Vacuum wheel with separate contact and vacuum surfaces
US10189661B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/19
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum wheel for transporting a substrate includes a fixed conduit that is connectable to a suction source. A vacuum surface on a circumference of the vacuum wheel includes vacuum openings that are distributed around the circumference, such that rotation of the wheel causes the vacuum openings to successively fluidically connect to the fixed conduit. When suction is applied to the fixed conduit, suction is applied to one or more of the vacuum openings that are currently fluidically connected to the fixed conduit. At least one contact surface on the circumference of the vacuum wheel is adjacent to, and extends outward beyond, the vacuum surface. When suction is applied to the vacuum openings, the substrate is drawn toward the vacuum surface so as to contact the contact surface without contacting the vacuum surface, creating a friction force that enables transport of the substrate when the wheel rotates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.