Patent · US Expired

Electrically insulating sealing structure and its method of use in a high vacuum physical vapor deposition apparatus

US6033483A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
19References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 24, 1997
Grant dateMar 7, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 24, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/31522
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, an insulating sealing structure useful in physical vapor deposition apparatus is provided. The insulating sealing structure is capable of functioning under high vacuum and high temperature conditions. The apparatus is a three dimensional structure having a specifically defined range of electrical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties enabling the structure to function adequately as an insulator which does not break down at voltages ranging between about 1,500 V and about 3,000 V, which provides a seal against a vacuum of at least about 10.sup.-6 Torr, and which can function at a continuous operating temperature of about 300.degree. F. (148.9.degree. C.) or greater. The insulating sealing structure may be fabricated solely from particular polymeric materials or may comprise a center reinforcing member having at least one layer applied to its exterior surface, where the at least one surface layer provides at least a portion of the insulating properties and provides the surface finish necessary to make an adequate seal with a mating surface. A first preferred embodiment comprises an aluminum center reinforcing member having at least one…

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