Patent ID: 7288172
Filing Date: 2007-10-30
Classification: C25D,H01L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for transmitting electrical signals and fluids to and/or from a microelectronic workpiece, the apparatus comprising: a support member configured to removably support the microelectronic workpiece; a shaft coupled to the support member and rotatable about a shaft axis to rotate the support member, the shaft having a first end with a first electrical contact portion toward the first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an internal channel along the shaft axis between the first and second ends, the shaft further having at least one first hole toward the first end, the first hole extending radially from the channel to an external surface of the shaft, the shaft still further having at least one second hole toward the second end, the second hole extending from the channel to the external surface; and a housing rotatably receiving the shaft, the housing having a fluid passage coupleable to a fluid source and/or a fluid sink, the fluid passage being positioned adjacent to the at least one first hole of the shaft, the fluid passage including a plenum disposed circumferentially around the shaft and being in fluid communication with the at least one first hole when the shaft rotates relative to the housing, the housing having a second electrical contact portion axially engaged with the first electrical contact portion of the shaft to transmit electrical signals between the first and second electrical contact portions while the shaft rotates relative to the housing.