US3664872A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for scrubbing thin, fragile slices of material
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1970-09-18
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Granted: 1972-05-23
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Expires: 1990-09-18
Abstract
Abstract Simultaneously, both sides of a thin, fragile slice of brittle material, such as single-crystal silicon, are scrubbed. The slices are loaded, one at a time, into a rotatable disc having pockets formed in the periphery thereof. The disc conveys the slices between two opposed counter-rotatable brushes within a detergent spray. After passing the rotatable brushes, the slices drop from the disc and float through the detergent bath to a container positioned below the disc.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerard A Frank
- 👤 Karl F Kipp
- 👤 Donald R Oswald
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:36
CPC Classifications
B; B08; B08B; B08B11/00; B08B11/02; B08B1/00; B08B1/20; H; H10; H10P; H10P72/00; H10P72/04; H10P72/0402; H10P72/0406
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of scrubbing thin slices of fragile material, which comprises the steps of: loading slices into loosely fitting pockets of a substantially planar, vertically-oriented, rotating slice-conveying disc; rotating a pair of opposed brushes in opposite directions in engagement with opposite sides of the rotating disc to scrub the slices passing between said brushes; maintaining a fluid bath around a lower portion of said disc; and removing the slices from the disc which have been scrubbed and which are at least partially submerged in the fluid bath by permitting the slices to fall through the fluid whereby the fragile slices are cushioned after their removal to reduce breakage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of scrubbing of claim 2 wherein the brushes are rotated in a direction which causes the engaged slices to be urged inwardly of the disc.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the slices are cleaned by spraying a detergent solution onto the slices during the scrubbing thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the brushes are rotated at a speed of between 110 and 150 rpm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-23 | 1975-11-22 | 1976-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-11-22 | 1980-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-23 | 1983-11-22 | 1984-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |