Centrifugal Force And/or Rotated Work Body Patents (Class 134/33)
-
Patent number: 8793898Abstract: A method for drying substrates using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) includes: a pre-stage in which heated fluid is injected to a bottom surface of a substrate to raise a temperature of the substrate simultaneously to injection of an organic solvent to a top surface of the substrate and injection of a dry gas to the top surface thereof to improve a vaporization power of the organic solvent; and a final stage in which the injection of the heated fluid is stopped and the organic solvent and the dry gas are injected to the top surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-Ju Jeong, Bok-Kyu Lee, Sun-Kyu Hwang, Jeong-Yong Bae, Soo-Bin Yong
-
Publication number: 20140202989Abstract: A substrate treatment method includes a substrate holding unit which horizontally holds a substrate; a rotating unit which rotates the substrate held by the substrate holding unit about a vertical axis; and a first nozzle having an opposing face to be opposed to a lower surface of the substrate inward of a peripheral portion of the substrate in spaced relation to the lower surface of the substrate during rotation of the substrate by the rotating unit and a treatment liquid spout provided in the opposing face for filling a space defined between the lower surface of the substrate and the opposing face with a treatment liquid spouted from the treatment liquid spout to keep the space in a liquid filled state; wherein the treatment liquid spreads outwardly over the lower surface of the substrate and further, flows around to a peripheral portion of an upper surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: DAINIPPON SCREEN MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuya KISHIMOTO, Koji ANDO
-
Patent number: 8778087Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a substrate is provided. In one aspect, the cleaning device includes a brush including a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an outer surface, and a hollow bore defined in the brush about a central axis of the brush. The brush defines a first cross-sectional area near the first end and a second cross-sectional area near the second end. Both the first and second cross-sectional areas are generally perpendicular to the central axis and the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Tyrrell, Bradley S. Withers
-
Patent number: 8771427Abstract: A method for manufacturing integrated circuit devices. In one aspect, the invention may be a method of manufacturing integrated circuit devices comprising: supporting a semiconductor wafer in a substantially horizontal orientation; providing a transducer assembly comprising a probe having a forward portion, a rear portion and no more than one piezoelectric transducer element coupled to the rear portion; supporting the transducer assembly so that the forward portion is adjacent but spaced from a first surface of the semiconductor wafer; rotating the semiconductor wafer; applying a fluid to the first surface of the semiconductor wafer to form a film of the fluid between a portion of the forward portion and the first surface of the semiconductor wafer; and transmitting acoustical energy generated by the piezoelectric transducer element into the film of the fluid via the forward portion, the acoustical energy loosening particles from the first surface of the semiconductor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Inventor: Mario E. Bran
-
Publication number: 20140182631Abstract: Disclosed is a method of cleaning components of a substrate processing apparatus The components of the substrate processing apparatus are cleaned by using a first cleaning jig including a disk-shaped lower member, and a disk-shaped upper member connected to the lower member and forming a gap between the upper member and the lower member. The lower member of the first cleaning jig is held by the substrate holding unit to rotate the first cleaning jig. The cleaning liquid is ejected toward the first cleaning jig from a bottom side of the first cleaning jig while the first cleaning jig is rotated. The cleaning liquid flows out toward outside of the first cleaning jig via the gap between the upper member and the lower member by a centrifugal force, and the components of the substrate processing apparatus are cleaned by the cleaning liquid that has flowed out.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Hiromitsu Namba
-
Publication number: 20140182632Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus cleans a surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer in a non-contact state by using two-fluid jet cleaning. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a substrate holding mechanism configured to hold and rotate the substrate, with the front surface facing downward, in a horizontal state, and a two-fluid nozzle configured to jet a two-fluid jet flow, comprising a gas and a liquid, upwardly toward the front surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Tomoatsu ISHIBASHI
-
Patent number: 8758855Abstract: A coating film forming apparatus that holds a substrate upon a spin chuck and forms a coating film by supplying a chemical liquid upon a top surface of said substrate comprises: an outer cup provided detachably to surround the spin chuck; an inner cup provided detachably to surround a region underneath the substrate held upon the chuck; a cleaning nozzle configured to supply a cleaning liquid for cleaning a peripheral edge part of the substrate, such that the cleaning liquid is supplied to a peripheral part of a bottom surface of the substrate; a cutout part for nozzle mounting, the cutout part being provided to the inner cup to engage with the cleaning nozzle; and a cleaning liquid supply tube connected to the cleaning nozzle, the cleaning nozzle being detachable to the cutout part in a state in which the cleaning liquid supply tube is connected.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Nobuhiro Ogata, Hiroichi Inada, Taro Yamamoto, Akihiro Fujimoto
