Nor-Cal STS-TTC User Manual

STS-TTC Sample Platen

Tel: [phone]

or 530-842-4457

Fax: [phone]

www.n-c.com

1967 So. Oregon

Yreka, CA 96097 USA

Nor-Cal Products, Inc.

Entry / Storage / Exchange System

Version 1.1

February 1996

Congratulations! You have purchased a precision vacuum positioning device from Nor-Cal Products. This unit is capable of many years of use
with minimal care and maintenance. This manual is a tool to aid you in obtaining this service. We at Nor-Cal Products encourage your comments
and suggestions on this manual.

Product Description

The STS Sample Platen Entry/Storage/Exchange System is a mechanism which allows the experimenter greater capabilities in sample parameters.
The system may supply:

UHV loadlock sample system

Sample Platen Options

Basic platen

Heating to 600o C

Cooling by LN2 to <-100o C

Transferring type K TC (second TC available)

Intrinsic Heating platen

Split platen

Heating current to 20 amps on platen

LN2 cooling

Transferring type K TC

High Temperature Heating Platen

Capable of 2,000o C

LN2 Cooling

Transferring W-W/Re TC (in development)

/LR option platen

Heating to 1,200o C

Transferring type K TC (second TC available)

LN2 cooling

Improved thermal uniformity, extremes and rate of rise

Platen Dock options

Docks available to supply all utilities as required by above specifications

All docks accept all platens

All platen capabilities not supported

Platen Storage Rack

All platens can be stored in the storage system

Each storage rack accepts 3 or 4 platens, depending upon spring set used

4 racks are available via carousel

Transfer Arm

Transfer arm mounted on swing bellows assembly

Allows access to chamber

Allows access to second chamber or “vacuum suitcase” sample transporter

Allows access to sample storage rack carousel

This system uses the new STS-(*)-TTC/S platens only.

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Unpacking

This sample transfer system is normally attached to other equipment. Our normal packing material is custom foam-in- place packing. We have found this the
only system to provide adequate protection for shipment. The foam is separated approximately half way inside the crate with thin blue plastic. We strongly rec­ommend the packing be saved for possible future shipment or equipment storage.

Installation

******** WARNING *********

Shipping vibration can loosen screws. The user must check to verify the screw fasteners have not backed off on the unit during shipment. This is critical for safe
operation.

***********THIS IS IMPORTANT ************

Good visibility of the sample /dock and sample/storage interfaces is necessary for successful sample handling. Suitable planning of viewport locations will dra­matically affect the day to day operation of the transfer system. Adequate viewport size which allows both eyes to simultaneously view the transfer enables the
users depth perception to aid in the engagement/disengagement.

Adequate alignment adjustment is necessary for successful operation. Dock location and angular position may need to be adjustable and repeatable and/or
transfer arm angles and depth limit. These adjustments need to be calibrated. This allows a set of transfer position numbers to be recorded and returned to
when a transfer is to occur. Utilize the transfer arm depth limit ring to protect other equipment in the chamber.

Operation

Transfer Arm Actuation

******** WARNING *********

Our MLR series Magnetically Coupled Rotary-Linear transfer arm has exceptionally high rotary torque and angular compliance. There is ample magnetic coupling
to damage the transfer system. DO NOT FORCE ANY DIFFICULTY IN OPERATION.

Counter-clockwise rotation of the transfer fork grabs the platen. Clockwise rotation locks the platen on to the dock or into storage. A slight backward rotation
of each action helps clear the fingers and makes arm motion smoother.

Storage rack transfer

Storage rack transfer employs three rods contacting three partial cuts in the perimeter of the sample platen.

Follow the instructions above for smooth and successful transfer.

The platen will only enter the storage rack in one orientation. Use alignment mark for proper orientation.

When storing or retrieving a platen in a rotary carousel, do not lock the carousel rotary feedthrough. The platen transfer is self aligning. Once started, the platen
will align this angle.

