Helix Technology Corporation

Brooks Automation Gmbh

Gerald J Fortier

Peter W Gaudet

Alan L Weeks

Martin L Stein

Robert J Lepofsky

Steven C Rosner

Michael J Eacobacci

Stephen R Matté

Allen J Bartlett

David Edward Roche

Bruce R Andeen

Stephen R Matte

Stephen R Matt&eacute;

Stephen R Matte'

Philip C Lessard

A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a vacuum pump with drive motor, a purge valve, a roughing valve and an electronic control module. A cryogenic vacuum pump and a turbomolecular vacuum pump are disclosed. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. In the turbomolecular pump system proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value. Otherwise the vent valve will have been opened, and a start-up sequence must be initiated. During shutdown, power to the pump drive motor is discontinued and the vent valve is opened before the roughing valve is closed.

Electronically controlled vacuum pump

Electronically controlled vacuum pump with control module

In a subatmospheric regeneration process, a relief valve and a roughing valve are coupled in parallel to a common roughing pump. During regeneration, the cryopump is warmed to release gases from cryopump stages. The relief valve opens at a first cryopump pressure level less than a predetermined maximum pressure. The maximum pressure is subatmospheric. The relief valve closes when the cryopump pressure drops below a second cryopump pressure level. Pressure in a line between the relief valve and the roughing pump is monitored to control the opening of the roughing valve to the roughing pump.

Pressure controlled cryopump regeneration method and system

A vacuum system comprises, as an integral assembly, a turbomolecular pump with drive motor, a vent valve, a purge valve, a roughing valve, a heater and an electronic control module. The control module has a programmed processor for controlling the motor and valves and is user programmable for establishing specific control sequences. The integral electronic control module is removable from the assembly and is connected to the other devices through a common connector assembly. Proper introduction of a purge gas through the purge valve is detected by detecting the current load on the pump drive or by detecting foreline pressure. To test the purge gas status, the purge valve may be closed and then opened as drive current or pressure is monitored. After power failure, the controller will continue normal drive of the turbomolecular pump so long as the speed of the pump has remained above a threshold value. Otherwise the vent valve will have been opened, and a start-up sequence must be initiated. During shutdown, power to the pump drive motor is discontinued and the vent valve is opened before the roughing valve is closed.

Turbomolecular pump with valves and integrated electronic controls

Growing community of inventors

Plainville, MA, United States of America

Gerald J Fortier