EP0104938A2 - Readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly - Google Patents
Readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0104938A2 EP0104938A2 EP83305776A EP83305776A EP0104938A2 EP 0104938 A2 EP0104938 A2 EP 0104938A2 EP 83305776 A EP83305776 A EP 83305776A EP 83305776 A EP83305776 A EP 83305776A EP 0104938 A2 EP0104938 A2 EP 0104938A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electron
- frame
- window
- window assembly
- readily attachable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J5/00—Details relating to vessels or to leading-in conductors common to two or more basic types of discharge tubes or lamps
- H01J5/02—Vessels; Containers; Shields associated therewith; Vacuum locks
- H01J5/18—Windows permeable to X-rays, gamma-rays, or particles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J33/00—Discharge tubes with provision for emergence of electrons or ions from the vessel; Lenard tubes
- H01J33/02—Details
- H01J33/04—Windows
Definitions
- the present invention relates to electron beam structures and more particularly to those structures involving electron beam permeable windows as of thin metal foil and the like; being directed to improvements in enabling the more facile and fast replacement of such window structures as the electron beam irradiation exit for evacuated electron beam generator housings and the like.
- An object of the invention is to provide a novel readily attachable and detachable electron beam permeable window assembly that obviates in large part the practical problems residing-in the replacement of conventional windows and the above-described disadvantages attendant upon the same.
- a further object is to provide a novel electron beam window assembly of more general utility as well.
- the invention embraces a readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly having, in combination, a frame defining an internal opening; a thin electron-beam permeable window overlying the opening and secured near its margin to one side of the frame with a peripheral region supported by the frame but inward of the margin against which a peripheral sealing ring of an electron beam housing wall may be compressed; tab means extending beyond the frame to permit insertion and removal of the same from the sealing ring; flange means supporting the frame on its side opposite the window; and locking means cooperative with the flange means to enable inactivation of the locking means to insert or withdraw the frame by the tab means to or from a position under the sealing ring, activation of the locking means causing locking force to be exerted against the flange means to seal the window to the sealing ring.
- Preferred and best mode structural details are hereinafter presented.
- exit for electron-beam generators is generally a titanium or aluminum thin window or composites of the same or similar materials.
- the thin window may have to be replaced on a relatively frequent schedule, which is a serious problem in production operation. The corrosion from the vapors weakens the windows and, of course, they fail.
- the present invention ameliorates the problem of the costly and time-consuming replacement of windows in conventional fashion by provi- ing a novel readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly or cassette that enables rapid replacement of windows, say every few weeks for aluminum, or even every day, and by relatively unskilled individuals.
- This concept means that the present and past constructions involving conventional bolted flanges for the windows may be discarded. This is not only time-consuming, but it certainly is not adaptable for the concept of a quick release or readily detachable or attachable construction.
- a second requirement is that the window assembly should be fool-proof in the handling of the thin fine foil, both in terms of the user not touching the foil to damage the same and also in terms of the assembly being self-locating to lock-seal in the housing exit region against resilient 0-rings 6r the like with no question of error in insertion or removal, and without the necessity for fine adjustment.
- a pair of longitudinally spaced opposed normally evacuated electron-beam housings H are shown assembled for purposes of irradiating opposite sides of a web, so-labelled, or materials carried thereby passing longitudinally along a tunnel T.
- Each housing H supports within its interior the electron-emitting cathode C, as of the types described in said Letters Patent or of other conventional types, and is shown provided with an exit region at the bottom (or top for the lower unit) at which there is an opening 0 over which the electron-beam permeable thin metal window W is to be sealed. This sealing is effected against resilient marginal 0-rings designated at 1 and peripherally clamping against the window W and holding it in sealed assembly.
- the thin electron beam window W in accordance with the invention, overlies an opening 0' in a rectangular frame F that supports the thin window over the opening O', with the window W resting on the upper side of the frame F and secured thereto near outer margins as at M by a thin layer of adhesive or tape A.
- the margins are outside the region where the sealing ring 1 will ultimately clanp against the window W, such that a peripheral region supported by the frame is provided against which the sealing rings 1 will ultimately bear, this being inward of the sealing near the margin of the window.
