Patent Application
20240424641
The present invention relates to Bead Blasting and, more particularly, to an improvement in the technology of existing surface preparation equipment commonly referred to as bead blasting and/or vapor honing cabinets, namely a Forced Air Camera/Control Module for Bead Blast Cabinets.
Bead blasting cabinets have been utilized worldwide with few improvements to the technology since its inception. There are many different sizes and designs of the bead blast cabinets themselves, but the actual function of the cabinets and related components have remained mostly the same worldwide. The two main types of bead blasting cabinet designs are for wet bead blasting and dry bead blasting.
Bead blasters are commonly used in industry for numerous applications, including surface cleaning, preparation, and finishing. A bead blaster, also known as a bead blasting cabinet or abrasive blasting cabinet, is a device used to clean, polish, or finish surfaces by propelling tiny abrasive particles at high speed. It works on the principle of using compressed air or a mechanical system to propel the beads or abrasive media towards the surface to be treated. The following are some examples of surface conditioning allowed by bead blasting:
Surface treating of a work piece is when the bead blasters are used to remove dirt, rust, scale, paint, coatings, and other contaminants from surfaces of the work piece.
Surface Preparation is when bead blasting is employed before applying coatings, paints, or adhesives; bead blasting helps create a clean and roughened surface that enhances adhesion and promotes better bonding.
Deburring and Deflashing is when bead blasting is employed to remove burrs, sharp edges, and flash from machined or molded parts. This is particularly useful in manufacturing processes where precise and smooth surfaces are required.
Mold and Tool Cleaning is when bead blasting is employed to clean molds, dies, and tooling in industries like plastics, rubber, and metal fabrication. It removes residue, release agents, and other buildup that can affect the quality of the molded or formed products.
Surface Finishing is when bead blasting is employed to provide a uniform and textured finish to surfaces, giving them a desired aesthetic appearance. It is commonly used in decorative applications, such as in jewelry making, artistic metalwork, or architectural restoration.
Aerospace and Marine Applications is when bead blasting is employed to clean and prepare surfaces on aircraft, ships, and other vessels. They help remove corrosion, paint, and other contaminants from metal structures and components.
Restoration and Conservation is when bead blasting is used in the restoration and conservation of historical artifacts, statues, monuments, and architectural structures. It can effectively clean and remove aged coatings, pollutants, and weathering effects while preserving the original material.
Weld Cleaning is when bead blasting is employed to clean weld seams and remove heat discoloration and oxidation from metal surfaces. This enhances the appearance and quality of the welds.
Automotive and Motorcycle Customization is when bead blasting is utilized in custom automotive and motorcycle projects to create unique textures, finishes, or surface patterns on body panels, wheels, and other parts.
Cleaning and Reconditioning Equipment is when bead blasting is employed to clean and recondition industrial equipment, machinery, and components. They can remove dirt, grease, scale, and corrosion, helping to extend the lifespan and performance of the equipment.
In general, a bead blaster uses various types of abrasive media, such as glass beads, sand, aluminum oxide, or plastic beads. These media are selected based on the desired finish and the material being treated.
In one embodiment, a bead blaster consists of an enclosed blasting cabinet that contains the work piece and controls the flow of abrasive media. The two main types of bead blasting cabinet designs are for wet bead blasting and dry bead blasting. The cabinet is usually equipped with gloves and a viewing window for the operator to manipulate the work piece inside. The bead blaster relies on a source of compressed air to create the necessary force to propel the abrasive media. The abrasive media is loaded into a holding area and the media is fed into a blasting chamber in combination with a nozzle that focuses the abrasive media into a high-velocity stream. The size and shape of the nozzle can be adjusted to control the flow and pattern of the media. The air pressure is regulated to optimize the blasting process and ensure efficient removal or surface treatment. In a conventional bead blaster, an operator manipulates a work piece inside the blasting chamber, directing the nozzle toward the areas that require treatment. When the operator activates the blaster, a high-velocity stream of abrasive media is propelled through the nozzle onto the surface of the work piece, removing contaminants, rust, paint, or other unwanted substances. The impact of the media on the surface creates a cleaning or finishing effect. The abrasive media and debris collect at the bottom of the blasting chamber which may be filtered and recirculated back to the storage area for subsequent blasting cycles. The abrasive media may be exchanged after treating multiple work pieces, or after treating a work piece that had an excessive coating removal.
There are currently multiple areas of improvements that can be made to bead blasting cabinets, which would dramatically improve the operator's use of the equipment. Those upgrades can improve the efficiency and precision capabilities of the equipment as well. One desired improvement is directed to the visual operation of the equipment which is made difficult due to the debris cloud created within the cabinet during the operation of wet or dry bead blasting cabinets. The operator must view the object being bead blasted through a glass or plastic window and must look through the debris cloud to perform the operation. Additionally, the window surface in the dry bead blast cabinet becomes worn quickly from the high velocity abrasives used in the process, which requires the window to be replaced often. With wet bead blast cabinets, most cabinets utilize windshield wipers just like cars and trucks, to wipe the liquid debris from the window. Lighting inside the cabinet is also an issue in most applications, as the wet and dry debris cloud obscures the lights as well as the lights being worn from the abrasives over time.
Beyond the visual issues of operating bead blasting cabinets, there are also the adjustments of the compressed air volume and pressures, along with the flow of abrasives, to achieve the ideal surface preparation for various metals, plastics and other materials. Too much air pressure or too little air pressure can either damage the surface of the object being blasted or minimize the efficiency that the abrasive flow has on the surface preparation speed. In some cases, a constant adjustment of the air pressure is required when the object being blasted is made up of multiple materials or composites. Additionally, and in some cases simultaneously with the air pressure, adjustments need to be made to control the flow and density of the abrasive being used to do the bead blasting in an efficient manner.
In order to make these adjustments in air pressure and abrasive material flow/density, the operator must temporarily stop the operation of the equipment to make these adjustments manually, which slows the production of the surface preparation speed and efficiency. In some cases, it takes multiple manual adjustments to find the right air pressure and abrasive flow/density to achieve the desired combination to effectively and efficiently bead blast the object. During this process of achieving the proper combination of air pressure and abrasive flow/density, a mechanical air valve is used to start and stop the compressed air flowing to the blast nozzle which disperses the abrasive onto the surface of the object being bead blasted. This mechanical valve is typically a foot operated valve which can lead to operator fatigue, especially if the operator is utilizing the equipment for long periods of time.
An objective of the invention is to provide an improved bead blasting cabinet that addresses the aforementioned problems.
Another objective of the invention is to improve upon visual inspection of work pieces during a bead blasting operation.
Still another objective of the invention is to address the low lighting within a bead blasting cabinet during a bead blasting operation, and poor visibility through viewing windows.
Yet another objective of the invention is to lessen the need for window replacement.
Still another objective of the invention is to facilitate the adjustments of the compressed air volume and pressures, along with the flow of abrasives, to achieve the ideal surface preparation for various materials; and eliminate the need to stop a bead blasting operation to make manual adjustments.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying References wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any References contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
For the purposes of this specification, flow diagrams and associated Figures, the following reference numbers are applicable:
The main objective of this disclosure is to provide an improvement in the technology of existing surface preparation equipment commonly referred to as bead blasting and/or vapor honing cabinets. Bead blasting cabinets have been utilized worldwide for many years, and there has not been many improvements to the technology since its inception. There are many different sizes and designs of the bead blast cabinets themselves, but the actual function of the cabinets and related components have remained mostly the same worldwide. The two main types of bead blasting cabinet designs are for wet bead blasting and dry bead blasting.
There are currently multiple areas of improvements that can be made to bead blasting cabinets, which would dramatically improve the operator's use of the equipment. Additionally, those upgrades can improve the efficiency and precision capabilities for the equipment as well. If one was to research what most user's of this type of equipment had to say about desired improvements for the equipment, many would say the visual operation of the equipment is a major issue. This is due to the debris cloud within the cabinet, created during the operation of a wet or dry bead blasting cabinets. The operator must view the object being bead blasted through a glass or plastic window, and must look through the debris cloud to perform the operation. Additionally, the window surface in the dry bead blast cabinet becomes worn quickly from the high velocity abrasives used in the process, which requires the window to be replaced often. With wet bead blast cabinets, most cabinets utilize windshield wipers just like cars and trucks, to wipe the liquid debris from the window. Lighting inside the cabinet is also an issue in most applications, as the wet and dry debris cloud obscures the lights as well as the lights being worn from the abrasives over time.
