System and method for substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport of objects
US6241427A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/139
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A object processing system is disclosed. The object processing system includes processing modules for performing process steps on objects, and hydrodynamic transport chutes coupled between the processing modules for transporting the object in a substantially touchless manner between the processing modules. Each substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute includes a transfer slot formed between two walls. Formed in the walls and directed into the transfer slot are support nozzles angled towards the output side of the transfer slot for creating fluid flow and fluid bearings in the transfer slot and urging objects through the transfer slot. In addition, induction nozzles are formed in the walls near the input side of the transfer slot for inducing objects into the input side of the transfer slot. A base supports the first and second walls and is grooved in substantial alignment with the transfer slot for receiving and bottom-centering objects in the transfer slot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.