Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake includes a brake caliper or frame, the application device for applying at least one brake at least one brake pad unit, and at least one electromotive drive as an actuator for actuating the application device. The application device also has two or more brake plungers, wherein the two brake plungers are connected to one another by a connecting plate. At least one or more ramp arrangements is/are formed in the region adjacent to the brake plungers between the brake pad unit and the connecting plate.

Abstract: An opposed piston disc brake caliper has a caliper housing arranged for mounting brake shoes on each of opposite sides of a rotor. The rotor in use is disposed between the brake shoes with each brake shoe having a backing plate and a friction lining applied to the backing plate. The caliper housing has side walls extending generally in a plane parallel to a plane of the rotor and on opposite sides of the plane of the rotor which accommodate a piston. The caliper housing has mounting members for engagement with each of the side edges of each backing plate between the radially inner edge and the radially outer edge of the friction lining. The engagement is such as to substantially limit movement of each brake shoe other than in a direction toward or away from the rotor with at least one of the mounting members being removable from the caliper housing to facilitate removal of the brake shoe from the caliper housing.

Abstract: A disc brake for a commercial vehicle includes a brake caliper, which has a receiving chamber for an application device and encloses a brake disc, against which brake linings can be pressed during a braking procedure, and a retaining bracket. The retaining bracket is detachably fixed to the brake caliper, and lining retainer springs that act on outer edges of the brake linings are supported on the retaining bracket. Preferably, one end of the retaining bracket is connected to the brake caliper, and the other end is held by a securing element. The disc brake is configured in such a way that the securing element is inserted into at least one cavity of the brake caliper in the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket and lies against at least one buffering edge of the retaining bracket, secured against displacement in the insertion direction.

Abstract: There is provided an electric disk brake including a caliper and a lock mechanism wherein the lock mechanism shifts with a pad pressing member, and is composed of: a shifting member provided with a plurality of claws with a predetermined pitch in a shifting direction; an engaging member provided with an engaging portion which is engageable with the claws of the shifting member; an actuator driving the engaging member in a direction that the engaging portion engages with the claws of the shifting member; and an energizing means normally energizing the engaging member in a direction that the engaging portion is detached from the claws of the shifting member, and the engaging portion is engaged with the claws provided on one-side surface of the shifting member when being locked while the engaging portion is positioned on the other-side surface of the shifting member when being unlocked.

Abstract: A floating type disc brake “A” used for a vehicle such as a motorcycle comprising a braking rotor 1A and a hub 2A arranged inside the braking rotor 1A, the braking rotor 1A including an annular rotor portion 11 and a plurality of projections 13A extending radially inward from the inner circumferential portion of the rotor portion 11, and further comprising a connecting means 3 for connecting the braking rotor 1A and the hub 2A at positions in which the projections 13A of the braking rotor 1A are abutted to the outer circumferential portion of the hub 2A. At least one of the rotor portion 11 and the projections 13A is formed with cutout portions 13b at the boundary region between the rotor portion 11 and the projections 13A. It is possible to suppress a local heat dissipation in regions of the rotor portion 11 in which the projections 13A are formed and thus to reduce irregularity of heat distribution in the rotor portion 11 during braking operations.

Abstract: A brake lining assembly for a disc brake is configured for road vehicles and includes a brake caliper and brake linings located on either side of the brake disc. An unchecked dismantling of the brake linings is effectively prevented by having a mounting assembly formed from the two brake linings and the lining retaining bracket. To achieve this, the end regions of the lining retaining bracket are connected to at least one of the brake linings in a positive fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylinder which has hollow portion therein; a piston rod which is inserted through an upper side of the cylinder and has a groove pattern having plurality of convex portions and concave portions which are alternately formed; a piston valve which is connected with a lower end of the piston rod so as to be reciprocated in the cylinder and has a fluid passing hole which is formed in an up and down direction; a rod guide which closes up an upper end of the cylinder tightly and guides an up-down movement of the piston rod and which has a through-hole at a side portion thereof; and a sensor module which is installed to the rod guide so as to detect a movement of the piston rod by using a variation in magnetic field generated when the piston rod is moved.

