초록 ▼

A slippable roller conveyor for a class one cleanroom. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a slippable roller conveyor with a surface path for conveying objects that is largely open so as to facilitate the downward flow of air from a clean air source above the conveyor to an evacuator

A slippable roller conveyor for a class one cleanroom. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a slippable roller conveyor with a surface path for conveying objects that is largely open so as to facilitate the downward flow of air from a clean air source above the conveyor to an evacuator below the conveyor. The slippable rollers include guiding flanges to resist lateral movement of the object being conveyed. The conveyor includes skirts with substantially smooth surfaces and minimal horizontal surfaces that assist in discouraging lateral flow of the clean air. Also, one embodiment of the invention includes a powered transfer mechanism for transferring objects from one conveyor path to another conveyor path. The transfer mechanism is enclosed and evacuated so as to prevent the escape of particulate matter into the cleanroom. The driving mechanism, motor, and electrical components are also contained in evacuated enclosures.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for conveying an object in a cleanroom, the cleanroom having a source of clean air generally above the apparatus and an evacuator generally below the apparatus for removing air from the cleanroom, comprising:a conveying assembly with a path for conveying obje

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for conveying an object in a cleanroom, the cleanroom having a source of clean air generally above the apparatus and an evacuator generally below the apparatus for removing air from the cleanroom, comprising:a conveying assembly with a path for conveying objects in a direction, said conveying assembly including a plurality of powered roller shafts, said conveying assembly including a plurality of slippable rollers driven by said roller shafts, each said roller shaft including at least two slippable rollers rotatably coupled thereto, said conveying assembly having sides along the path, the sides being generally parallel to the direction of the path; anda plurality of sideskirts extending downward from the sides of said conveying assembly, said sideskirts providing a flowpath for clean air from the source that is generally downward through the path to the evacuator;wherein the path has an area, and said conveying assembly obstructs less than about forty percent of the area from the downward flow of air.