Beyond the visual issues of operating bead blasting cabinets, there is also the adjustments of the compressed air volume and pressures, along with the flow of abrasives, to achieve the ideal surface preparation for various metals, plastics and other materials. Too much air pressure or too little air pressure can either damage the surface of the object being blasted or minimize the efficiency that the abrasive flow has on the surface preparation speed. In some cases, a constant adjustment of the air pressure is required when the object being blasted is made up of multiple materials or composites. Additionally, and in some cases simultaneously with the air pressure, adjustments need to be made to control the flow and density of the abrasive being used to do the bead blasting in an efficient manner.
In order to make these adjustments in air pressure and abrasive flow/density, the operator must t temporarily stop the operation of the equipment to make these adjustments manually, which slows the production of the surface preparation speed and efficiency. In some cases, it takes multiple manual adjustments to find the right air pressure and abrasive flow/density to achieve the desired combination to effectively and efficiently bead blast the object. During this process of achieving the proper combination of air pressure and abrasive flow/density, a mechanical air valve is used to start and stop the compressed air flowing to the blast nozzle which disperses the abrasive onto the surface of the object being bead blasted. This mechanical valve is typically a foot operated valve which can lead to operator fatigue, especially if the operator is utilizing the equipment for long periods of time.
This disclosure will address all of the current issues stated above and below, as well as others currently unrealized at this point, once the actual equipment upgrades within this disclosure are assembled and put through the experimental stage. There are multiple components that will be utilized to overcome all of the current issues with bead blasting equipment as stated above and below, along with solutions to currently unknown issues that may be discovered during the experimental stage of this disclosure development.
Forced air camera—To overcome the visual issues of the debris cloud, as well as the degradation of the window and lighting within the bead blast cabinet, a forced air camera 50 will eliminate all of those issues. The forced air camera 50 is a multi function camera with zoom in/out capabilities amongst other abilities, housed within a tube 52, mounted to the blast gun 54. An auxiliary, high velocity/cfm air compressor will blow air through the tube 52 from behind the camera 50 and exiting the tube 52 in front of the camera lens 56, which will prevent any wet/dry debris or abrasive from degrading or clouding the camera lens 56. This will eliminate the need for the operator to look through a window and debris cloud to perform the bead blasting process. The camera 50 will enable the operator to visualize the bead blasting process through an external monitor or through a virtual reality type headset. The operator will be able to zoom the camera in or out, to view the object surface during the process. This forced air camera 50 can be used in many other applications aside from bead blast cabinets.
Control Module—The control module will control all functions of the bead blast cabinet as detailed above and below, except for the compressed air flow to the bead blast gun 54. The bead blast gun 54 itself will have a separate trigger switch 58 to activate an electric air valve to control the air flow to the bead blast gun 54. If a foot pedal is desired versus the trigger 58, the control module will be able to accept the electrical signal from the foot pedal to control the electric air valve that supplies the bead blast gun 54. Either of these will allow the bead blast gun 54 to be operated, while simultaneously making adjustments to all other functions of the bead blast cabinet. All of the functions of the bead blast cabinet itself except for the bead blast gun 54, will be controlled with one single thumb switch 60 built into the bead blast gun 54 as one single component, to instantly make adjustments during the bead blasting process without interruption.
Forced Air Camera—With regards to the forced air camera 50, as shown specifically in
Lighting Panel—The control module will be utilized to switch between the various forms of the lighting panel(s) mounted within the cabinet, via the thumb switch. A custom light panel(s) with all of the different light forms will be produced to fit within bead blast cabinet or within the forced air camera tube assembly. The intensity, sensitivity and other aspects of the lighting will be adjusted to achieve the best visual quality to overcome the debris cloud and other visual obstacles that occur during the bead blasting process within the cabinet.
Monitor/VR Headset—The forced air camera will provide a video signal to the module, that can be directed to multiple viewing sources, as well as recording the video signal or for viewing remotely via the internet or other means. The video signal can be directed to a monitor mounted on the exterior of the bead blast cabinet where the window typically was installed or wall mounted in the general viewing vicinity of the bead blast cabinet. Alternatively, a VR Headset can be used to view the video signal as well. All of the data for the functions of the bead blast cabinet as detailed above and below, can be viewed via the Monitor/VR Headset, along with the forced air camera video signal. The operator will be able to view and make all needed adjustments to the cabinet functions in real time, while simultaneously viewing the camera video signal. All visual video signals can be directed to an external source to enable remote equipment trainers and/or customers to view all activities during the bead blasting process.
High Velocity/CFM Auxiliary Air Compressor. The control module will be utilized via the thumb switch to control the motor speed of the auxiliary air compressor to adjust the velocity, pressure and cfm of the auxiliary air compressor output directed to the forced air camera. This will allow the instant adjustment of the air flow to compensate for the density of the debris cloud within the bead blast cabinet during the blasting process.
Abrasive Flow and Density Component—Currently, the flow and density of the blasting abrasive is typically controlled with multiple different types of existing methods. Most being manually controlled by hand with dry bead blasting cabinets. Wet bead blasting cabinets are usually handled with electrical control motors and related means. There are several means of control for both wet and dry bead blasting cabinets. The module will be capable of controlling all existing means, to control the abrasive flow for wet or dry bead blast cabinets via the thumb switch.
One of the existing methods for controlling the abrasive flow with regards to dry bead blasting cabinets, is via a vacuum adjustment in an abrasive mixing chamber 18 with a manually operated air valve. The control module will control an electrically operated vacuum control valve (Reference #21, 21A in
With regards to (wet bead blasting cabinets), there is existing technology typically utilized to control the flow and density of the abrasives. The most common method is the use of slurry pumps which continuously agitates the liquid abrasives located and stored in a tank mounted below the bead blast cabinet. This slurry pump also pumps and directs the agitated wet abrasive stream to the bead blast gun. The control module will be capable of controlling the motor speed of the slurry pump, to either speed up or slow down the slurry motor, to ultimately control the flow and density of the wet abrasive flow to the bead blast gun. The module will be utilized to control all existing electrical slurry pump motor speeds and similar existing control devices in the industry, as well as being capable of adapting to all existing electric motor types and electrical supplies around the world.
Main Air Compressor Control—One of the major components required to utilize a wet or dry bead blast cabinet, is a large air compressor, to generate a large volume of compressed air to perform the bead blasting process. Start up and shut down the compressor is usually handled via a pressure switch mounted on the compressor or via a manual electrical switch. The control module will allow the operator to turn the power to the compressor on and off, via the thumb switch.
Air Temperature Monitoring—When air compressors are creating the compressed air to operate the wet or dry bead blasting equipment, high heat temperatures and moisture is created, which can cause multiple issues, especially for dry bead blasting. The moisture in the compressed air will tend to clump the dry blast abrasive together which will render the blast abrasive useless and will require the abrasive to be removed and replaced with dry blast abrasive. Monitoring the compressed air temperature is critical, to avoid production delays in having to replace the blast abrasive and the cost of doing that. With wet bead blasting, the high heat compressed air can lead to steam building up inside the bead blast cabinet, especially in cold weather working conditions in a factory or warehouse setting. The control module will continuously monitor the compressed air temperature via an inline sensor, and display it on the monitor or VR Headset. This sensor will notify the operator if the temperature falls below or rises above a pre-set temperature range. The operator can set the desired temperature ranges to be monitored via the thumb switch.
Air Moisture Monitoring and Air Drier Control—In order to eliminate the issues related to air compressors generating high heat temperatures and creating high moisture content, an Air Cooler & Drier is typically utilized. There are many different methods to cool and dry the compressed air, and one of the most common methods is using an electrically operated and refrigerated compressed air cooling system. The control module will constantly monitor the compressed air moisture content via an inline sensor. The control module will continuously monitor the compressed air moisture content via the sensor, and display it on the monitor or VR Headset, which will notify the operator if the moisture level falls below or rises above a pre-set moisture range. The operator can set the desired moisture ranges to be monitored, via the thumb switch. The control module will handle the automatic on/off power control of the Air Cooler & Drier within the preset ranges, or it can be manually controlled by the operator, via the thumb switch.