-
Publication number: 20140166056Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods of debriding tissue. In an embodiment, a system includes a bone tube having an opening sized to receive a bone with tissue disposed thereon, the opening of the bone tube sized to exclude entry of an operator's hand; a spray nozzle configured to emit a water jet into the bone tube; and an outlet from the bone tube. In another embodiment, a method includes assembling a sterile debridement system; placing a sterile mesh bag over a bone tube having an opening sized to receive a bone with tissue disposed thereon, the opening of the bone tube sized to exclude entry of an operator's hand; inserting one end of a bone into the bone tube; actuating a spray nozzle directed into the bone tube, and the water jet configured to debride tissue from the bone within the bone tube. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: AllosourceInventors: Raymond Klein, Brent Parks, Alan Hooks, Elizabeth Fowler
-
Publication number: 20140166055Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning wafers includes a chamber, a rotatable substrate holder inside the chamber, a nozzle above the rotatable substrate holder, a cover facing downward and fluidly coupled with the nozzle. The rotatable substrate holder is configured to mount one or more semiconductor wafers on the rotatable substrate holder. The nozzle is configured to spray a cleaning medium onto the one or more semiconductor wafers. The cover is of a shape having a top edge with a top cross-sectional area and a bottom edge with a bottom cross-sectional area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Chia-Hung HUANG, Jeng-Jyi HWANG, Chi-Ming YANG
-
Patent number: 8734593Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus includes: substrate holding unit which horizontally holds a substrate; a rotating unit which rotates the substrate held by the substrate holding unit about a vertical axis; and a first nozzle having a first opposing face to be opposed to a region of a lower surface of the substrate inward of a peripheral portion of the substrate in spaced relation to the lower surface of the substrate during rotation of the substrate by the rotating unit and a treatment liquid spout provided in the first opposing face for filling a space defined between the lower surface of the substrate and the first opposing face with a treatment liquid spouted from the treatment liquid spout to keep the space in a liquid filled state.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Kishimoto, Koji Ando
-
Patent number: 8721800Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine, capable of detecting clothes contained in the washing machine by rotating a drum. The method includes supplying a predetermined amount of water when a barrel cleaning is executed, soaking an interior of a drum in water, draining water after the interior of the drum has been soaked in the water, and detecting clothes contained in the drum by rotating the drum. Whether to perform a barrel cleaning is determined according to the existence of the clothes in the drum, so that vibration and noise are prevented from being generated in the washing machine, and accident due to the movement of the washing machine is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun Bae Kim, Doo Young Ryu, Sung Mo Lee, Kyo Soon Choi, Seung Hoon Kim
-
Patent number: 8696820Abstract: A scrub brush housing a swab of foam material impregnated with an anti bacterial disinfectant is first placed over a female luer with an annular portion of the swab compressed against the luer and a central portion of the swab passed into the passage of the luer to effect a full contact with the surfaces of the swab. The swab is then rotated on the female luer for a time sufficient to substantially remove the biofilm on the surfaces of the luer that are contacted by the swab.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Vaillancourt, Marshall Kerr
-
Patent number: 8691022Abstract: The wet treatment of wafer-shaped articles is improved by utilizing a droplet generator designed to produce a spray of monodisperse droplets. The droplet generator is mounted above a spin chuck, and is moved across a major surface of the wafer-shaped article in a linear or arcuate path. The droplet generator includes a transducer acoustically coupled to its body such that sonic energy reaches a region of the body surrounding the discharge orifices. Each orifice has a width w of at least 1 ?m and at most 200 ?m and a height h such that a ratio of h to w is not greater than 1.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Lam Research AGInventors: Frank Holsteyns, Alexander Lippert
-
Patent number: 8663397Abstract: The embodiments describe methods for controlling the particles generated when cleaning and drying a wafer in a spin rinse dryer (SRD) module. In some embodiments, the substrate surface is cooled by dispensing deionized (DI) water across the surface of the substrate, while the substrate rests on the SRD chuck. In addition, a method for controlling the particles generated when sleeves in a processing module or SRD contact a substrate surface during a clamping operation or when the sleeves are removed from the substrate surface is provided. A bottom edge or lip of the sleeves and/or the surface of the wafer contacting the sleeve is wetted during clamping/unclamping operations. Alternatively, the substrate may be wetted prior to clamping/unclamping operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.Inventors: Satbir Kahlon, Jeffrey Chih-Hou Lowe, Frank C. Ma, Sandeep Mariserla, Robert Anthony Sculac
-
Publication number: 20140053869Abstract: A method of cleaning and drying a semiconductor wafer including inserting a semiconductor wafer into a chamber of a cleaning tool, spinning the semiconductor wafer in a range of about 300 revolutions per minute to about 1600 revolutions per minute, and simultaneously spraying the semiconductor wafer with de-ionized water and a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and nitrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Wei-Cheng Chen, Ling-Sung Wang, Chih-Hsun Lin, Tzu kai Lin
-
Patent number: 8656936Abstract: Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular barrier structure that can overlie and cover a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular movable member that can be positioned over and moved relative to a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular ceiling structure that can overlie a processing chamber. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular annular body. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular first, second, and third nozzle structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Tel FSI, Inc.Inventors: Jimmy D. Collins, Samuel A. Cooper, James M. Eppes, Alan D. Rose, Kader Mekias
-
Patent number: 8652268Abstract: A method for treating substrates with treating liquids, using a treating tank for storing the treating liquids, a holding mechanism for holding the substrates in a treating position inside the treating tank, first and second treating liquid supply devices, a temperature control device, and a control device. A first treating liquid is supplied into the treating tank, then a second treating liquid of lower surface tension and higher boiling point than the first treating liquid is supplied, and placed in a temperature range above the boiling point of the first treating liquid and below the boiling point of the second treating liquid. Then the second treating liquid supply device may be controlled to replace the first treating liquid with the second treating liquid, while controlling the temperature control device to maintain the second treating liquid in the same temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toyohide Hayashi
-
Patent number: 8647446Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a substrate in a multi-module cleaning assembly is provided. The method begins by receiving the substrate into the cleaning module. A cleaning chemistry, at a temperature elevated from an ambient temperature, is applied onto a top surface of the substrate. Concurrent with application of the cleaning chemistry, vapors are exhausted from the cleaning chemistry through a port located below a bottom surface of the substrate with the vapor exhaustion providing a negative pressure relative to a pressure external to the cleaning module. The application of the cleaning chemistry is terminated, followed by termination of the exhausting of the vapors. The substrate is dried after the flowing of inert gas is terminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.Inventors: Satbir Kahlon, Frank Ma
-
Publication number: 20130319476Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus includes a substrate holding member (22) that holds a substrate (W) horizontally, a rotation mechanism (25) that rotates the substrate holding member; a chemical liquid nozzle (56a) that supplies a chemical liquid to the substrate held by the substrate holding member; a top plate (50) that covers the substrate held by the substrate holding member from above the substrate; and at least one LED lamp (62) that heats the substrate during a chemical liquid treatment by irradiating the substrate with light of a predetermined wavelength through the top plate from above the top plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Kazuhiro Aiura, Norihiro Ito, Takashi Nagai
-
Patent number: 8591662Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate is provided. The method initiates with applying an activation solution to a surface of the substrate. The activation solution and the surface of the substrate are contacted with a surface of a solid cleaning surface. The activation solution is absorbed into a portion of the solid cleaning element and then the substrate or the solid cleaning surface is moved relative to each other to clean the surface of the substrate. A method for cleaning the surface of the substrate with a solid cleaning element that experiences plastic deformation is also provided. Corresponding cleaning apparatuses are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Erik M. Freer, John deLarios, Katrina Mikhaylichenko, Michael Ravkin, Mikhail Korolik, Fred C. Redeker
-
Patent number: 8578953Abstract: A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the backType: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Yasushi Takiguchi, Taro Yamamoto, Akihiro Fujimoto, Shuuichi Nishikido, Dai Kumagai, Naoto Yoshitaka, Takahiro Kitano, Yoichi Tokunaga
-
