Automated system and method for assembling image intensifier tubes
AssigneeITT Corporation
InventorTimothy G. Murray
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automation system for assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings so as to produce vacuum tube assemblies. Photocathodes are loaded, cleaned and otherwise processed in a first evacuated chamber. Similarly, vacuum tube housings are loaded, cleaned and otherwise processed in a second evacuated chamber. The first and second chambers are selectively interconnected wherein the photocathodes from the first chamber are transferred into the second chamber by an automated transfer mechanism. Once in the second chamber, the photocathodes are joined to the vacuum tube houses in an automation process, creating the final product vacuum tube assemblies.
Claims26
An automated system for assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings, comprising:
- a first chamber capable of retaining an evacuated environment;
- means for introducing at least one photocathode into said first chamber;
- heat cleaning means disposed within said first chamber, for heat cleaning said at least one photocathode;
- a second chamber coupled to said first chamber, wherein said second chamber is capable of retaining an evacuated environment;
- means for isolating the environment of said first chamber from the environment of said tube assembly chamber;
- means for introducing at least one vacuum tube housing into said second chamber;
- automated transfer means for transferring said at least one photocathode from said first chamber to said second chamber wherein each photocathode is placed on a vacuum tube housing;
- and
- a sealing device disposed within said second chamber wherein said sealing device seals said photocathode within said vacuum tube housing.
A method of assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings, comprising the steps of:
- loading at least one photocathode into a first chamber;
- loading at least one vacuum tube housing into a second chamber;
- evacuating said first chamber and said second chamber;
- processing said at least one photocathode within said first chamber and said at least one vacuum tube housing within said second chamber;
- interconnecting said first chamber to said second chamber by selectively opening at least one valve disposed between said first chamber and said second chamber;
- transferring said at least one photocathode from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- and
- assembling said at least one photocathode to said at least one vacuum tube housing in said second chamber forming at least one vacuum tube assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.