- tab means or other handle means T' is provided extending beyond the frame F to permit the user to handle the frame assembly without touching the window and to be able to insert and remove the same from under the sealing ring 1.
- a peripheral flange FL which supports the frame assembly on the side opposite the window, and this bears against the outer wall of the tunnel T bounding a pathway or region R through which the article or material to be sterilized or otherwise electron-beam-irradiated for other purposes, labelled "Web", is passed.
- the housing H is bolted to the tunnel conduit at B so that the two form a single structural unit.
- a locking means in the form of an inflatable resilient balloon I which, when inflated, bears against the under side of the flange FL and forces the frame F carrying the window W against the sealing ring 1.
- the user inserts the assembly or cassette comprising the window W carried by the frame F by the tab T', with the locking mechanism I deflated or inactivated; and the same is pushed in, stopping as a result of a limit step S on the tab T' engaging the outer edge of the flange FL, providing for positive location in just the right position.
- Inflation or activation of the locking mechanism I will then force the flange FL and thus the frame F and window W up against the sealing ring 1 and effect the desired seal to the housing H, whereupon the housing may again be evacuated and operation may continue with the replaced window.
- Sponge rubber resilient seals 3 adjacent to the lock-sealing balloon I and between window frame F and flange FL' are shown provided to seal the cassette in the wall of the tunnel T against leakage of ozone.
- the frame FL is depresesed against the gas-seal 3 to permit insertion and removal of the window assembly.
- a cam (not shown) at either transverse end could be employed and rotated to assist in this depression step.
- Typical dimensions for a suitable frame and window operable with electron beam energy in the range of 150 KEV, more or less, for such purposes as sterilizing packaging or the like, are 40 cm. by 15 cm. with a 12 micrometer titanium window foil W.
Landscapes
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Particle Accelerators (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to electron beam structures and more particularly to those structures involving electron beam permeable windows as of thin metal foil and the like; being directed to improvements in enabling the more facile and fast replacement of such window structures as the electron beam irradiation exit for evacuated electron beam generator housings and the like.
- The problem of damage in use and ultimate wear and burning of the thin electron beam pervious foil windows utilized in electron beam generator apparatus and the like has plagued the art for some time, and has given rise to all kinds of proposed solutions to the problem including the utilization of supporting structures as described, for example, in United StateS Letters Patent No. 3,440,466, and the use of stronger or more durable alloys and the like.
- In accordance with the present invention, a different approach to the problem has been taken in providing for the ready attachment and detachment of relatively inexpensive and rapidly replaceable electron beam window assemblies in the form of pre-prepared and easily employed frames or cassettes that can be removed or installed with vacuum and gas seals in very short periods of time.
- An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a novel readily attachable and detachable electron beam permeable window assembly that obviates in large part the practical problems residing-in the replacement of conventional windows and the above-described disadvantages attendant upon the same.
- A further object is to provide a novel electron beam window assembly of more general utility as well.
- Other and further objects are explained hereinafter and are more particularly delineated in the appended claims. ;
- In summary, however, from one of its important points of view, the invention embraces a readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly having, in combination, a frame defining an internal opening; a thin electron-beam permeable window overlying the opening and secured near its margin to one side of the frame with a peripheral region supported by the frame but inward of the margin against which a peripheral sealing ring of an electron beam housing wall may be compressed; tab means extending beyond the frame to permit insertion and removal of the same from the sealing ring; flange means supporting the frame on its side opposite the window; and locking means cooperative with the flange means to enable inactivation of the locking means to insert or withdraw the frame by the tab means to or from a position under the sealing ring, activation of the locking means causing locking force to be exerted against the flange means to seal the window to the sealing ring. Preferred and best mode structural details are hereinafter presented.