Publication number: 20130292254Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of cleaning a lipseal and/or cup bottom of an electroplating device by removing metal deposits accumulated in prior electroplating operations. The methods may include orienting a nozzle such that it is pointed substantially at the inner circular edge of the lipseal and/or cup bottom, and dispensing a stream of cleaning solution from the nozzle such that the stream contacts the inner circular edge of the lipseal and/or cup bottom while they are being rotated, removing metal deposits. In some embodiments, the stream has a velocity component against the rotational direction of the lipseal and/or cup bottom. In some embodiments, the deposits may include a tin/silver alloy. Also disclosed herein are cleaning apparatuses for mounting in electroplating devices and for removing electroplated metal deposits from their lipseals and/or cup bottoms. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatuses may include a jet nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Santosh Kumar, Bryan L. Buckalew, Steven T. Mayer, Thomas Ponnuswamy, Chad Michael Hosack, Robert Rash, Lee Peng Chua, David Porter
-
Patent number: 8574371Abstract: A method for cleaning containers, in particular bottles of glass or plastics, and a cleaning machine with at least one cleaning medium, with the containers cleaned at least in one station preferential for the cleaning result and/or in a procedure step with at least essentially chemical-free cleaning media. The cleaning medium is advantageously a granular material, in particular granular ice, carried under pressure with compressed air or compressed water. The cleaning machine suited for carrying out the method includes downstream of an unpacking and presoaking station, a pre-cleaning station with a high pressure water blasting pre-cleaning section, and subsequently an intensive cleaning station with at least one intensive cleaning section to which a pressure blasting system for chemical-free, granular material and a carrier medium are associated, and a disinfection station following the intensive cleaning station.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Cornelia Folz, Jan Momsen, Heinz Humele, Timm Kirchhoff, Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Bernd Hansen, Thomas Islinger, Christoph Weinholzer
-
Publication number: 20130284212Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrate includes a spin chuck, a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The spin chuck fixes and spins the substrate on which a photoresist layer is formed. The first nozzle is disposed over the spin chuck and provides a treatment liquid on the substrate so as to remove the photoresist layer. The second nozzle is disposed over the spin chuck and provides a mist including deionized water or hydrogen peroxide on the substrate to make contact with the treatment liquid so as to increase a temperature of the treatment liquid. Therefore, efficiency of removing the photoresist layer may be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Eun-Su RHO, Jeong-Yong Bae
-
Patent number: 8562752Abstract: A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.Inventor: Daniel J. Woodruff
-
Patent number: 8557705Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device in which an insulating film is filled between patterns etched into a workpiece structure is disclosed. The method includes cleaning etch residues residing between the etched patterns by a first chemical liquid; rinsing the workpiece structure cleaned by the first chemical liquid by a rinse liquid; and coating the workpiece structure rinsed by the rinse liquid with a coating liquid for formation of the insulating film. The cleaning to the coating are carried out within the same processing chamber such that a liquid constantly exists between the patterns of the workpiece structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takeshi Hizawa, Nobuhide Yamada, Yoshihiro Ogawa, Masahiro Kiyotoshi
-
Patent number: 8551253Abstract: A method for cleaning plated polished disks used in hard drive media is provided. The method includes positioning plated polished disks in a first batch scrubber having multiple first brushes, wherein each of the plated polished disks is positioned between two of the first brushes, and scrubbing the plated polished disks with the first brushes. The method further includes positioning the plated polished disks scrubbed in the first batch scrubber in a second batch scrubber having multiple second brushes, wherein each of the plated polished disks is positioned between two of the second brushes, and scrubbing the plated polished disks with the second brushes.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: WD Media, LLCInventors: Nazman Na'im, Yeong Yih Boo
-
Patent number: 8545640Abstract: In a substrate processing method according to the present invention, a cleaning liquid nozzle supplies a rinsing liquid to a central portion of a substrate and thereafter moves from a position corresponding to the central portion of the substrate to a position corresponding to a peripheral, edge portion thereof while supplying the rinsing liquid before stopping at the position corresponding to the peripheral edge portion. Next, a drying liquid nozzle moves from the position corresponding to the peripheral edge portion to the position corresponding to the central portion while supplying a drying liquid. Then, the drying liquid nozzle is kept stationary at the position corresponding to the central portion for a predetermined period of time while supplying the drying liquid. Thereafter, a gas nozzle moves from the position corresponding to the central portion to the position corresponding to the peripheral edge portion while supplying an inert gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Teruomi Minami, Naoyuki Okamura, Yosuke Kawabuchi
-
Publication number: 20130233356Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises an array of nozzles that are stationary in use, and are individually controlled to simulate the action of a moving boom arm without the actual need for such an arm. Preferably three such arrays are provided, for dispensing three different types of liquid at various process stages. The computer control of the nozzle valves may cause only one nozzle of each array to be open at any given time, or may cause a pair of adjacent nozzles to be open simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: LAM RESEARCH AGInventors: Rainer OBWEGER, Michael BRUGGER, Franz KUMNIG
