Noncontact support platform with blockage detection
US9889995B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A noncontact support platform includes a plurality of pressure nozzles on an outer surface of a PV stage of the noncontact support platform. The pressure nozzles connected to a pressure source for creating an outflow of fluid through the pressure nozzles. A plurality of vacuum nozzles are interspersed with the pressure nozzles on the outer surface and are connected to a vacuum manifold via one or a plurality of hoses to create an inflow of the fluid through the vacuum nozzles. At least one flowmeter is configured to generate a signal that is indicative of a measured inflow via at least one hose of the hoses. A controller is configured to analyze the signal to determine whether the measured inflow is indicative of blockage of a vacuum nozzle and to generate a response when blockage is indicated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.