Patent ID: 6326056
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
A method of coating articles with a coating material by a vapor deposition coating process conducted under vacuum conditions in a coating chamber of a coating apparatus, comprising steps of:loading articles into at least one part cell removably disposed to an inner support base, the part cell having a first terminal end and a second terminal end and an outer wall connecting each terminal end, the outer wall having multiple throughholes large enough to permit vapors of coating material to flow into the part cell and small enough to contain the articles therein, and disposed on the inner support base in such a manner which permits the part cell to move or swing from the inner base support;sealing the part cell with at least one end cap removably connected to at least one of the first and the second terminal ends;producing a pressure vacuum within the coating chamber;rotating the inner support base, wherein the part cell rotates from a fixed position on the inner support base;delivering vapors of coating material under pressure to the coating chamber;circulating coating material vapors throughout the coating chamber;mechanically agitating the part cell by colliding the part cell with the inner support base; andremoving articles from the part cell after the coating process is complete.