Abstract: An irradiating apparatus includes a support member and a reflector supported by the support member to define a concave light energy reflector surface. A light source of radiating energy is disposed generally at the source focal point of the reflector. The support member has a passage for cooling air to flow therethrough and openings for distributing the cooling air to the apparatus. The support member, thereby, performs a dual function of supporting the reflector as well as providing a manifold for the cooling air.
Abstract: An apparatus is provided for curing a curable coating on a three-dimensional object having at least a top surface and a side surface, with the object being advanced along a generally horizontal path. The apparatus includes an elongated light source of radiating curing energy for curing the coating on the surfaces of the object. An open-sided, elongated concave reflector is positioned behind the elongated light source to provide a focus for the radiated curing energy onto the object. The reflector has a generally elliptical cross-section for radiating the curing energy along an energy concentration line generally coincident with the object. The elongated light source is generally at the source focal point of the elongated reflector. The reflector is angled such that a line that runs between the source focal point of the reflector and the energy concentration line extends on the order of 55°-77° from vertical.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 24, 2005
Date of Patent:
September 4, 2007
Assignee:
Dubois Equipment Company, Inc.
Inventors:
James F. Arvin, Benjamin W. Hasenour, Peter J. Fritz, Alan L. Smock
Abstract: An apparatus is provided for spray coating an article and includes a housing defining a spray chamber. A spray gun is mounted on the housing for spray coating the article in the spray chamber. A shroud is disposed about the spray gun and defines an air passage between an inside of the shroud and an outside of the spray gun. Heated air is passed through the passage to heat the spray gun and, thereby, heat a coating material passing through the spray gun. A system includes a curing apparatus whereat the article, with the spray coating thereon, is finished by curing the spray coating. The curing apparatus creates an amount of heated air which is fed to the shroud.
Abstract: An apparatus is provided for coating a continuously advancing article. The apparatus includes a housing defining a spray chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end. Walls in the spray chamber form an inlet buffer zone adjacent the inlet end, an outlet buffer zone adjacent the outlet end and a spraying zone between the inlet and outlet buffer zones. A conveyor transports articles to be coated through the spray chamber. A plurality of spray guns are mounted on the housing to substantially surround an article on the conveyor transported through the spraying zone. The spray guns are adapted for spraying an ultraviolet curable coating composition. The spray guns are mounted substantially entirely outside the spraying zone, with only nozzle portions of the spray guns located inside the spraying zone.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 1, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 8, 2004
Assignee:
Dubois Equipment Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Benjamin W. Hasenour, John R. Stenftenagel, James F. Arvin