Draw furnace sealing assembly and method
US6244099A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/57
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for sealing the bottom of an optical waveguide draw furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly constructed and arranged to mate with the bottom of the draw furnace to form a seal, and a leak detection system communicating with the assembly to signal the forming of a proper or an improper seal. The covering plate of the assembly is selectively seated on the sealing plate of the draw furnace to form the seal, and an inert gas is delivered between the covering plate and the bottom of the draw furnace. The flow of the inert gas is detected to determine if the seal has been properly formed. An assembly including a covering plate having at least two radially spaced gaskets circumferentially positioned on the top surface of the covering plate for engagement with the sealing plate at the bottom of the draw furnace, and a method for sealing the bottom of a draw furnace are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.