-
Patent number: 8529707Abstract: Provided is a liquid processing apparatus in which a target substrate is horizontally held on a substrate holding unit and rotated around a vertical shaft, and the chemicals are supplied from a chemical supplying unit to the bottom surface of the target substrate that is rotating. In particular, the liquid processing apparatus performs a first step in which the chemicals are supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a first rotation speed, a second step in which the supply of the chemicals is halted and the chemicals are thrown off by rotating the target substrate at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, and a third step in which the rinse liquid is supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a third rotation speed equal to or lower than the first rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Hiromitsu Namba
-
Publication number: 20130220382Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing method which can keep a surface of a substrate, which has hydrophobic properties, completely wet with a processing liquid during liquid processing, thereby preventing the formation of watermarks on the surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: EBARA CORPORATIONInventor: EBARA CORPORATION
-
Patent number: 8518189Abstract: A reticle is cleaned by vapor condensing on the active surface of the reticle. An embodiment includes positioning the reticle in a cleaning chamber having a bottom surface, with the active surface of the reticle facing the bottom surface of the cleaning chamber, and directing vapor at the active surface of the reticle. Embodiments further include filling a reservoir in a bottom portion of the cleaning chamber with liquid and directing vapor by heating the liquid. Embodiments further include cooling the reticle concurrently with heating the liquid. Embodiments further include rotating the reticle concurrently with heating the liquid and cooling the reticle. Embodiments further include emptying the reservoir and dry spinning the reticle, subsequent to cleaning the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.Inventor: Arthur Hotzel
-
Patent number: 8500915Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus consisting of an indexer block and a processing block, a substrate is transported between the indexer block and the processing block by an indexer robot. The indexer robot includes two hands that are provided one above the other on a rotating stage. The other hand moves in a vertical direction to one hand. A difference in height between the one hand and the other hand can be adjusted so as to be equal to spacing between substrate storing grooves of a carrier where the substrate that is to be carried into the indexer block is stored. In addition, the difference in height between the one hand and the other hand can be adjusted so as to be equal to spacing between support plates of a substrate platform provided between the indexer block and the processing block.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ichiro Mitsuyoshi
-
Patent number: 8480810Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a surface, having particulate matter thereon, of a substrate features impinging upon the surface a jet of a liquid having coupling elements entrained therein. A sufficient drag force is imparted upon the coupling elements to have the same move with respect to the liquid and cause the particulate matter to move with respect to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Erik M. Freer, John M. de Larios, Katrina Mikhaylichenko, Michael Ravkin, Mikhail Korolik, Fritz C. Redeker
-
Publication number: 20130160260Abstract: A device and method for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a process chamber and a rotary chuck located within the process chamber. The rotary chuck is adapted to be driven without physical contact through a magnetic bearing. The rotary chuck comprises a series of gripping pins adapted to hold a wafer shaped article in a position depending downwardly from the rotary chuck. The rotary chuck further comprises a plate that rotates together with the rotary chuck. The plate is positioned above an area occupied by the wafer-shaped article, and shields upper surfaces of the process chamber from liquids flung off of a wafer-shaped article during use of the rotary chuck.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: LAM RESEARCH AGInventors: Dieter Frank, Robert Rogatschnig, Andreas Gleissner
-
Publication number: 20130152971Abstract: A substrate holding and rotating device includes: a turntable rotatable; a rotative drive unit which rotates the turntable; a holding member which is provided on the turntable and horizontally holds a substrate in upwardly spaced relation to the turntable; a vertically movable protection disk disposed between the turntable and a substrate holding position; and a magnetic levitation mechanism including a first magnet attached to the protection disk, an annular second magnet which generates a repulsive force with respect to the first magnet, a support member which non-rotatably supports the second magnet, and a relative movement mechanism which moves the support member and the turntable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventor: Hiroshi KATO
-
Patent number: 8454754Abstract: A cleaning method includes: producing an oxidizing solution by electrolysis of sulfuric acid; and cleaning a workpiece with the oxidizing solution. The oxidizing solution is heated by heat of mixing to clean the workpiece. A method for manufacturing an electronic device includes: producing a workpiece; producing an oxidizing solution by electrolysis of sulfuric acid; and cleaning the workpiece with the oxidizing solution. The oxidizing solution is heated by heat of mixing to clean the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignees: Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation, Chlorine Engineers Corp. Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yukihiro Shibata, Naoya Hayamizu, Masaaki Kato, Nobuo Kobayashi
-
Patent number: 8454752Abstract: A foreign substance removing apparatus includes a mounting table for mounting and rotating a substrate; and a laser beam irradiation unit for removing foreign substances attached to a surface of the substrate by irradiating foreign substance cleaning laser beam onto the substrate mounted and rotated on the mounting table. In the foreign substance removing apparatus, the laser beam irradiation unit irradiates laser beam having an elongate shaped irradiation cross section onto the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Masaki Kondo, Takehiro Shindou
-
Publication number: 20130137034Abstract: A method for pre-treating a wafer surface before applying a material thereon. The method includes positioning the wafer on a rotating apparatus. The wafer is rotated at a first rotational speed between about 50 revolutions per minute (rpm) and about 300 rpm and for a period of about 1 second to about 10 seconds while dispensing a cleaning solvent on the wafer surface. The wafer is rotated at a second rotational speed between about 500 rpm and about 1,500 rpm for a period of about 1 second to about 10 seconds. The wafer is then rotated at a third rotational speed between about 50 rpm and about 300 rpm for a period of about 1 second to about 5 seconds. With the wafer rotating at the third rotational speed, a solvent-containing material is thereafter deposited on the surface of the wafer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chi-Hua FU, Chung-Cheng WANG
-
Publication number: 20130134128Abstract: A method and device for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a closed process chamber. A rotary chuck is located within the process chamber, and is adapted to hold a wafer shaped article thereon. An interior fluid distribution ring is positioned above the rotary chuck, and comprises an annular surface inclined downwardly from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge thereof. At least one fluid distribution nozzle extends into the closed process chamber and is positioned so as to discharge fluid onto the annular surface of the fluid distribution ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: LAM RESEARCH AGInventors: Ulrich TSCHINDERLE, Andreas GLEISSNER, Michael BRUGGER
-
Patent number: 8414708Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for cleaning a photomask. The photomask including a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, a pattern to be protected disposed on the first region, and a material to be removed exists on the second region. A cleaning liquid is sprayed from an inside region of the second region toward an outer region of the second region to remove the material, and a gas is blown from the first region toward the second region to protect the pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yun-song Jeong, Hyung-ho Ko, Sung-jae Han, Kyung-noh Kim, Chan-uk Jeon
-
Patent number: 8409364Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing at least part of at least one layer of a composite coating that is formed of fibers and at least one resin that is present on the surface of the body of a gas cartridge. In said method, at least one liquid nitrogen stream is dispensed at a temperature less than ?100 DEG C at a pressure of at least 00 bars upon contact with said coating so as to remove at least part of said coating layer present on the body of the gas cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude el l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Jacques Quintard, Frederic Richard, Charles Truchot
-
Publication number: 20130074878Abstract: A wafer scrubber is disclosed, including a chamber, and a holder connecting to a spindle disposed in the chamber, wherein the holder supports a wafer, and the wafer spins to remove water on the wafer, and a mashed inner cup comprising a plurality of through holes disposed between the holder and a wall of the chamber, wherein the mashed inner cup receives water from a surface of the wafer and rotates around the spindle to release the water through the through holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Jeng-Hsing Jang, Yi-Nan Chen, Hsien-Wen Liu
-
Publication number: 20130056035Abstract: A method of cleaning one or more air filter elements with a cleaning arrangement includes a rotatable basket for holding the one or more air filters, a spraying device for spraying cleaning fluid into the basket, and a driving unit for driving the basket into rotational motion. The method includes placing the one or more air filter elements in the basket, and performing at least three cleaning cycles. A cleaning cycle comprises the following steps. First the rotation of the basket is driven up to a rotational speed at which the one or more air filter elements have a speed greater than about 15 m/s, preferably greater than about 20 m/s. Then the rotation of the basket is brought back to a rotational speed at which the one or more air filter elements have a speed below about 2 m/s. In addition, the cleaning cycle includes spraying cleaning fluid into the basket during at least a portion of the cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: DAKRA B.V.Inventor: DAKRA B.V.
