Fluorescent dye to improve primer coverage accuracy for bonding applications

• US 8,038,815 B2
• Filed: 07/17/2007
• Issued: 10/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Omnitracs LLC (Solera Holdings Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Gaukel, Robert Michael, Bailey, Nancy N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crispino; Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): McNally; Daniel
• Application Number:
  US11/779,226
• Publication Number:
  US 20090020210A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,554 Days
• Field of Search: 156/64, 156/67, 156/272.2, 156/273.3, 156/293, 156/303.1, 427/8, 427/553, 427/595, 427/64, 427/207.1
• US Class Current: 156/64
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 5/06 to obtain multicolour or other optical effects B05D5/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 5/10 to obtain an adhesive surface
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/00 Joining or sealing of preformed parts , e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor general aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts B29C66/00; using porous material formed by internal pressure generated therein for joining preformed parts B29C44/1228, B29C44/326
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/4825 Pressure sensitive adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/5057 positioned between the surfaces to be joined B29C65/5035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/026 Chemical pre-treatments B29C66/028 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/305 Decorative or coloured joints optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined B29C66/733
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/542 joining hollow covers or hollow bottoms to open ends of container bodies
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/7352 Thickness, e.g. very thin
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2069/00 Use of PC, i.e. polycarbonates or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2101/12 Thermoplastic materials
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/0032 Pigments, colouring agents or opacifiyng agents
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0018 having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0035 Fluorescent
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3456 Antennas, e.g. radomes
• CPC Class Codes: C09J 5/02 involving pretreatment of the surfaces to be joined
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1207 for fastening a rigid aerial element
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/42 Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome

Abstract

A method of visually verifying the application of a primer or adhesion promoter to a surface for optimizing the adhesion of a bonding tape to the surface. A fluorescing agent is mixed with the primer and a light source is emitted on the surface causing the agent to fluoresce when the primer is applied. The technician can then visually verify coverage of the primer. The fluorescing agent does not affect the bonding properties of the bonding tape or affect the aesthetic appearance of the surface or the material being bonded to the surface.

Claims

1. A method for applying a primer to a radome surface for optimizing adhesion of a very high bond tape to the radome surface, the method comprising the steps of:

mixing a fluorescent agent with the primer;

applying the mixed primer and fluorescing agent to an inner surface of the radome;

emitting a light on the surface;

visually inspecting the application the mixed primer and fluorescing agent for adequate coverage; and

pressing a very high bond tape onto the inner surface of the radome.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of emitting a light comprises emitting an ultraviolet light.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of drying the primer for a predetermined time after the applying step.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of pressing an object to be bonded onto the very high bond tape.

5. A method for bonding a cup to a radome, the method comprising the steps of:

applying a very high bond tape to the cup;

mixing a fluorescing agent with a primer;

applying the mixed fluorescing agent and primer on an inner surface of the radome;

emitting an ultraviolet light on the radome;

visually inspecting the application; and

pressing the cup directly onto the inner surface of the radome.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the cup comprises a global positioning system antenna seated therein.

7. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of drying the mixed fluorescing agent and primer for a predetermined amount of time prior to the pressing step.