Patent · US Expired

Pressure responsive clamp for a processing chamber

US6012600A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
14References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 1996
Grant dateJan 11, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L21/687
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided which secures the lid of a processing chamber in abutting engagement with the walls of the chamber to form an airtight processing environment and which provides for the release of pressure within the chamber in the event of a sudden change in pressure such as an over pressure excursion. The method and apparatus generally comprise a clamp member having a base portion for mounting the clamp to a first surface, a contact portion for contacting a second surface and maintaining a desired relationship between the first and second surfaces, and a deflecting portion which allows separation of the first and second surfaces to relieve pressure behind the first or second surface and return to the desired relationship between the first and second surfaces.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.