Coating removal apparatus and method

An apparatus to remove a coating from a coated panel, comprising:

• multiple pairs of rotatable brushes spaced apart from each other in a first direction which extends along a first axis, wherein each pair of rotatable brushes of the multiple pairs of rotatable brushes includes
• two opposing brushes with end faces that face each other, and
• wherein the two opposing brushes of each pair of rotatable brushes of the multiple pairs of rotatable brushes are configured to
• (a) rotate about a common axis,
• (b) move towards and away from each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and
• (c) when the coated panel is positioned between the end faces of the two opposing brushes, first portions of the two opposing brushes separably engage with and rotate on opposite surfaces of the coated panel;
• one or more liquid tanks each configured to contain a liquid, wherein, when the one or more liquid tanks contain the liquid and when the coated panel is positioned between the end faces of the two opposing brushes, second portions of the two opposing brushes at least contact the liquid in the one or more liquid tanks;
• a position-adjustment mechanism configured to move the one or more liquid tanks towards and away from the multiple pairs of rotatable brushes, wherein the position adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of guides, a cam, a shaft, a knob, a fluid level sensor, or a motor;
• and
• a plurality of air jets positioned above the multiple pairs of rotatable brushes and configured to direct an air stream towards the one or more liquid tanks,
• wherein each pair of rotatable brushes is configured to engage the coated panel extending in the first direction between each pair of rotatable brushes of the multiple pairs of rotatable brushes, and
• wherein each pair of the multiple pairs of rotatable brushes is configured to assist the translation of the coated panel along the first axis, thereby translating between opposing brushes of each of the multiple pairs of brushes.