Cathode arrangement for atomizing a rotatable target pipe

1 . A quick attachment system for cathodes, the system comprising:

a laterally movable support shaft;

a flange connected to the support shaft, the flange including a cavity locking element and a shoulder locking element;

a bordering separator connectable to a target pipe, the bordering separator comprising ring extensions for engaging the cavity locking element of flange; and

a straining ring configured to engage the bordering separator and the shoulder locking element of the flange to thereby secure the laterally movable shaft to the target pipe.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the straining ring is a one-piece straining ring.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bordering separator is configured to rotate coaxially when engaged with the cavity locking element of the flange.

4 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a support structure configured to support the support shaft.

5 . A rotatable cathode system comprising:

a target pipe;

a laterally movable, rotatable support shaft configured to rotate the target pipe;

a flange connected to the support shaft, the flange including a cavity locking element and a shoulder locking element;

a bordering separator connectable to a target pipe, the bordering separator comprising ring extensions for engaging the cavity locking element of flange; and

a straining ring configured to engage the bordering separator and the shoulder locking element of the flange to thereby secure the laterally movable shaft to the target pipe.

6 . A rotatable cathode system comprising:

a target pipe including a target-pipe ring flange;

a rotatable support shaft configured to rotate the target pipe;

a support-shaft ring flange connected to the support shaft, the support-shaft ring flange including a latch; and

a straining ring configured to engage the support-shaft ring flange and the latch to thereby secure the support shaft to the target pipe.

7 . The system of claim 6 , further comprising:

a thrust piece engagable with the target pipe; and

a hub engagable with the thrust piece and the target-pipe flange.

8 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the straining ring comprises a fork connector.

9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the support-shaft ring flange comprises a retention pin for engaging the fork connector.

10 . A target pipe system for securing a target pipe to a rotatable support shaft that includes a support-shaft ring flange, the system comprising:

a target pipe including a target-pipe ring flange; and

a straining ring configured to engage the target-pipe flange and the support-shaft ring flange to thereby secure the support shaft to the target pipe.

11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the straining ring includes a hook ring sector for engaging a latch on the support-shaft ring flange.

12 . A target pipe system for securing a target pipe to a support shaft that includes a flange with a cavity locking element and a shoulder element, the system comprising:

a bordering separator connectable to a target pipe, the bordering separator comprising ring extensions for engaging the cavity locking element of flange; and

a straining ring configured to engage the bordering separator and the shoulder locking element of the flange to thereby secure the laterally movable shaft to the target pipe.