Abstract: Intelligent, hand-held, battery-operated, random-orbital nibber sander and polisher tools are adapted for removing defects in painted surfaces. Both tools are substantially the same size, with the exception of the head of the tool, wherein different pad sizes, RPM and orbital patterns are provided for the distinct sanding and polishing operations. Multiple operational features ensure accurate, reliable and repeatable sanding and polishing operations, with capabilities for identifying operator error. The inventive tools may include trigger time/RPM setting and indication, leveling, network communications, calibration downloading, and internal battery life monitoring with a charge-remaining indicator.

Abstract: A temporary surface masking film is provided with an adhesive tape that faces outwardly, thereby dramatically improving the process of application. At least the film may be transparent or translucent and the film may be accordion-folded onto the roll. The width of the film may be in the range of 1 to 12 feet. The roll may be retained in a plastic carrier, with a serrated edge for cutting the film. The roll may be coupled to an axial handle, and the roll and handle are provided in a plastic carrier. A method includes adhering a portion of the outwardly facing adhesive tape to a surface to be protected. The film is then unrolled such that it unfolds, hangs down and clings to the surface. The film may then be cut when the surface to be protected is sufficiently covered. Conveniently, the inventive film may be applied by a single user.

Abstract: The adhesive faces outwardly in a temporary vehicle wrapping film, dramatically improving the process of application. The film may be a durable 3-mil, puncture-resistant plastic film with a UV inhibitor, and the adhesive may be a reduced-tack or “low-tack” adhesive. The base layer and the adhesive are preferably transparent or translucent, and the width of the roll may be in the range of 1 to several feet. A portion of the outwardly facing adhesive is applied to a surface to be protected, enabling the film to be unrolled with the outwardly facing adhesive surface at all times being applied to the surface. The film is cut when the surface to be protected is sufficiently covered. In contrast to existing solutions, the film may be applied by a single user, with one hand grasping one end of the roll and the other hand grasping the other end of the roll.

Abstract: An intelligent polishing system provides improvements to the polisher itself as well as networking capability enabling remote control and monitoring of multiple polishers. One or more electronic devices ensure that a user of the intelligent polisher operates the polisher to achieve optimum results. Such devices may include a polishing timer, a downward pressure sensor, or a tachometer to measure speed. The system may further include a memory for storing operational parameters or performance characteristics of the intelligent polisher for later downloading or retrieval. The same or a different memory may store calibration information to ensure that intelligent polisher operates within predetermined limits. Such operational parameters, performance characteristics or calibration information include RPM, polishing time, downward force or inlet air pressure.

Abstract: A flexible sheet collects overspray and keeps spray booth environments clean, thereby reducing or eliminating dust and foreign matter from landing on wet painted surfaces which might otherwise result in a paint surface defect. The flexible sheet comprises a woven or non-woven mesh or net material having apertures or perforations that penetrate through the sheet. The sheet is impregnated with a tacky substance, such that paint overspray and dirt particles cling to the impregnated sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the tacky substance is a wax-based substance, more preferably a natural or synthetic beeswax-based substance. The material may be made from polymeric filaments of nylon or other natural or synthetic fibers, threads or strands. The flexible sheet of material may be provided in roll form for use. Method of making a tacky netting are also disclosed. The product is particularly useful in vehicle spray-booth applications.

Abstract: A flexible sheet collects overspray and keeps spray booth environments clean, thereby reducing or eliminating dust and foreign matter from landing on wet painted surfaces which might otherwise result in a paint surface defect. The flexible sheet comprises a woven or non-woven mesh or net material having apertures or perforations that penetrate through the sheet. The sheet is impregnated with a tacky substance, such that paint overspray and dirt particles cling to the impregnated sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the tacky substance is a wax-based substance, more preferably a natural or synthetic beeswax-based substance. The material may be made from polymeric filaments of nylon or other natural or synthetic fibers, threads or strands. The flexible sheet of material may be provided in roll form for use. Method of making a tacky netting are also disclosed. The product is particularly useful in vehicle spray-booth applications.

