Abstract:
THIS DISCLOSURE INCLUDES APPARATUS FOR PREPARING THE SURFACE OF A WORKPIECE. THE DISCLOSURE TEACHES THE PROVISION OF A NOVEL WORKPIECE CARRIER FOR ENGAGING THE WORKPIECE, AND OSCAILLATING THE WORKPIECE HOLDER RELATIVE TO A FINISHING SURFACE WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY PROVIDING RELATIVE LINEAR MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE WORKPIECE HOLDER AND THE FISHING SURFACE. THE APPARATUS INCLUDES A CARRIER HAVING A DRIVER FOR MOVING THE CARRIER ALONG A LINEAR PATH OF TRAVEL. A ROTABLE MOUNT WHICH IS CARRIED BY THE CARRIER INCLUDES A DEPENDING WORKPIECE RECEIVER WHICH IS ROTABLY CONNECTED TO THE MOUNT, THE RECEIVER BEING MOUNTED ECCENTRICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE CARRIER. STRUCTURE IS PROVIDED FOR IMPARTING RORATION TO THE MOUNT AND SEPARATE ELEMENTS SUCH AS SPRINGS ARE CONNECTED BETWEEN THE RECEIVER AND THE CARRIER SO AS TO INHIBIT ROTATION OF THE RECEIVER WHILE PERMITTING OSCILATION THEREOF. IN THIS MANNER, AN ARTICLE BEING HELD BY THE RECEIVER MAY BE ENGAGED AND OSCILLATED AGAINST THE FINISHING SURFACE IN SUBSTANTIALLY COPLANAR RELATIONSHIP THEREWITH. IN ADDITION, AS HEREIN DISCLOSED, THE FINISHING TABLE UPON WHICH THE CARRIERS RIDE MAY BE PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF FINISHING SURFACES, EACH ADAPTED FOR DIFFERENT FINISHING OPERATIONS WITH INTERMEDIATE CLEANING SURFACES TO CLEAN THE WORKPIECE OF ANY RESIDE ADHEARING THERETO FROM A PREVIOUS FINISHING SURFACE.
Abstract:
This patent discloses a method of preparing the surface of a workpiece. The disclosed method teaches the provision of a novel workpiece carrier for engaging the workpiece, and oscillating the workpiece holder relative to a finishing surface while simultaneously providing relative linear movement between the workpiece holder and the finishing surface. The apparatus, by which the method is performed, includes a carrier having drive means for moving the carrier along a linear path of travel. A rotatable mount which is carried by the carrier includes a depending workpiece receiver which is rotatably connected to the mount, the receiver being mounted eccentrically with respect to the carrier. Means are provided for imparting rotation to the mount and separate means such as springs are connected between the receiver and the carrier so as to inhibit rotation of the receiver while permitting oscillation thereof. In this manner, an article being held by the receiver may be engaged and oscillated against the finishing surface in substantially coplanar relationship therewith. In addition, as herein disclosed, the finishing table upon which the carriers ride may be provided with a plurality of finishing surfaces, each adapted for different finishing operations with intermediate cleaning surfaces to clean the workpiece of any residue adhering thereto from a previous finishing surface.
Abstract:
The system for forming a uniform layer of a material from a vapor phase onto the surface of an object at a high rate of deposition includes a reservoir (10) for heating a material from which gas is propagated; a low pressure reactor (20) wherein said layer is formed; connecting means (18) between said reservoir and said reactor; means connected to the outlet of said reactor for creating a vacuum therein and causing said gas to flow from said reservoir through said connecting means to said reactor; first pressure control means at the outlet of said reservoir for maintaining the pressure of said gas at the reservoir end of said connecting means at a first value; and second pressure control means at the inlet of said reactor for maintaining the pressure of said gas thereat at a second value by adjusting said means for creating a vacuum, thereby providing a constant mass flow rate of said gas into said reactor. The method of forming a layer of material from a gas upon the surface of an object comprises: heating a reservoir to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a material from which said gas is formed; creating a vacuum in a reactor containing said object to cause said gas to flow from said reservoir through a connecting means to said reactor; and maintaining the reservoir outlet pressure and the reactor inlet pressure at constant values, thereby providing a constant mass flow rate of said gas into said reactor.
Abstract:
FI9-83-093 VACUUM DEPOSITION SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED MASS FLOW CONTROL A system and method for forming a uniform layer of a material from a vapor phase onto the surface of an object at a high rate of deposition includes a heated reservoir for vaporizing the material to be deposited, a reactor containing the objects to be coated, and a vacuum device for flowing the gaseous material from the reservoir to the reactor. The mass flow rate of the gas from the reservoir is held constant by precisely controlling the pressure at the outlet of the reservoir and at the inlet of the reactor. In one embodiment the upstream pressure is controlled by a valve responsive to a pressure sensor at the reservoir outlet, and the downstream pressure is controlled by adjusting the vacuum in the reactor as measured by a pressure sensor at the reactor inlet. A vacuum bypass line around the reactor is provided to stabilize the upstream pressure prior to admitting the gas to the reactor when a deposition cycle is commenced, and the connection between the reservoir and the reactor, and the flow control valves and pressure sensors in the flow path are maintained at a temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of the vapor downstream of the reservoir.