Air and Water Rinsing—Once the surface preparation of the object has been completed within the bead blast cabinet, then comes the cleaning of the object and the interior of the bead blast cabinet to remove the wet or dry blast abrasive and other debris created during the bead blast process. With dry bead blasting, this is usually performed with compressed air via a separate compressed air blow gun typically used in the automotive industry, mounted within in the cabinet. The compressed air is typically supplied to the blow gun from the same air source that supplies the bead blasting gun located within the bead blasting cabinet. This operation requires the operator to set down the bead blast gun and to pick up the blow gun to perform the cleaning operation. Within the disclosure, the dry air blow gun will be built into the bead blast gun, along with the forced air camera. The blow gun operation will be controlled by the control module via the thumb switch, and an inline electric air solenoid valve plus electrically controlled air pressure regulator. The air pressure regulator will allow the operator to adjust the velocity and pressure of the compressed air delivered to the blow gun via the thumb switch, to accommodate various cleaning operations. This will eliminate the need for the separate blow gun and hose to be installed within the bead blast cabinet and the delay of production in switching between the bead blast gun and the blow gun.
With wet bead blasting cabinets, the cleaning of the object and the interior of the bead blast cabinet is similar to a dry bead blasting cabinet, except that pressurized water is used versus compressed air. The difference being the wet blasting cabinets require a water spray to rinse the wet blast debris away from the object, usually via a manually operated garden hose type spray nozzle. The water supplied to the spray nozzle is via the wet blast abrasive storage tank, which has the blast abrasive filtered out before reaching the spray nozzle. The filtered water is pressurized via a submersible electric water pump located within the filtered water chamber, within the wet blast abrasive tank. Within the disclosure, the water rinse nozzle will be built into the bead blast gun, along with the dry air blow gun and the forced air camera. The water rinse nozzle operation will be controlled by the control module via the thumb switch, and an inline electric water solenoid valve plus electrically controlled water pressure regulator. The water pressure regulator will allow the operator to adjust the velocity and pressure of the water via the thumb switch, to accommodate various cleaning operations. Additionally, the control module will allow the operator to control the motor speed of the submersible water pump that delivers the water to the wet rinse nozzle, to adjust for various cleaning operations. The wet bead blasting liquid is not limited to water, and can be any number of different forms of a water or chemical based solutions.
Cabinet Vacuum Control—When utilizing a wet or dry bead blasting cabinet, there is a debris cloud that is created from the blast abrasives and the debris being blasted off of the object. Most wet and dry bead blast cabinets remove the debris cloud via a vacuum system. With most bead blast cabinets, there is a vacuum port located in the cabinet, which is where the shop vacuum hose is attached. This is how the debris cloud is vacuumed out of the bead blast cabinet during the blasting process. The vacuum systems vary considerably, and depends on whether the cabinet is used for wet or dry bead blasting. The most commonly used vacuum system used is a typical Shop Vac type vacuum, as purchased in most home improvement stores. Within the disclosure, the control module will allow the operator control of the vacuum motor speed to regulate the amount of vacuum efficiency within the wet or dry bead blast cabinet. The vacuum motor speed will be controlled via the thumb switch. Additionally, the control module will allow the operator to control a vacuum dampener, to adjust the level of vacuum within the cabinet. The vacuum dampener will be controlled via the thumb switch.
Vacuum Intake Dampener—Aside from the vacuum port, there is also the need for a vacuum intake port(s) within the bead blast cabinet. This allows for air to be pulled in from the exterior of the cabinet, to allow the vacuum port to extract the debris cloud out of the cabinet during the bead blasting process. Without the vacuum intake port(s) the vacuum port would not be able to create a vacuum within the cabinet. Additionally, the control of the vacuum intake port(s) to control the turbulence of the debris cloud within the cabinet is critical. Within this disclosure, the control module will allow the vacuum intake dampener(s) to be adjusted via the thumb switch, to control the air flow passing through the vacuum intake dampener(s) and into the bead blasting cabinet.
Control Module (Reference #1) Function/Components/Equipment Control—Once the main power switch for the control module is turned on, it can be used to power up and control all of the functions/components/equipment required to perform a dry bead/abrasive blasting, wet bead/abrasive blasting process, as well as a fiber laser process. When the control module is initially powered up for the first time, it will be required to select the setup sequence for either a dry bead/abrasive blasting cabinet, wet bead/abrasive blasting cabinet or fiber laser. Each cabinet will be exclusively set up for either dry bead/abrasive blasting, wet bead/abrasive blasting, or fiber laser, but cannot be set up for all three processes at the same time. The only dual function cabinet combination that would be possible, is for a dry bead/abrasive blasting and fiber laser. If the cabinet is initially set up for dry bead/abrasive blasting or fiber laser, and then later converted to a wet bead/abrasive blasting cabinet, or vice versa, the control module sequence must be re-set to accommodate the conversion. The cabinet operator can view the control module menu via a virtual reality headset or dedicated monitor screen. All of the functions/components/equipment for that specific cabinet can be powered up simultaneously or individually by the operator via the thumb switch mounted on the blast gun, via the module menu. If the cabinet is set up for a fiber laser, the thumb switch will be mounted to the fiber laser gun. If there are multiple wet/dry bead blast cabinets being used in one facility simultaneously or individually, one of the cabinets will be set up as the primary cabinet to control the (universal) components. The control modules for the subordinate wet/dry bead blast or fiber laser cabinets will only have control of the functions/components/equipment for that individual/subordinate cabinet, unless the primary cabinet control module is not powered up or is not in use to control the (universal) components. Each subordinate cabinet will have a dedicated position in the lineup, to take the first/primary position for control of the start up/power up of the (universal) components for the lineup of all cabinets. The (universal) components will be the air compressor(s), air drier/cooler(s), wet blast slurry pump(s) or the forced air camera compressor(s). These (universal) components supply all of the cabinets in a lineup in one facility. If each cabinet has its own (dedicated) specific functions/components/equipment, then each control module would be operated independently of each other. Each control module will have an automatic power down feature in the event that the cabinet has not been used for a specific time period, and would need to be powered back up to be used after the power down sequence has occurred. That power down time sequence can be set by the operator via the control module menu. The control module will enable/accommodate internet connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to facilitate email, music streaming and all other internet or network related activities.
Universal Module—When the forced air camera is used for other applications aside from bead blasting cabinets, there will be an optional forced air camera control module. This optional forced air camera module will not have most of the functions that the bead blasting cabinet module will have. There will also be a lighting source mounted externally/internally of the forced air camera tube, for universal module applications. The universal module will accommodate the zoom in/zoom out, microscopic abilities, and all other currently existing/known camera abilities including night vision. The forced air camera can be used for many applications, especially for very dusty and confined spaces, hazardous material environments or for inspecting stored grains inside silos and other types of storage bins.
Air Compressor (Reference #2)—The control module requires a (proprietary) air compressor to perform all of the following air compressor controls. The control module will switch the electric power on/off for the (universal) or (dedicated) air compressor(s) that operate on electric, or it can control gasoline/diesel/alternative fuel or combustion powered air compressors. For combustion type air compressors, the module will provide control of fuel turn on/off, pre-heater/glow plug relay, choke, starter function, and monitor/display all related oil pressure, oil/coolant temperatures, alternator charging, and all other related/required combustion engine information. This information can be selected to remain in view throughout the entire time the cabinet operator is utilizing the cabinet(s) via the virtual reality headset or dedicated monitor screen, or just during the initial startup of the combustion type compressor. If a (universal) air compressor(s) (electric or combustion type) is always powered up and is used to supply compressed air throughout an entire facility, then the control module will only have the ability to turn on/off an electric powered compressed air valve tapped into the main air stream for that specific cabinet. In that case, each individual blast cabinet would have its own compressed air valve tapped into the main air supply stream. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the functions of the air compressor.
