Patent ID: 6082414
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for replacing an attachment on a vacuum chamber without breaking vacuum comprising the steps of:providing a replacement apparatus having an inlet coupling adapted for connecting to an attachment at a first end and to a first opening of a first shut-off vale at a second end, a first shut-off valve having a first opening in fluid communication with said inlet coupling and a second opening in fluid communication with a pressure gauge and a vacuum pump, a second shut-off valve having a first opening in fluid communication with a second end of an outlet coupling and a second opening in fluid communication with said first opening of said first shut-off valve and said second end of said inlet coupling, and an outlet coupling having a second end in fluid communication with said second shut-off valve and a first end in fluid communication with an evacuation system,closing said second shut-off valve,disconnecting said attachment from said first end of said inlet coupling,connecting a replacement attachment to said first end of said inlet coupling,turning on said vacuum pump with said first shut-off valve in an open position and withdrawing air from all conduits and valves in said replacement apparatus,closing said first shut-off valve, andopening said second shut-off valve for allowing fluid communication between said evacuation system and said replacement attachment.