Abstract: A method for treating a descending process flow and a spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system incorporating the same. The manufacturing system includes a first processing station, a second processing station and first and second intermediate stations positioned between the first and second processing stations. The first processing station produces, at an output thereof, a first process flow comprised of a first process fluid and spherical-shaped semiconductors. The output of the first processing station is coupled to a first downwardly descending tube which forms an input tube of the first intermediate station. The first process flow enters a porous tube positioned inside an evacuation chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for contactless capturing and transporting a restrained spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit located within a transport tube or other component of a spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system and restrained by a fluid flow within the transport tube or other component of the spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system. The apparatus includes a diverging nozzle having an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture formed on an exterior side surface thereof and an interior sidewall which defines a generally frusto-conical shaped interior passageway through which gas flows. By repositioning the apparatus from a first position to a second position above, below or to one side of the first position, the restrained spherical object may be captured at an equilibrium position relative to the diverging nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for contactless capturing and transporting a restrained spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit located within a transport tube or other component of a spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system and restrained by a fluid flow within the transport tube or other component of the spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system. The apparatus includes a diverging nozzle having an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture formed on an exterior side surface thereof and an interior sidewall which defines a generally frusto-conical shaped interior passageway through which gas flows. By repositioning the apparatus from a first position to a second position above, below or to one side of the first position, the restrained spherical object may be captured at an equilibrium position relative to the diverging nozzle.