U.S. patent application number 10/026697 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for abrasive blasting unit for controlled blasting.
Invention is credited to Hanson, D. Jack.
Application Number | 20030124955 10/026697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21833304 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030124955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hanson, D. Jack |
July 3, 2003 |
Abrasive blasting unit for controlled blasting
Abstract
The blasting unit includes an enclosure shaped and dimensioned
for receiving an article to be treated with abrasive, a first gun
carriage supporting a first blast gun for controlled movement
relative to the enclosure, a support table maintained within the
enclosure and a control system linked to the first gun carriage and
the support table. The control system directs movement of the first
blast gun and support table to abrasively blast an article with a
predefined pattern.
Inventors: |
Hanson, D. Jack; (Friday
Harbor, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Howard N. Flaxman
WELSH & FLAXMAN LLC
Suite 112
2341 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
21833304 |
Appl. No.: |
10/026697 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/2 ; 451/87;
451/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24C 9/00 20130101; B24C
3/04 20130101; B24C 3/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/2 ; 451/87;
451/89 |
International
Class: |
B24C 003/00; B24C
009/00 |
Claims
1. An abrasive blasting unit, comprising: an enclosure shaped and
dimensioned for receiving an article to be treated with abrasive; a
first gun carriage supporting a first blast gun for controlled
movement relative to the enclosure; a support table maintained
within the enclosure, the support table being shaped and
dimensioned for supporting an article; a control system linked to
the first gun carriage and the support table, the control system
directing movement of the first blast gun and support table to
abrasively blast an article with a predefined pattern.
2. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
control system includes a memory storing predefined patterns for
abrasively blasting an article.
3. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
first blast gun shoots an abrasive.
4. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, further
including a reservoir in which expended abrasive is collected and
recycled for subsequent use by the first blast gun.
5. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
support table rotates under the control of the control system.
6. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 5, wherein the
control system controls the speed at which the support table
rotates.
7. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 5, wherein the
control system controls the degrees of table rotation.
8. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
first gun carriage guides the first blast gun along a linear path
relative to the enclosure.
9. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
control system includes a user interface for inputting predefined
blasting patterns.
10. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
first gun carriage is mounted horizontally relative to the
enclosure.
11. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein the
first gun carriage is mounted vertically relative to the
enclosure.
12. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, further
including a second gun carriage supporting a second blast gun for
controlled movement relative to the enclosure, the second gun
carriage being linked to the control system which directs movement
thereof to abrasively blast an article with a predefined
pattern.
13. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 12, wherein the
first gun carriage is mounted horizontally relative to the
enclosure and the second gun carriage is mounted vertically
relative to the enclosure.
14. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, further
including means for selectively moving the support table within the
enclosure.
15. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 1, wherein
movement of the first blast gun along the first gun carriage is
controlled by the control system.
16. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 15, wherein the
control system controls the speed at which the first blast gun
moves.
17. The abrasive blasting unit according to claim 15, wherein the
control system controls the linear distance the first blast gun
moves.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to abrasive blasting units. More
particularly, the invention relates to an automated abrasive
blasting unit including computerized control of the blast gun and
table.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Abrasive blasting units have previously relied upon manual
manipulation of a blast gun and manual manipulation of the part, or
object, to etch, deburr or clean. The prior art requires that
operators insert their arm within a blasting cabinet to manipulate
the various components of the unit. As those skilled in the art
certainly appreciate, these prior blasting units are cumbersome to
use, highly time consuming and often result in final products
including slight imperfections.
[0005] With the foregoing in mind, a need certainly exists for an
abrasive blasting unit which automates the entire process to allow
for "hands off" processing. The present invention provides such an
abrasive blasting unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide an automated abrasive blasting unit. The blasting unit
includes an enclosure shaped and dimensioned for receiving an
article to be treated with abrasive, a first gun carriage
supporting a first blast gun for controlled movement relative to
the enclosure, a support table maintained within the enclosure to
hold the part(s) and a control system linked to the first gun
carriage and the support table. The control system directs movement
of the first blast gun and support table to abrasively blast an
article with a predefined pattern.
[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit wherein the control system includes a memory
storing predefined paths or patterns for abrasively blasting an
article.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit wherein the first blast gun delivers the
abrasive.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an abrasive blasting unit including a reservoir in which expended
abrasive is collected and recycled for subsequent use by the first
blast gun.
