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.
Claims47
An industrial masking apparatus comprising:
- a deformable sealing member having a substantially enclosed cup-like shape;
- 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 engages a workpiece.
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 an axis of movement of the application device in at least two substantially perpendicular directions.
A masking system comprising:
- a power train 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 prior to the mask contacting the part;
- the leading edge of the mask returning to its undeformed shape when fully retracted.
A masking apparatus comprising:
- a coating;
- a masking cup operably deterring application of the coating in an undesired area;
- a mechanism operably moving the masking cup;
- and
- a fluid flowing primarily in the masking cup to assist in removal of the coating from the masking cup.
An industrial masking apparatus comprising:
- a deformable sealing member having a substantially enclosed cup-like shape;
- 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;
- wherein the device includes a mechanical element having an elongated finger and a mechanical conveyor operable to move the finger from a first position to a second position in order to deform the sealing member when the mechanical element is driven by the automatic actuator.
A masking apparatus comprising:
- a coating;
- a masking cup operably deterring application of the coating in an undesired area;
- a mechanism operably moving the masking cup;
- and
- a fluid flowing in the masking cup to assist in removal of the coating from the masking cup;
- wherein the fluid is a liquid that flows down an internal surface of the masking cup and drains out a bottom of the masking cup.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.