Electric Controlled Compressed Air Valve (Reference #3)—This (proprietary) component is only applicable to a bead blast cabinet connected to a (dedicated) or (universal) compressed air compressor. If the cabinet is equipped with a compressed air valve, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to access the (dedicated) or (universal) compressed air supply for that specific cabinet only, for the wet/dry bead/abrasive blasting process. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control this specific compressed air valve. This compressed air valve is what directs the compressed air to the Wet/Dry Bead/Abrasive/Blast Gun (Reference #9), the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive—Density Control Nozzle (Reference #19), Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator (Reference #22), and the Air Blow Gun Nozzle (Reference #30C).
Primary Compressed Air Regulator (Reference #4)—If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) electrically controlled primary compressed air regulator, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to regulate the air pressure directed to the blast gun and related components for that specific cabinet only. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the function of the primary compressed air regulator. The adjustment of the primary compressed air regulator is to regulate the velocity of the wet/dry blast media directed to the blast gun, during the blasting process.
Primary Inline Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #4A)—If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) Primary Inline Air Pressure Sensor, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to monitor the air pressure level directed to the blast gun, for that specific cabinet only. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to control the function of the primary inline air pressure sensor.
Air Drier/Cooler (Reference #5)—The control module requires a (proprietary) air drier/cooler(s) to perform all of the following air drier/cooler controls. Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the thumb switch to turn on the (universal) or (dedicated) air drier/cooler(s) individually or simultaneously with all other components. If there is a (dedicated) air drier/cooler for each specific cabinet, the control module for that specific cabinet will only have control of that (dedicated) air drier/cooler for that specific cabinet only. If the air drier/cooler(s) has adjustments for temperature and moisture extraction levels, the control module will have full control those adjustments. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the function/adjustment of the air drier/cooler(s). The (universal) or (dedicated) air drier/cooler(s) will be compatible with the (proprietary) moisture/water level and inline air temperature sensors, to turn on/off the air drier/cooler(s) or to increase/decrease the action of the air drier/cooler(s).
Inline Air Moisture/Water Level Sensor (Reference #6)—With all compressors, there is the development of a moisture/water content within the air stream, which is created by high levels of heat during the air compression process. The removal of that moisture is critical to maintain an efficient and consistent dry blasting process, which is handled by the (proprietary) (universal) or (dedicated) air drier/cooler(s). If a high moisture/water condition occurs in the compressed air stream, it will cause the dry bead/abrasives to clump together and stop the flow of the dry beads/abrasives flowing to the blast gun. When using a wet blasting cabinet, the moisture content in the air stream is of no concern. The (proprietary) inline air moisture/water level sensor will continuously monitor the moisture/water level content in the compressed air stream for that particular dry blasting cabinet. If selected to do so, the control module will allow the moisture/water level to be displayed continuously during the dry blasting process so the operator can monitor the moisture/water level in real time for maximum blasting efficiency. The control module will enable an alarm to notify the cabinet operator(s) of a high moisture/water level, and can be used to automatically turn on/off an air drier/cooler(s) to save on energy use/expenditures, or to adjust the performance level of the air drier/cooler(s). The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the functions of the inline air moisture/water sensor and/or the performance level of the proprietary air drier/cooler(s).
Inline Air Temperature Sensor (Reference #7)—With all air compressors, there is the development of high heat temperatures within the air stream, due to the air compression process. The removal of that high heat temperature is critical to maintain an efficient and consistent dry blasting process. If a high heat temperature condition occurs within the air stream, it will cause a high moisture/water level to develop in the air stream and cause dry bead/abrasives to clump together and stop the flow of the bead/abrasives flowing to the blast gun efficiently. When using a wet blasting cabinet, the high heat temperature in the air stream is of no concern, unless a specific air temperature is required to be maintained for a particular/specified wet blasting process. The (proprietary) inline air temperature sensor will continuously monitor the heat level in the air stream for that particular dry or wet blasting cabinet and compressed air stream. The control module will allow the temperature/heat level to be displayed continuously during the blasting process so the operator(s) can monitor the temperature/heat level for maximum blasting efficiency. The control module will enable an alarm to notify the operator(s) of a high heat/temperature condition, and can be used to automatically turn on/off an air drier/cooler to save on energy use/expenditures or to adjust the performance levels of the air drier/cooler(s) in real time. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the functions of the inline air temperature sensor.
Electrically Controlled Drain Valve/Compressed Air/Water Separator/Filter (Reference 7A)—Prior to the main compressed air stream entering the Electric Controlled Compressed Air Valve (Reference #3) to supply all of the components within the blast cabinet, a (proprietary) electronically controlled drain valve/compressed air/water separator/filter will be positioned inline. This water separator/filter will capture the remaining water/moisture in the compressed air stream that was not removed by the air drier/cooler(s), and the filter will capture any particles or contaminants such as compressor oil, before entering the blast cabinet components. The control module will utilize the Inline Air Moisture/Water Level Sensor (Reference #6) to monitor the moisture/water level in the compressed air stream, and when a high level of moisture/water level is detected in the compressed air stream, it will activate the air water separator/filter drain valve before the compressed air enters the blast cabinet components. The control module will allow the cabinet operator to adjust the settings of the drain valve to open and close at specific time cycles, or the cabinet operator can set the control module to perform the drain cycle automatically in conjunction with the Inline Air Moisture/Water Level Sensor (Reference #6) and/or the Inline Air Temperature Sensor (Reference #7), via the thumb switch located on the blast gun.
Cabinet Lighting (Reference #8)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the thumb switch located on the blast gun to turn on the (proprietary) cabinet lighting individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the lighting for that specific cabinet, and will not have control over the lighting for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The control module will allow control of all the various and known lighting types installed within the cabinet and will be compatible with every available lighting source available, including LED, incandescent, infra red, halogen, night vision etc. The cabinet lighting can be dimmed or brightened to allow the most efficient use of the forced air camera.
Wet/Dry Bead/Abrasive/Blast Gun (Reference #9)—The (proprietary) blast gun will be the main component of the control module which will do the actual wet/dry bead/abrasive blasting, as well as being the main control for the control module, via the thumb switch mounted on the blast gun. The blast gun will have six components, all incorporated/built into the blast gun body. The blast gun will have a built in thumb switch that will be used to scroll through the control module menu, to select all of the functions and controls of the control module components. The blast gun will also have the forced air camera, the water rinse nozzle, the air blow gun nozzle, and the blast gun trigger all built into the blast gun. The blast gun body itself, will have an input port for the wet or dry blast bead/abrasives, an input port for the compressed air and the blast nozzle.
Wet/Dry Bead/Abrasive/Blast Gun Control Valve (Reference #9A)—The wet/dry bead/abrasive blast gun trigger will activate this control valve to open and close the valve to direct the compressed air stream to the blast gun. This control valve can be activated via an electrically operated foot pedal as well, to allow the cabinet operator the choice of using the blast gun trigger or foot pedal at activate this blast gun control valve to perform the blasting process. When the cabinet operator selects the Air Blow Gun Nozzle (Reference #30C) option from the control module menu, the control module will bypass the wet/dry bead/abrasive/blast gun control valve, and utilize the blast gun trigger or the foot pedal to activate the Air blow gun control valve (Reference #30).
Forced Air Camera (Reference #10)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the thumb switch to turn on the (proprietary) forced air camera individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment for that specific cabinet. The control module for each cabinet will only control the forced air camera for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the forced air cameras for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. However, an operator of one cabinet can share the forced air camera video feed with an authorized operator of another cabinet, or to anyone that is authorized to access that particular camera video feed from a remote location, for remote training or operator support purposes. The control module will be compatible with all currently known and available camera types including night vision, and will allow the cabinet operator to switch between all of the camera types installed in the forced air camera tube. The camera will have the ability to zoom in/out, as well as all other currently known/existing camera abilities, including night vision and laser temperature abilities. The forced air camera will have either an electrically operated or air pressure operated shutter to protect the camera lens during the blasting process. The shutter will open either electrically or automatically when air is passing through the forced air camera tube, and will close automatically when the cabinet or the blast gun is not in use. This shutter will be removable, so the camera lens can be cleaned when necessary. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the function/adjustment of the forced air camera.