[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an abrasive blasting unit wherein the support table rotates
under the control of the control system.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an abrasive blasting unit wherein the control system controls the
speed at which the support table rotates.
[0012] It is also another object of the present invention to
provide an abrasive blasting unit wherein the control system
controls the degrees of table rotation.
[0013] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit wherein the first gun carriage guides the
first blast gun along a linear path relative to the enclosure.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit wherein the control system includes a user
interface for inputting predefined blasting paths or patterns.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an abrasive blasting unit wherein the first gun carriage is mounted
vertically relative to the enclosure.
[0016] It is also a further object of the present invention to
provide an abrasive blasting unit including a second gun carriage
mounted horizontally and supporting a second blast gun for
controlled movement relative to the enclosure, the second gun
carriage being linked to the control system which directs movement
thereof to abrasively blast an article with a predefined path or
pattern.
[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit wherein the first gun carriage is mounted
vertically relative to the enclosure and the second gun carriage is
mounted horizontally relative to the enclosure.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit including means for selectively moving the
support table within the enclosure.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an abrasive blasting unit wherein movement of the first blast gun
along the first gun carriage is controlled by the control
system.
[0020] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an
abrasive blasting unit wherein the control system controls the
speed at which the first blast gun moves.
[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an abrasive blasting unit wherein the control system controls the
linear distance the first blast gun moves.
[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the abrasive blasting unit
in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view of the abrasive blasting unit shown
in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of the abrasive blasting unit shown in
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the first gun carriage
supporting the first blast gun.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the support table within the
abrasive blasting unit enclosure.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the control system
interface.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the control system cable
connections.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pressure and control
system for providing air to the blasting guns.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] The detailed embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the
basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the
art how to make and/or use the invention.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an abrasive blasting unit 10 is
disclosed. The abrasive blasting unit 10 utilizes sand, or other
abrasive particles, to blast an article in an automated, highly
controlled manner. The abrasive blasting unit 10 applies a control
system 12 to manipulate both blast guns 14, 16 firing the abrasive
material and a support table 26 upon which a part made of glass 20,
or other material, is held.
[0033] Briefly, the abrasive blasting unit 10 achieves the goal of
providing for the controlled blasting of a part 20 by including an
enclosure 18 shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article 20 to
be treated with abrasive, a first gun carriage 22 supporting a
first blast gun 14 for controlled movement relative to the
enclosure 18, a second gun carriage 24 supporting a second blast
gun 16 for controlled movement relative to the enclosure 18 and a
support table 26 with a holding fixture (not shown) shaped and
dimensioned for supporting a part 20 maintained within the
enclosure 18. The abrasive blasting unit 10 further includes a
control system 12 linked to the first and second gun carriages 22,
24 and the support table 26. The control system 12 directs movement
of the first and second blast guns 14, 16 and the support table 26
to abrasively blast the part 20 with a predefined path or
pattern.
[0034] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the enclosure 18 is generally a rectangular structure
including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 28, 30, 32, 34.
The enclosure 18 further includes a bottom screen 36 open to an
abrasive hopper 38 into which used abrasive falls for subsequent
recycling. A top wall 40 completes the formation of the enclosure
18 and seals the top of the enclosure 18 for operation of the
present abrasive blasting unit 10. The enclosure 18 is supported at
a workable height by four downwardly extending legs 42.
[0035] A door 44 formed in the first sidewall 28 thereof provides
access to the space defined by the enclosure 18. The door 44
includes a handle 46 and window 48 to respectively facilitate
access thereto and viewing of a part 20 being treated in accordance
with the present invention. The enclosure 18 is further provided
with a dust collector vent 50 formed in the top wall 40.
[0036] As briefly mentioned above, the abrasive blasting unit 10
includes first and second gun carriages 22, 24 which respectively
support the first and second blast guns 14, 16 for movement
relative to the enclosure 18. Specifically, the first gun carriage
22 is mounted to the second sidewall 30 in a vertical orientation.
Access to the internal compartment of the enclosure 18 is provided
by positioning the first gun carriage 22 over a slot 52 formed
within the second sidewall 30 and directing the nozzle 54 of the
first blast gun 14 through the slot 52 and toward the center of the
enclosure 18.
