Patent ID: 8656936

Claim:
A barrier structure having a lower surface, comprising: a) an annular body having a lower surface that is angled so as to help define a tapering flow channel over a workpiece surface when the body is positioned over the workpiece surface; b) a plurality of independent arrays of nozzles integrated within the annular body in a manner effective to permit one or more processing materials to be dispensed in fluid streams that converge externally with each other and flow downward onto the workpiece surface, wherein the lower surface of the barrier structure comprises a first face having a first array of nozzles integrated within the annular body, a second face having a second array of nozzles integrated within the annular body, and an apex region located between the first and second adjacent faces and having a third array of nozzles integrated within the annular body, wherein the first face is adjacent to the second face in an angled manner that permits a fluid to be dispensed from the first array of nozzles and converge externally with a fluid to be dispensed from the second array of nozzles and a fluid to be dispensed from the third array of nozzles, wherein the converged fluid can flow downward onto the workpiece surface; and c) one or more processing material supply conduits in the annular body through which one or more processing materials can be supplied to the plurality of independent arrays of nozzles.