Abstract: A photo-ignition torch is provided including a light source configured to generate at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. A photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is contained in capsule configured to receive the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light generated by the light source or alternatively the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is in direct contact with the light source. The exposure of the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix to the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light initiates a photo-ignition process causing a release of burning byproducts of the photo-ignition process.

Abstract: A photo-ignition torch is provided including a light source configured to generate at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. A photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is contained in capsule configured to receive the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light generated by the light source or alternatively the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is in direct contact with the light source. The exposure of the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix to the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light initiates a photo-ignition process causing a release of burning byproducts of the photo-ignition process.

Abstract: The invention is a tunable light source. Techniques for multiplexing various wavelengths into one fiber are provided. A thin film deposition optical monitoring system is provided that utilizes a multiplexer according to the present invention. Light from a multiplexed light source is passed through a fiber optic and emerges from the fiber tip. The light beam is collimated and passes through the substrate where a lens then focuses the transmitted light into a photo-detector. After signal processing, information is sent to the deposition flux source controller to control the deposition rate, coating material and whether deposition should be terminated. An advantage of the present invention over tunable lasers is realized in the low cost of the present invention.

Abstract: A spray gun for applying a liquid spray coating, such as paint, to a surface incorporates a light source system for gauging the position of the spray gun relative to a worksurface in order to optimize application of the coating to the surface. The light source is preferably in the form of a laser which emits a pair of light beams toward the worksurface. The pair of light beams converge toward each other in a direction toward the surface, and the position of the beams on the surface is used by the operator to judge the distance of the spray gun from the surface. An adjustment mechanism is interconnected with one of the light beam sources, so as to adjust the point of convergence of the light beams. A closable door is associated with the spray gun housing at one of the light beam emitting locations, to selectively prevent emission of one of the light beams from the spray gun, such that a single light beam is emitted from the spray gun for use as a reference for spot application of the coating to the surface.

Abstract: An optical spray paint optimization system can be removably mounted to a spray paint gun, thus enhancing the ability of the user to guide the direction of the spray and also locate the nozzle at an optimum spray distance from the surface being painted. The preferred apparatus uses a diode laser, a beam splitter and a reflecting mirror to generate a reference beam and a gauge beam. The reference beam propagates in a fixed forward direction, but the direction of the gauge beam is adjustable by adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror. The reference beam and the gauge beam intersect at a convergence point which can be repositioned to a selected distance from the nozzle of the spray painting system by adjusting the path of the gauge beam, thus allowing the user to spray at the optimum spray distance by locating the convergence point on the surface being painted. The beams also aid in aiming the spray.