[0037] Similarly, the second gun carriage 24 is mounted to the top
wall 40 in a horizontal orientation. Access to the internal
compartment of the enclosure 18 is provided by positioning the
second gun carriage 24 over a slot 58 formed within the top wall 40
and directing the nozzle 56 of the second blast gun 16 through the
slot 58 and downwardly toward the center of the enclosure 18.
[0038] The first and second blast guns 14, 16 are assembled for
both simultaneous and individual use. They are generally moved by
reversible stepping motors under the control of the control system
12 discussed below in greater detail. In this way, a consistent
blast pattern is provided over the area to be abraded. The result
is a better blasting job in a shorter period of time.
[0039] The details of the first and second gun carriages 22, 24 and
first and second blast guns 14, 16 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 4 where the first gun carriage 22 and first blast
gun 14 are shown in detail (the first gun carriage 22 and first
blast gun 14 are identical to the second gun carriage 24 and second
blast gun 16). The first gun carriage 22 includes a blast gun
carriage assembly 60 having first and second rails 62, 63 between
which the first blast gun 14 is mounted for sliding motion along
the length thereof. Movement of the first blast gun 14 along the
length of the carriage assembly 60 is facilitated by a drive screw
64 extending along the length of the first gun carriage 22 and
passing through a threaded drive nut 66 secured to the upper wall
68 of the blast gun support housing 70. A stepper motor 72 is
secured to the first end 74 of the drive screw 64 and provides for
controlled rotation of the drive screw 64 in both clockwise and
counter-clockwise directions to selectively move the first blast
gun 14 up and down along the carriage assembly 60. The stepper
motor 72 is linked to the control system 12 via a cable 76
extending therebetween.
[0040] The feed and pressure dispensing of the abrasive through the
first blast gun 14 is achieved via an abrasive feed line 78 linked
between the first blast gun 14 and the bottom 80 of the funnel
shaped abrasive hopper 38. The air pressure required by the first
blast gun 14 for forcefully propelling the abrasive is provided by
a first air line 82 linked between the first blast gun 14 and an
air pressure source 84.
[0041] As mentioned above, and with reference to FIG. 5, the nozzle
54 of the first blast gun 14 extends through a slot 52 in the
second sidewall 30 of the enclosure 18. As it is important to seal
the enclosure 18 to the greatest extent possible, a brush slot
cover 86 is positioned over the slot 52 such that all of the slot
52 is covered with the exception of that portion of the slot 52
through which the nozzle 54 of the first blast gun 14 extends.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 5, the support table 26 used in
accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The support
table 26 generally includes a stepper motor 88 maintained within a
housing 90. The stepper motor 88 drives a turntable 92. The
turntable 92 is further provided with adjustable pins 94 for
securely holding a part 20 holding fixture (not shown)thereon.
Controlled movement of the support table 26 is facilitated via a
cable 96 linking the stepper motor 88 with the control system
12.
[0043] Positioning of the support table 26 within the enclosure 18
is facilitated by the provision of positioning slots 98 along side
interior wall 100 and opposite sidewall of the enclosure 18. The
positioning slots 98 engage similarly shaped vertical supports 102
formed along the base of the support table 26 to hold the support
table 26 in a set position within the enclosure 18. In fact, the
plate 101 upon which the support table 26 sits rests upon the upper
edge of the positioning slots 98. With this in mind, the support
table 26 is readily moved by simply disengaging interlocking
members 98, 102, moving the support table 26 to a new location
within the enclosure 18 and reengaging the members 98, 102 at a
desired location.
[0044] This adjustment feature is especially important in setting
the correct distance between the holding fixture with the part 20
and the blast gun nozzles 54, 56. Specifically, in order to obtain
the most even blast area the support table 26 should be positioned
an appropriate distance from the blast gun nozzles depending on the
specific blast gun being used. Moving the support table 26 closer
may result in an uneven cut, and further away reduces the depth of
the cut. With this in mind, the adjustment feature facilitated by
the positioning slots 98, 102 provides for a moveable support table
26 so one can position the part 20 the correct distance from the
nozzles 54, 56 for the most effective blasting.
