Adjustable door arrangement for a vacuum chamber

US4169538A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The VirTis Company, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Harry L. Bird · Red Hook, US
• David T. Sutherland · Kingston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 28, 1978
• Grant date: Oct 2, 1979
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16J13/20
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed is a door and hinge frame arrangement for external-pressure vessels or vacuum chambers which has a five-way adjustment capability to assure that the door properly seals over the chamber entrance without the necessity for the application of large forces. A chamber door (which may be either circular or square) is pivotally mounted in a vertical position between ends of horizontal arms of a "C" shaped frame assembly. The "C" shaped frame comprises a vertical hinge member which is pivotally mounted at the bottom and top ends thereof, and the two horizontal arms extend from opposite ends of the straight member. Thrust bearings are provided to support the weight of the door and frame at the lower pivot of the vertical member. The vertical position of the door and frame can be adjusted by varying the thickness of the thrust bearings at this point. Similarly, the vertical position of the door with respect to the frame can be varied by varying the width of thrust bearings at the lower pivot point where the door is mounted to the lower arm. Further, the horizontal position of the lower pivot point with respect to the lower arm can be varied by loosening bolts holding a slotted fitt…