- As described in my earlier United States Letters Patent No. 4,305,000 and in other United States Letters Patent Nos. 4,252,413 and 3,702,412, 3,745,396 and 3,769,600, exit for electron-beam generators is generally a titanium or aluminum thin window or composites of the same or similar materials. In applications where the electron beam generator is subject to chemical attack, as where it is being used in an environment where hydrogen peroxide or other sterilization vapors are involved, the thin window may have to be replaced on a relatively frequent schedule, which is a serious problem in production operation. The corrosion from the vapors weakens the windows and, of course, they fail. Other catastrophes occur with windows as of aluminum, for example, where the moist air products, such as nitric acid, are generated and also corrode or attack the window. Titanium windows are subject to the hydrogen peroxide or other vapor attacks. No windows currently last long periods of time, but for one reason or another perforate from the corrosion effects. While composite metals i.e. noble metal overlays may be employed in some instances, there nay be presently economically out of the question for production equipment. As before stated, the present invention ameliorates the problem of the costly and time-consuming replacement of windows in conventional fashion by provi- ing a novel readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly or cassette that enables rapid replacement of windows, say every few weeks for aluminum, or even every day, and by relatively unskilled individuals. This concept means that the present and past constructions involving conventional bolted flanges for the windows may be discarded. This is not only time-consuming, but it certainly is not adaptable for the concept of a quick release or readily detachable or attachable construction. A second requirement is that the window assembly should be fool-proof in the handling of the thin fine foil, both in terms of the user not touching the foil to damage the same and also in terms of the assembly being self-locating to lock-seal in the housing exit region against resilient 0-rings 6r the like with no question of error in insertion or removal, and without the necessity for fine adjustment.
- The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawing illustrating a best mode of utilization of the same and in which the single figure is a longitudinal cross section of the invention in preferred form.
- Referring to Fig. 1, a pair of longitudinally spaced opposed normally evacuated electron-beam housings H are shown assembled for purposes of irradiating opposite sides of a web, so-labelled, or materials carried thereby passing longitudinally along a tunnel T. Each housing H supports within its interior the electron-emitting cathode C, as of the types described in said Letters Patent or of other conventional types, and is shown provided with an exit region at the bottom (or top for the lower unit) at which there is an opening 0 over which the electron-beam permeable thin metal window W is to be sealed. This sealing is effected against resilient marginal 0-rings designated at 1 and peripherally clamping against the window W and holding it in sealed assembly. The thin electron beam window W, in accordance with the invention, overlies an opening 0' in a rectangular frame F that supports the thin window over the opening O', with the window W resting on the upper side of the frame F and secured thereto near outer margins as at M by a thin layer of adhesive or tape A. The margins are outside the region where the
sealing ring 1 will ultimately clanp against the window W, such that a peripheral region supported by the frame is provided against which thesealing rings 1 will ultimately bear, this being inward of the sealing near the margin of the window. Further in accordance with the invention, tab means or other handle means T' is provided extending beyond the frame F to permit the user to handle the frame assembly without touching the window and to be able to insert and remove the same from under thesealing ring 1. - Below the frame F, on the opposite side from the window W, is shown a peripheral flange FL which supports the frame assembly on the side opposite the window, and this bears against the outer wall of the tunnel T bounding a pathway or region R through which the article or material to be sterilized or otherwise electron-beam-irradiated for other purposes, labelled "Web", is passed. As shown, the housing H is bolted to the tunnel conduit at B so that the two form a single structural unit. Between the flange FL and the upper surface of the pathway R there is shown a locking means in the form of an inflatable resilient balloon I which, when inflated, bears against the under side of the flange FL and forces the frame F carrying the window W against the
sealing ring 1. - In operation, the user inserts the assembly or cassette comprising the window W carried by the frame F by the tab T', with the locking mechanism I deflated or inactivated; and the same is pushed in, stopping as a result of a limit step S on the tab T' engaging the outer edge of the flange FL, providing for positive location in just the right position. Inflation or activation of the locking mechanism I will then force the flange FL and thus the frame F and window W up against the
sealing ring 1 and effect the desired seal to the housing H, whereupon the housing may again be evacuated and operation may continue with the replaced window. Sponge rubber resilient seals 3 adjacent to the lock-sealing balloon I and between window frame F and flange FL' are shown provided to seal the cassette in the wall of the tunnel T against leakage of ozone. The frame FL is depresesed against the gas-seal 3 to permit insertion and removal of the window assembly. If desired, a cam (not shown) at either transverse end could be employed and rotated to assist in this depression step. In operation, as before stated, upon the deflation of the locking member I, one depresses the frame assembly or cassette to remove the cassette, as for replacement by another cassette. - Typical dimensions for a suitable frame and window operable with electron beam energy in the range of 150 KEV, more or less, for such purposes as sterilizing packaging or the like, are 40 cm. by 15 cm. with a 12 micrometer titanium window foil W.
