US5252134A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated delivery system for chemical vapor from non-gaseous sources for semiconductor processing
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1991-05-31
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Granted: 1993-10-12
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Expires: 2011-05-31
Abstract
Abstract An integrated module with a heated reservoir to vaporize liquid for semiconductor processes with liquid sources is presented. Shut-off valves and a proportioning pressure valve for controlling the flow of the vapor from the reservoir are mounted on the module for simple conduction heating of the valves. A capacitance manometer also mounted to the module also has its own heating elements. Condensation of the vapor is avoided and consistence performance and reliability is obtained.
Inventors
- 👤 Craig M. Stauffer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 01:40
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J4/00; B01J4/02; C; C23; C23C; C23C16/00; C23C16/44; C23C16/448; C23C16/4485; F; F17; F17C; F17C13/00; F17C13/04; F17C7/00; F17C7/02; F17C7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An integrated module for the delivery of chemical vapor from a liquid source through an inlet to a processing chamber of a processing unit for semicondcutor wafers, said module comprising a housing defining a reservoir for holding a liquid from said source; a supply channel connecting said reservoir to a supply inlet for connection to said source; a gas channel connecting said reservoir to an outlet; at least a second gas channel connecting said reservoir to said outlet; means for mounting said housing to said processing unit such that said outlet is connected to said processing chamber inlet; means in said housing for heating said reservoir so that liquid in said reservoir is transformed into vapor; and means in said housing connected to said gas channel for controlling the delivery of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber; whereby said module controllably supplies vapor from said liquid supply to said processing chamber and each channel can operate under different conditions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
An integrated module for the delivery of chemical vapor from a liquid source through an inlet to a processing chamber of a processing unit for semicondcutor wafers, said module comprising a housing defining a reservoir for holding a liquid from said source; a supply channel connecting said reservoir to a supply inlet for connection to said source; a gas channel connecting said reservoir to an outlet; at least a second gas channel connecting said reservoir to said outlet; means for mounting said housing to said processing unit such that said outlet is connected to said processing chamber inlet; means in said housing for heating said reservoir so that liquid in said reservoir is transformed into vapor; and means in said housing connected to said gas channel for controlling the delivery of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber; whereby said module controllably supplies vapor from said liquid supply to said processing chamber and each channel can operate under different conditions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The module as in claim 1 wherein each channel has a pair of shut-off valves and a proportioning valve between said shut-off valve pair connected thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The module as in claim 2 wherein each channel has a pair of manometers connected thereto on either side of said proportioning valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
247 words
An integrated module for the delivery of chemical vapor from a liquid source through an inlet to a processing chamber of a processing unit for semiconductor wafers, said module comprising a metal housing defining a reservoir therein for holding a liquid from said source; a supply channel in said housing connecting said reservoir to a supply inlet for connection to said source; a gas channel in said housing connecting said reservoir to an outlet; means for mounting said housing to said processing unit such that said outlet is connected to said processing chamber inlet; means in said housing for heating said reservoir so that liquid in said reservoir is transformed into vapor; means integrally mounted in said housing for sensing a property of said vapor in the delivery of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber; means, attached to said sensing means, for heating said sensing means separately from said reservoir heating means; and means integrally mounted to said housing and connected to said gas channel for controlling the delivery of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber, said controlling means coupled to said sensing means so that the delivery of said vapor to said processing chamber is controlled by said sensed property, said controlling means comprising a proportioning valve connected to said gas channel for regulating the flow of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber; whereby said module controllably supplies vapor from said liquid supply to said processing chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
247 words
An integrated module for the delivery of chemical vapor from a liquid source through an inlet to a processing chamber of a processing unit for semiconductor wafers, said module comprising a metal housing defining a reservoir therein for holding a liquid from said source; a supply channel in said housing connecting said reservoir to a supply inlet for connection to said source; a gas channel in said housing connecting said reservoir to an outlet; means for mounting said housing to said processing unit such that said outlet is connected to said processing chamber inlet; means in said housing for heating said reservoir so that liquid in said reservoir is transformed into vapor; means integrally mounted in said housing for sensing a property of said vapor in the delivery of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber; means, attached to said sensing means, for heating said sensing means separately from said reservoir heating means; and means integrally mounted to said housing and connected to said gas channel for controlling the delivery of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber, said controlling means coupled to said sensing means so that the delivery of said vapor to said processing chamber is controlled by said sensed property, said controlling means comprising a proportioning valve connected to said gas channel for regulating the flow of said vapor from said reservoir to said processing chamber; whereby said module controllably supplies vapor from said liquid supply to said processing chamber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-10-11 | 1997-04-12 | 1997-10-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-10-11 | 2001-04-12 | 2001-10-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-10-11 | 2005-04-12 | 2005-10-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |