Method and apparatus for rotary motion transfer into an isolated region
US6119537A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H23/04
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for transferring rotary motion into an isolated region. The apparatus includes first and second angled drive shafts each coupled to an opposite side of a collar via one or more bearings. A flexible seal is coupled between the collar and an isolated region (e.g., a process chamber) forming a first stage isolation region. The second shaft extends from the collar through the first stage isolation region into the process chamber. The first shaft extends through an end plate to the collar. An anti-rotation element is coupled between the collar and the end plate. As the first angled shaft rotates the collar wobbles causing the second shaft to rotate within the process chamber. Rotational forces which may be imparted from the shaft to the collar are opposed by friction induced between the collar and the end plate by the anti-rotation element. Thus, the collar will not rotate and the flexible seal will not twist. Accordingly the flexible seal may be made of an inexpensive material as it functions merely for isolation, and need not be configured to obstruct the collar's rotation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.