The transfer system is normally ordered with other support equipment. The dock, storage racks and transfer fork are normally already attached to the other
equipment, and thus do not require separate installation. Care should be taken when mounting so as not to damage the dock and/or locking fingers when
mounting the support equipment.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

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Arm / Dock transfer:

The STS-TTC Series sample transfer system allows electrical information transfer for a type “K” thermocouple. The dock assembly employs
four metal fingers which grip tapered ramps (inserts) about the perimeter of the sample platen. Two of these ramps and correspondingly,
two of the fingers are manufactured from special materials (1 each set, Chromel and Alumel). It is necessary to install the platen in the cor­rect orientation to maintain this electrical connection.

The end of the Alumel finger is notched. Correspondingly, the face of the platen has two small blind holes drilled next to the Alumel ramp.
Verify these two positions engage whenever the sample is transferred to the dock.

NOTE:

Alumel thermocouple alloy is slightly magnetic. Chromel is not. When replacing on-platen thermocouples, a small magnet will help in
verifying materials and their appropriate connection.

Adjustments

No adjustments, other than regular positioning requirements, are required in normal transfer operations.

The fingers of the transfer fork and dock have a small spring range. In use, if a finger inadvertently becomes bent, it can easily be corrected
in the field. Simply bend the finger back to a point almost in it’s original position. By hand, lock the sample platen on to the damaged
mount and carefully force lock the platen in place. This action should take slightly greater torque than normal transfer to accomplish. Re­move the platen and verify the return of correct operation.

We at Nor-Cal Products have a large stake in your new equipment operating up to your expectations. If you experience difficulty with this
unit, or any other aspect of your endeavor where our experience might be of value, we want to hear from you. We want to be part of your
success.

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Appendix II - Limited Warranty and Intellectual Property Coverage

Products manufactured by Nor-Cal Products, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “Nor-Cal”) are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a
period of twelve (12) months from the date of shipment from Nor-Cal to the buyer. Any modification to the product by the buyer or their agent voids this war­ranty. Liability under this warranty is expressly, limited to replacement or repair (at Nor-Cal ’s option) of defective parts. Nor-Cal may at any time discharge its
warranty as to any of it products by refunding the purchase price and taking back the products. This warranty applies only to parts manufactured, and labor
provided, by Nor-Cal under valid warranty claims received by Nor-Cal within the applicable warranty period and shall be subject to the terms and conditions
hereof. Expendable items such as tubes, heaters, sources, bellows, etc., by their nature may not function for one year; if such items fail to give reasonable service
for a reasonable period of time, as determined solely by Nor-Cal, they will be repaired or replaced by Nor-Cal at its election. All warranty replacement or repair
of parts shall be limited to equipment malfunctions which, in the sole opinion of Nor-Cal,are due or traceable to defects in original materials or workmanship.
Malfunctions caused by abuse or neglect of the equipment are expressly not covered by this warranty. Nor-Cal expressly disclaims responsibility for any loss or
damage caused by the use of its products other than in accordance with proper operating and safety procedures. Reasonable care must be taken by the user to
avoid hazards. In-warranty repaired or replacement parts are warranted only for the remaining unexpired portion of the original warranty period applicable to
the parts that have been repaired or replaced. After expiration of the applicable warranty period, the buyer shall be charged at Nor-Cal’s then current prices for
parts and labor plus transportation. Except as stated herein, Nor-Cal makes no warranty, expressed or implied (either in fact or by operation of law), statutory or
otherwise: and, except as stated herein, Nor-Cal shall have no liability for special or consequential damages of any kind or from any cause arising out of the sale,
installation, or use of any of its products. Statements made by any person, including representatives of Nor-Cal, which are inconsistent or in conflict with the
terms of this warranty shall not be binding upon Nor-Cal unless reduced to writing and approved by an officer of Nor-Cal. Merchandise may be returned at the
sole discretion of Nor-Cal Products, but not more than 60 days after shipment. A fee may be charged for restocking the item. An RMA number must be obtained
from Nor-Cal before returning any merchandise.

Intellectual Property Coverage

The products described in this manual are covered under U.S. Patents. Additional patents may be pending..

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