Abstract: A spool-shaped damper piston which is slideably mounted on a damper rod and has an external foam friction element engaging the inner surface of the cylindrical damper body. A pair of axially movable limiting disks are spaced from the spool-shaped damper a predetermined distance to allow movement of the damper rod a predetermined amount before the spool-shaped damper is engaged. In one embodiment, the disks include axially extending tabs which extend through slots in the ends of the spool and selectively engage the foam friction element when the motion of the damping rod exceeds a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment of the invention, the limiting disks include spring fingers extending between the disks and the spool ends to cushion the initial engagement between the disks and the spool as the free space threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A bag including a racquet compartment coupled to an accessory compartment.

Abstract: A linear actuator, suitable for a clutch (5, 6) of a motor vehicle transmission, has a bi-stable latch mechanism (18, 20) adapted to maintain an actuating member (26) in one of two positions on the output axis. Repeated applications of fluid pressure cause the actuator to alternate between the bi-stable states, and may thus cause a clutch to alternate between engaged and disengaged conditions.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for an electromechanical clutch having a solenoid actuating coil initially provides power to the solenoid at a high rate by using a high duty cycle pulse with a modulated controller. When the initial engagement of the clutch elements is sensed by a decrease in current, the duty cycle of the pulse with modulator is reduced and thereafter increased in a control fashion to accomplish a soft start.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a bicycle includes a hub shell rotatably mounted on a hub axle, a plurality of pawls disposed respectively in retreat bores in the hub shell to be moved between driven and idle positions, a chainring carrier rotatably mounted on the hub axle, a surrounding drive member coupled with the chainring carrier and having an annular ratchet segment to be coupled with the pawls so as to form a uni-directional mechanism, and an annular barrier member that confronts an annular insertion opening in the hub shell, and a shielding member including a rim which is water-tightly engaged with the insertion opening, and an annular flexible web body which has a tubular tail portion that is kept in frictional contact with a protrusion of the annular barrier member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission module (10) for an engine-transmission unit, said module comprising an input shaft (11) for connecting to a heat engine, an output shaft (12) for connecting to a gearbox, and a clutch (30) connecting said two shafts. The inventive module also comprises: an independent casing (16) comprising a first half-shell (17) and a second half-shell (18), said two half-shells forming a sealed receiving element (22) containing the clutch (30) which is naturally in the engaged position; a mechanical element (35) for maintaining the clutch (30) in said engaged position by means of a piston in the form of a disk; a hydraulic control circuit (40, 41) for acting directly on the piston against the mechanical element, in the disengaged position of said clutch (30); and a hydraulic circuit (50, 52, 53, 55, 56) for lubricating and cooling the clutch. The invention can be applied to an engine-transmission unit for motor vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch apparatus disposed between a transmission and an engine of a vehicle and including a wet type multi-plate clutch for transmitting a power, in which the starting clutch apparatus includes a starting clutch having a clutch drum within which the wet type multi-plate clutch is housed and a damper device engaged by the clutch drum, and grease of urea group is contained in the damper device.

Abstract: A brake and clutch unit for mounting on a main shaft of a drive configuration of a cableway, includes a drive section which can be subjected to a drive torque, a hub which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the main shaft and a base section which can be fastened in a positionally fixed manner. A switchable clutch is provided between the drive section and the hub and a switchable brake is provided between the base section and the hub. The switchable clutch is constructed as a friction clutch. A drive configuration for a cableway is also provided.

Abstract: A free coaster bicycle wheel driving apparatus having a clutch that employs radially acting components. A drive sleeve has an inner cylindrical wall surface mounted coaxially about a wheel mounting shaft and an outer cylindrical wall surface that is eccentric relative to the drive sleeve inner wall surface. The outer surface of the drive sleeve cooperates with a power transmission sleeve that has an inner cylindrical wall surface that is eccentric relative to its cylindrical outer wall surface. The power transmission sleeve is interposed between the drive sleeve and a wheel hub. When the eccentric lobe on the drive sleeve is in opposition to the eccentric lobe on the surrounding power transmission sleeve, the sprocket is disengaged from the wheel hub. Forward rotation of the sprocket jams the lobe of the drive sleeve against the power transmission sleeve, forcing its cam lobe outwardly into frictional engagement with the wheel hub.

