Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting defects or abnormalities in a wet polymeric surface coating of an object to limit or eliminate costs associated with retouching or reapplying the coatings on the object. The apparatus and method is accomplished by capturing an image of the wet coating surface of the object and comparing the image to known defect images to determine the type and location of the defect in the coating surface on the object. The coating application process can then be modified to remedy the coating application defect at the earliest possible instance.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining waveform stability of a pulse echo layer transducer (PELT) used for measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies. The method includes the steps of reading a signal with the PELT transducer with respect to a desired location of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of determining whether a maximum absolute value of the read signal is greater than a noise threshold (&phgr;) and computing a measure (&rgr;) based on an option (k). The method includes the steps of determining whether the computed measure (&rgr;) is above or below a predetermined threshold (T) based on the option (k), and concluding a stable/unstable signal from the PELT transducer.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies for closed loop control of a paint process for painting the bodies in a paint booth. The system includes a cell for receiving painted bodies from the paint booth and a conveyor control system for controlling the movement of painted bodies between the paint booth and the cell. The system also includes an AutoPelt system communicating with the conveyor control system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies in the cells. The system includes an integrated paint quality control (IPQC) monitoring system communicating with the AutoPelt system for receiving data of paint film thickness information and combining the paint film thickness information with automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control paint automation equipment of the paint booth.

Abstract: A system 10 for electrostatically painting a product or vehicle 12. The system 10 ensures that each product or vehicle 12 which is painted is sufficiently and completely grounded prior to being painted, thereby substantially preventing the products or vehicles 12 from being improperly painted and improving the overall efficiency of the painting process.