Abstract: The method of treating the surfaces of malleable light metal cylinder bores or other objects by blasting the surfaces with extremely high water jets for preparing such surfaces for subsequent coating with wear-resistant materials such as a thermal spray coating. The water not only cleans the surface but roughens it to produce a pitted surface with undercuts so that coating material fills the pits and undercuts to provide a smooth layer of coating material with a strong mechanical/adhesive bond.

Abstract: A turntable for selectively accommodating different types of workpieces in which the system is designed for combining two turntables into one for handling two different workpieces which are rotated by two different motors. Preferably, one of the motors is connected to one of the tables for rotating the table continuously at a slow speed for treating large parts. The turntable is adapted to be selectively arranged for a second motor to drive a second table at incremental positions so as to index smaller parts for treatment. One drive shaft of the two motors is located within the other drive shaft which is hollow.

Abstract: A five-axis robot mechanism for moving an operative device along three rectilinear axes and two rotational axis including a carriage movable along one rectilinear axis, a cart movable on the carraige and a mast assembly having two elongated members movable along a third rectilinear axis. The two elongated members are rotatable together one rotatable with respect to the other to produce movement of the operative device on two rotatable axes. The carriage, cart and mast assemblies are uniquely arranged with respect to each other produce the five-axis desired movement of the operative device.

Abstract: An abrasive water jet catch tank assembly is provided for facilitating recovery of spent abrasives and kerf material from operation of an abrasive water jet. The catch tank assembly includes a catch tank having sides and a bottom for containing a fluid, and includes a recirculating system for recirculating fluid in the catch tank. The catch tank also includes connections for a filtration system for removing spent abrasive and kerf material from the fluid. The catch tank includes removable wear plates which dissipate residual energy from the abrasive water jet by sacrificially wearing thereby reducing damage to the tank. The wear plates are spaced above the bottom of the tank and divide the tank into an upper compartment which receives the abrasive water jet and a lower compartment which is continuously flushed to remove spent abrasives and kerf material from the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking a part during a multi-step process including a blasting process using abrasive media for etching or cleaning a part. In each step of the multi-step process, the workpiece and mask are aligned together by pins extending from a supporting surface of the apparatus. The pins have a lower surface configured to hold the workpiece and an upper part or portion of a triangular cross section to provide line contact with the walls of apertures in the mask and part. The triangular configuration keeps the mask aligned with the workpiece while at the same time allowing air to pass through the apertures. After the abrasive blasting process, a stream of compressed air is applied to the bottom of the part and mask to cause the mask to move or flutter up and down relative to the surface of the part.

Abstract: A seal belt assembly for a robot mechanism for continuously covering the open top of a cabinet in which an operative device is moved along a rectilinear axis between two opposite sides of the cabinet. The belt assembly provides a belt that is sufficiently strong to sustain the weight of a worker thus avoiding injury to a worker who might accidentally step on the belt, and also provides a sound barrier reducing the noise generated in the cabinet from passing through the ceiling.

Abstract: A robot positioner for a device which is positioned within a compartment having an open top and including first and second supports mounted above the compartment to move the device along "X" and "Y" coordinates. A flexible cover means associated and movable with each of the first and second supports is provided to in effect provide a movable ceiling for constantly covering the open top of the compartment regardless of the position of the device in the compartment as controlled by the supports.

Abstract: A system for supplying blasting media to a media blasting system in which a pair of pressure pots or pressure chambers are provided in which the blasting media is introduced for dispensing the media to conduits leading to blasting guns. The media supply valves and air supply valves are controlled by a cam shaft assembly. Further, a metering hopper having a media supply valve is provided between the storage hopper and upper pressure pot or chamber. The media and air valves are operated in timed sequence as determined by the cam shaft assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust and reclaim system for a blasting enclosure having exhausting means which includes two separate exhaust paths for the exhausted blasting media. One path primarily for the heavier media is through a perforated floor into means located under the floor from whence the exhausted blasting media is separated into reusable and non-usable media. The second path primarily for the lighter media that is suspended in the compartment is through filter means located at one end of the compartment. The particles of such media are intercepted by the filter means and then dispensed into the first path of the heavier particles for subsequent separation into usable and non-usable media.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating workpieces with gravity accelerated shot in which the workpieces are impacted by the impingement of the shot. The apparatus includes unique means for handling the shot to cause it to freely fall and impinge uniformly on the workpieces. This unique means includes the provision for two chambers arranged back-to-back, one containing an elevator assembly which elevates the shot upwardly to the top of the other impact chamber which includes a bucket assembly for catching the shot. The uniformity of the shot stream is created by providing a perforated plate or screen and controlling the depth of the shot above the screen.

Abstract: An improved particle blasting apparatus for continuously monitoring media flow, nozzle wear, and nozzle blockage. The apparatus includes a source of compressed air, a nozzle, structure for conveying the compressed air from the source to the nozzle in an airstream, structure for introducing the media into the airstream to be carried by the airstream, and an air flow rate meter in the air conveying structure to indicate the air flow rate therein. In a preferred embodiment, indicator lights are included which are illuminated if the air flow rate falls outside of an acceptable range. A method of using the particle blasting apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article or workpiece manipulator mechanism for accelerated shot treating apparatus in which workpieces are subjected to media impingement such as impingement by steel shot. The mechanism manipulates the workpieces within the path or stream of the shot so that desired surfaces of the workpieces are impacted by the shot. This is accomplished by reciprocal or continuous rotation of the workpiece by the manipulator mechanism and also the angle at which the workpiece is held while being rotated can be adjusted by the mechanism.

Abstract: A method for treating an article having rust corrosion characteristics in which the article is dry-blasted by the propulsion of glass beads to compressibly peen the surfaces of the articles and thereafter preferably applying a protective coating to the peened surface. The glass beads are preferably blasted against such surfaces by pneumatic propulsion and are of a mesh size falling within the range of 70-140 mesh. Also, preferably the intensity of the glass beads striking the surface of the article is controlled so than an Almen test strip "N" subjected to the same blasting procedure shall show an Almen gauge reading of 0.005-0.007 inches. This invention encompasses an article treated specifically for the purpose of corrosion protection employing the above method.