High-vacuum finger clamp
View Patent ↗A vacuum finger clamping device includes a slip collar assembly and a rook assembly. The rook assembly has one or more spring-loaded finger assemblies. The slip collar assembly is configured to be disposed over the rook assembly to cause the finger member to engage with a surface of a first flange member of a vacuum tube connection in an engaged state of the clamping device.
1 . A vacuum finger clamping device, comprising:
a slip collar assembly;
a rook assembly, the rook assembly comprising one or more spring-loaded finger assemblies; and
one or more eye rings secured to the slip collar assembly,
wherein the slip collar assembly is configured to be disposed over the rook assembly to cause the finger member to engage with a surface of a first flange member of a vacuum tube connection in an engaged state of the clamping device, and
wherein the one or more eye rings is configured to engage with one or more of a linear actuator or winch that is configured to exert a force on the slip collar assembly to disengage the slip collar assembly from the one or more spring-loaded finger assemblies.
2 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , wherein a finger member of the one or more spring-loaded finger assemblies includes a pivot end and a hook end, the hook end configured to engage with the surface of the first flange member as the slip collar assembly slides over the finger member.
3 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 2 , further comprising a spring member disposed between the pivot end of the finger member and a housing for the finger member, the spring member configured to be in a compressed state when the slip collar assembly is disposed over the finger member in the engaged state.
4 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plate member disposed on an end of a housing member for the finger assembly, the plate member configured to engage with a surface of a second flange member of the vacuum tube connection in the engaged state of the device.
5 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , wherein the rook assembly further comprises a post member, a plate member disposed at one end of the post member, the plate member configured to engage a surface of the slip collar when the slip collar is disposed over the rook assembly in the engaged state of the device.
6 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping device is configured to be decoupled from the vacuum tube connection from a remote location.
7 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , wherein the rook assembly further comprises a base member, the base member including an opening configured to accommodate a tube portion of a vacuum tube, and wherein one end of the one or more spring-loaded finger assemblies and one end of a post member are disposed on the base member.
8 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 7 , wherein the rook assembly further comprises a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being configured to be disposed around the tube portion of the vacuum tube and connected together.
9 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping device is configured for a nominal width vacuum flange.
10 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pin member, the pin member configured to be inserted into an opening on the rook assembly and prevent movement of the slip collar assembly.
11 . The vacuum finger clamping device according to claim 10 , wherein the slip collar assembly is configured to be secured between a plate member disposed on the rook assembly and the pin member.