Abstract: An improved buffer/polisher for treated painted surfaces, including painted cars, automobiles, vehicles and the like, including surfaces with state-of-the-art, hardened coats of paint or finish, includes built-in source of illumination, disposed on the housing, direct light downwardly and toward the work surface. The source of illumination emits light with a color temperature above 4500 degrees Kelvin, more preferably at 5000 degrees Kelvin or greater. Even more preferably, the source of illumination is switchable to include light with a color temperature including 5000 degrees Kelvin (mimicking daylight at 10-11 am) and 6500K (mimicking daylight at 12 noon). The source of illumination may comprise one or more LEDs, and the polishing pad may assume a random orbital motion.

Abstract: An intelligent polishing system provides improvements to the polisher itself as well as networking capability enabling remote control and monitoring of multiple polishers. One or more electronic devices ensure that a user of the intelligent polisher operates the polisher to achieve optimum results. Such devices may include a polishing timer, a downward pressure sensor, or a tachometer to measure speed. The system may further include a memory for storing operational parameters or performance characteristics of the intelligent polisher for later downloading or retrieval. The same or a different memory may store calibration information to ensure that intelligent polisher operates within predetermined limits. Such operational parameters, performance characteristics or calibration information include RPM, polishing time, downward force or inlet air pressure.

Abstract: An intelligent polishing system provides improvements to the polisher itself as well as networking capability enabling remote control and monitoring of multiple polishers. One or more electronic devices ensure that a user of the intelligent polisher operates the polisher to achieve optimum results. Such devices may include a polishing timer, a downward pressure sensor, or a tachometer to measure speed. The system may further include a memory for storing operational parameters or performance characteristics of the intelligent polisher for later downloading or retrieval. The same or a different memory may store calibration information to ensure that intelligent polisher operates within predetermined limits. Such operational parameters, performance characteristics or calibration information include RPM, polishing time, downward force or inlet air pressure.

Abstract: An improved buffer/polisher for treated painted surfaces, including painted cars, automobiles, vehicles and the like, including surfaces with state-of-the-art, hardened coats of paint or finish, includes built-in source of illumination, disposed on the housing, direct light downwardly and toward the work surface. The source of illumination emits light with a color temperature above 4500 degrees Kelvin, more preferably at 5000 degrees Kelvin or greater. Even more preferably, the source of illumination is switchable to include light with a color temperature including 5000 degrees Kelvin (mimicking daylight at 10-11 am) and 6500K (mimicking daylight at 12 noon). The source of illumination may comprise one or more LEDs, and the polishing pad may assume a random orbital motion.

Abstract: An intelligent polishing system provides improvements to the polisher itself as well as networking capability enabling remote control and monitoring of multiple polishers. One or more electronic devices ensure that a user of the intelligent polisher operates the polisher to achieve optimum results. Such devices may include a polishing timer, a downward pressure sensor, or a tachometer to measure speed. The system may further include a memory for storing operational parameters or performance characteristics of the intelligent polisher for later downloading or retrieval. The same or a different memory may store calibration information to ensure that intelligent polisher operates within predetermined limits. Such operational parameters, performance characteristics or calibration information include RPM, polishing time, downward force or inlet air pressure.

Abstract: An LED dimmer circuit has a constant current source, a dual pole, dual throw (DPDT) switch and two arrays of LEDs. In one position of the DPDT switch, the arrays are in series; in the other position the arrays are in parallel. When the arrays are connected in series, all the current from the constant current source flows through both arrays and illumination is high. When the arrays are in parallel, the current from the constant current source equally divides. The one or more printed circuit boards may use one constant current source when the DPDT switch is in one position and a different constant current source when the DPDT switch is in another position.

Abstract: A composite pad includes an outer pad portion having a surface with a firmness, stiffness or abrasiveness, and an inner pad portion disposed on or in the outer pad portion, the inner pad portion having a surface with a firmness, stiffness or abrasiveness which is greater than that of the outer pad surface. The backside of the composite pad preferably includes a hook-and-loop or other mechanism for attachment to a tool such as an orbital polisher. The inner portion may used to remove larger scratches left from sand paper (or other abrasives) then, without removing the pad, the polisher tool may be tilted relative to the surface enabling the outer portion to buff the area and remove any swirl marks. The surface of the inner pad may be raised relative to the surface of the outer pad, flush or recessed. In the preferred embodiments the various pad portions are made of foam material such as polyurethane.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing system separates the source of ultraviolet radiation and the controller, allowing an operator to stand at a relatively great distance away from the ultraviolet radiation when applied. The apparatus includes a base unit and a source of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation coupled to the base unit by way of a pivoting arm. A controller, disposed remotely from the base unit, allows an operator to activate the source of UV radiation at a distance of at least several feet away from the source. The preferred embodiment allows an operator to control the UV radiation at a distance of 10 to 100 feet or more using a wired or wireless interconnection between the controller and the base unit. A detachable infrared lamp may be optionally disposed along side the UV source.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing system separates the source of ultraviolet radiation and the controller, allowing an operator to stand at a relatively great distance away from the ultraviolet radiation when applied. The apparatus includes a base unit and a source of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation coupled to the base unit by way of a pivoting arm. A controller, disposed remotely from the base unit, allows an operator to activate the source of UV radiation at a distance of at least several feet away from the source. The preferred embodiment allows an operator to control the UV radiation at a distance of 10 to 100 feet or more using a wired or wireless interconnection between the controller and the base unit. A detachable infrared lamp may be optionally disposed along side the UV source.

Abstract: A composite pad includes an outer pad portion having a surface with a firmness, stiffness or abrasiveness, and an inner pad portion disposed on or in the outer pad portion, the inner pad portion having a surface with a firmness, stiffness or abrasiveness which is greater than that of the outer pad surface. The backside of the composite pad preferably includes a hook-and-loop or other mechanism for attachment to a tool such as an orbital polisher. The inner portion may used to remove larger scratches left from sand paper (or other abrasives) then, without removing the pad, the polisher tool may be tilted relative to the surface enabling the outer portion to buff the area and remove any swirl marks. The surface of the inner pad may be raised relative to the surface of the outer pad, flush or recessed. In the preferred embodiments the various pad portions are made of foam material such as polyurethane.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing system separates the source of ultraviolet radiation and the controller, allowing an operator to stand at a relatively great distance away from the ultraviolet radiation when applied. The apparatus includes a base unit and a source of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation coupled to the base unit by way of a pivoting arm. A controller, disposed remotely from the base unit, allows an operator to activate the source of UV radiation at a distance of at least several feet away from the source. The preferred embodiment allows an operator to control the UV radiation at a distance of 10 to 100 feet or more using a wired or wireless interconnection between the controller and the base unit. A detachable infrared lamp may be optionally disposed along side the UV source.

Abstract: The method of repair paint curing for an automotive production line having a prep area, a spray booth, and an infrared oven, with a plurality of longitudinally spaced infrared heating panels upon its opposite sides and top includes the steps of conveying a vehicle from the prep area into a spray booth, locating upon the vehicle body the prepped area to be painted, and manually inputting a code to a computer control for selectively energizing only one of the heating panels immediately adjacent the prepped area. Additional steps include spray painting the prepped area, indexing the vehicle into the oven, and automatically energizing only the selected heating panel to apply preset heating and drying temperatures to the painted area for preset temperatures and time periods in accordance with a preselected program for the computer for drying and curing the painted area, all of the other heating panels remaining inactive. An apparatus in disclosed to practice the method of repair paint curing.