Abstract: A frictional clutch for a hand-held device for transferring a film from a backing tape onto a substrate comprises a first main member having a cylindrical element coaxially protruding into a circular center opening of a second main member. The first and second main member are supported such that they can carry out a relative rotational movement. The second main member include coaxial tensioning elements for holding and pre-tensioning an elastic ring guided around the tensioning elements. The tensioning elements are geometrically arranged such that the ring is exposed in the form of at least one secant-shaped leg in the center opening. The secant-shaped leg of the ring is biased radially outwards when the cylindrical element of the first main member is inserted into the center opening of the second member in order to produce a frictional force between the ring and the circumferential wall of the cylindrical element.

Abstract: A clutch actuation mechanism having a plurality of friction plates engaged with a clutch outer and a clutch inner in a relatively non-rotatable manner and arranged alternately between a bearing plate portion and a pressing plate portion. A clutch disengage/engage control mechanism for switching disengagement/engagement of the clutch actuation mechanism. A clutch piston having opposite sides facing toward a control hydraulic chamber and a hydraulic canceler chamber. A division wall member forming the hydraulic canceler chamber between the division wall member and the clutch piston for forming an oil passage, which introduces lubricating oil toward the friction plates, in cooperation with the clutch inner. A control hydraulic chamber, hydraulic canceler chamber, and division wall member are arranged within a range corresponding to the space between the outer surfaces of a bearing plate portion and pressing plate portion and radially inward of a clutch actuation mechanism.

Abstract: The roller conveyor for transporting good carriers, in particular skids used in the automobile industry, comprises a conveyor path consisting of several in series arranged roller path modules. Each roller path modules comprises two roller borders which are parallel to each other and between which at least one transport roller is arranged. The roller conveyor also comprises an operation unit movable with respect to the conveyor path. According to said invention, the operation unit is embodied in a modular manner and comprises the roller path module and moving gear modules fixed thereto.

Abstract: An intermediate cash box includes a flap assembly that is pivotally mounted in a housing, said assembly forming a receptacle for coins in its resting position. When the flap assembly is pivoted in a controlled manner, this releases the coins into a return channel or a cash box. The flap assembly comprises two V-shaped flaps, each flap being assigned to a pivotally mounted gate lever with a slide-gate track that guides the displacement of the flap. A rotatably mounted displacement transfer element, which is driven by a drive, is in contact with the gate levers and transfers the displacement of the drive to one of the respective gate levers in order to pivot the latter.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a flight. The rollers have lower surfaces configured to engage a roller-engagement surface, and upper surfaces that substantially form a plane, such that the rollers engage the roller-engagement surface and rotate to move an object supported by the rollers over the plane. The flight includes a cam configured to engage a cam surface below the conveyor belt to impart a moment on the flight, and a projection that responds to the moment by rotating from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work sheet processing system that enables the effective utilization, without adverse effects on the operation of a work sheet processing machine or other peripheral devices, of a redundant work sheet corresponding to a material work sheet from which product work sheets have been cut, a part of the redundant work sheet being still capable of being processed into other product work sheets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switcher for product supply lines, which comprises a support frame (2), a guide channel (8) which is transversally mobile on the support frame (2) with respect to the advancing direction of the products being supplied in inlet. The switcher (1) comprises a telescopic channel (10), located at an end (9) of the guide channel (8), and being slidably mobile with respect thereto. The guide channel (8) is mobile by means of a support element (6), slidable on respective transversal portions (4, 5) of the support frame (2). The support element (6) is in turn activated by means of a cooperation between a cursor (13), slidable on the support element (6), and a con rod (15), hinged both to the cursor (13) and to a fixed transversal portion (4) of the support frame (2). The guide channel (8) is further provided with a separator device (20) for controlled distancing of the products which are grouped during the input supply stage.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder has a generally horizontal disk centered on an upright axis and extending angularly from an intake to a downwardly open outlet. A linear guide forms a plurality of straight tracks extending substantially parallel to one another upstream in the direction from the outlet. A multiplicity of small objects are deposited onto the disk at the intake, and the disk is angularly oscillated to transport the objects in a travel direction from the intake to the linear guide and thence in straight lines along the tracks into the outlet.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a “re-pitching” operation, i.e., an operation for changing the pitch between articles included in a flow of moving articles, includes one or more elements for conveying the articles, which are able to perform an orbital movement about a principal axis between a position for pick-up and a position for release of the articles. The speed of the orbital movement is selectively variable in the passage between the position for pick-up and the position for release. Members are provided for distribution of subatmospheric pressure to the conveying elements to enable them to carry out selectively an action of suction to pick up the articles. The members include a distributor, which can turn about the aforesaid principal axis. Set between the rotating distributor and each conveying element is a respective flexible pipe or hose for transferring the subatmospheric pressure to the conveying element.