[0045] As discussed above, the control system 12 includes a user
interface 104 for inputting control commands. A preferred
embodiment of the user interface 104 for the control system 12 is
shown in FIG. 6. The user interface 104 includes a keypad 106 for
pattern input, an LED display 108, a power supply 110, control
boards 112, an on/off switch 114, a cabinet light 116, an emergency
power off switch 118, and an interface housing 120.
[0046] The control system 12 is further linked to various
components of the present abrasive blasting unit 10. As shown in
FIG. 7, the interface housing 120 includes connections for the
power supply 110, cable to the first blast gun 76, cable to the
second blast gun 126, cable to the support table 96, first solenoid
cable 128 to the first air solenoid 130, second solenoid cable 132
to the second air solenoid 134, power to cabinet lights 136 and
input power 138 to the control system 12 itself.
[0047] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the control system 12 is operated in the following
manner. Seven numbers are simply entered on the control keypad 106
based upon various prompts; the first three numbers control the
rotating table 26 supporting the part 20 and the remaining numbers
control the motion of the blast guns 14, 16.
[0048] To input a specific path or pattern the operator first
presses the number one (1) to activate the blasting pattern mode.
DEG (degrees of table rotation) is displayed on the LED display
108, or readout. The operator then enters the number of degrees
which the part 20 should rotate back and forth. For example, should
the operator wish the part 20 to rotate 90 degrees, he or she would
simply enter "9" and "0", and then press ENTER.
[0049] Once the DEG is entered, SP 1 will be displayed. SP 1
indicates the speed at which the support table will rotate. The
operator then inputs a desired speed and presses ENTER
[0050] CYC (cycle is the number of times the support table 26
rotates) is now displayed in the LED display 108 of the control
system 12. The operator will then input the number of times, or
cycles, the part 20 is to rotate. For example, "2" might be pressed
if light blast is desired and "4" might be pressed if a deeper
blast is desired. ENTER is then pressed.
[0051] LN2 (linear distance the vertical blast gun moves) is now
displayed on the LED display 108 of the control system 12. This
controls the distance the blast gun 14 moves up and down. The
operator will enter this information in tenths of an inch. For
example, if the operator wishes the blast gun 14 to move along a 3
inch path, the number "30" will be input and ENTER is once again
pressed.
[0052] SP2 is then displayed, prompting the operator to input the
speed at which the blast gun 14 moves. The user will then input the
desired speed and press ENTER
[0053] LN3 (linear distance the horizontal blast gun moves) is now
displayed on the LED display 108 of the control system 12. This
controls the distance the blast gun 16 moves back and forth. The
operator will enter this information in tenths of an inch. For
example, if the operator wishes the blast gun 16 to move along a 3
inch path, the number "30" will be input and ENTER is once again
pressed.
[0054] SP3 is then displayed, prompting the operator to input the
speed at which the blast gun 16 moves. The user will then input the
desired speed and press ENTER.
[0055] Control information is then complete and the operator may
press "0" to activate the etching mode. The word ETCH will then be
displayed on the LED display 108 of the control system 12 and ENTER
is pressed when the operator wishes to commence blasting. When the
blasting process is completed, the operator simply removes the
completed part, inserts a new part and presses ENTER to blast
again.
[0056] As mentioned above, a constant supply of air pressure is
required to operate the blast guns 14, 16. The air pressure is
controlled via a pressure regulator 140 and associated control
components. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the associated control components generally
include an air line 142 supplying pressurized air to the pressure
regulator 140 from a remote compressor. The pressure regulator 140,
and pressurized air line 142 are coupled to the first and second
air lines 82, 144 feeding the blast guns 14, 16 of the first and
second gun carriages 22, 24 via first and second solenoid valves
130, 134. The solenoid valves 130, 134 are controlled by the
control system 12 and coupled thereto by first and second solenoid
cables 128, 132 extending between the control system 12 and the
first and second solenoid valves 130, 134.
[0057] Operation of the present abrasive blasting unit 10 allows
for blasting of any type of carvable material up to 15 inches tall
by 12 inches in diameter under digital control. In this way, user
production is increased, the final product is improved and labor
costs are reduced. In addition, and due to the automated nature of
the present abrasive blasting unit 10, for people etching glass the
film commonly used in blasting operations is saved as you no longer
need to mask the whole glass blank which is to be blasted.
[0058] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover
all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *