Abstract: The present invention provides a reusable mask to be used in a coating operation to cover selected portions of a substrate from being coated and minimize ghosting about the periphery of the coating. The mask includes first member having a configuration which generally approximates the area of the substrate to be covered and an edge portion which closely follows the desired peripheral shape of said coating, and a second member underlying at least a portion of the first member and having an edge portion which precisely corresponds to the desired peripheral shape of the coating. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the edge portion of the second member is no greater than 0.030 inches thick, and preferably no greater than 0.010 inches thick to minimize any ghosting of the coating about its periphery caused by the second member. In addition, the distance between the edge portions is sufficient to eliminate any shading of the coating about its periphery caused by the first member.

Abstract: In a mask (7) for covering the outer marginal area of a disk-shaped substrate surface during a coating process, for example a vacuum sputtering or vapor depositing process, the mask (7) is made of an elastic material in the form of a planar plate with an essentially circular opening. To center and lock it onto the substrate (1) an inwardly extending annular flange is provided which assumes the actual masking function and extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate. The substrate (1) is laid on this flange and retained by projections extending radially inward. Prior to positioning the substrate it is bowed axially to spread apart the projections.

Abstract: A method for protecting a surface from radiant heat such as for protecting an outer surface portion of an automobile from heat during radiant heating to cure paint on another newly painted outer surface portion of the automobile. Exposed adhesive on tape along one edge of masking material comprising a polyester backing layer with a reflective aluminum coating on one surface is adhered to a surface with the masking material extending between the source of radiant heat and the portion of the surface to be protected from the radiant heat.

Abstract: A paint mask for shielding windows while painting mullions of a window, made of a flexible sheet material having an attractiveness for holding to glass. The paint mask is sized for covering a pane of glass held by mullions. The sheet is engaged flatly to the glass pane to receive paint while the mullion is painted. A method of shielding a glass pane while painting mullions is disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable mask for door hinge and butt plate hardware designed to be slided onto the hardware instead of being frictionally clipped onto it. The mask includes a flattened plate attached to a cylindrical body and is distinguished by a longitudinal crease defining a weakened line along the cylindrical body and a tab either on said plate or on said cylinder. After use, a screwdriver or human finger may be used to apply pressure to the tab causing the mask to break along the weakened line so that it falls harmlessly from the door hardware in two disposable pieces.

Abstract: Apparatus for temporarily covering at least a portion of an electrical socket or switch having a housing includes a main panel and panels connected to the main panel and extending laterally from the main panel to form a recess. When a portion of the electrical socket or switch is positioned in the recess at least some of the panels are in clamping engagement with the electrical socket or switch. Accordion pleats integral with the main panel and panels connected to the main panel provide flexibility, enabling the apparatus to be connected to a variety of electrical sockets and switches.

Abstract: A device for adjustably providing protection to adjacent surfaces while painting is described. This device comprises a height adjustable handle connected to a masking element by an articulating hinged element. The masking element comprises a flat, rectangular guide with a series of movable fins held to one of the longer edges thereof, by a pair of opposable gripping elements. These fins can be moved and adjusted to fit in and around a clap board sided building, for example. Thus, when the device is placed on the clap board siding, the fins fit perfectly to this siding and any adjacent edge will be protected by the masking element during the painting cycle.

Abstract: A masking tape is provided that is suitable for insertion under many moldings and gaskets which not only masks the molding or gasket but also facilitates refinishing under at least a portion of the molding or gasket. The masking tape is constructed to include a longitudinal non-adhesive portion and a longitudinal adhesive portion, wherein the non-adhesive portion is stiffer than the adhesive portion and is sufficiently stiff to facilitate easy insertion of the non-adhesive portion beneath at least a portion of the molding or gasket to be masked while the adhesive portion is sufficiently flexible to permit the wrapping thereof around the molding or gasket. The stiffened portion advantageously provides a dual purpose of facilitating the easy insertion of the non-adhesive portion beneath the molding or gasket and creating a lever action during application between the molding or gasket and the wall or panel to which the molding or gasket is mounted.

Abstract: A spray shield for temporarily covering an open face of a fixture, particularly a canister light fixture. The spray shield is conveniently outlined on and removable from a panel of cardboard shelf packaging of the canister light. The spray shield provides a disk-shaped portion surrounded by radially extending tabs which can be bent off from to the disk-shaped portion to form a resilient shallow pan which is grippingly held within an inside surface of the canister light. The spray shield as a flat panel can be easily removed from a panel of the packaging which provides a weakened line around an outer circumference of the spray shield.

Abstract: A masking element comprising a foam web formed into a closed curve defining upper and lower surfaces with a layer of adhesive on at least its lower surface for mounting the element on a substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for partially plating, for example, strip-shaped metallic straps which are parts of a support grid for a nuclear fuel assembly, and further relates to a masking jig for use in the method. The masking jig has a plurality of tubular bodies and a support plate on which the tubular bodies are fixed. A pair of slits is formed in each of the tubular bodies. When carrying out partial plating, a strap is inserted into the slits so that each of the portions of the strap not to be plated are arranged within each of the tubular bodies. By subsequently carrying out plating, a plating layer can be formed on the portions of the strap to be plated, without forming a plating layer on the portions of the strap not to be plated. Moreover, it is possible to prevent any damage from being inflicted to the portions not to be plated due to external force.

Abstract: A framed window pane paint shield device has two separate biased-apart pane-shields positionable against and between diagonally opposite right angled corners of a window frame, each pane-shield having a linear edge continuous with a bottom surface of its flange. The linear edges of each pane-shield intersect at a ninety degree angle. Each pane shield's bottom surface angling upwardly from its linear edge at an angle of about 20 degrees relative to a mounted window pane surface while the two pane-shields are biased-apart by an axial-extending compression helical spring mechanism. One of the flanges and its linear edge is about 4 inches in length and the intersecting other linear edge is about 7 inches in length and each is sufficiently thin as to sharply engage the window frame adjacent the window panel.

Abstract: A masking tape is provided that is suitable for insertion under many moldings and gaskets which not only masks the molding or gasket but also facilitates refinishing under at least a portion of the molding or gasket. The masking tape is constructed to include a longitudinal non-adhesive portion and a longitudinal adhesive portion, wherein the non-adhesive portion is stiffer than the adhesive portion and is sufficiently stiff to facilitate easy insertion of the non-adhesive portion beneath at least a portion of the molding or gasket to be masked while the adhesive portion is sufficiently flexible to permit the wrapping thereof around the molding or gasket. The stiffened portion advantageously provides a dual purpose of facilitating the easy insertion of the non-adhesive portion beneath the molding or gasket and creating a lever action during application between the molding or gasket and the wall or panel to which the molding or gasket is mounted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing a substrate of relatively large surface area to radiation according to a predetermined pattern recorded on a mask, particularly useful in applying a painted border to an automobile windshield, includes the steps of progressively recording the predetermined pattern on a mask in the form of a continuous strip, and moving the radiation source to progressively scan the surface of the substrate with radiation, while at the same time moving the continuous strip mask relative to the radiation source, such that portions of the pattern on the continuous strip mask progressively become aligned with their corresponding portions of the substrate as the substrate is progressively scanned by the radiation source.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for painting an object. The object is affixed to a holder and a reservoir of paint is formed either on or adjacent to the surface of the object. The holder then is tilted sufficiently to cause a paint distribution device, such as a sphere or spinning top, to travel through the pain and across the surface of the object, leaving paint along the travel path of the paint distribution device.