Forced Air Camera Compressor (Reference #11)—A compressed air stream is directed through a tube which has a camera mounted inside that tube, which prevents any wet or dry blast media/abrasives/moisture/water/debris from fouling/damaging the camera lens during the bead/abrasive blasting process. The compressed air stream can be from a (universal) or (dedicated) turbine type compressor or any other type of compressor. Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the thumb switch to turn on the forced air camera compressor(s) individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment for that specific cabinet. The control module for the cabinet will only control the (dedicated) forced air camera compressor(s) for that specific cabinet, unless there is a (universal) forced air camera compressor(s) for a lineup of blasting cabinets. In that case the primary control module will control the universal compressor(s), and will not have any control over any (dedicated) forced air camera compressors for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The (primary) control module will allow control of the (universal) forced air camera compressor(s) motor speed. The Forced Air Camera/Compressed Air Valve (Reference #12) and the Forced Air Camera/Compressed Air Regulator (Reference #13) will control/regulate the compressed air flow directed to all of the forced air cameras in a lineup of blast cabinets located in one facility. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the function/adjustment of the forced air camera compressor(s).
(Reference #11A) Forced Air Camera Compressor Heater—A heated compressed air stream is directed through the forced air camera tube, which prevents fouling of the camera lens during the wet/dry bead blasting process or fiber laser process being performed in cold weather climates. The heated compressed air stream will be created by a (proprietary) heating system incorporated into a (universal) or (dedicated) turbine type compressor or any other type of compressor. Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the thumb switch to turn on the forced air camera compressor(s) heaters(s) individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment for that specific cabinet or a lineup of cabinets located in one facility. The control module will only control the forced air camera compressor heater for that specific cabinet. If there is a (universal) forced air camera compressor(s) heater(s) for a lineup of blasting cabinets, the primary control module will control the universal compressor(s) heater(s), and will not have any control over any (dedicated) forced air camera compressors for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the function/adjustment of the forced air camera compressor(s) heater(s).
(Reference #11B) Forced Air Camera Heat Sensor—The (proprietary) forced air camera heat sensor will continuously monitor the air temperature/heat level in the forced air camera, compressed air stream for that particular cabinet and/or the (universal) forced air camera compressed air stream for a lineup of cabinets being used in the same facility. The control module will allow the temperature/heat level to be displayed continuously during the blasting process so the operator can monitor the temperature/heat level for maximum efficiency in the use of the forced air camera. The control module will enable an alarm to notify the operator of a high or low heat/temperature condition in the compressed air stream, and can be used to automatically turn on/off the forced air camera compressor heater to save on energy use/expenditures or to prevent damage to the forced air camera, in real time. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the functions of the forced air camera heat sensor.
Forced Air Camera/Compressed Air Valve (Reference #12)—This component is only applicable to a bead blast cabinet connected to a (universal) Forced Air Camera Compressor air supply, and is not for a bead blast cabinet that utilizes a (dedicated) Forced Air Camera Compressor. If the cabinet is used in a lineup of cabinets within one facility, and is equipped with a Forced Air Camera/Compressed Air Valve, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to access the (universal) compressed air supply for the forced air camera, for that specific cabinet. The thumb switch mounted on the wet/dry blast gun or fiber laser gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the forced air camera compressed air valve. If one or more (universal) air compressor(s) are always powered up and are used to supply compressed air directed to the forced air cameras throughout an entire facility for a lineup of cabinets, then the control module will have the ability to turn on/off the electric controlled compressed air valve for that specific cabinet only. The CFM flow and velocity of the air stream coming from a (universal) air supply for the forced air camera, will need to be regulated for each cabinet, to achieve the most efficient use of the forced air camera.
Forced Air Camera/Compressed Air Regulator (Reference #13)—This (proprietary) electrically controlled component is only applicable to a bead blast cabinet connected to a (universal) Forced Air Camera Compressor(s) Air Stream, and is not for a bead blast cabinet that utilizes a (dedicated) Forced Air Camera Compressor. If the cabinet is equipped with a Forced Air Camera/Compressed Air Regulator, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to regulate the (universal) compressed air supply directed to the forced air camera, for that specific cabinet only. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and adjust/control the forced air camera compressed air regulator. If one or more (universal) forced air camera compressor(s) are always powered up and are used to supply compressed air throughout an entire facility for a lineup of blast cabinets, then the control module will only have the ability to turn on/off the forced air camera/compressed air regulator for that specific cabinet only. The CFM flow and velocity of the air stream coming from a (universal) air supply for the forced air camera, will need to be regulated for each cabinet. The typical forced air camera application will utilize an 85 CFM @ 10 PSI air stream, but that may be decreased or increased, depending on the requirements of the cabinet operator and the bead blasting or fiber laser process being performed.
Forced Air Camera/Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #13A)—If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) Forced Air Camera/Air Pressure Sensor, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to access the air pressure sensor for the forced air camera, for that specific cabinet. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the functions of the forced air camera air pressure sensor. This air pressure sensor will allow the cabinet operator to monitor the air pressure level directed to the forced air camera, to fine tune the air stream via the forced air camera/compressed air regulator to achieve the best quality viewing of the object being blasted or fiber lasered within the cabinet. The forced air camera/air pressure sensor is positioned inline, after the forced air camera/compressed air regulator (Reference #13).
Wet Blast Slurry Pump (Reference #14)—For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting, and once the primary position control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) (universal) or (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump individually or simultaneously all with other necessary components/equipment involved. The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the (universal) or (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump. The control module for each cabinet will only control the (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The control module will allow the speed control of the wet blast slurry pump motor to adjust the velocity and density of the wet blast media entering the blast gun. If a (universal) wet blast slurry pump is utilized for a lineup of wet blast cabinets located in the same facility, the (primary) control module will have the control of the (universal) wet blast slurry pump(s).
Wet Blast Slurry Sump (Reference #14B)—The Wet Blast Slurry Sump is where the wet bead/abrasive slurry is stored for a (Universal or Dedicated) slurry sump, when the cabinet(s) is not in use or is where the wet bead/abrasives return back to after passing through the blast gun(s). Additionally, the wet blast slurry sump is where the Wet Blast Slurry Pump (Reference #14) is located within, as well as the Slurry Sump Heater/Temperature Control (Reference #17), and the Submersible Water Rinse Pump (Reference #29).
Wet Blast Slurry/Electrically Controlled Valve (Reference #15)—This (proprietary) electrically controlled component is only applicable to a bead blast cabinet connected to a (universal) wet blast slurry pump, and is not for a bead blast cabinet that utilizes a (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump. For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting in a lineup within one facility that all utilize a (universal) wet blast slurry pump, and once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on/off the wet blast slurry valve individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved, to access the (universal) wet blast slurry stream. The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the wet blast slurry valve. The control module for each cabinet will only control the wet blast slurry valve for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the wet blast slurry control valves for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility.
Wet Blast Slurry/Electronically Controlled Slurry Return Pump (Reference #15A)—This (proprietary) electrically controlled component is only applicable to a wet blast cabinet connected to a (universal) wet blast slurry pump stream, and is not for a bead blast cabinet that utilizes a (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump. For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting in a lineup within one facility that all utilize a (universal) wet blast slurry pump, and once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on/off the wet blast slurry return pump individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. This slurry return pump is used to return the wet blast slurry back to the (universal) wet blast slurry sump (Reference #14B), while the wet blasting process is be completed. The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the wet blast slurry return pump. The control module for each cabinet will only control the wet blast return pump for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the wet blast slurry return pump for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. This slurry return pump will only be operating when the Wet Blast Slurry Pump (Reference #14) is in operation.
Wet Blast Slurry/Electrically Controlled Pressure Regulator (Reference #16)—This (proprietary) electrically controlled component is only applicable to a bead blast cabinet connected to a (universal) wet blast slurry pump, not for a wet bead blast cabinet that utilizes a (dedicated) wet blast slurry pump. For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting in a lineup within one facility that all utilize a (universal) wet blast slurry pump, and once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on/off the wet blast slurry pressure regulator individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved, to regulate the (universal) wet blast slurry stream for that cabinet only. The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the wet blast slurry pressure regulator. The control module for each cabinet will only control the wet blast slurry pressure regulator for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the wet blast slurry pressure regulators for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The module will allow the control of the wet blast slurry pressure regulator to adjust the velocity and density of the wet blast media entering the blast gun for that specific wet blast cabinet.
