Patent Publication Number: US-2005126497-A1

Title: Platform assembly and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), this Application claims the benefit of and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/507,559 entitled Platform Assembly and Method, naming Jerry D. Kidd and Danny R. Caudle as inventors, filed Sep. 30, 2003.  
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates in general to the field of deposition technology for plating and coating materials and more particularly to a platform assembly and method to facilitate uniform coating.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Various deposition technologies exist for plating and coating materials. These various technologies include, but are not limited to, vacuum deposition or physical vapor deposition (“PVD”), chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”), sputtering, and ion plating. In such deposition technologies, one concern is the ability to uniformly coat an object among the object&#39;s different sides. Current practices involve the arrangement of depositant or element dispensers about the object to allow coating of the several sides. Once coating has occurred, the several sides of the object are measured for uniformity to ensure that the desired coating thickness has been obtained. If the coating is uneven, the process of recoating must be undertaken. However, in such a recoating process, the desired thickness can inadvertently be exceeded.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      From the foregoing it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a platform assembly and method for facilitating a uniform deposit of a depositant on a substrate. In accordance with the present invention, a system and a method for facilitating a uniform deposit of a depositant on a substrate are provided that substantially eliminate one or more of the disadvantages and problems outlined above.  
      According to one aspect of the invention, a platform assembly, arranged and designed to facilitate a uniform deposit of a depositant on a substrate via presentment of the substrate to a depositant dispenser, has been provided. The platform assembly comprises a platform, a plurality of satellite tables, and an actuator. The platform is rotatably coupled to a support structure. The support structure is operable to rotate the platform around a central axis. The plurality of satellite tables are rotatably coupled to the platform and at least one of the plurality of satellite tables is operable to support the substrate. The actuator actuates the rotation of the platform and actuates the rotation of each of the plurality of satellite tables in the same direction. The rotation of the platform presents the substrate to the depositant dispenser and the rotation of the at least one of the plurality of satellite tables presents the substrate to the depositant dispenser.  
      According to another aspect of the invention, a platform assembly, arranged and designed to facilitate a uniform deposit of a depositant on a substrate via presentment of the substrate to a depositant dispenser, has been provided. The platform assembly comprises a platform, an actuator, a plurality of satellite tables, and a plurality of gears. The platform is movably coupled to a support structure. The support structure allows movement of the platform. The actuator forces movement of the platform. At least one of the plurality of satellite tables is operable to support the substrate and the plurality of satellite tables are rotatably coupled to the platform. The plurality of gears are adjoined to the stationary gear. The stationary gear is coupled to the support structure and resists movement of the platform. The resistance to movement forces the actuation of the plurality of gears, which forces actuation of each of a plurality of satellite tables.  
      According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of facilitating a uniform deposit of a substrate via presentment of the substrate to a depositant dispenser has been provided. The method comprises movably positioning a platform on a support structure; positioning the substrate on one of a plurality of satellite tables, wherein each of the plurality of satellite tables are coupled to a satellite table gear; moving the platform within a proximity of a dispersion area of the depositant dispenser; and forcing each of the plurality of satellite tables to rotate via a stationary gear that resists movement of the platform, wherein the resistance to motion by the stationary gear forces rotation of a main gear, and the rotation of the main gear, interacting with each of the satellite table gears, forces rotation of the satellite tables.  
      According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of facilitating a uniform deposit of a substrate via presentment of the substrate to a depositant dispenser has been provided. The method comprises movably positioning a platform on a support structure; positioning the substrate on a satellite table, the satellite table being rotably coupled to the platform; applying an electrical signal to the substrate; moving the platform and substrate within a proximity of a dispersion area of the depositant dispenser; and rotating the satellite table when the substrate is within the dispersion area of the depositant dispenser.  
      The present invention provides a profusion of technical advantages that may include the capability to controllably, repeatably, and reliably facilitate a uniform deposit of a substrate via presentment of the substrate to a depositant dispenser.  
      Another technical advantage of the present invention may include the capability to reduce the time and effort needed to obtain a uniform coating on a substrate or object.  
      Another technical advantage of the present invention may include the capability to efficiently use depositants to minimize the consumption of depositants, which in turn can reduce costs—especially when the depositants utilized are expensive precious metals such as gold and platinum.  
      Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art after review of the following figures, description, and claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a configuration of a platform assembly with a table top and a plurality of satellite tables, according to an aspect of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating configurations of component parts of a platform assembly;  
       FIG. 3  is a side top perspective view of a main shaft bearing housing and a main shaft;  
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a main shaft bearing housing with a ring and a stationary gear;  
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective view illustrating an interaction between a drive transfer gear and a stationary gear;.  
       FIG. 6  is a top perspective view showing a metal support plate, a main gear, and a drive gear;  
       FIG. 7  is a close-up view showing a metal support plate and a drive gear;  
       FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a table top;  
       FIG. 9  is a top perspective view, illustrating an interaction between a main gear and a satellite table gear;  
       FIG. 10  is a close up view of  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view, illustrating a configuration of a satellite table within a table;  
       FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an isolated bearing;  
       FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of a satellite table with a satellite table gear and an inner sleeve;  
       FIG. 14  is a side perspective view, illustrating a removability of a satellite table;  
       FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a satellite table, having a larger satellite table mounted thereto; and  
       FIG. 16  is a side perspective view, illustrating a particular use of a platform assembly.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein. Additionally, the drawings contained herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.  
       FIG. 1  generally shows a perspective view of a configuration of a platform assembly  1000 . While a specific configuration of a platform assembly will be described with reference to  FIG. 1  and other figures, it should be expressly understood that other configurations can be utilized. The platform assembly  1000  in the configuration of  FIG. 1  includes a platform or table  100  having satellite tables  200  imbedded therein. In this configuration, the table  100  generally rotates the satellite tables  200  about a central axis, while each of the satellite tables  200  rotate about their own respective axis. Such an operation can be viewed as a rotation (the satellite tables  200 ) within a rotation (the table  100 ). In an element or depositant coating operation, an object or substrate (not shown) can be placed on any one or all of the satellite tables  200 . Generally, the movement of the table  100  (e.g., by the rotation or other means) presents the object to an element dispenser (not shown) while the rotation of the satellite tables  200  presents multiple sides of the object to the element dispenser. With such a presentment of multiple sides of an object, a more uniform coating of the object can be obtained.  
      While the table  100  and satellite tables  200  are described in  FIG. 1  with regards to a specific configuration, it should be understood that other configurations can be utilized—including not only those that are now known, but also those that will be later developed. For example, the table  100  and/or satellite tables  200  can have a square, oval, or triangular design. Additionally, the surface configuration of the table  100  can take on various configurations including, but not limited to, a flat surface, a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, an inclined surface, a curved surface, a curvilinear surface, a spherical surface or a helical surface. Other design configurations and modifications should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of this specification.  
      While the table  100  has been described as moving in a rotational path, it should be understood that in some configurations the table  100  can be stationary—e.g., allowing the satellite tables  200  to rotate while the element dispensers are presented to the satellite tables  200 . Additionally, in a configuration where the table  100  moves, other forms of motion can be utilized including, but not limited to, a tilted rotation, movement on a guided track, or the like. To a certain degree, the ultimate configurations will be dependent upon the object being coated and the element, which is being dispensed thereon. Accordingly, the configurations described herein are intended as only exemplifying some of the many configurations, which can be utilized.  
       FIG. 2  is a side cut-away view of a configuration of platform assembly  1000 . The table  100  is shown in phantom view to expose various component parts that can be utilized in configurations of the platform assembly  1000 . With the description of the configuration of the component parts of the platform assembly  1000 , it should be understood that such configurations are only exemplary of several designs that can be utilized. Other configurations will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the specification herein.  
      While the configuration described with reference to  FIG. 2  is particularly suitable for an ion coating process, the platform assembly  1000  can be used with other coating techniques. In the configuration of  FIG. 2 , the platform assembly  1000  includes a table  100 , a plurality of satellite tables  200 , a gearing system  300 , an actuator  400 , and a support system  500 . The interaction of these component parts in this configuration is generally as follows: the support system  500  supports and allows movement of the table  100 ; the actuator  400  actuates movement of the table  100 ; and the gearing system  300 , reacting to movement of the table  100 , transfers a portion of the force of the actuator  400  into movement of the plurality of satellite tables  200 . Other configurations can have alternative interactions, depending on the component parts and configurations associated with those component parts. For ease of illustration, only one satellite table  200  is shown in the configuration of  FIG. 2 . In practice, more than one satellite table  200  can be used.  
