Methods for drying and cleaning objects using aerosols
US5964958A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S134/902
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for drying and cleaning objects that may have been wetted or contaminated in a manufacturing process. The objects are submerged in a rinse liquid in an enclosed chamber, and aerosol particles from a selected liquid are introduced into the chamber above the rinse liquid surface, forming a thin film on this surface. As the rinse liquid is slowly drained, some aerosol particles settle onto the exposed surfaces of the objects, and displace and remove rinse liquid residues from the exposed surfaces, possibly by a "chemical squeegeeing" effect. Surface contarminants are also removed by this process, which may be carried out at or near room temperature. Chamber pressure is maintained at or near the external environment pressure as the rinse liquid is drained from the chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.