- The effective loading or quick-release resilient action attained by the structure I can, of course, be obtained with springs or cams or similar mechanisms, though the best mode embodiment illustrated appears to have considerable advantages for these particular applications.
- Further modifications will occur to those skilled in this art and such are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (5)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US42790382A | 1982-09-29 | 1982-09-29 | |
US427903 | 1982-09-29 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0104938A2 true EP0104938A2 (en) | 1984-04-04 |
EP0104938A3 EP0104938A3 (en) | 1985-10-16 |
EP0104938B1 EP0104938B1 (en) | 1989-03-22 |
Family
ID=23696782
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19830305776 Expired EP0104938B1 (en) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-09-27 | Readily attachable and detachable electron-beam permeable window assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0104938B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS5984200A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3379486D1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0480732A2 (en) * | 1990-10-12 | 1992-04-15 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electron beam permeable window |
WO2018036899A1 (en) * | 2016-08-20 | 2018-03-01 | Bühler AG | Devices and methods for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material, and cartridge |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE760042C (en) * | 1940-09-20 | 1954-02-22 | Siemens & Halske A G | Quick release fastener for a vacuum-tight vessel, especially a cyclotron |
US3440466A (en) * | 1965-09-30 | 1969-04-22 | Ford Motor Co | Window support and heat sink for electron-discharge device |
DE3022127A1 (en) * | 1980-06-10 | 1982-01-07 | Hahn-Meitner-Institut für Kernforschung Berlin GmbH, 1000 Berlin | Radiation permeable window with metal foil - which forms annular seal with its frame unit and is insertable between flanges |
US4324980A (en) * | 1980-07-21 | 1982-04-13 | Siemens Medical Laboratories, Inc. | Electron exit window assembly for a linear accelerator |
EP0059249A2 (en) * | 1981-03-03 | 1982-09-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Transparent window |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5953089B2 (en) * | 1976-11-29 | 1984-12-22 | 株式会社荏原製作所 | Reactor for radiation irradiation exhaust gas treatment - Window foil replacement method for entrance window |
-
1983
- 1983-09-27 EP EP19830305776 patent/EP0104938B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-09-27 DE DE8383305776T patent/DE3379486D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-09-29 JP JP18178783A patent/JPS5984200A/en active Granted
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE760042C (en) * | 1940-09-20 | 1954-02-22 | Siemens & Halske A G | Quick release fastener for a vacuum-tight vessel, especially a cyclotron |
US3440466A (en) * | 1965-09-30 | 1969-04-22 | Ford Motor Co | Window support and heat sink for electron-discharge device |
DE3022127A1 (en) * | 1980-06-10 | 1982-01-07 | Hahn-Meitner-Institut für Kernforschung Berlin GmbH, 1000 Berlin | Radiation permeable window with metal foil - which forms annular seal with its frame unit and is insertable between flanges |
US4324980A (en) * | 1980-07-21 | 1982-04-13 | Siemens Medical Laboratories, Inc. | Electron exit window assembly for a linear accelerator |
EP0059249A2 (en) * | 1981-03-03 | 1982-09-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Transparent window |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0480732A2 (en) * | 1990-10-12 | 1992-04-15 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electron beam permeable window |
EP0480732A3 (en) * | 1990-10-12 | 1992-06-17 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electron beam permeable window |
WO2018036899A1 (en) * | 2016-08-20 | 2018-03-01 | Bühler AG | Devices and methods for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material, and cartridge |
US10849333B2 (en) | 2016-08-20 | 2020-12-01 | Buehler Ag | Devices and methods for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material, and cartridge |
US11166472B2 (en) | 2016-08-20 | 2021-11-09 | Bühler AG | Devices and methods for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material, and cartridge |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0104938A3 (en) | 1985-10-16 |
DE3379486D1 (en) | 1989-04-27 |
JPS5984200A (en) | 1984-05-15 |
JPH0517520B2 (en) | 1993-03-09 |
EP0104938B1 (en) | 1989-03-22 |
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