      In the configuration of  FIG. 2 , the support system  500  includes a main shaft bearing housing  510 , a main shaft  520 , and a sprocket  530 . A plurality of ball bearings (not shown) are disposed between the main shaft  520  and the main shaft bearing housing  510 . The ball bearings, as should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, allow support of an axial load (e.g., the weight of the table  100 ) while facilitating rotation of a structure (e.g., rotation of the table  100 ). At an upper end of the main shaft  520  is a shelf  525 , upon which the table  100  rests—namely an undertable  140  of the table  100 .  
      A lower annular base of the main shaft bearing housing  510  rests upon a base plate  640  while the main shaft  520  protrudes through an opening machined in the base plate  640 . Coupled to a lower end of the main shaft  520 , underneath the base plate  640  is the sprocket  530 . Rotation of the sprocket  530  rotates the main shaft  520 , which in turn rotates the table  100 . Other configurations of a system, which support and facilitate movement of the table  100  should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, including for example, but not limited to, structures that support and facilitate movement of the table  100  at an angle.  
      Working in conjunction with the sprocket  530  to rotate the table  100  is the actuator  400 . The actuator  400  in this configuration includes a motor driven shaft  410 , coupled to an actuator gear  420 . A mechanical linkage  540  such as a belt, chain, or the like connects the mechanical movement of the actuator gear  420  to the sprocket  530 . A motor (not shown) rotates the motor driven shaft  410  and the actuator gear  420 , which through the mechanical linkage  540  causes the sprocket  530  to rotate. Other types of actuators and associated configurations, which provide mechanical actuation, should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, movement of the table  100  can be designed to move upon a sliding track—the actuator  400  being designed to have a thrust force to move the support system  500  and hence the table  100 . Virtually any type of movement, which facilitates the presentment of the object on the table  100  to the element dispenser, can be utilized. With such types of movements, the appropriate associated actuator  400  can be used.  
      The general component parts of the table  100  in this configuration are an undertable  140 , an insulator piece  130 , a metal support plate  120 , a table top  110 , and a shield  105 . As indicated above, the undertable  140  can be mounted on top of the shelf  525  of the main shaft  520 . The shape of the undertable  140  is designed to disperse the point load support by the shelf  525  to a support of the broader cross-sectional area of the table  100 .  
      Mounted to the top of the undertable  140  is an insulator piece  130 , which as will be described below, can facilitate a particular ion coating process. The inclusion of the insulator piece  130  in this configuration illustrates the flexibility of the platform assembly  1000  in relation to a particular coating technique being utilized.  
      Coupled to the top of the insulator piece  130  is a metal support plate  120 . An annular ring  125  can be pressed onto the bottom of the metal support plate  120  to facilitate an ion coating process. The annular ring  125  is preferably made of a conductive material, facilitating such a process—e.g., copper. For illustrative purposes only, an RF/DC adapter  600  has been shown—a component part that can be used in an ion coating process. The RF/DC adapter  600  includes a beryllium brush  610  which contacts the annular ring  125  and bridges the gap between the RF/DC adapter  600  and the annular ring  125  of the metal support plate  120  establishing electrical communication between the RF/DC adapter  600  and the metal support plate  120 . The passage of electrical energy through the RF/DC adapter  600 , beryllium brush  610 , and annular ring  125  disperses through the metal support plate  120 . The insulator piece  130 , preferably made of a nonconductive material such as mycarta, helps to electrically isolate the electrical charge in the metal support plate  120  from the undertable  140 . More details of an ion coating process, which can be utilized with the configuration of  FIG. 2  will be described below.  
      The metal support plate  120  takes on an annular stair-step appearance (seen better in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), forming three levels: a lower level  120 A, an intermediate level  120 B, and a top level  120 C. Each of the levels (the lower level  120 A, the intermediate level  120 B, and the top-level  120 C) help support component parts of the gearing system  300 . More details of the lower level  120 A, the intermediate level  120 B, and the top level  120 C will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 6, 7 ,  9 , and  10 . Mounted to the top of the metal support plate  120  is the table top  110 , described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 8 .  
      Mounted to the sides of the metal support plate  120  is the shield  105 . The shield  105  in this configuration extends down from the metal support plate  120  almost to the base plate  640  and circumscribes the internal component parts—e.g., the insulator piece  130 , the undertable  140 , the drive transfer gear  320 , the stationary gear  310 , and the main shaft bearing housing  510 . The shield  105  protects these component parts from exposure to the element, being dispersed upon the objects.  
