Seal retainer for a component assembly and method of installing a component into an apparatus for controlling flow
AssigneeIchor Systems, Inc.
InventorsStephen CARSON, Randolph TREUR
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatuses for controlling fluid flow are important components for delivering process fluids for semiconductor fabrication. These apparatuses for controlling fluid flow require a variety of fluid flow components which are tightly packaged within the apparatuses for controlling flow. Servicing the apparatuses requires specialized equipment and methods which enable installation of seals in close quarters in apparatuses which are installed in the field. Seal retainers may be used to retain the seals during assembly of fluid flow components into apparatus for controlling flow.
Claims16
1-20. (canceled)
A seal retainer for retaining a seal, the seal retainer comprising:
- a handle;
- and
- a head extending from the handle, wherein the head has a lateral width that is wider than a lateral width of the handle, the head comprising:
- a perimeter edge;
- an aperture configured to receive the seal;
- and
- a lateral exit path extending in a lateral direction from the aperture to the perimeter edge, the lateral exit path configured for lateral detachment of the seal from the seal retainer, the lateral exit path comprising a frangible zone configured to easily break to allow the seal retainer to be moved laterally relative to and detached from the seal in the lateral direction.
A seal retainer assembly, comprising:
- a seal;
- and
- a seal retainer, comprising:
- a handle;
- and
- a head extending from the handle, the head comprising:
- a perimeter edge;
- an aperture configured to receive the seal;
- and
- a lateral exit path extending in a lateral direction from the aperture to the perimeter edge, the lateral exit path configured for lateral detachment of the seal from the seal retainer, the lateral exit path comprising a frangible region configured to easily tear to allow the seal retainer to be moved laterally relative to and detached from the seal in the lateral direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.