Abstract: A light weight, disposable enclosure for covering and protecting a vehicle body during refinishing processes comprises a first substantially transparent central panel for covering the top of the vehicle which allows the user to observe the type and color of the vehicle to be refinished, and a heat reflective side panel bonded to the longitudinal side edges of the central panel for covering the front, rear and sides of the vehicle. The heat reflective side panel protects the rubber and plastic trim components of the vehicle from being damaged by heat lamps used to dry paint or the like during the refinishing process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spin coating a substrate with a liquid material which prevents the material from contacting the edge or backside of the substrate or forming an edge bead at the periphery of the substrate is disclosed. A spin chuck is equipped with a conformable elastomer which seals the edge of the substrate and forms a continuous surface with a planar surface of the substrate for the liquid material to flow off the substrate unimpeded during the spin coating process. As the elastomer is resilient, small variations in substrate size and shape are automatically compensated. None of the substrate area is lost to masking and/or removal processes as in the prior art, allowing the entire substrate area to be available for further processing.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a paint shield that covers all exposed surfaces of an electrical outlet or switch assembly and its cover plate includes a front wall having top, bottom and side walls extending rearward thereof, and devices such as a pair of prongs or a suction cup which temporarily attach the shield to the assembly with the rear edge sections of the top, bottom and side walls positioned tightly against the adjacent side surfaces of the cover plate. The shield has a handling tab on the front wall that is longitudinally aligned with the prongs or suction cup.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to perform easily the automatic attaching of a masking member which is inserted into a hole to protect said hole from a surface treatment. For said object, in the present invention, a tapering guide part is extended from the top of the inserting part of said masking member and even if said masking member is located in a deflecting position from the correct position in front of said hole, said deflecting position may be adjusted to the correct position by said guide part coming into contact with the circumference of said hole.

Abstract: A masking member consisting of a board having a projection shape on one side and a reinforcing groove on the other side, the depth of said groove being less than the thickness of said masking member.

Abstract: Method for masking at least part of a surface to be treated wherein an elongated, compressible, windowless, masking cushion that is resistant to the treatment is removably applied by an adhesive to the at least part of the surface to be treated. When the compressible cushion is used to mask an irregularity in the surface to be treated, such as an opening in the body of a vehicle, the cushion is adaptable to the irregularity.

Abstract: In a method of making a glazing pane (1), printed with a decorative frame (15), in which the decorative frame (15) extends right to the peripheral surface (6) of the glass pane (1) independently of edge tolerances of the glass panes and of positioning tolerances of the glass pane and of the printing tools during the printing operation, a profiled strand (13), which extends the surface of the glass pane (1) beyond its peripheral face (6) is integrally formed immediately adjoining the peripheral face (6). The decorative frame (15) is printed on beyond the peripheral edge of the glass pane (1) and onto the profiled strand (13). After the printing ink has dried, the profiled strand (13) is removed from the glass pane (1).

Abstract: A method of applying a conformal coating to a printed circuit board and components attached thereto while leaving selected components attached thereto uncoated, comprises the steps of providing a printed circuit board having a multiplicity of components attached thereto, including selected components that are not to be coated; enclosing the selected components within conductive protective enclosures sized to enclose the selected components therein and thereby protect those components from the intrusion of conformal coating material, the enclosures having sufficient electrical conductivity to discharge electrostatic charges therefrom when one of the enclosures is contacted by an electrically conductive medium, thereby protecting the components attached to the printed circuit board from damage due to the discharge of electrostatic charges from the enclosures; applying a conformal coating to the printed circuit board, thereby conformal coating the enclosures and the components which are not protected by the encl

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking a window to facilitate spray painting of the window's frame. The method includes dispensing a temporary bonding agent along the entire perimeter of the window pane a predetermined distance from the window frame. The temporary bonding agent is used to temporarily adhere a suitable cover to the window pane, leaving only the window frame exposed. The temporary bonding agent is applied using a caulking gun. A caulking gun cartridge containing the temporary bonding agent is provided with an applicator nozzle having a nozzle opening which is spaced from an edge of the applicator nozzle the same distance as that desired for the placement of the bonding agent on the window pane. After masking the window pane with the cover, the window frame can be painted either by brush, or more preferably, by being sprayed with a conventional spray painter.

