Method and apparatus for measurement of weight during cvi/cvd process
OwnerJames W. Rudolphinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention is in the field of Chemical vapor infiltration and Chemical vapor deposition (CVI/CVD). More specifically, this invention is directed to method and apparatus for weighing parts being subjected to the CVI/CVD process, during the process itself to indicate a weight change thereof. The process may be terminated or altered as desired based upon the weight gain information.
Claims14
A method to determine the change in weight of parts in a furnace during a CVI/CVD process, comprising the step of:
- measuring the change in weight of the entire furnace, including contents, during the CVI/CVD process.
In combination, a furnace for use in a CVI/CVD process, and a weighing device, the furnace disposed upon the weighing device, the weighing device being configured to indicate the weight of the furnace.
A method to determine the weight change of parts during a CVI/CVD process, comprising the steps:
- a. attaching a CVI/CVD furnace to a means for weighing the CVI/CVD furnace;
- b. electrically connecting an indicator unit to the means for weighing the CVI/CVD furnace;
- c. placing the parts in the furnace for the CVI/CVD process;
- and,
- d. monitoring the indicator unit during the CVI/CVD process for the change in weight of the furnace as an indication of the change in weight of the parts therein.
A CVI/CVD process, comprising the steps of:
- CVI/CVD depositing a binding matrix within parts disposed within the CVI/CVD furnace while weighing the entire CVI/CVD furnace, including contents, to indicate a gain in weight of said porous substrates during the process.
A method to determine the weight change of parts during a CVI/CVD process, comprising the steps:
- a. placing the furnace on load cells;
- b. electrically connecting an indicator unit to said load cells;
- c. placing the parts in the furnace for the CVI/CVD process;
- and,
- d. monitoring the indicator unit during the CVI/CVD process for the change in weight of the CVI/CVD furnace.
Apparatus for monitoring the weight change of parts in a CVI/CVD furnace during a CVI/CVD process, comprising:
- a. load cells supporting the CVI/CVD furnace;
- and,
- b. an indicator unit electrically connected to the load cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.