      The gearing system  300  in this configuration works to translate a portion of the force in which the actuator  400  imparts upon the table  100  into a rotation of each of the plurality of satellite tables  200 . The gears within the gearing system  300  can include a stationary gear  310 , a drive transfer gear  320 , a direct drive coupling gear  330 , a drive gear  340 , a main gear  360 , and a satellite gear  370 . The stationary gear  310  in this configuration is a non moveable-gear that resists rotation. While the stationary gear  310  can be placed in a variety of locations, the stationary gear  310  of  FIG. 2  is positioned on an outside periphery of the main shaft bearing housing  510 . Other locations can include, but are not limited to, a mounting upon a set of columns instead of mounting to the main shaft bearing housing  510 . Aiding the coupling of the stationary gear  310  to the main shaft bearing housing  510 , in this configuration is a ring  305 . The ring  305  is placed around the outside periphery of the main shaft bearing housing  510  and secured in place via a tightening of set screws or studs (not shown), moved radially inwardly through threaded holes  307  in the ring  305  up against the main shaft bearing housing  510 . The stationary gear  310  is then coupled to the ring  305  via one or more coupling pieces  309  such as bolts, studs, or the like. Preferably, the coupling pieces  309  are wrapped in nylon bushings to electrically isolate the stationary gear  310  from the ring  305  and the main shaft bearing housing  510 .  
      The coupling of the ring  305  to the main shaft bearing housing  510  allows adjustment of the location of the ring  305 /stationary gear  310 . For example, the ring  305  can be released from main shaft bearing housing  510  and repositioned at a different vertical location along the main shaft bearing housing  510 .  
      The stationary gear  310  has teeth that interact with teeth of the drive transfer gear  320 . The spider gear or drive transfer gear  320  is ganged to the direct drive coupling gear  330  via a drive shaft. 325 . The drive shaft  325  passes through a needle bearing  328  in the undertable  140  and a hole  135  in the insulator piece  130  to facilitate this ganging. The needle bearing  328  can be mounted in nylon, other plastics, or the like to electrically insulate the needle bearing  328  from the undertable  140 . The use of such non-conductive materials will be described below with reference to  FIG. 16 .  
      Upon rotation of the sprocket  530 , main shaft  520  and table  100 , a rotational force is transferred through the undertable  140  to the needle bearing  328  forcing the drive shaft  325  and the drive transfer gear  320  to rotate with the table  100 . The spider gear or drive transfer gear  320  (having teeth geared with the stationary gear  310 ) begins to rotate, walking around the stationary gear  310 —the stationary gear  310  resisting rotation. Facilitating rotation of the drive transfer gear  320  is the needle bearing  328 .  
      A portion of the force transferred from the actuator  400  to the table  100  can be viewed as being transferred to the drive transfer gear  320  in the interaction of the drive transfer gear  320  with the stationary gear  310 —that is, the rotational force provided by the actuator  400  is roughly equivalent to the force to rotate the table  100 , in isolation, plus the force to rotate the gearing system  300 , in isolation.  
      As the drive transfer gear  320  rotates and walks about the stationary gear  310  (better seen in  FIG. 5 ), the drive shaft  325  and the direct drive coupling gear  330  rotate. In turn, the direct drive coupling gear  330 , having teeth geared with teeth of the drive gear  340 , forces rotation of the drive gear  340  and main gear  360  (the main gear  360  being ganged to the drive gear  340 ). Finally, rotation of the main gear  360 , having teeth geared with teeth of the satellite table gears  370 , forces a rotation of the plurality of satellite table gears  370 , which are coupled to the plurality of satellite tables  200 —allowing the satellite tables  200  to rotate. As referenced above, the drive gear  340  and main gear  360  are ganged—that is, they move with one another. To facilitate such ganging, any type of coupling technique known to those skilled in the art can be utilized—including coupling techniques that are now known and those that will be later developed. Facilitating movement of the drive gear  340  and the main gear  360  is a lower bearing  345  and an upper bearing  355 . Both the lower bearing  345  and the upper bearing  355  can be ball bearings. Other suitable bearings will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The lower bearing  345  is housed within a cutout  122  of the metal support plate  120  while the upper bearing  355  is housed within a cutout  112  of the table top  110 . Between the upper bearing  355  and the lower bearing  345  is a rod  350 .  