Abstract: A pliable, resilient retaining means integrated with an area to be masked in an architectural structure, extending over and substantially covering a channel about the perimeter of the area. The retaining means is attached to the channel wall proximate the area to be masked and is inwardly displaceable, allowing for the insertion and retention of non-adhesive paper or plastic masking material. The resilience of the retaining means urges it from its displaced position outward towards the channel wall distal the area to be masked where it frictionally engages the masking sheet between the end of the retaining means and the channel wall. Placement of the masking sheet is accomplished by stuffing the edges of the sheet into the channel by running a tool along the perimeter of the channel structure, displacing the retaining means inwardly both substantially parallel and at an angle to the channel walls.

Abstract: A half hinge paint masking cover for doors, and/or door frames is provided as a one piece body molded of a rigid thermoplastic resin. The device includes two molded half cavities each cavity being connected by a thin flexible membrane of the molded material. The first cavity area covers the back surface area of the hinge barrel and has two half end shields each of which cover half the edge area of the hinge barrel and the exposed edge area of the hinge plate. The second cavity half covers the front surface half of the hinge barrel and has two end shields which cover half the edge area of the hinge barrel. A portion connected to the second cavity half includes a long flat area which covers the exposed face side of the hinge plate. The two half cavities are secured to each other by folding along the flexible membrane and engulfing the door or frame half hinge until pins projecting from tops on one half engage and protrude through holes which are located on tabs on the other half.

Abstract: A kit of reusable paint masks for door hinges for use when painting a door and frame comprising two masks, one mask for protecting the door hinge butt plates and the other mask for protecting the pin cylinders. The door hinge butt plate mask is made of a flaccid material having spaced flexible magnetic elements for attachment to magnetically attractable door hinge butt plates by magnetic force. The magnetic elements enable the mask to be readily adjusted for proper registration without requiring removal and reapplication of the mask. A tab is also provided for removal of the mask after completion of the painting. The pin cylinder mask is made of a resilient material of U-shaped transverse cross section with the sides and back engaging the pin cylinder to cover it. Both masks can be manufactured in a variety of standard and specialty sizes.

Abstract: An abrasive engraving process employing the steps of applying a topical coating 30 of magnetically interactive material to a work substrate 10, applying a stencil 40 cut from a magnetic material to the surface, covering stencil 40 with an identically cut stencil cut from an abrasion resistant material such as polyurethane, placing the work and its stencils above a strongly attractive magnetic field from magnet 60, and abrasively etching the exposed areas of the surface of substrate 10.

Abstract: A disposable vehicle cover constructed of a porous flexible sheet material, optionally consisting of porous and non-porous layers, adapted to conform generally to the shape of a vehicle body and optionally includes at least one removable, tear-out section, adapted to expose a predetermined portion of a vehicle, and optionally also includes at least one impact absorbing, foam strip which is positioned longitudinally along a side of a vehicle when the cover is in use.

Abstract: A masking method employing a masking tool to protect the hole(s) in an article such as a car body from a surface treatment is provided in the present invention. The masking member includes a cylinder having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end, a plural number of masking members having a plug shape respectively and being put in the cylinder to be placed one upon another, and a tranporting device arranged in the cylinder to transport the masking members successively from the inlet to the outlet of the cylinder to insert the masking members into the hole(s) of the article.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed which employes two panels of single-faced corrugated paperboard cut into strips or runs, each strip or run glued in an overlaying fashion relative to the one juxtaposed thereto so that the longitudinal axis defined by each corrugation, lies at an angle relative to the plane of the panel of between 45.degree. and 75.degree.. Two such panels are reversingly juxtaposed into an abutting relationship in one embodiment, and against a medial gauze media in another embodiment, to form a novel filter media suitable as a paint arrestor, coating arrestor or the like.

Abstract: A mask for covering part of the surface of the material to be coated comprises an aluminum foil, and a film of a resin provided on one surface of the foil and having a high power of adhering to the foil and any film of paint formed on the resin film. The film of paint which is formed on the resin film when the paint applied to the material to be coated is baked in an oven does not peel off and contaminate the interior of the oven. No such paint film peels off and adheres to the coated surface of the coated product, either, but the mask ensures the improved quality of the coated surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning within a window framework to protect abutment portions of a window pane relative to the framework during a painting procedure. The apparatus includes an upper and lower longitudinally aligned plate member arranged parallel to one another including a plurality of biasing cylinders orthogonally arranged between the plates to extend the plates exteriorly relative to one another for interfitting within the aforenoted window framework. A positioning plate is securable to side end portions of the plates to fixedly position the plates once mounted between the aforenoted window framework. A modification of the instant invention includes the plates formed of telescoping members to permit accommodation of window frameworks of varying widths.

