US4081574A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multichamber vapor deposition process
Assignee: Praxair Technology Inc
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Filing: 1976-09-13
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Granted: 1978-03-28
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Expires: 1996-09-13
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and process are provided for the safe, economic and pollution-free exposure of articles to reactive gaseous fluids to alter their surface characteristics. The articles are exposed to one or more fluids which are transferred back and forth from a reaction chamber to a holding chamber. As the fluids are transferred they pass through a trap designed to remove reaction-by-products without affecting valuable reactant fluids. Since the fluids can be transferred under vacuum and the overall reaction can take place at relatively low temperatures, the process provides a convenient and safe method for handling reactive fluids. The process is particularly useful for the halogenation, for example fluorination, of a variety of articles, such as plastic containers, aerosol bottles and films to improve their barrier resistance to solvents and gases.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert W. Hawkins
- 👤 Matthew J. O'Hara
- 👤 Frank P. Gortsema
- 👤 Eddie Hedaya
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:33
CPC Classifications
B; B05; B05C; B05C7/00; B05C7/02; B01; B01J; B01J3/00; B01J3/006; C; C08; C08J; C08J7/00; C08J7/12; C08J7/126; C14; C14C; C14C11/00; C14C15/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A process for altering the surface characteristic of articles by exposing them to a gaseous fluid of an essentially predetermined composition wherein said fluid is comprised of one or more components which are reactive with the surface of said articles, said process comprising the steps of: a. admitting said fluid comprised of a known concentration of said one or more components to an apparatus comprised of at least one sealed reaction chamber and at least one sealed holding chamber, each of said chambers having sealable access means for the optional introduction of at least one of said articles, whereby said holding chamber may optionally be utilized as only a holding chamber for said fluid or additionally as a second reaction chamber; b. establishing a conduit system communicating said chambers and utilizing vacuum means therewith for selectively creating pressure differentials between said chambers whereby said fluid is transferred between said chambers and each chamber is alternately evacuated or charged with said gaseous fluid; c. synchronizing a feed and discharge of said articles with respect to said evacuating and charging in said chambers whereby to effect said altering of surface characteristics; and d. in conjunction with said fluid transfer, separating out reaction by-products and contaminants.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
A process for altering the surface characteristic of articles by exposing them to a gaseous fluid of an essentially predetermined composition wherein said fluid is comprised of one or more components which are reactive with the surface of said articles, said process comprising the steps of: a. admitting said fluid comprised of a known concentration of said one or more components to an apparatus comprised of at least one sealed reaction chamber and at least one sealed holding chamber, each of said chambers having sealable access means for the optional introduction of at least one of said articles, whereby said holding chamber may optionally be utilized as only a holding chamber for said fluid or additionally as a second reaction chamber; b. establishing a conduit system communicating said chambers and utilizing vacuum means therewith for selectively creating pressure differentials between said chambers whereby said fluid is transferred between said chambers and each chamber is alternately evacuated or charged with said gaseous fluid; c. synchronizing a feed and discharge of said articles with respect to said evacuating and charging in said chambers whereby to effect said altering of surface characteristics; and d. in conjunction with said fluid transfer, separating out reaction by-products and contaminants.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said reaction chamber prior to removing said each articles is decontaminated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said articles are disposed in each reaction chamber so that said fluid contacts only the interior of said articles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 3 wherein each reaction chamber is maintained at a pressure essentially equal to that of the interior of said articles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said component is at least one halogen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said component is fluorine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said component is fluorine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said component is at least one interhalogen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said component is sulfur trioxide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-03-27 | 1981-09-26 | 1982-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-27 | 1985-09-26 | 1986-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-27 | 1989-09-26 | 1990-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |