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. 02, 2007
Filed:
Apr. 28, 2003
Thomas A. Walsh, San Luis Obispo, CA (US);
William J. Kalenian, San Luis Obispo, CA (US);
Thomas A. Walsh, San Luis Obispo, CA (US);
William J. Kalenian, San Luis Obispo, CA (US);
Strasbaugh, San Luis Obispo, CA (US);
Abstract
A pivoting wafer carrier having a minimum of internal friction and a smooth, continuous pivoting motion. The pivot mechanism includes a lower ring mounted on a pressure plate, an upper ring mounted on a housing upper plate and ball transfer units disposed on the lower ring. Corresponding bearing wedges depend downwardly from the upper ring. As the pressure plate tilts during the polishing process, the load balls of the ball transfer units roll against the corresponding wedges, thus producing a smooth, continuous pivoting motion. A universal joint may be provided to the carrier to effect the rotation of the carrier and to aid the smooth, continuous pivoting motion of the wafer carrier.