Abstract: A novel method and machine are provided for processing workpieces at one or more work-stations under vacuum conditions. The machine comprises means for receiving at atmospheric pressure an object to be processed, an inlet lock that is connected to a vacuum manifold, at least one processing station that is at a pressure at least as low as 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-6 mm. Hg., means for conveying work-pieces to be processed into and through the input lock to said at least one processing station so that the pressure within the processing chamber is not adversely affected by introduction of workpieces thereto via the input lock, an output lock, and means for transferring workpieces from said at least one processing station into the output lock so that the pressure in said at least one processing station is not adversely affected by such transfer.

Abstract: Rotary lead-throughs through the wall of vacuum chambers have to be lubricated until now in order to avoid cold welding of a metallic shaft with vacuum sealing rings of the lead-through. The invention pertains to a new construction in which the inner wall of a bore through the wall of the vacuum chamber, through which the shaft is led, is lined with a sleeve of a low-friction synthetic material, preferentially polytetrafluoro-ethylene, with the sleeve being sealed against the inner wall and against the shaft by sealing rings, preferentially made of an elastomer. Through this construction, constant minimum friction, without the necessity of using additional lubricating agents and reliable sealing in dry operation, even under maximum stress, are acheived.

Abstract: An oscillator crystal measuring head is disclosed, for vacuum coating apparatus, intended for measuring the mass of substance which is deposited on an oscillator crystal during a deposition of thin layers, and by which the frequency of the crystal is changed. To obtain a longer, continuous measuring period, the measuring head is designed with a crystal changer in the form of a rotary support and to ensure that always identical surface areas of each crystal are coated, further apertured screens are provided in addition to an apertured screen which is fixed to the housing. These further screens are moved along with the individual crystals and can be pressed, in their measuring position, into heat conducting contact with the fixed screen. The movable screens may be designed as a single rotary screen plate which can be pressed against the fixed screen by a spring.

Abstract: Visual inspection apparatus for the interior of conduits has a protective, cylindrical housing filled with inert gas under superatmospheric pressure. A radial end wall of the housing has a transparent central portion and at least one transparent peripheral portion. The objective lens system of a TV camera is mounted in the housing cavity behind the central portion. Electric light sources are mounted in the housing behind the peripheral end wall portions. Light of the source is prevented from reaching the camera on a path within the housing by an opaque partition in the housing cavity and by an opaque zone of the end wall separating the central and peripheral portions.