초록 ▼

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an apparatus and method for cleaning large glass plates each having first and second major surfaces is provided. The apparatus (10) includes an enclosure (14) which maintains a cleaning environment in which a glass plate (42) is decontaminat

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an apparatus and method for cleaning large glass plates each having first and second major surfaces is provided. The apparatus (10) includes an enclosure (14) which maintains a cleaning environment in which a glass plate (42) is decontaminated. An actuated support member (40) vertically translates the glass plate (42) into the enclosure (14) where it is supported with its first (46) and second (48) major surfaces substantially perpendicular to a ground plane defined by the floor space (12) occupied by the apparatus (10). A pair of opposing arrays of jet spray nozzles (62 and 64) coupled to a pressurized supply of liquid carbon dioxide (94) is provided for simultaneously directing carbon dioxide snow particles (96) in directions of the first and second major surfaces (46 and 48) of the glass plate (42), thereby removing contamination therefrom. The carbon dioxide snow particles (96) sublime within the cleaning environment of the enclosure (14).

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for cleaning a glass plate having first and second major surfaces, comprising:an enclosure for maintaining a cleaning environment in which the glass plate is decontaminated;means for vertically supporting the glass plate within the enclosure with the first and second ma

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for cleaning a glass plate having first and second major surfaces, comprising:an enclosure for maintaining a cleaning environment in which the glass plate is decontaminated;means for vertically supporting the glass plate within the enclosure with the first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to a ground plane;a pressurized supply of liquid carbon dioxide; andnozzle means, located within the enclosure and coupled to the pressurized supply of liquid carbon dioxide, for simultaneously directing carbon dioxide snow particles against the first and second major surfaces of the glass plate for removing contamination therefrom, whereby the carbon dioxide snow particles sublime within the cleaning environment.