Abstract: A portal-type scraper reclaimer having a support structure 10 and a boom 16. The support structure 10 includes end support members 12. The boom 16 has a main portion 17 and an end portion 15. The end portion 15 is bent relative to the main portion 17. The boom 16 is connected to the end support member 12 at a pivot 26 so that the boom moves relative to the end support member 12. A pair of support sprockets 20 and a pair of drive sprockets 18 are connected to the end support member 12. A boom sprocket 22 is fixed to the boom 16. A scraper chain conveyor 24 extends along the boom 16. The described pairs of sprockets 18, 20, 22 guide the scraper chain conveyor 24.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for assembling into batches (Ln), via a phasing device (23), a plurality of products (Pn) traveling on a conveyor belt (16) from an intake zone upstream to an exit zone downstream. The phasing device (23) is placed between the intake zone and the exit zone. The arrangement has at least one retractable catch (60, 62, 64), and the catch (60, 62, 64) is moved successively into an engaged position, causing a first product (Pn) to be slowed down until a second product (Pn) located immediately uptream moves up to it, so as to form a batch (Ln), and into a retracted position which enables the previously formed batch (Ln) to continue its downstream movement at the running speed of the belt.

Abstract: A drive beam (18.2) for a reciprocating floor includes a pair of elongate U-shaped channel members with longitudinally extending edges arranged and welded together edge to edge to define an elongate substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section tube member with opposed welded side walls (718) each with a lengthwise welding seam. A pair of elongate opposed reinforcing members (712) is fast with a respective associated welded side wall (718) and located inside the tube member.

Abstract: A positive displacement article sorter and method of monitoring a positive displacement article sorter, wherein the article sorter includes a frame, an endless web traveling in a longitudinal direction about the frame and an electric motor driving the endless web. The endless web is defined by a pair of continuous chains and a plurality of cross members connected at opposite ends with the chain. The positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of pusher shoes, each laterally traveling along at least one of the cross members. A sensing assembly is provided that has first and second portions. The first portion of said sensing assembly is positioned at the web. The second portion of said sensing assembly is positioned at a stationary location. The first portion of said sensing assembly is sensed with the second portion of the sensing assembly as the first portion of said sensing assembly travels about the frame. A parameter of the web is determined from an output of the sensing assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the state of a protective device (2), wherein said protective device (2) comprises a first element (4) provided with an opening (5) and a second element 6) which is movable with respect to the first element (4) in such a way that the opening (5) is closable at least partially, the device (1) comprises a locking device provided with a locking element (18) by which the close state of the protective device (2) is removably lockable and is blocked in the currentless state of the locking device, said locking device is activable by the movement of the protective device (2) from the open to the close state thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary push button (10) includes a main body (12) made of a ceramic material; and a connecting portion (14) integrally formed with the main body. The push button has an improved performance and is scratch resistance.

Abstract: A side key assembly is mounted on a housing (60) which comprises a sidewall (610). A socket (62) is formed in the sidewall (610) of the housing. The side key assembly includes a button (70), two switches (80) and the socket. The button includes an operating portion (710), two touching blocks (740) and at least one elastic arm (750). The operating portion is slidingly received in the socket. One end of the at least one elastic arm connects with the operating portion while the other end is firmly fixed on the housing. Each switch includes a contact portion. Each contact portion is positioned adjacent to a corresponding touching block. Each switch is turned on when the corresponding touching block is moved to touch the contact portion thereof.

Abstract: An electrical switch has two fixed contacts and a moving contact, a spring urging the moving contact towards contacting the fixed contacts, and an actuating mechanism for moving the moving contact away from the fixed contacts against urging by the spring and, alternatively, allowing the moving contact to contact the fixed contacts under the action of the spring. The actuating mechanism has an engaging member for engaging and retaining the moving contact and includes a spring acting on the engaging member for separating the moving contact from the fixed contacts through an instant spring-release action. One of the engaging member and the contacts is configured such that the moving contact will be engaged and moved by the engaging member out of contact with one of the fixed contacts earlier than with the other fixed contact.

