Abstract: A method for the operation of an in-line coating configuration comprising 2n+1 chambers, where n is an integer, and specifically is preferably 2. Thus, at least between two times two chambers of this installation one gate each can be opened and closed, it is possible to coat also overdimensioned substrates with the same installation. The opening and closing of the gates entails a change of the pressure courses in comparison to standard operation.

Abstract: In order that an installation for coating panes of glass can be operated more reliably, the invention proposes a modification of the light barriers used in the installation. On the receiver side of these light barriers there is a row of individual cells which are more or less shaded according to the thickness of the glass pane passing through the ray path of the light barrier. Some cells always deliver a significantly reduced signal which can be evaluated as a reliable indication of the presence of an object in the ray path.

Abstract: A multistage lock chamber device with at least two lock chambers, a first pump set for evacuating a first lock chamber, and a second pump set for evacuating a second lock chamber. The first pump set (P1) may evacuate both the first and the second lock chamber, or both jointly. The first pump set may also be utilized as a prior pumping stand of the second pump set. Additionally, an integrated third pump set can be utilized as a pre-pumping stand for the second pump set and/or first pump set. Alternately or additionally, the device can include at least one buffer unit, whose buffer volume is being utilized to produce a sudden decline in pressure inside the lock chamber by means of pressure equalization.

Abstract: A method for the operation of an in-line coating configuration comprising 2n+1 chambers, where n is an integer, and specifically is preferably 2. Thus, at least between two times two chambers of this installation one gate each can be opened and closed, it is possible to coat also overdimensioned substrates with the same installation. The opening and closing of the gates entails a change of the pressure courses in comparison to standard operation.