Abstract:
A novel fluid delivery system includes a mounting panel, where the mounting panel includes channels that define the flow of fluid between any flow-control components mounted on the mounting panel. The mounting panel comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and the channels are carved out of the underside of the top plate and are enclosed by the bottom plate. In a complex fluid delivery system having many fluid channels, the mounting panel may include one or more interior panels with additional channels carved out of the interior plates to accommodate all routing paths. The channels run in two or more directions to connect two or more gas/channel sticks together.
Abstract:
Integrated, electrically operable micro-valves are formed to control fluid flow and pressure. These valves convert electrical energy to mechanical energy through an energy conversion device (120) having a sealed cavity (100) with a flexible wall (200). The sealed cavity (100) contains a fluid (130) that expands and contracts as it is heated or cooled, thus causing the flexible wall (200) to move. Movement of this wall (200) or membrane is used to move a valve element (300) and dynamically control the opening or closing of a valve port (400) over a predetermined range.
Abstract:
A method for producing a corrosion-resistant channel in a wetted path of a silicon device enables such device to be used with corrosive compounds, such as fluorine. A wetted path of a MEMS device is coated with either (1) an organic compound resistant to attack by atomic fluorine or (2) a material capable of being passivated by atomic fluorine. The device is then exposed to a gas that decomposes into active fluorine compounds when activated by a plasma discharge. One example of such a gas is CF4, an inert gas that is easier and safer to work with than volatile gases like CIF3. The gas will passivate the material (if applicable) and corrode any exposed silicon. The device is tested in such a manner that any unacceptable corrosion of the wetted path will cause the device to fail. If the device operates properly, the wetted path is deemed to be resistant to corrosion by fluorine or other corrosive compounds, as applicable.
Abstract:
A sensor drift correction apparatus (20) includes a sensor package (22) which includes a fluid conduit (24), a proportional controller (26), a temperature sensor (28), a first pressure sensor (30), an integral controller (32) and a second pressure sensor (34). Bus (36) connects first pressure sensor (30), etc. to a micro-controller (38) having an associated internal or external memory (40). Included in memory (40) are an initial parameter specification module (42), a standard mode control module (44), a calibration condition identification module (46), a sensor drift calculation module (48) and a sensor drift adjustment mode operation module (50) which together act to identify a calibration command, identify a nominal zero pressure drift correction factor for sensor (30, 34) by relying upon a calibration voltage value and a calibration temperature value secured at nominal zero pressure condition, and subsequently adjusting sensor output accordingly.
Abstract:
A method of attaching a micromechanical fluid control device (62) to a substrate (64) includes the steps of forming a first ring of a first adhesive (70) around an aperture (66) defined between a micromechanical fluid control device and a substrate. The first adhesive forms a first interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is clean and corrosion resistant. A second ring of a second adhesive (72) is applied around the first ring. The second adhesive forms a second interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is hermetic.
Abstract:
A method of attaching a micromechanical fluid control device to a substrate includes the steps of forming a first ring of a first adhesive around an aperture defined between a micromechanical fluid control device and a substrate. The first adhesive forms a first interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is clean and corrosion resistant. A second ring of a second adhesive is applied around the first ring. The second adhesive forms a second interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is hermetic.
Abstract:
A method of attaching a micromechanical fluid control device (62) to a substrate (64) includes the steps of forming a first ring of a first adhesiv e (70) around an aperture (66) defined between a micromechanical fluid control device and a substrate. The first adhesive forms a first interface between t he micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is clean and corrosion resistant. A second ring of a second adhesive (72) is applied arou nd the first ring. The second adhesive forms a second interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is hermetic.
Abstract:
A method of attaching a micromechanical fluid control device (62) to a substrate (64) includes the steps of forming a first ring of a first adhesive (70) around an aperture (66) defined between a micromechanical fluid control device and a substrate. The first adhesive forms a first interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is clean and corrosion resistant. A second ring of a second adhesive (72) is applied around the first ring. The second adhesive forms a second interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is hermetic.
Abstract:
A genus of integrated valves having an integrated actuator with a thin, flexible membrane formed of silicon driven by pressure of a fluid trapped in a cavity formed by bonding a first and second die. The cavity has a resistor formed therein through which current is driven to cause the pressure to rise and the flexible membrane to flex. Movement of membrane is used to drive a valve element to a position where it unblocks a port to open the valve. This genus includes species such as ultra clean embodiments where a containment barrier keeps ultra clean processing gases confined to a wetted area having materials and bonding agents selected so as to be chemically compatible with the materials and conditions in the wetted area. Low leak species include a compliant material for a valve seat which is deformed by a ridge surrounding a port in the closed position. It is this port which is blocked and unblocked by movement of the valve element to close and open the valve.