Conveyors: fluid current – Intake to fluid current conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-07
2001-07-24
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors: fluid current
Intake to fluid current conveyor
C406S122000, C414S676000, C414S139600, C414S156000, C414S021000, C015S088300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264404
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of this invention relate generally to the transport of objects between various manufacturing process steps, and in particular embodiments to methods for hydrodynamically loading and unloading objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems, and systems incorporating the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Modem manufacturing methods often require a number of processing steps to be performed on an object to transform or prepare the object into a finished product. Even after the object has been fabricated, cleaning steps may be required to remove residue and contaminants such as particulates, organics, and inorganics collected during processing. For example, in conventional magnetic recording media processing techniques a slurry is applied to texture the surface of the magnetic media. This slurry must subsequently be removed, often by mechanically scrubbing the magnetic recording media using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) rollers. Several cleaning steps may be required, because magnetic recording media often requires particle removal efficiencies as small as 0.3 microns, and inorganic/organic particulate levels as low as 1×10
10
atoms/cm
2
.
Careful handling is essential as these fragile objects are transported between process steps. Conventional techniques employed for transporting delicate objects such as semiconductor wafers and magnetic recording media between process stations may require both mechanical and human intervention. Once the object completes a processing step, it is loaded into a transportation cassette, carried by process operators to the next processing station, and unloaded from the cassette. This intervention increases the chance of damage to, and contamination of, the objects.
Human intervention and manual transportation between processing steps in a multi-step cleaning system can be eliminated by employing substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes to transport objects from one process module to another. One example of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/196,856. 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.
However, even if an processing system with hydrodynamic transport chutes between process modules is employed, manual loading and unloading of objects into and out of such systems is still required. In addition, because hydrodynamic transport chutes may transport only one object at a time, the manual and repetitive loading and unloading of single objects into and out of such automated processing systems increases the chance of frictional wear and damage to the object as it comes into contact with the cassettes and human hands, and increases the chance of breakage of the object due to dropping or other mishandling. Contaminants may also be introduced during the loading and unloading process. Manual loading and unloading techniques also may be slower due to the lack of automation and required human intervention, and may be costlier due to the employment of process operators. In addition, no process steps may be carried out during the loading and unloading process.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
Therefore, it is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize frictional wear and damage to the object. Touchless, as defined herein, is the absence of contact with solid surfaces.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize the chance of breakage of the object due to dropping or other mishandling.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize the introduction of contaminants.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems wherein multiple objects can be serially loaded or unloaded into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems in an automated fashion.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to increase the speed and efficiency of the manufacturing process while decreasing its costs by automating the transport process.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to increase the speed, safety, and efficiency of the manufacturing process by allowing one or more cassettes containing multiple objects to be delivered to the hydrodynamic loading and unloading system.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems that allows process steps to be performed during the loading and unloading process.
These and other objects are accomplished according to a system for hydrodynamically loading objects into a manufacturing system. The system comprises a receptacle for retaining fluid including, but not limited to, water, air, cleaning solutions, and solvents. The receptacle has an aperture for egress to a manufacturing system. At least one cassette is supported within the receptacle for retaining a plurality of objects and positioning one of the objects in a loading location in alignment with the aperture. At least one nozzle is also disposed within the receptacle for ejecting fluid and urging objects in the loading location into the aperture.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, when read with the drawings and appended claims.
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Darrow David Craig
Hessburg Merilly Ann
Lindsley Timothy John
Sheffield John Edgar
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Olszewski Robert P.
Ridley Richard
Seagate Technology Inc.
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