Abstract: A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments whilst offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user.

Abstract: A fast pyrolysis apparatus (200) for producing pyrolysis liquid, such as oil or tar, char and pyrolysis gas from biomass, such as straw, comprises a centrifuge chamber (204) and a rotor (210) arranged to impart rotation on the biomass in the centrifuge chamber to force the biomass outwardly under the action of centrifugal forces. A furnace (206) arranged coaxially around the centrifuge chamber (204) maintains the temperature at an outer reactive wall of the centrifuge chamber at an elevated temperature to effect the pyrolysis process at or near the reactive wall. The apparatus comprises a condenser (218) arranged coaxially with and surrounded by the centrifuge chamber (204). The apparatus may be accommodated by a mobile unit for simultaneously collecting biomass from a field and processing the biomass in the apparatus.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for improving the esterification procedure, in particular for improving the esterification procedure to obtain an ester of low carbon number such as the ethyl acetate and the isopropyl acetate, are provided. By means of the provided method and apparatus, the conversion ratio of the esterification procedure is significantly increased and hence an ester product of a relatively high purity, up to the industrial specification, is obtained.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and apparatus for the In Vitro treatment process of purifying and maintaining the sterility of water thereby replacing existing transient technology that is flawed by repeated handling inside and outside the medical environment where this technology is intended for use i. e. hemodialysis clinics, trauma centers, burn centers, general medical institutions the pharmaceutical packager and other locations and applications where purified sterile water is required.

Abstract: Metal seed layers and/or barrier layers are treated to render them more suitable for subsequent electrochemical deposition of metals thereon. The processes employ thermal techniques to reduce metal oxides that have formed on the surface of the seed layers and/or barrier layers.

Abstract: A sputtering film forming method. which positions a target 4 and 5 at an incline to a surface of a substrate 10 whereupon a film is to be formed, and forms the film upon the surface of the substrate 10 whereupon the film is to be formed in an incline direction while the substrate 10 is rotated about a normal axis, terminates the forming of the film at a predetermined timing from the commencement of the forming of the film, wherein the forming of the film is terminated, when the substrate has rotated by 360 degrees×n+180 degrees+?, where n is a natural number, including 0, and ?10 degrees<?<10 degrees.

Abstract: A method of treating a gold film to form gold nitride is proposed, which includes the steps of: generating a nitrogen plasma with a radio frequency field and a power of less than or equal to about 2 kW; and treating said gold film with said nitrogen plasma. The method can be carried out using commercially available apparatus such as an etching machine. The radio frequency field is preferably between 10 and 17 MHz, and the power used to generate the nitrogen plasma is preferably less than or equal to 300 W. The gold film may be biased to achieve directional attack of the plasma. A further method of forming gold nitride is proposed which includes the step of sputtering from a gold target with a nitrogen plasma to form a film of gold nitride on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a semiconductor film and the reactive sputtering process used to deposit the semiconductor film. The sputtering target may comprise pure zinc (i.e., 99.995 atomic percent or greater), which may be doped with aluminum (about 1 atomic percent to about 20 atomic percent) or other doping metals. The zinc target may be reactively sputtered by introducing nitrogen and oxygen to the chamber. The amount of nitrogen may be significantly greater than the amount of oxygen and argon gas. The amount of oxygen may be based upon a turning point of the film structure, the film transmittance, a DC voltage change, or the film conductivity based upon measurements obtained from deposition without the nitrogen containing gas. The reactive sputtering may occur at temperatures from about room temperature up to several hundred degrees Celsius. After deposition, the semiconductor film may be annealed to further improve the film mobility.

Abstract: Electrochemical apparatus and processes for the point-of-use production of cleansing, sanitizing, and antimicrobial agents, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The processes may be used to produce NaOCl from seawater, low purity un-softened or NaCl-based salt solutions. HOCl may be produced from HCl solutions and water. NaOCl is produced using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane, such as membranes based on NASICON-type materials, in an electrolytic cell. HOCl is produced using an anion conductive membrane in an electrolytic cell. The cleansing, sanitizing, and antimicrobial agent may be generated on demand and used in household, industrial, and water treatment applications.

