Atotech Usa, Inc.

Ricky A Himes

Charles Seager, Jr

Paul W Ciccarelli, Jr

A fluid delivery method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of the fluid being a liquid, the nozzle openings provide cylindrical filament-like columns of liquid which are rendered by the associated grooves into generally flat, transversely disposed screen spray of liquid. In the case of the fluid being a gas, the nozzle openings and transverse grooves cooperate to deliver the gas in transversely spaced apart, transverse, planar zones of gas directed toward the path of article travel. In the case of liquid flow, the openings are generally cylindrical, and in the case of gas flow the openings are generally spaced-apart slotted holes. In the cases of both liquid and gas fluids, one of the grooves and/or nozzles are directed upstream relative to the path of article flow. Various adjustments are provided for adjusting the positions of the nozzle plates relative to the path of flow. The nozzle plate has a removable portion, for ease of cleaning and the like, that contains the nozzle orifices, sealing connected to the nozzle base section. The transverse groove that connects the line of orifices can have its center line varied from the center line of the orifices, in the direction of the longitudinal path, and/or the groove can have its angular orientation varied such that the path of flow of fluid discharged can be at an angle other than 90.degree. to the discharge surface of the nozzle plate.

Fluid delivery method

A fluid delivery apparatus and method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of liquid flow, the openings are generally cylindrical, and in the case of gas flow the openings are generally spaced-apart slotted holes. In the cases of both liquid and gas fluids, one of the grooves and/or nozzles are directed upstream relative to the path of article flow. Various adjustments are provided for adjusting the positions of the nozzle plates relative to the path of flow. The nozzle plate has a removable portion, for ease of cleaning and the like, that contains the nozzle orifices, sealingly connected to the nozzle base section. The transverse groove that connects the line of orifices can have its center line varied from the center line of the orifices, in the direction of the longitudinal path, and/or the groove can have its angular orientation varied such that the path of flow of fluid discharged can be at an angle other than 90.degree. to the discharge surface of the nozzle plate.

Fluid delivery apparatus

A fluid delivery apparatus and method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of the fluid being a liquid, the nozzle openings provide cylindrical filament-like columns of liquid which are rendered by the associated grooves into generally flat, transversely disposed semen spray of liquid. In the case of the fluid being a gas, the nozzle openings and transverse grooves cooperate to deliver the gas in transversely spaced apart, transverse, planar zones of gas directed toward the path of article travel. In the case of liquid flow, the openings are generally cylindrical, and in the case of gas flow the openings are generally spaced-apart slotted holes. In the cases of both liquid and gas fluids, one of the grooves and/or nozzles are directed upstream relative to the path of article flow. Various adjustments are provided for adjusting the positions of the nozzle plates relative to the path of flow.

Fluid delivery apparatus and method

Apparatus for treating printed circuit boards or other items is provided, wherein a drying apparatus is specifically provided, generally for use as part of a cleaning or other treatment apparatus, but which can be separately provided, if desired. The drying apparatus employs preferably warm air discharge tubes, for drying items of varying thicknesses, and/or that have varying thicknesses of components mounted thereon. Generally, the printed circuit or other items are carried through the apparatus between upper and lower foraminous conveyor belts, with one of the belts, conforming to the varying thicknesses of the items, or components carried by the items. While some of the air discharge tubes may be stationarily mounted, at least some of them are pivotally mounted, such that their discharge opening zones can slide along and conform to variations in thickness. The discharge tube will pivot in response to the varying thicknesses. The pivotal motion of the tube may be provided with a means for balancing the same.

Apparatus for treatment of printed circuit boards and the like

A method of treating printed circuit boards or other items is provided, wherein a drying apparatus is specifically provided, generally for use as part of a cleaning or other treatment apparatus, but which can be separately provided, if desired. The drying apparatus employs preferably warm air discharge tubes, for drying items of varying thicknesses, and/or that have varying thicknesses of components mounted thereon. Generally, the printed circuit or other items are carried through the apparatus between upper and lower foraminous conveyor belts, with one of the belts, conforming to the varying thicknesses of the items, or components carried by the items. While some of the air discharge tubes may be stationarily mounted, at least some of them are pivotally mounted, such that their discharge opening zones can slide along and conform to variations in thickness. The discharge tube will pivot in response to the varying thicknesses. The pivotal motion of the tube may be provided with a means for balancing the same.

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Boalsburg, PA, United States of America

Ricky A Himes