Abstract: A wafer transporting apparatus comprising at least one carrier for supporting a substantially circular thin wafer having a flat plane, the carrier including a supporting base for supporting the wafer thereon, and a electrostatic chuck provided in the supporting base and having a contacting surface which face-wise contacts the flat plane of the wafer supported on the supporting base. The electrostatic chuck attracts the wafer so that the flat plane of the wafer contacts the contacting surface of the electrostatic chuck when the electrostatic chuck is energized. A holder holds the wafer at a position which has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the supporting base.

Abstract: A pinstripe painting guide is fabricated by attaching a magnetic flexible guide rail to a hollow flexible support member by mating a channel to a T-shaped male mating member. This assembly is then attached to a surface to be painted and adjusted to provide an appropriate contour. The ends of the hollow support member are then plugged and the hollow support member is then flooded with a hardenable liquid such as fiberglass resin. When the liquid cures, the resulting tool is rigid and can be used for repeated application of similar pinstripes to the same type of surface. This process, for example, can be used to produce such a guide assembly for a particular model of automobile.

Abstract: A method for shielding areas of an article whereby a masking member is used to protect the selected areas from various surface treatments such as coating, plating, vacuum evaporation, and phosphatizing. The mask is attached to the article with an adhesive, the surface treatment is performed on the article, and the mask is removed by suction. The inventive method is particularly useful on car bodies.

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 shield for use with vehicle wheels and having an annular shield wall, with an annular inner flange defining a generally circular inner opening to embrace a wheel rim and an outer edge and two ends, and having in section a shallow flared shape and tensioning devices on the two ends which can be interconnected and which can progressively draw these two ends together into overlapping relationship in overlying planes, tensioning of the two ends progressively increasing the flaring angle of the annular shield wall, and at the same time progressively reducing the diameter of the generally circular inner opening to cause the inner flange to clamp around the wheel rim.

Abstract: An abrasive engraving process employing the steps of applying a topical coating 30 of magnetically interactive material to a work substrate 10, applying a stencil 40 cut from a magnetic material to the surface, covering stencil 40 with an identically cut stencil cut from an abrasion resistant material such as polyurethane, placing the work and its stencils above a strongly attractive magnetic field from magnet 60, and abrasively etching the exposed areas of the surface of substrate 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for protecting a fixture during treatment of the surface on which the fixture is mounted. The fixture itself includes internal elements mounted behind the surface and at least one surface element which is exposed at the surface. The fixture also would normally include a fixture cover mounted on the fixture to cover the internal elements of the fixture and to cover a portion of the surface around the periphery of the fixture, while permitting the surface elements of the fixture to be exposed. In order to protect such a fixture, a protective cover is provided for temporarily replacing the fixture cover during the treatment of the surface. The protective cover includes a portion to cover the internal elements of the fixture to protect them from the surface treatment and a portion to cover the surface elements of the fixture to also protect them from the surface treatment.

Abstract: Annular mask designed to be applied to the flange of an automobile wheel rim between the flange and the base of the tire to protect. The mask being made of a strong material, preferably steel sheet, in the form of a split ring shaped like the frustum of a cone with a wide apex angle, and with its two ends overlapping one another in an overlap sector. A separating device is provided for opening the mask for the pruposes of installation and removal.