-
Publication number: 20130045606Abstract: A method includes providing a wafer and providing a first spray bar spaced a distance from the wafer. A first spray is dispensed from the first spray bar onto a first portion (e.g., half) of the wafer. Thereafter, the wafer is rotated. A second spray is dispensed from the first spray bar onto a second portion (e.g., half) of the rotated wafer. In embodiments, a plurality of spray bars are positioned above the wafer. One or more of the spray bars may be tunable in separation distance and/or angle of dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. ("TSMC")Inventors: Ming-Hsi Yeh, Kuo-Sheng Chuang, Ying-Hsueh Chang Chien, Chi-Ming Yang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
-
Patent number: 8377219Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor wafer composed of silicon directly after a process of chemical mechanical polishing of the semiconductor wafer includes transferring the semiconductor wafer from a polishing plate to a first cleaning module and spraying both side surfaces of the semiconductor wafer with water at a pressure no greater than 1000 Pa at least once while transferring the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is then cleaned between rotating rollers with water. The side surfaces of the semiconductor wafer are sprayed with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen fluoride and a surfactant at a pressure no greater than 70,000 Pa. Subsequently, the side surfaces are sprayed with water at a pressure no greater than 20,000 Pa. The wafer is then dipped into an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution, and then cleaned between rotating rollers with a supply of water. The semiconductor wafer is then sprayed with water and dried.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Siltronic AGInventor: Reinhold Lanz
-
Publication number: 20130008872Abstract: A substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate rotation unit configured to hold and rotate a substrate within a processing space; a processing solution supply unit configured to selectively supply multiple kinds of processing solutions; a collection cup configured to collect the processing solutions; liquid collection regions formed at the collection cup and configured to collect the processing solutions; a liquid drain opening formed at a bottom portion of the collection cup and configured to discharge the processing solutions; an exhaust opening formed above the liquid drain opening; a fixed cover configured to cover an upper portion of the exhaust opening with a space therebetween; an elevating cup provided above the fixed cover and configured to guide the processing solutions into the liquid collection regions; and a cup elevating unit configured to move up and down the elevating cup depending on the kinds of the processing solutions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventors: Jiro Higashuima, Norihiro Itoh, Nobuhiro Ogata, Shuichi Nagamine
-
Patent number: 8349089Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing multiple spray zones to different subportions of a silverware basket within the wash chamber of a dishwasher.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Roger James Bertsch, David Hung-Chih Chen, Brian Lee Greenhaw, Jeffrey R. Taylor
-
Patent number: 8343287Abstract: A method of processing a substrate. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method of processing a substrate comprising: supporting the substrate in a horizontal orientation; rotating the substrate; providing a fluid dispensing apparatus adjacent a surface of the substrate, the fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a body having an outer surface and a first conduit terminating as a first hole in the outer surface of the body and a second conduit terminating as a second hole in the outer surface of the body, the first hole oriented at a non-normal angle relative to the substrate and offset a first radial distance from a rotational center-point of the substrate; and ejecting liquid out of the first hole into contact with the substrate at the rotational center-point and ejecting liquid out of the second hole into contact with the substrate at a second radial distance from the rotational center-point.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Christopher Hahn, Hanjoo Lee
-
Patent number: 8337632Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a hair-cutting portion of an electric hair-cutting device includes a cleaning-liquid basin for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Martijn Van Baren, Jacob Brinkert, Alastair Ian Blake