Systems and methods for tape advancement in laser produced plasma equipment
US7424096B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05G2/0027
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for advancing tape/ribbon through a targeting area where laser ablation of the tape occurs in laser produced plasma equipment. Disclosed systems include a first positioning surface perpendicular to further positioning devices, where all of the positioning components work to precisely position the advancing tape in the point source area. After the first positioning device, the remaining positioning surfaces are parallel and provide positioning forces on the tape along a single horizontal axis, but in alternately opposing directions. Such forces assist to precisely position the tape in the desired target location, and to control the rate of advancement of the tape by imparting friction on the tape in alternating, opposing directions. A steady drive roller serves to pull the tape through the system, and works in conjunction with the friction imparted by the positioning surfaces to advance the tape at a substantially constant velocity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.