Abstract: Cushioned packaging and protecting with laminate of a thin resilient resin foam layer adhered to a strong supporting sheet. Laminate may also have metal foil or metallized layer, and/or water-repellent surface layer, and/or antistat surface layer and/or volatile corrosion inhibitor and/or a cohesive-nonadhesive surface coating or a low-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive coating. Automatic packaging of a series of articles between long webs of wide cushioning laminates having faces of heat-sealable foam. One web is fed foam-face-up across a table, the articles to be packaged placed on it in spaced locations, heat applied to foam edges to just about melt the foam there, and a second web applied foam-face-down over the spaced articles and heat-sealed to the lower web at its edges. Tranverse heat sealing and severings are effected between successive articles. The heat sealings can be set by cold pressings. Web backings can be made relatively non-porous to minimize bleed-through of melted foam.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first tray slidably received within a second tray, wherein the first tray and the second tray each are formed with a planar floor and upstanding flanges orthogonally and coextensively mounted to spaced parallel edges of each floor. Each floor includes an enclosed longitudinally aligned slot, wherein the slots overlie each other when the first shield is slidably received within the second shield to fixedly position the first shield relative to the second shield in an adjustable manner. Each shield includes at its forward end a first and second "U" shaped recess, the recesses aligned relative to one another to complementarily receive door framework contours of opposed door frames to provide a shield overlying an interface between room portions directed through a portal.

Abstract: A paint mask for a butt hinge and a masking method for protecting the hinge against paint spray or the like. The hinge paint mask includes a rectangular main portion sized to match and cover the front faces of the hinge leaves and the front of the barrel. The mask also includes central, respectively upwardly and downwardly projecting tab portions sized to fold over all parts of the upper and lower edges of the leaves adjacent the hinge barrel which are not shielded by the door edge or jamb recesses.

Abstract: A foldable adjustable cleaning shield for use while maintaining the drive mechanisms of a bicycle, designed to fit between the rear wheel and its sprockets in a plane parallel to said wheel protecting the wheel and tire while exposing the drive chain, sprockets, chain wheels, and deraileur mechanisms for cleaning and lubrication. A fold at floor level helps to hold the shield in place and also provides a surface to catch dirt and dripping liquids.

Abstract: A mask for protecting edge conductors of printed circuit boards from the spray coating which is sprayed on the board. The mask is molded from a soft silicone-based-elastomer material in a configuration which presents a sharp sealing edge and a large interior angle adjacent the seal which effectively limits migration due to capillary action.

Abstract: A protective cover for installation to a vehicle wheel to prevent dirt, dust or foreign substances from entering through openings in the wheel into brake assemblies carried by the wheel is disclosed as comprising a relatively thin, flexible, dirt impervious planar sheet of plastic film having a circular outer periphery sized to substantially cover the wheel. A plurality of closely spaced, relatively small corrugations are formed in the sheet and extend in a circular pattern spaced radially inwardly of the outer periphery to permit the central portion of the sheet to be selectively deflected laterally of the plane of the periphery. Pressure sensitive adhesive is carried by the sheet in a circular area which is generally concentric with the outer periphery and lies radially outwardly of the corrugations.

Abstract: A disposable vehicle cover constructed of a porous flexible sheet material, optionally consisting of porous and non-porous layers, adapted to conform generally to the shape of a vehicle body and optionally includes at least one removable, tear-out section, adapted to expose a predetermined portion of a vehicle, and optionally also includes at least one impact absorbing, foam strip which is positioned longitudinally along a side of a vehicle when the cover is in use.

Abstract: This cover fits over and removably adheres to a wall-mounted electrical box or to an electrical component fixed to the box. The protecting cover is used, instead of masking tape, to protect the electrical elements from being soiled with paint during spray-gun painting.

Abstract: A masking tape for EMI shielding applications comprising an adhesive layer, a metal foil layer adhered to the top of the adhesive layer, two or more adhesive strips running parallel to the edges of the tape and extending the length of the foil along the strips are preferably inset from the outer edges of the foil so as to form a stepped or notch-like configuration. A mask layer is attached to the top of the strips. The mask alone or the mask and strips are designed to be removed after use. The tape is applied to a substrate such as a computer cabinet, the cabinet is then sprayed with a paint or finish coat and the mask is removed to reveal a conductive metal foil surface to which a conductive EMI shield can be mounted.