Wet Blast Slurry/Inline Pressure Sensor (Reference #16B)—For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting, and once the primary position control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and monitor the (proprietary) wet blast slurry inline pressure sensor positioned after the Wet Blast Slurry/Electrically Controlled Valve (Reference #15) and the wet blast slurry electrically controlled pressure regulator (Reference #16). The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the wet blast slurry inline pressure sensor, to monitor the pressure/velocity of the wet blast slurry being directed to the blast gun. The control module for each cabinet will only control the wet blast slurry inline pressure sensor for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the wet blast slurry inline pressure sensors for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility.
Wet Blast Slurry/Inline Temperature Sensor (Reference #16C)—For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting, and once the primary position control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and monitor the (proprietary) wet blast slurry inline temperature sensor positioned after the wet blast slurry electrically controlled pressure regulator (Reference #16) and the wet blast slurry inline pressure sensor (Reference #16B). The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the wet blast slurry inline temperature sensor, to adjust the temperature settings of the slurry sump heater/temperature control (Reference #17) for the wet blast slurry being directed to the blast gun. The control module for each cabinet will only control the wet blast slurry inline temperature sensor for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the wet blast slurry inline temperature sensors for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. If there is a lineup of wet blast cabinets that all utilize a (universal) slurry sump, the (primary) control module will have the control of the slurry sump heater/temperature control only.
Slurry Sump Heater/Temperature Control (Reference #17)—For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting, and once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) wet blast slurry sump heater individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the wet blast slurry sump heater/temperature control for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the wet blast slurry sump heater/temperature control for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The purpose of the slurry sump heater/temperature control is to control the heat/temperature of the wet bead/abrasive solution in a (universal) or (dedicated) wet bead abrasive slurry sump, for operator comfort in cold environments or for utilizing wet bead/abrasive solutions that require a certain temperature for optimum performance/results. For cabinets that are set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting in a lineup within one facility, that all utilize a (universal) wet bead/abrasive slurry and (universal) wet blast slurry pump, and once the (primary) position control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on/off and control the (universal) wet blast slurry heater/temperature control individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved for that specific cabinet. The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the (universal) wet blast slurry heater/temperature control.
Dry Blast Media/Abrasive Mixing Chamber (Reference #18)—Mixing chambers of all types and designs are currently in use and available on the market, but there are none currently known to utilize a dry blast media/abrasive agitator (Reference #22) in the mixing chamber. As well, many of these existing mixing chambers utilize a manually adjusted vacuum intake to help the dry blast bead/abrasive to be drawn into the mixing chamber and then be directed into the blast gun air stream. Additionally, none of the existing mixing chamber designs utilize an electrically controlled/adjustable vacuum intake control valve (Reference #21) to precisely control the vacuum intake, controlled by a control module. Additionally, there are no dry media/abrasive mixing chambers on the market currently known to utilize a dry blast media/abrasive density control nozzle (Reference #19) either.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive—Density Control Nozzle (Reference #19)—The (proprietary) dry blast bead/abrasive density control nozzle will direct the dry blast bead/abrasive into the air stream which directs the dry blast bead/abrasive to the blast gun. The density control nozzle is strategically placed within the mixing chamber, to fine tune the flow and density of the dry bead/abrasive to the blast gun, to achieve maximum blasting efficiency. There currently is no known dry blast bead/abrasive mixing chambers on the market today, that utilize a density control nozzle that is controlled by an electrically controlled air pressure regulator (Reference #20).
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Density Control Nozzle/Electrically Controlled Air Pressure Regulator (Reference #20)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) density control nozzle/air pressure regulator either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the density control nozzle air pressure regulator for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the density control nozzle air pressure regulator for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. This compressed air regulator will allow the cabinet operator to adjust the air pressure directed to the density control nozzle in, to fine tune the flow and density of the dry bead/abrasive directed to the blast gun, to achieve maximum blasting efficiency. While the operator is performing the dry blasting process, the operator can make real time adjustments to the air pressure being directed into the density control nozzle. There currently is no known dry blast bead/abrasive mixing chambers on the market today, that utilize a density control nozzle (Reference #19) controlled by an electrically controlled air pressure regulator.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #20A)—For cabinets that are set up for dry bead/abrasive blasting, and once the primary position control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and monitor the (proprietary) density control nozzle air pressure sensor, which is positioned after the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Density Control Nozzle/Electrically Controlled Air Pressure Regulator (Reference #20). The control module for each cabinet will only control the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Sensor for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the density control nozzle air pressure sensors for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Sensor is located inline after the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Control Valve (Reference #20B) and the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Density Control Nozzle/Electrically Controlled Air Pressure Regulator (Reference #20). The Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Sensor, will allow the cabinet operator to monitor the air pressure being directed to the density control nozzle, to fine tune the density of the dry bead/abrasive being directed to the blast gun, to achieve maximum blasting efficiency.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Control Valve (Reference #20B)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) dry blast bead/abrasive Density Control Nozzle Control Valve either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the dry blast bead/abrasive Density Control Nozzle Control Valve for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the dry blast bead/abrasive Density Control Nozzle Control Valves for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. This control valve will start or stop the air pressure stream directed to the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Density Control Nozzle/Electrically Controlled Air Pressure Regulator (Reference #20), and the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive/Density Control Nozzle Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #20A) which then leads to the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive—Density Control Nozzle (Reference #19). This particular control valve will be activated to open, when the cabinet operator pulls the trigger located on the blast gun. When the trigger is released by the cabinet operator, this particular control valve will close.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Mixing Chamber/Electrically Controlled/Adjusted Vacuum Control Valve (Reference #21)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) electrically controlled vacuum control valve, either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the electrically controlled/adjusted vacuum control valve for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the electrically controlled/adjusted vacuum control valves for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. Located on the opposite side of the dry blast bead/abrasive mixing chamber, from where the beads/abrasive is drawn into the blast gun, is a vacuum port, which is controlled by an electrically controlled/adjusted vacuum control valve. This vacuum port helps the bead/abrasives get drawn out of the mixing chamber, into the density control nozzle's air stream which directs the dry bead/abrasives into the blast gun. Most mixing chambers currently in use today, utilize a manually adjusted vacuum port. With an electrically controlled/adjusted vacuum port control valve, that would allow the cabinet operator to adjust the vacuum level to maximize the efficiency of the blasting process on demand in real time, while performing the blasting process.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Mixing Chamber/Vacuum Level Sensor (Reference #21A)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) electrically controlled dry blast bead/abrasive mixing chamber/vacuum level sensor, either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the vacuum level sensor for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the vacuum level sensor for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. A mixing chamber vacuum level sensor allows the cabinet operator to monitor the vacuum level within the mixing chamber, with vacuum adjustments being made with the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Mixing Chamber/Electrically Controlled/Adjusted Vacuum Control Valve (Reference #21). This allows the cabinet operator to fine tune the density of the dry bead/abrasives being directed to the blast gun to maximize the efficiency of the dry blasting process.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator (Reference #22)—This component will only be used with a blast cabinet that is set up for dry bead/abrasive blasting, and is not applicable to a cabinet that is set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting. Located underneath the dry blast media/abrasive density control nozzle, is a (proprietary) dry blast media/abrasive agitator located at the bottom of the mixing chamber. This bead/abrasive agitator will help/assist the density control nozzle, to keep the dry blast bead/abrasive entering the mixing chamber in a consistent/constant turbulent flow which is critical to achieve an efficient and productive dry blasting process. Without an agitator being located at the bottom of the mixing chamber, the dry blast bead/abrasive can clump together and be inconsistently propelled into the blast gun. If the dry blast bead/abrasive clumps together, it will cause an unpredictable and inefficient blasting process.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Regulator (Reference #23)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) dry blast bead/abrasive agitator air pressure regulator either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator air pressure regulator for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator air pressure regulator for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. This compressed air regulator will allow the cabinet operator to adjust the air pressure directed to the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator, to fine tune the flow and density of the bead/abrasive directed to the blast gun, to achieve maximum blasting efficiency. While the operator is performing the dry blasting process, the operator can make real time adjustments to the pressure being directed into the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator (Reference #22). There currently is no known dry blast bead/abrasive mixing chambers on the market today, that utilize a dry blast bead/abrasive agitator (Reference #22) controlled by an electrically controlled air pressure regulator.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #23A)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Sensor, either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Sensor for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the air pressure sensor for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. A Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Sensor allows the cabinet operator to monitor the air pressure level directed to the abrasive agitator (Reference #22), to make air pressure adjustments to maximize the efficiency of the blasting process on demand.
Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Control Valve (Reference #23B)—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) dry blast bead/abrasive agitator air pressure control valve either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator air pressure control valve for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator air pressure control valve for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. This air pressure control valve will start or stop the air pressure stream directed to the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Regulator (Reference #23) and the Dry Blast Bead/Abrasive Agitator/Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #23A) which then leads to the dry blast bead/abrasive agitator (Reference #22). This particular control valve will be activated to open, when the cabinet operator pulls the trigger located on the blast gun. When the trigger is released by the cabinet operator, this particular control valve will close.
Vacuum Motor Speed Control (Reference #24)—For cabinets that are set up for wet/dry bead/abrasive blasting or fiber laser, and once the primary position control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) (universal) or (dedicated) vacuum motor(s) individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The thumb switch will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu, to select and control the function of the vacuum motor(s). The control module for each cabinet will only control the (dedicated) vacuum motor for that specific cabinet, and will not have any control over the (dedicated) or (universal) vacuum motor(s) for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. The module will allow the speed control of the (dedicated) vacuum motor to adjust the velocity and static vacuum level of the vacuum motor. With all wet/dry media bead blasting or fiber laser cabinets, a static vacuum source is utilized to evacuate all of the air borne debris within the blasting cabinet that is created during the blasting process. This debris includes rust, paint, dry/wet blast media/abrasives and many other types of air borne debris that travels around within the cabinet during the blasting or fiber laser process. When introducing a static vacuum within an enclosed cabinet, there must be an air intake(s) to allow the static vacuum pressure to extract the debris and for the vacuum to breath. If there were no air intakes within the cabinet, the vacuum motor could be overloaded/overheated and the blasting cabinet may implode. The (primary) control module will turn on and control a (universal) vacuum(s) for all cabinets in a series, and the primary control module will be the only control module to control the (universal) vacuum(s).
Vacuum Stream/Electrically Controlled Valve (Reference #25). This (proprietary) electrically controlled component is only applicable to wet/dry bead blast or fiber laser cabinet(s) connected to a (universal) vacuum(s), and is not for wet/dry bead blast or fiber laser cabinet(s) that utilize a (dedicated) vacuum. If the cabinet is used in a lineup of cabinets within one facility, and is equipped with a vacuum stream control valve, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to access the (universal) vacuum stream, for that specific cabinet. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the vacuum stream control valve. If one or more (universal) vacuum motor(s) are always powered up and are used to supply vacuum throughout an entire facility for a lineup of cabinets, then the control module will have the ability to turn on/off the vacuum stream control valve for that specific cabinet only. The static vacuum level and velocity coming from a (universal) vacuum supply, will need to be regulated for each cabinet, to efficiently remove the blast debris created within the blast cabinet to achieve the best use of the forced air camera.
Vacuum Stream/Electrically Controlled Vacuum Regulator (Reference #26)—This (proprietary) electrically controlled component is only applicable to a wet/dry bead blast or fiber laser cabinet connected to a (universal) vacuum stream, and is not for a wet/dry bead blast or fiber laser cabinet that utilizes a (dedicated) vacuum. If the cabinet is equipped with a Vacuum Stream Vacuum Regulator, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to regulate the (universal) vacuum stream, for that specific cabinet. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the vacuum regulator. If one or more (universal) vacuum motor(s) are always powered up and are used to supply the vacuum stream throughout an entire facility or for a lineup of cabinets, then the primary control module will have the ability to turn on/off the vacuum regulator for that specific cabinet only. The static vacuum flow and velocity of the vacuum stream coming from a (universal) vacuum motor(s) will need to be regulated for each cabinet. The vacuum stream regulator allows the cabinet operator to adjust the static vacuum within the cabinet, to maximize the removal of the wet/dry bead blast or fiber laser debris to achieve the best use of the forced air camera.
Vacuum Stream/Vacuum Level Sensor (Reference #26A)—If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) Vacuum Level Sensor, and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to monitor the static vacuum level within that specific wet/dry bead blasting or fiber laser cabinet. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control the vacuum level sensor. This sensor allows the cabinet operator to monitor the vacuum level within the blast cabinet, to adjust the vacuum level to maximize the removal of the blast debris and to achieve the best use of the forced air camera.
Cabinet Vacuum Electrically Controlled/Motorized Intake Dampeners (Reference #27)—If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) electrically controlled motorized intake dampener(s), and when the control module is powered up, it will allow the cabinet operator to control/adjust the intake dampeners, for that specific cabinet. The thumb switch mounted on the blast gun will allow the scrolling through of the control module menu via the VR headset or monitor, to select and control/adjust the intake dampener(s). When the bead blasting or fiber laser cabinet has vacuum intake(s), there must be a way to regulate the amount of air that flows through the vacuum intake(s). Vacuum systems vary in the volume and strength of the static vacuum they develop. For very powerful vacuums, the motorized intake dampeners would typically be set in the wide-open position to allow maximum air volume to enter into the cabinet for maximum extraction of the bead blasting or fiber laser debris located within the cabinet. For smaller or less powerful vacuums that operate with lesser static vacuum flow, the air intakes would need to be restricted or partially closed, to allow the smaller/lesser vacuum to achieve a static vacuum level to efficiently extract the blasting debris out of the cabinet.
Water Rinse Control Valve (Reference #28)—This (proprietary) component will only be used with a bead blast cabinet that is set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting and is not applicable to a cabinet that is set up for dry bead/abrasive blasting. When the cabinet is set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting, and after the wet blasting process is completed, the object that was wet blasted must be rinsed off to remove the blast media adhering to it. Also, the interior of the cabinet must be rinsed down too, so all of the wet blast media adhered to the interior of the cabinet can be returned back to the slurry sump. This is accomplished by using a pressurized water stream, with a spray nozzle that is incorporated into the blast gun. The control module will activate a submersible water pump (Reference #29) located in the wet slurry sump and the water rinse control valve will allow the pressurized water stream to enter the water rinse nozzle (Reference 28A) located on the blast gun to perform the water rinsing process. The operator can perform this process by selecting the water rinse option in the control module menu, via the thumb switch incorporated into the blast gun. Once selected, the blast gun trigger or foot pedal will now open and close the water rinse control valve.
Water Rinse Nozzle (Reference 28A)—Positioned after the water rinse control valve (Reference #28), the water rinse nozzle located on the blast gun will disperse the rinse water in a controlled spray pattern, which will be used to rinse off the wet blasted object once the wet blast process has been completed.
Submersible Water Pump (Reference #29)—This component will only be used with a blast cabinet that is set up for wet bead/abrasive blasting and is not applicable to a cabinet that is set up for dry bead/abrasive blasting. The control module will activate a (proprietary) submersible water pump located in the wet slurry sump, which will direct a pressurized stream of water to the water rinse control valve and then on to the water rinse nozzle located on the blast gun. This submersible water pump draws the rinse water solution through a particulate filter first, to remove the wet bead/abrasives, before directing the water solution through the water rinse control valve, and then on to the water rinse nozzle. The operator can perform this process by selecting the water rinse option in the control module menu, via the thumb switch incorporated into the blast gun.
