System, apparatus and method for curing of coatings in heavy gas
First Claim
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1. A device for curing light sensitive coatings on parts comprising:
- a supporting frame;
a dynamically sealed curing chamber;
a gas purge system, operationally connected to the curing chamber, for providing an atmosphere of predetermined composition; and
a UV radiation source adjacent the curing chamber and pivotally removable from the curing chamber.
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Abstract
A system, apparatus and method is provided for curing ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings on articles using UV lamps while the article is immersed in an atmosphere if inert gas heavier than air. An example of an apparatus provided by the invention includes a flat table including a flat bar conveyor, a curing chamber dynamically sealed by gas knives and pivotally removable ultraviolet lamp assemblies for curing coatings in the absence of ambient air.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A device for curing light sensitive coatings on parts comprising:
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a supporting frame;
a dynamically sealed curing chamber;
a gas purge system, operationally connected to the curing chamber, for providing an atmosphere of predetermined composition; and
a UV radiation source adjacent the curing chamber and pivotally removable from the curing chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21)
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18. A method of curing a light sensitive coating on a part including the steps of:
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Providing a curing chamber with a predetermined gas composition;
Passing the part through an entry gas knife into the curing chamber;
Irradiating the part with UV radiation within the curing chamber; and
Passing the part through an exit gas knife out of the curing chamber. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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22. An apparatus for curing a coated article comprising:
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a sealed housing having an entrance portal, an exit portal and a curing chamber;
a conveyor extending into the entrance portal, through the curing chamber and out of the exit portal;
a driver motor engaging the conveyor and configured to move the conveyor;
a heavy gas supply connected to the housing and configured to fill the curing chamber with heavy gas; and
a pivitally removable light source attached to the housing and directed toward the curing chamber. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A controller for coordinating steps for curing products in a heavy gas comprising:
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a microcontroller;
a memory connected to the microcontroller;
a display connected to the microcontroller;
an analog to digital connector connected to the microcontroller, having outputs to drive a gas control solenoid, a driver motor and an ultraviolet light source;
the microcontroller programmed to carry out the following steps;
activate heavy gas flow to a curing chamber;
activate the ultraviolet light source; and
,activate the driver motor. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification