Gravity-fed in-line continuous processing system and method

Abstract

A gravity-fed in-line continuous processing system includes at least one processing chamber disposed between a first load lock and a second load lock. The second load lock is disposed lower than the first load lock. A first device isolates the processing chamber from the first load lock. A second device isolates the processing chamber from the second load lock. There is at least one track through the processing chamber and the first and second load locks. The track is structured and arranged such that an article slides thereon under the force of gravity.

1 . A gravity-fed in-line continuous processing system comprising: 
 at least one processing chamber disposed between a first load lock and a second load lock, the second load lock disposed lower than the first load lock;    a first device including a body for isolating the processing chamber from the first load lock;    a second device for isolating the processing chamber from the second load lock;    at least one track through the processing chamber and the first and second load locks, the track structured and arranged such that an article slides thereon under the force of gravity; and    at least one passage through the body defining an inlet and an outlet, a first actuator for rotating the body, a second actuator for translating the body, and a sealing portion on the body for sealing the body with respect to an opening into a chamber adjacent the body.    
   
   
       2 . A gravity-fed in-line continuous processing system comprising: 
 at least one processing chamber disposed between a first load lock and a second load lock, the second load lock disposed lower than the first load lock;    a first device including a body for isolating the processing chamber from the first load lock;    a second device for isolating the processing chamber from the second load lock;    at least one track through the processing chamber and the first and second load locks, the track structured and arranged such that an article slides thereon under the force of gravity; and    a plurality of passages through the body defining a plurality of inlets and outlets, a first actuator for rotating the body, a second actuator for translating the body, and a plurality of sealing portions on the body, the plurality of sealing portions corresponding to each of the passages for sealing the body with respect to openings into a chamber adjacent the body.