing chamber. Purge gas is optionally delivered into the processing chamber through an annular opening around the first fluid outlet to help remove processing fluid from the processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kyle M. Hanson, Paul Z. Wirth, Steven L. Peace, Jon Kuntz, Scott A. Bruner
  • Publication number: 20040123878
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for cleaning a plurality of electronic components. A tank is provided for containing a cleaning fluid and an ultrasonic resonator is mounted in communication with the cleaning fluid for charging ultrasonic energy thereto. A support platform positionable over a top surface of the cleaning fluid supports the electronic components such that the electronic components are in contact with said top surface of the cleaning fluid in use. Further, a cleaning fluid supply system is configured to generate a continuous flow of cleaning fluid into the tank for cleaning the electronic components in contact with said top surface of the cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Wah Cheng, Yui Ko Wong, Tim Wai Mak
  • Publication number: 20040103931
    Abstract: Provided is a wafer rotary holding apparatus by which a reduced pressure is created on an upper surface of a rotary disk by a simple and easy-to-make mechanism with no need of any of a vacuum source apparatus, a compressed air supply apparatus, a compressed gas supply apparatus and other apparatuses in use; a wafer can be held while rotating with no contact to a rear surface thereof; a degree of pressure reduction can be adjusted with ease and even a thin wafer (of 0.1 mm or less in thickness) can be held while rotating with no deformation; and the wafer with a bowing can be held while rotating with no correction of the bowing. A wafer rotary holding apparatus includes: a rotary disk on which a fluid flow path is formed; a through hole formed in a central section of the rotary disk; and a plurality of wafer rests provided on an upper surface of the rotary disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Mimasu Semiconductor Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Tsuchiya, Shunichi Ogasawara, Hideyuki Murooka
  • Publication number: 20040103932
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, by which installation height of a rack is adjusted inside a washing chamber and in which the installation height is automatically adjusted by a button. The present invention includes a washing chamber having tableware washed therein, a rack movably installed in the washing chamber to hold the tableware thereon, a plurality of guide rollers fixed to both confronting sidewalls of the washing chamber, a guide rail provided between the first and second rollers to slide back and forth, and a height adjustment means for moving the rack upward and downward, the height adjust means provided to slide on the guide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Yong Hee Kim