Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting electrical signals and fluids to and/or from a microelectronic workpiece. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and 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 can further have at least one first hole toward the first end with the first hole extending radially from the channel to an external surface of the shaft. The shaft can still further have at least one second hole toward the second end with the second hole extending from the channel to the external surface. A housing rotatably receives the shaft and has an aperture coupleable to a fluid source and/or fluid sink. The housing further has a fluid passage positioned adjacent to at least one of the first holes of the shaft and in fluid communication with the aperture when the shaft rotates relative to the housing. The housing also has a second electrical contact portion engaged with the first electrical contact portion to transmit electrical signals between the first and second electrical contact portions while the shaft rotates relative to the housing.

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First Claim