      While such a gearing system  300  is described in this configuration, it is to be expressly understood that other configurations may be utilized to rotate the plurality of satellite tables  200 . For example, in a simpler configuration, the satellite table gears  370  can interact directly with a stationary gear  310  that is mounted for the particular movement of the table  100 . Such a configuration can include, with reference to  FIG. 2 , an internally threaded stationary gear circumscribing an outer periphery of the satellite table gears  370 . In this configuration, the satellite table gears  370  (moved by the table  100 ) can rotate with an interaction with the internally threaded stationary gear  310 . Other similar configurations will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
       FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of a configuration of a support system  500 , namely the main shaft bearing housing  510  and the main shaft  520 . As indicated above, a plurality of ball bearings (not seen from this view) can be disposed between the main shaft  520  and the main shaft bearing housing  510 , allowing the main shaft  520  to rotate. The shelf  525  and the base plate  640  are also shown.  
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of a configuration of a main shaft bearing housing  510 , having a ring  305  and a stationary gear  310  coupled thereto. As indicated above, the ring  305  can be placed around the outside periphery of the main shaft bearing housing  510  and secured in place via a tightening of set screws or studs (not shown), moved radially inwardly through threaded holes  307  in the ring  305  up against the main shaft bearing housing  510 . The stationary gear  310  is coupled to the ring  305  via one or more coupling pieces  309  such as bolts, studs, or the like. Preferably, the coupling pieces  309  are wrapped in nylon bushings to electrically isolate the stationary gear  310  from the ring  305  and main shaft bearing housing  510 . In this configuration, the stationary gear  310  and the main shaft bearing housing  510  do not come into contact with one another. The use of the main shaft bearing housing  510  as a support for the stationary gear  310  has certain structural advantages. As an example, intended for illustrative purposes only, a cylindrical shaped structure has the ability to resist torque loads, which may be imparted upon the stationary gear  310  during operation. While such a configuration has been described, it is to be understood that other configurations can be used to support the stationary gear  310 . For example, the main shaft bearing housing  510  and the associated couplings (e.g., ring  305 ) can take on a variety of different shapes. Additionally, the stationary gear  310  can be supported by columns or the like. Other configurations will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective view illustrating a configuration similar to  FIG. 2 . For ease of illustration, the shield  105  has been removed. In this configuration, three layers of the table  100  are shown: the undertable  140 , the insulator piece  130 , and the metal support plate  120 . The main shaft bearing housing  510  is mounted atop a base plate  640 , the ring  305  is secured in place on the main shaft bearing housing  510 , and the stationary gear  310  is coupled to the ring  305 . Extending down from the undertable  140  is the drive shaft  325  and the drive transfer gear  320 . The teeth of the drive transfer gear  320  interact with the teeth of the stationary gear  310 . When the table  100  begins to rotate, the drive transfer gear  320  walks about the stationary gear  310 , thereby forcing the drive shaft  325  to rotate.  
       FIGS. 6-10  show a top perspective view of configurations of several component parts referenced in  FIG. 2 . As referenced above, the metal support plate  120  can be perceived as an annular stair stepped structure having three step levels: the lower level  120 A, the intermediate level  120 B, and the top level  120 C. The lower level  120 A houses and allows the coupling of the drive gear  340  to the metal support plate  120 . A lower bearing  345 , such as a ball bearing, is coupled to the drive gear  340  and can be positioned within a cutout  122  within the metal support plate  120  (seen in  FIG. 2 ). Additionally, the direct drive coupling gear  330  (seen in  FIG. 7  on the lower level  120 A, but disposed within the intermediate level  120 B) interacts with the drive gear  340  on the lower level  120 A. The intermediate level  120 B houses the main gear  360  and the plurality of satellite table gears  370 . Disposed within the intermediate level  120 B underneath the satellite table gears  370  are the satellite bearings  160  and bearing housings  170 . The top level  120 C supports the table top  110 .  
       FIG. 6  shows the main gear  360  coupled to the drive gear  340  and flipped upside down to expose the lower bearing  345 . The main gear  360  and drive gear  340  are resting upon the metal support plate  120 , with the three step levels—the lower level  120 A, the intermediate level  120 B, and the top level  120 C—exposed.  
       FIG. 7  shows a close-up view of the direct drive coupling gear  330 . The direct drive coupling gear  330  is housed within a cutout of the intermediate level  120 B. A plurality of satellite bearings  160  housed within the bearing housings  170  can also be seen.  
