Masking apparatus
AssigneeCinetic Automation Corporation
InventorsEdwin E. Rice, Jose P. Munoz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The preferred embodiment of a masking apparatus is adapted to mask the overspray of a coating applied by a spraying device. In another aspect of the present invention, a coated article or part includes a member with an inner surface and at least one opening. The inner surface is sprayed with the coating. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a deformable masking cup which is operably located adjacent to the opening in the article.
Claims46
An industrial masking apparatus comprising:
- a deformable sealing member;
- and
- a device mounted to the sealing member, the device including an automatic actuator operable to advance the sealing member;
- the automatic actuator being operable to cause deformation of at least a portion of the sealing member from a first shape to a second shape before the sealing member is fully advanced.
A masking system comprising:
- a coating application device operable to emit a coating;
- a mask operable to deter application of the coating in an undesired area, at least a majority of the mask being flexible;
- and
- at least one automatic actuator operably moving the mask relative to the application device in at least two substantially perpendicular directions.
A masking system comprising:
- a powertrain part having raised formations and an area to be masked between a pair of the formations;
- a mask moveable from a retracted position to an advanced position, the mask having a leading open edge which operably contacts against a surface of the part adjacent the area when advanced;
- and
- at least one mechanical member operably deforming the leading edge of the mask when the mask is advanced past the formations of the part;
- the leading edge of the mask returning to its undeformed shape when fully retracted.
A masking apparatus comprising:
- a masking cup;
- a mechanism operably moving the masking cup;
- and
- a fluid flowing in the masking cup.
A method of masking a portion of a workpiece during a coating operation by using a mask, the method comprising:
- (a) automatically moving at least one of the masks and the workpiece toward the other;
- (b) allowing entry of the mask past a constrained segment of the workpiece;
- and
- (c) automatically flexing a section of the mask prior to contact of the mask against a surface of the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.