The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 20, 1994
Filed:
Oct. 01, 1991
Boris Levit, Cupertino, CA (US);
National Semiconductor Corporation, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for translating parts along a path between processing stations. In a class of preferred embodiments, the parts are singulated electronic components, and the processing stations include nozzle arrays for directing jets of process fluid (such as water chemicals, gas or air) at the components. Each part rests on a pair of horizontally separated, endless belts. The top, bottom, and side surfaces of each part (and any leads protruding from the parts) are simultaneously exposed to treatment apparatus that may be positioned above and below the belts. If a downward-oriented nozzle array is disposed above the belts and an upward-oriented nozzle array is disposed below the belts, at the same position along the processing path, the top, bottom, and side surfaces of each part can be simultaneously exposed to process fluid jets from the nozzles. Preferably, a net downward fluid pressure is exerted on each part to maintain the part in its proper position at rest on the belts, while the part is exposed to the fluid jets.