Configurable vacuum system and method
US6905582B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC23C14/505
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An exemplary configurable vacuum system is provided for use in coating or plating that provides the capability and versatility to handle substrates of significantly different shapes and sizes. The configurable vacuum system includes a vacuum table assembly, a mechanical drive, an electrical feed through, a filament, and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum table assembly may include a support frame, a sliding means, such as a roller or rollers, an insulated surface, and a platform operable to rotate and support the substrate. The mechanical drive is operable to rotate the platform, the electrical feed through provides an electrical signal to the substrate, and the filament is positioned relative the substrate. The vacuum chamber includes a main opening, an internal volume, and a receiving means, such as a railing or member, operable to receive and support the vacuum table assembly within the internal volume of the vacuum chamber and through the sliding means of the vacuum table assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.