IP Library Granted Patent US 9,573,226
Granted Patent B2
US 9,573,226 · App. 14/352,831 · Granted Feb 21, 2017

System configured for removing a coating from a substrate using electromagnetic radiation

Inventors: Donald E. Sprentall (South Lyon, MI); Keith A. Jefferies (New Hudson, MI)
Assignee: SurClean, Inc.
B23K26/36B08B7/0035B23K26/03B23K26/362B23K26/40B23K2203/172
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,573,226
App. No.
14/352,831
Granted
Feb 21, 2017
Kind
B2
Abstract

A removal system is configured for removing a coating from a substrate of a component. A first and second energy source are each configured to direct electromagnetic radiation onto the component the electromagnetic radiation produces a respective first and second property. A sensor detects the first and second properties produced by the first and second stream of electromagnetic radiation. A controller is configured to receive the detected first and second property from the sensor and the associated first and second power levels from the respective first and second energy sources. The controller transmits an updated power level to at least one of the first and second energy sources in response to the first and second property received from the sensor and the associated power level received from the first and second energy sources.

Claims (18)

1. A method of removing a coating from a substrate of a component, the method comprising:

directing a first stream of electromagnetic radiation onto the component from a first energy source;

wherein the first energy source is energized at a first power level such that ablation caused by the first stream of electromagnetic radiation creates a first property on the component;

directing a second stream of electromagnetic radiation onto the component from a second energy source;

wherein the second energy source is energized at a second power level such that the second stream of electromagnetic radiation causes a second property to be produced on the component;

detecting the first property of the component and the associated first power level of the first energy source;

detecting the second property of the component and the associated second power level of the second energy source;

transmitting at least one of the detected first and second properties and the associated first and second power levels to a controller;

determining, in the controller, whether the coating is disposed on the substrate of the component, based on the detected first and second property; and

transmitting an updated power level to at least one of the first and second energy sources in response to the determination of whether the coating is disposed on the substrate.

2. A method, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the first property produced is indicative of the removal of the coating from the substrate.

3. A method, as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the second property produced is indicative of whether the coating is present on the substrate.

4. A method, as set forth in claim 3 , further comprising:

receiving an input from a sensor and a power source; and

providing a signal to at least one of the first and second energy sources to control the emission of power in response to the input received from the sensor and the power source.

5. A method, as set forth in claim 4 , wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor and a spectrum analyzer.

6. A method, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the first and second properties include a wavelength and an intensity.

7. A method, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein in response to the first power level of the first energy source being below a threshold, the second property produced on the component by the second energy source is used to set the first power level of the first energy source such that the first energy source begins ablation.

Assignments (3)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 23, 2018
From: SURCLEAN, INC.
To: HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, PLC
Reel/Frame 047279/0193 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 6, 2017
From: SPRENTALL, DONALD E.
To: AMERICAN LASER ENTERPRISES, LLC
Reel/Frame 040867/0697 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 6, 2017
From: AMERICAN LASER ENTERPRISES, LLC
To: SURCLEAN, INC.
Reel/Frame 040867/0722 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61549818 · Oct 21, 2011
Related Publication 20140305907A1 · Oct 16, 2014