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:
Jan. 03, 1995
Filed:
Apr. 28, 1993
Steven L Bard, Endwell, NY (US);
Gerald A Bendz, Vestal, NY (US);
Michael J Canestaro, Endicott, NY (US);
John R Chapura, Endicott, NY (US);
Edward J Frankoski, Newark Valley, NY (US);
Michael S Horan, Maine, NY (US);
Jeffrey D Jones, Newark Valley, NY (US);
James S Kamperman, Endicott, NY (US);
John R Kjelgaard, Jr, Whitney Point, NY (US);
Jack M McCreary, Apalachin, NY (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A fluid treatment apparatus and method for applying first and second fluids (e.g., etchant and water) to an article (e.g., circuit board) passing through the apparatus at a predetermined rate. The first fluid is impinged on a surface of the article and thereafter collected within the apparatus' common housing. The second fluid is impinged onto the surface of the article and collected within the same housing but at a location separate from the collected first fluid so as to at least partially prevent mixing thereof. The preferred means for effecting fluid impingement comprises separate fluid injecters, each including at least two rows of fluid jet injectors therein. The collected fluids are each returned to the respective impingement means. Replenishment of the second fluid is accomplished using a pump which supplies the second fluid, while the apparatus also includes means (e.g., a drain) to effectively remove the second fluid at a rate similar to the supply rate for the second fluid. The first fluid is also maintained at an established level above the article's surface using suitable means (e.g., dual rollers) located relative (e.g., on opposite sides of) the first fluid impingement means. Similar level retention for the second fluid is also possible. Cascading of the collected second fluid is also defined, this occurring within the same housing chamber which serves to collect the first fluid.