Gregory Lynn Ellis

US Patent:

20060201017, Sep 14, 2006

Filed:

Mar 10, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/077073

Inventors:

Gregory Ellis - New Braunfels TX, US
Kevin McKay - Spring TX, US

International Classification:

F26B 3/34

US Classification:

034276000, 522148000

Abstract:

A system, apparatus, and method is provided for curing ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings on articles using UV lamps while the article is immersed in an atmosphere of inert gas heavier than air. One example of a UV curable coating includes 35 weight % Laromer™ LR 8987, 20 weight % urethane acrylate hexandioldiacrylate, 38.5 weight % Laromer™ LR 8863, 3.5 weight % polyetheracrylate Iragucure™ 184, 0.5 weight % of a Photoinitiator Lucirin™ TPO, 2 weight % Tinuvin™ 400 and 1.5 weight % UV absorber Tinuvin™ 292. Examples of the inert gas used in the process disclosed include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, hydrocarbon and halogen gases. An example of an apparatus provided by the invention includes a suspended track system; a housing, wherein the housing comprises an internal portion of the suspended track system and a curing chamber having highly reflective surfaces of favorable geometry. Further provided is a plurality of UV lamps, wherein the lamps are disposed on a slidably removable curing caddy system, wherein the slidable curing caddy enables lamp replacement and general interior maintenance of the apparatus. Further provided is an evaporator and alternatively, a vaporizer for providing a heavy gas supply. Further provided is a controller and software to coordinate the functions of the apparatus disclosed.