Patent · US Expired

Controlled-immersion inspection

US5600068A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 1995
Grant dateFeb 4, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2291/101
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A controlled-immersion inspection mechanism gradually immerses a planar pattern of integrated circuits or other articles into a tank filled with water to a given level; across the tank there are two spaced parallel guide tracks along which two carriages, connected by a platform, move from an entry position above the water to an inspection position. In the inspection position the platform supports the articles, in an orderly array, for scanning inspection by a focussed energy beam, preferably an ultrasonic beam. A platform drive drives the platform between its entry and inspection positions. A mesh or other removable cover that permits water to flow but stabilizes article positions may cover the articles during immersion; the mesh is usually removed before scanning.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.