Air blow gun control valve (Reference #30)—This (proprietary) component will be used with a blast cabinet that is set up for wet or dry bead/abrasive blasting or fiber laser, depending on the requirements of the cabinet operator. When the cabinet is set up for wet or dry bead/abrasive blasting or fiber laser, and after the wet or dry blasting or fiber laser process is completed, the object must be cleaned off to remove the blast media or fiber laser debris. As well, the interior of the cabinet must be cleaned of the wet/dry blast media/abrasive or fiber laser debris remaining in the interior of the cabinet, so it can be returned back to the dry blast mixing chamber or the wet slurry sump. This is accomplished by using compressed air, with a blow gun nozzle that is incorporated into the blast gun. The control module will activate a compressed air control valve, that will allow the compressed air stream to enter the air blow gun nozzle, incorporated into the blast gun to perform the cleaning process. The operator can perform this process by selecting the compressed air nozzle option in the control module menu, via the thumb switch incorporated into the blast gun. Once selected, the blast gun trigger or foot pedal will now open and close the air blow gun control valve.
(Reference #30A) Air Blow Gun/Air Blow Gun Pressure Regulator—Once the control module is turned on, the operator can use the blast gun mounted thumb switch to turn on and control the (proprietary) air blow gun pressure regulator either individually or simultaneously with all other necessary components/equipment involved. The control module for each cabinet will only control the air blow gun pressure regulator for that specific cabinet and will not have any control over the blow gun pressure regulator for any other cabinets that may be used in a lineup of cabinets in the same facility. This air blow gun regulator will allow the cabinet operator to adjust the air pressure directed to the air blow gun nozzle, to fine tune the pressure and velocity of the compressed air to the blow gun nozzle, to achieve the most efficient pressurized air cleaning process.
Air Blow Gun/Air Pressure Sensor (Reference #30B)—Positioned after the air blow gun pressure regulator (Reference #30A), the (proprietary) air blow gun/air pressure sensor will allow the cabinet operator to monitor the level of air pressure directed to the air blow gun nozzle located on the blast gun. This will allow the cabinet operator to fine tune the air pressure, to find the most efficient air pressure level to efficiently and rapidly remove the wet/dry blast or fiber laser debris from the object, after the wet/dry blast or fiber laser process has been completed.
Air Blow Gun Nozzle (Reference #30C)—Positioned after the air blow gun control valve, regulator and sensor, the air blow gun nozzle is located on the blast gun. The air blow gun nozzle will disperse the air pressure in a controlled spray pattern, which will be used to blow the wet/dry blast or fiber laser debris off of the object, once the wet/dry blast or fiber laser process has been completed. The operator can perform this process by selecting the compressed air nozzle option in the control module menu, via the thumb switch incorporated into the blast gun.
Deck Roller/Carousel/Speed Control (Reference #31)—If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) deck roller, this will allow the operator to bead blast a round object such as a car or truck rim. The deck roller will automatically turn the round object at a specified/selected speed, similar to the way a wheel rolls a tire on a road surface. That allows the operator to bead blast the surface of the round object without having to manually turn/roll the round object by hand. This deck roller allows the operator to blast the round object in the most efficient manner. If the cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) carousel deck, this will allow the operator to blast objects on the carousel without having to manually turn the carousel by hand while performing the blasting operation. The carousel will automatically turn the object at a specified/selected speed, similar to the way a carousel operates in an amusement park. That allows the operator to blast the surface of the object without having to manually turn the object around by hand. This carousel allows the operator to blast the object in the most efficient manner. The operator can perform this process by selecting the deck roller or carousel option in the control module menu, via the thumb switch incorporated into the blast gun. The deck roller/carousel can be controlled to operate in a forward or reverse direction, at any speed desired.
AI Robotic Arm/Remote controlled Arm (Reference #32)—If the bead blast cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) AI Robotic Arm, the bead blasting operation can be completed without the need for a human operator or with minimal human input. The control module will allow the (proprietary) AI software to have full autonomous control of the robotic arm, and all of the functions/components/equipment that the control module can accomplish, including the forced air camera. The AI software will utilize the forced air camera mounted to the blast gun, to monitor the complete blasting process from start to finish.
Fiber Laser/Control Module (Reference #33)—If the bead blast cabinet is equipped with a (proprietary) AI Robotic Arm, and has a fiber laser mounted to it, the fiber laser operation can be completed without the need for a human operator or with minimal human input. The control module will allow the (proprietary) AI software to have full autonomous control of the robotic arm and fiber laser, and all of the functions/components/equipment that the control module can accomplish, including the forced air camera. The AI software will utilize the forced air camera mounted to the robotic arm or fiber laser, to monitor the complete fiber laser process from start to finish.
Curing Oven Controls and Monitoring/alarm with laser temperature monitor (Reference #34)—After the wet/dry bead blasting or fiber laser process has been completed, there is usually a coating or paint applied to the surface of the object that was bead blasted or fiber lasered. Some of those coatings/paints require a baking process, which is performed with an industrial oven. These ovens are usually heated via electric heating elements, propane or natural gas burners, infrared, UV lights or a combination of them. With the baking process, there are many steps or sequences to efficiently and effectively complete the process. They include the pre-heating of the oven, monitoring/controlling of the temperature of the oven during the baking process, a convection fan operation, and fume extraction cycle. The control module will allow a (proprietary) curing oven to be fully controlled via the blast gun thumb switch, to allow the cabinet operator to operate the curing oven simultaneously while performing the blasting process. Similar to the monitoring and displaying of the functions of the bead blast cabinet during use, the monitoring and displaying of the functions of the curing oven can be viewed simultaneously by the bead blast/fiber laser cabinet operator as well.
Waste Bin Level Monitoring (Reference #35)—When performing the wet/dry bead blasting or fiber laser process, a vacuum is used to extract the debris and/or fumes within the cabinet, that are created during the process. Typically, the vacuum collects the debris and fumes into a collection bin that needs to be emptied out when the bin becomes filled with the debris. If the bin is not emptied out when full, the vacuum cannot extract the debris inside the cabinet efficiently, which will cause issues with the forced air camera viewing the object being bead blasted or fiber lasered. The control module will monitor the level of the debris in the collection bin via a (proprietary) waste bin level sensor (Reference 35A). When that preset level is reached, an alarm/indication will notify the operator that the bin needs to be emptied. The waste bin level monitor can be set to sound an alarm/indication chosen by the cabinet operator to sound at half, three quarters or full bin or any combination of those levels.
Waste Bin Level Sensor (Reference #35A)—The (proprietary) waste bin level sensor is located within the vacuum collection bin and the control module will allow the cabinet operator to monitor the level of blast debris that has collected in the bin in real time.
Air tank water dump valve (Reference #36)—When compressing air, high heat develops which creates a high moisture/water content in the compressed air stream. Often, the moisture/water in the compressor storage tank will solidify and water will begin to settle in the bottom of the storage tank. The control module will monitor the moisture level in the compressed air stream via the Inline Air Moisture/Water Level Sensor (Reference #6), and when a high level of moisture is sensed, the compressor's (proprietary) air tank water dump valve will be activated to expel the water that accumulates in the bottom of the compressor's air tank. Alternatively, with the control module, the operator can set a specific timer cycle to automatically open the air tank water dump valve to expel the water on a set cycle.
Control Module/Internet Access/Remote Training (Reference #37)—The control module will have the capability of being connected to the internet or a network to allow for startup and ongoing training for beginner or experienced cabinet operators. Additionally, for AI robotic applications, the process can be maximized for efficiency with monitoring software or human interaction from a remote location.
VR Headset/Monitor (Reference #38)—The control module will transfer the video and data from the forced air camera, all related components and the curing oven to a Virtual Reality Headset or a Monitor that can be mounted on the front of the blast cabinet or adjacent to the blast cabinet. This will allow the blast cabinet operator to view the object being blasted in real time via the forced air camera, as well as viewing the control module menu and curing oven data simultaneously. The VR Headset will have a microphone and speaker for communications between the cabinet operator and others including remote trainers, supervisors or other employees/associates. If a monitor is to be used, the control module will accommodate a microphone for verbal communications as well as a speaker to allow communications with others.
The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more” or “at least one.” The term “about” means, in general, the stated value plus or minus 5%. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternative are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”
The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements, possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features, possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/509,920 entitled “FORCED AIR CAMERA/CONTROL MODULE FOR BEAD BLAST CABINET”, filed Jun. 23, 2023; the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63509920 | Jun 2023 | US |
