The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 27, 1990
Filed:
Jun. 21, 1988
Michael P Lauro, Lincoln, RI (US);
Roland Beaulieu, Tiverton, RI (US);
Everett E Crissman, Woonsocket, RI (US);
Joseph J Loferski, Providence, RI (US);
Christopher Case, New Providence, NJ (US);
Brown University, Providence, RI (US);
Abstract
A sputtering apparatus is constructed in modular form to facilitate changes in sputtering processes and target materials. At least two sputtering modules and a pumping stack module are arranged in series and in any desired order between a load module and an exit module. Each module is attached to another module by sealingly abutting flanges which are connected by externally accessible bolts. The use of gate valves between the modules is avoided by the provision of connecting sleeves which are each at least as long as the mean free path of the sputtered target atoms.