       FIG. 8  shows a top perspective view of the table top  110 . The table top  110  is mounted on top of the top level  120 C (seen in  FIG. 2 ) and includes a plurality of holes  115  designed to house the satellite tables  200 . The table top  110  protects internal gears, namely the main gear  360  and the satellite table gears  370  (those, which would be exposed as seen in  FIG. 9 ).  
       FIG. 9  shows the interaction between the main gear  360  and a single satellite table gear  370 , having a satellite table  200  coupled thereto. While only one satellite table gear  370  and satellite table  200  is shown in  FIG. 9 , more satellite table gears  370  and satellite tables  200  can be used in practice. As the main gear  360  rotates, so will the satellite table gear  370  and the satellite table  200 . The upper bearing  355  can also be seen.  
       FIG. 10  shows in more detailed view the interaction between the main gear  360  and the satellite table gear  370 , having a satellite table  200  coupled thereto. Additionally, the plurality of satellite bearings  160 , housed with bearing housings  170 , can also be seen.  
       FIG. 11  shows a sectional view, illustrating a configuration of the satellite table  200  within the table  100 . Coupled to the satellite table  200  is the satellite table gear  370  and a satellite inner sleeve  165 , which can be removably positioned within the satellite bearings  160 . As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 , the main gear  360  forces rotation of the satellite table gear  370 . In turn, the satellite table gear  370  forces rotation of the satellite table  200 . Facilitating this rotation is the satellite inner sleeve  165 /satellite bearings  160 . To help stabilize the rotation of the satellite tables  200 , the satellite bearings  160  preferably include a bearing that can support an axial/thrust load and a bearing that can support a radial load. One bearing that can accomplish both is a combination bearing. A combination bearing suitable for such a purpose is a Combined Needle/Thrust Ball bearing model no NKIA-5901, manufactured by Consolidated Bearing Company of Cedar Knolls, N.J. The satellite bearings  160  are positioned within a bearing housing  170 , cut out of the intermediate level  120 B of the metal support plate  120 .  
      The satellite table  200 , the satellite table gear  370 , and the satellite inner sleeve  165  can be viewed as one piece, removably positioned within the respective housings of each level, namely the hole  115  in the table top  110  (the satellite table  200 ), the area between the main gear  360  and the wall of the metal support plate  120  (the satellite table gear  370 ), and the satellite bearings  160  (the satellite inner sleeve  165 ).  
       FIG. 12  shows an isolated view of a configuration of the satellite bearing  160 . A satellite inner sleeve  165  can be disposed within the satellite bearing  160 . The satellite bearing  160  can provide a radial load support via needle bearings  167  and a thrust load support via thrust ball bearings  169 . While such a bearing has been shown and described, it should be expressly understood that other configurations and component parts can be utilized—including not only those that are now known, but also those that will be later developed.  
       FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of a configuration of the satellite table  200 . A satellite table gear  370  and a satellite inner sleeve  165  have been coupled to the satellite table  200 . While such a configuration is shown in this configuration, it is to be expressly understood that other configurations may use other component parts to facilitate support of the satellite tables  200 . Also shown in this configuration is a larger diameter satellite table  210  coupled to the top of the satellite table  200 . Details of such a larger diameter satellite table  210  will be discussed in further details below.  
       FIG. 14  shows a configuration of the platform assembly  1000  of  FIG. 1  and illustrates a removeability of the satellite table  200 , the satellite table gear  370 , and the satellite inner sleeve  165  as one piece. The satellite table  200 , the satellite table gear  370 , and the satellite inner sleeve  165  have been removed through the hole  115  in the table top  110 . When the satellite table  200 , the satellite table gear  370 , and the satellite inner sleeve  165  are placed into their respective housings, the satellite table  200  preferably lies flush with the table top  110  as shown in  FIG. 14 . While the satellite tables  200  are flush with the table top  110  in this configuration, in other configurations the satellite tables  200  may be inset or lie just outside the table top  110 . The ability to remove these components as one piece facilitates repairs that may become necessary.  
       FIG. 15  illustrates another configuration of a platform assembly  1000 . In this configuration, the satellite tables  200  include holes  205 , which allow the attachment of larger diameter satellite tables  210 . The larger diameter satellite tables  210  can support larger objects for presentment to the element dispenser. The coupling of such larger diameter satellite tables  210  to the satellite tables  200  can be a variety of techniques commonly known in the art including, but not limited to, threaded bolt-and-screw connections and the like.  
       FIG. 16  illustrates an exemplary use of a configuration of the platform assembly  1000 , namely a use with plasma plating. While this exemplary use will be described with reference to plasma plating, it should be expressly understood that the platform assembly  1000  can be utilized in a variety of other different plating and/or coating processes/techniques—including not only in such processes/techniques that are now known, but also in processes/techniques that will be later developed. For illustration of this use, reference will be made to platform assembly  1000 , described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The platform assembly  1000  in  FIG. 16  generally includes a plurality of substrates or objects  40  mounted on the satellite tables  200 . Centrally located above the rotating table  100  is a plurality of depositant or element dispensers  50  which, in this configuration, are tungsten wire baskets. The element dispensers  50  are part of an element dispensing system, which can include various pieces of equipment used to support the plasma plating of the object  40 —e.g., a vacuum chamber (not shown), which facilitates operational conditions needed in plasma plating. Once such operating conditions are achieved, an element—e.g., in this illustrative configuration, any metal, such as a metal alloy, gold, titanium, chromium, nickel, silver, tin, indium, lead, copper, palladium, silver/palladium or a variety of others—can be placed within the element dispenser  50  and evaporated or vaporized to form a plasma. Generally, the plasma will contain positively charged ions from the element and will be attracted to the negatively charged object  40  where it will form a deposition layer on the object  40 .  
      To facilitate the negative charging of the object  40 , the platform assembly  1000  can be arranged and designed to provide an electrically conductive path between an electrical energy source and the object  40 . For example, in some configurations, the table  100  can be constructed of a metal or electrically conductive material such that the negative electrical charge can pass therethrough. In such configurations, insulators can be positioned to provide electrical isolation from areas of the table  100  in which electrical conductivity is not desired. In other configurations, the table  100  can include electrically conductive material at certain locations within the table  100  to provide a direct path to the satellite tables  200 .  
      With reference to  FIG. 2 , the table  100  can be generally constructed of electrically conductive materials, having insulators at appropriate locations. The introduction of energy, such as a dc signal and a radio frequency signal (rf/dc signal), to the table  100  occurs through the RF/DC adapter  600 . While not shown, the RF/DC adapter  600  can be coupled to a DC/RF mixer, which takes a dc signal (e.g., generated by a dc power supply at a negative voltage) and an rf signal (e.g., generated by a transmitter), and mixes them for introduction of an rf/dc signal to the RF/DC adapter  600 .  
      In the coupling of the RF/DC adapter to the DC/RF mixer, care is taken as to not energize undesirable component items—e.g., the base plate  640  upon which the RF/DC adapter  600  rests. As the table  100  can be rotating in operation, the RF/DC adapter  600  includes the beryllium brush  610 , described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . The beryllium brush  610  scrapes an annular ring  125 , which is mounted to the metal support plate  120 . The scraping of the beryllium brush  610  with the annular ring  125  transfers the rf/dc signal from the the RF/DC adapter  600  to the metal support plate  120 . The annular ring  125  is preferably made of an electrically conductive material such that the introduction of the rf/dc signal will easily spread to the entire annular ring  125 . Additionally, the placement of the annular ring  125  is preferably coordinated with the placement of the satellite table(s)  200  such that a conductive path is easily established between the annular ring  125  and the satellite table(s)  200 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the annular ring  125  is located directly underneath the satellite table(s)  200 . To further enhance the transfer of the rf/dc signal to the satellite table(s)  200 , a conductive material can be utilized between the annular ring  125  and satellite table(s)  200 .  
      Upon introducing the rf/dc signal to the annular ring  125 , the rf/dc signal can be transmitted through component parts, which are made of conductive materials—e.g, the metal support plate  120 , the main gear  360 , and the drive gear  340 . Insulators can be utilized to electrically isolate other component parts. For example, the insulator piece  130 , preferably made of a non-conductive material such as mycarta, helps to isolate the metal support plate  120  from the undertable  140 . Additionally, the needle bearing  328  can be mounted in nylon, other plastics, or the like to electrically insulate the needle bearing  328  from the undertable  140 .  
      The rf/dc signal, while having difficulty, could potentially be transmitted to the drive transfer gear  320  and stationary gear  310 . Therefore, the coupling between the stationary gear  310  and the ring  305  preferably includes nylon bushings to electrically isolate the stationary gear  310  from the ring  305  and the main shaft bearing housing  510 . While examples of isolation and conductivity have been provided, it is to be expressly understood that the configurations of the invention are not limited to these examples. Other configurations within the scope of the invention should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
      In seeking a uniform coating of objects, many factors can come into play, including, but not limited to, the dispersion range of the element, the distance between the element dispenser  50  and the object  40 , the shape of the object  40 , the element being dispensed, the thickness of a layer of the element desired on the object  40 , the closeness of the other element dispensers  50 , and the amount of time needed for the element to deposit on the object  40 . If the object  40  has a cylindrical configuration such as that shown in  FIG. 16 , a uniform distribution can occur by rotating the object  40  through one complete rotation in front of a dispersion range of the element dispenser  50 . As the concentration can vary across this dispersion range, preferably the object  40  will be rotated at least two times in front of the dispersion range of the element dispenser  50  in a single presentment of the object to the element dispenser  50 . Several exposures to the element dispenser  50  and/or element dispensers  50  can help achieve the desired coating thickness. Because the configuration described in  FIG. 2  has a rotation of the table  100 , which is related by gears to the rotation of the satellite table  200 , a ratio can be established. With this ratio being established, the satellite tables  200  will rotate a certain number of times in relation to one rotation of the table  100 . In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 2 , the ratio of rotation of the satellite tables  200  to the table  100  is preferably 6 to 1. While such ratios are given, it is to be understood that other configurations may have different ratios between the gears, and some configurations may not have ratios at all.  
      With the configuration shown in  FIG. 16 , it can be seen that several different elements can be placed in various element dispensers  50 . With such a configuration, a first layer of one element can be coated on the object  40 ; and then, a second layer of another element can be coated on the object  40 ; and, so forth. The benefit of such a configuration is greatly expounded in applications where specific operating conditions must be met before the coating process can begin—that is, configurations where a lot of time and effort are involved with setting up the coating process. Additionally, because the objects  40  are rotating on the satellite tables  200 , the element dispensers  50  in the configuration of  FIG. 16  need to only be set up on one side of the objects  40 . However, in other configurations, the element dispensers  50  can be set up on both sides of the objects  40 .  
      Any of a variety of element dispenser  50  types, shapes, and configurations may be used in the present invention. For example, the element dispenser  50  may be provided as a tungsten basket, a boat, a coil, a crucible, a ray gun, an electron beam gun, a heat gun, or any other structure.  
      In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 16 , the element dispensers  50  are generally heated through the application of an electric current to the element dispenser  50 . However, any method or means of heating the element within the element dispenser  50  may be used for this configuration.  
      With the use of the various equipment used in plasma plating, a gas, such as argon, may be introduced into the vacuum chamber at a desired rate to raise the pressure in the vacuum chamber to a desired pressure or to within a range of pressures.  
      Once all of the operating parameters and conditions are established (e.g., objects  40  coupled to satellite tables  200 , element dispensers  50  positioned in place, elements placed in element dispensers  50 , system placed in vacuum chamber, vacuum created, argon gas injected), plasma plating can occur. The table  100  can begin to rotate, forcing rotation of all the satellite tables  200  and corresponding objects  40 . The rf/dc signal can be passed through to the table  100  and objects  40 . Then, the element dispensers  50  can be heated through the application of an electric current to the element dispenser  50  to evaporate or melt the element—thereby forming plasma. The plasma will preferably include positively charged element ions, which will be attracted to the negative potential in the objects  40 . As the objects  40  rotate in front of the element dispensers  50 , uniform coating occurs. Multiple shots of different elements can occur on the same object  40  by simply exposing the object  40  to different elements on different complete rotations. With this general basic description, it is to be understood that several other operating steps and/or parameters can be utilized.  
      Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a system and method for coating an object that satisfies one or more of the advantages set forth above. Although the preferred configuration has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, even if all, one, or some of the advantages identified above are not present. For example, in configurations using ion coating techniques, the dc signal and the radio frequency signal may be electrically coupled to the substrate using virtually any available electrically conductive path. The present invention may also be implemented using any of a variety of materials and configurations. For example, any of a variety of vacuum pump systems, equipment, and technology could be used in the present invention. The present invention also does not require the presence of a gas, such as argon, to form a plasma. Additionally, movement of the table  100  can occur in a variety of different manners including sliding on tracks and oscillating rotations. These are only a few of the examples of other arrangements or configurations of the system and method that are contemplated and covered by the present invention.  
      The various components, equipment, substances, elements, and processes described and illustrated in the preferred configuration as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other elements and processes without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention may be used to coat virtually any material, object, or substrate using any of a variety of depositants. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are readily ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.