Abstract: The invention describes an improved anode suitable for being installed in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells intercalated to cathode elements provided with a diaphragm. In operation, the anode of the invention is in direct contact with the diaphragm so as to form mutually equivalent vertical channels defined by the surfaces of the plates, of the supporting sheets and of the diaphragm, allowing a predefined and controlled upward motion of the chlorine-brine biphasic mixture.

Abstract: In a water electrolysis system having an anode catalyst layer containing anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst layer containing cathode catalyst tightly attached, respectively, to each surface of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a cation exchange membrane, wherein at least one catalyst layer of said anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer comprises a porous structure of anode catalyst or cathode catalyst dispersed in fluorine resin containing resin, featuring the surface of the anode catalyst layer or the cathode catalyst layer being hydrophobized and the water contact angle with the surface of the anode catalyst layer or the cathode catalyst layer of said porous structure being 90 degrees or more, whereby the transfer of gas to the counter electrode can be significantly suppressed, gas purity and current efficiency be improved, and safety operation of the electrolysis system be secured, without a major change in configuration of the water electrolysis system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrochemical treatment of liquids and production of gases. Increased operating efficiency of an electrochemical device is achieved through the combination of measures: (1) sealing of the device on an element-by-element basis; (2) transfer of the liquid and gaseous phase interface into a passive extension of an anode chamber; (3) utilization of a tubular cathode as an inner wall and a cylindrical anode with an external coating as an outer wall; (4) positioning of channels and determining their dimensions so as to maintain helicity of electrolyte movement combined with the increase of the production output; (5) positioning and design of terminals, which provide for the reduction of their heating; and (6) ability of the device to operate under the conditions, when its longitudinal axis deviates from the vertical line by an angle of ??85° and under pumping conditions.

Abstract: A hollow anode for a galvanic coating apparatus of the running surfaces of cylinders is provided with a plurality of passages in its top portion. The total area of the passages reduces the surface of the anode by at least 50%, the top portion having a height between 4 and 12 mm. Thus, a decrease in the electrical field at the top of the cylinder is achieved without affecting the deposition in the rest of the cylinder and it is therefore possible to obtain a perfect coating up to the corners of a closed cylinder, while decreasing the deposition on the vault of the combustion chamber. Furthermore, it is also possible to increase the flow rate of the electrolyte through the apparatus thus decreasing coating time and exploiting a greater hydraulic pressure of the electrolyte, which provides a mechanical effect that favors deposition, especially at the corners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sputter deposition. The method including: providing a sputter target having a back surface and an exposed front surface; providing a source of magnetic field lines, the magnetic field lines extending through the sputter target from the back surface to the exposed front surface of the sputter target; providing one or more pole extenders between magnetic poles of the source of the magnetic field lines and the exposed front surface of the sputter target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a media injector for transporting a particularly fluid medium into a processing chamber, preferably consisting of a supply device and at least one gap acting as a transport opening for the medium, wherein said gap comprises at least two gap defining surfaces with a gap arranged therebetween. According to the invention, at least one gap defining surface is defined by at least one part of at least one front surface of a first tubular element.

Abstract: A module to carry targets in a sputter deposition installation for coating two-sided substrates is described. The module is mountable to the installation through an interface flange that carries at least two targets with their associated magnet systems. When the module is mounted, the targets take positions at opposite sides of the two-sided substrate, while the magnet systems orient the sputter deposition towards the substrate. The module enables coating of both sides of the substrate in one single pass. Different configurations are described with gas distribution systems and additional substrate supports. An enclosure with adjustable blinds in order to reduce gas spreading is also included.

Abstract: The present invention is an alternating current rotary sputter cathode in a vacuum chamber. The apparatus includes a housing containing a vacuum and a cathode disposed therein. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted in the bearing housing. A rotary vacuum seal is located in the bearing housing for sealing the drive shaft to the housing. An at least one electrical contact is disposed between a power source and the cathode for transmittal of an oscillating or fluctuating current to the cathode. The electrical contact between the power source and the cathode is disposed inside of the vacuum chamber, greatly reducing, and almost eliminating, the current induced heating of various bearing, seals, and other parts of the rotatably sputter cathode assembly.