Seal configuration for use with a motor drive assembly in a microelectronic workpiece processing system
US6334453B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S134/902
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, is set forth. The apparatus comprises a processing bowl that defines a processing chamber. A seal is provided to assist in removing fluids, such as processing fluids, from the processing chamber that are in the proximity of the seal. Further, the seal is provided to assist in preventing the fluids from entering the motor. To this end, flow generating threads and expulsion threads are provided at an end of a shaft assembly that is connected to be driven by the motor. A member substantially surrounds at least a portion of the flow generating threads and at least a portion of the expulsion threads. Together, the member defines a chamber with the shaft assembly. Rotation of the shaft assembly results in corresponding rotation of the flow generating threads and expulsion threads to drive fluids proximate the shaft assembly to an exhaust while concurrently assisting in preventing such fluids from entering the motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.