US3826014A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shutter mechanism for radiation-curing lamp
Assignee: Sun Chemical Corp
•
Filing: 1973-03-19
•
Granted: 1974-07-30
•
Expires: 1993-03-19
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for ultra-violet light curing of solvent-free ink by photopolymerization. The web carrying the ink to be cured is conveyed along a feed path. Lamps are arrayed along the feed path. A reflector behind each lamp directs radiation toward the web. In front of each lamp is a light absorbing shutter. When closed, the shutter blocks radiation from impinging upon the web. When opened, that shutter unblocks its own reflector. Means are provided for moving the shutters from their open to their closed positions. In one form of the invention, the lamps are arrayed along opposite sides of the web. In this embodiment, when a shutter opens, it not only unblocks its own reflector, but it also moves to a position opposed to the reflector of the neighboring lamp on the other side of the conveyor, whereby illumination from that lamp which passes the web impinges upon the open shutter. Means are also provided for opening the housings in which the lamps are contained and for shutting the housings. Air duct means are also provided in the lamp and reflector housings for cooling the lamp terminals and drawing off ozone and heated gases in the vicinity of the lamps.
Inventors
- 👤 N Helding
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:23
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B3/00; F26B3/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
395 words
Apparatus for curing solvent free coating material on a web comprising; radiant energy emitting means, comprising: a plurality of assemblies with each said assembly including a lamp, a reflector to direct radiation from said lamp toward said web; for each said assembly a shutter for being selectively movable to a first position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web, on the other hand, to block radiation from impinging upon the web; said shutter being selectively movable to a second position where it is away from the position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, thereby to permit impingement of emitted radiation upon the web; means for moving said shutter between its two said positions; conveyor means for moving a web to which the material is applied along a feed path in front of said radiant energy emitting means, whereby radiation therefrom impinges upon the web and cures the material thereon; said plurality of assemblies comprising at least one operative group of said assemblies, said group comprising: a first said lamp and a first said reflector positioned to direct radiation to impinge upon one surface of the web; a first said shutter therefor; a second said lamp and a second said reflector positioned to direct radiation to impinge upon the opposite surface of the web; a second said shutter therefor; said first shutter in its said first position prevents radiation from said first lamp and said first reflector of said group from impinging upon said web; said first shutter in its said second position is opposite said second lamp and said second reflector of said group and is on the other side of the web therefrom such that radiation from said second lamp and said second reflector impinges upon the web and any such radiation which passes the web impinges upon said first shutter; said second shutter in its said first position prevents radiation from said second lamp and said second reflector of said group from impinging upon said web; said second shutter in its said second position is away from between said second lamp and said second reflector, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, to permit radiation from said second lamp and said second reflector to impinge upon the web.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
395 words
Apparatus for curing solvent free coating material on a web comprising; radiant energy emitting means, comprising: a plurality of assemblies with each said assembly including a lamp, a reflector to direct radiation from said lamp toward said web; for each said assembly a shutter for being selectively movable to a first position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web, on the other hand, to block radiation from impinging upon the web; said shutter being selectively movable to a second position where it is away from the position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, thereby to permit impingement of emitted radiation upon the web; means for moving said shutter between its two said positions; conveyor means for moving a web to which the material is applied along a feed path in front of said radiant energy emitting means, whereby radiation therefrom impinges upon the web and cures the material thereon; said plurality of assemblies comprising at least one operative group of said assemblies, said group comprising: a first said lamp and a first said reflector positioned to direct radiation to impinge upon one surface of the web; a first said shutter therefor; a second said lamp and a second said reflector positioned to direct radiation to impinge upon the opposite surface of the web; a second said shutter therefor; said first shutter in its said first position prevents radiation from said first lamp and said first reflector of said group from impinging upon said web; said first shutter in its said second position is opposite said second lamp and said second reflector of said group and is on the other side of the web therefrom such that radiation from said second lamp and said second reflector impinges upon the web and any such radiation which passes the web impinges upon said first shutter; said second shutter in its said first position prevents radiation from said second lamp and said second reflector of said group from impinging upon said web; said second shutter in its said second position is away from between said second lamp and said second reflector, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, to permit radiation from said second lamp and said second reflector to impinge upon the web.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The curing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said moving means for each said shutter comprises a reciprocable piston connected with said shutter and adapted to reciprocate in a direction along the path of movement of said shutter for reciprocating said shutter between its said first and said second positions; and means for reciprocating said piston.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The curing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising shutter movement guiding pins supported in position for guiding movement of each said shutter; each said shutter including means and being movable with respect to said guiding pins, whereby said guiding pins guide movement of said shutter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
174 words
The curing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said moving means for all said shutters comprises a rack and pinion system; all said first shutters being connected with a first shutter movement guide and also said second shutters being connected with a second shutter movement guide; a first rack element connected with said first guide and a second rack element connected with said second guide; a pinion communicating with each said rack, and being rotatable such that rotation of said pinion in one direction moves said first shutter guide and said first shutters in a first direction to the respective said first positions of said first shutters and simultaneously moves said second shutter guide and said second shutter in the opposite direction to the respective said first position of said second shutters; reverse rotation of said pinion moves said first shutter guide and said first shutters in said opposite direction and moves said second shutter guide and said second shutters in said first direction, thereby moving all said shutters to their respective said second positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The curing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sHutters have a capacity to absorb radiation which impinges thereon when said shutters are in their respective said second positions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The curing apparatus of claim 5, wherein each said shutter is sufficiently large to block radiation impinging upon it when it is in its said second position from passing it by.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The curing apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said shutter is slidable sideways along said feed path between its said first and said second positions and said shutter moving means thus moves its respective said shutter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
141 words
The curing apparatus of claim 1, comprising a plurality of said groups of assemblies arranged along said feed path next to each other with alternation of the respective said first and said second lamps and reflectors thereof; all said first lamps, said first reflectors and said first shutters being along one side of the web and all said second lamps, said second reflectors and said second shutters being along the other side of the web; at said second position of said second shutter of each said group, it is opposite to and on the other side of the web from the neighboring said first lamp and said first reflector of the neighboring said group, and is in position to have any radiation from that said first lamp and said first reflector, which passes the web, impinge upon that said second shutter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
The curing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said housing has an opening extending around its periphery, thereby permitting separation of the enclosed said housing into two sections to enable access to its interior and to said radiant energy emitting means therein; separating means attached to said two housing sections for selectively separating them and for moving them together.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The curing apparatus of claim 8, wherein each said shutter is sufficiently large to block radiation impinging upon it when it is in its said second position from passing it by.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The curing apparatus of claim 10, wherein each said shutter is slidable sideways along said feed path between its said first and said second positions and said shutter moving means thus moves its respective said shutter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
118 words
The curing apparatus of claim 10, wherein each said reflector is generally elliptically shaped and comprised of reflective material; said reflector being open at the side that faces the web; each said lamp being positioned with respect to its said reflector such that radiation from said lamp is reflected out of said reflector open side toward the web; additional reflectors define closed ends for said reflector; said reflector and said additional reflectors having edges extending toward the web to minimize escaping radiation; each said shutter having dimensions at least as great as the dimensions of the said open side of the two said reflectors before which that said shutter moves in its respective said first and second positions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The curing apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: cooling means communicating with said reflector means and with said shutter for cooling same when said radiant energy emitting means heats the same.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The curing apparatus of claim 13, wherein said cooling means comprises coolant carrying conduits; means for passing coolant through said coolant carrying conduits.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
The curing apparatus of claim 14, wherein each said lamp has terminal sockets electrically connecting said lamp with a power source and supporting said lamp in position; exhaust means communicating with the vicinity of said socket for drawing air past said socket thereby to cool said sockets.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
55 words
The curing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said moving means for each said shutter comprises a reciprocable piston connected with said shutter and adapted to reciprocate in a direction along the path of movement of said shutter for reciprocating said shutter between its said first and said second positions; and means for reciprocating said piston.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The curing apparatus of claim 16, wherein said piston reciprocating means comprises a cylinder and said piston is operated through appropriate adjustment of the pressure in said cylinder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
83 words
The curing apparatus of claim 16, wherein said shutter moving means further comprises a linkage for directing movement of said shutter; said linkage having a fixedly positioned pivot at one end and its other end being pivotable about said fixed pivot; said shutter being connected with said linkage other end, whereby pivoting of said linkage shifts said shutter between its said first and second positions; said piston being connected with said linkage for causing the same to pivot, thereby to move said shutter.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
174 words
The curing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said moving means for all said shutters comprises a rack and pinion system; all said first shutters being connected with a first shutter movement guide and also said second shutters being connected with a second shutter movement guide; a first rack element connected with said first guide and a second rack element connected with said second guide; a pinion communicating with each said rack, and being rotatable such that rotation of said pinion in one direction moves said first shutter guide and said first shutters in a first direction to the respective said first positions of said first shutters and simultaneously moves said second shutter guide and said second shutters in the opposite direction to the respective said first positions of said second shutters; reverse rotation of said pinion moves said first shutter guide and said first shutters in said opposite direction and moves said second shutter guide and said second shutters in said first direction, thereby moving all said shutters to their respective said second positions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
209 words
Apparatus for curing solvent free coating material on a web, comprising: radiant energy emitting means, comprising: at least one assembly with each said assembly including a lamp, a reflector to direct radiation from said lamp toward said web; for each said assembly a shutter for being selectively movable to a first position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web, on the other hand, to block radiation from impinging upon the web; said shutter being selectively movable to a second position where it is away from the position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, thereby to permit impingement of emitted radiation upon the web; means for moving said shutter between its two said positions; conveyor means for moving a web to which the material is applied along a feed path in front of said radiant energy emitting means, whereby radiation therefrom impinges upon the web and cures the material thereon; cooling means communicating with said reflector means and with said shutter for cooling same when said radiant energy emitting means heats the same; said cooling means comprises coolant carrying conduits; means for passing coolant through said coolant carrying conduits.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
209 words
Apparatus for curing solvent free coating material on a web, comprising: radiant energy emitting means, comprising: at least one assembly with each said assembly including a lamp, a reflector to direct radiation from said lamp toward said web; for each said assembly a shutter for being selectively movable to a first position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web, on the other hand, to block radiation from impinging upon the web; said shutter being selectively movable to a second position where it is away from the position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, thereby to permit impingement of emitted radiation upon the web; means for moving said shutter between its two said positions; conveyor means for moving a web to which the material is applied along a feed path in front of said radiant energy emitting means, whereby radiation therefrom impinges upon the web and cures the material thereon; cooling means communicating with said reflector means and with said shutter for cooling same when said radiant energy emitting means heats the same; said cooling means comprises coolant carrying conduits; means for passing coolant through said coolant carrying conduits.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
55 words
The curing apparatus of claim 20, wherein said moving means for each said shutter comprises a reciprocable piston connected with said shutter and adapted to reciprocate in a direction along the path of movement of said shutter for reciprocating said shutter between its said first and said second positions; and means for reciprocating said piston.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
73 words
The curing apparatus of claim 20, wherein said radiant energy emitting means is positioned above one side of the web; on the other side of the web is positioned a radiation absorbent plate of dimensions sufficient in its length and breadth dimension to enable said plate to absorb the full dimensions of the spread of the radiation from said radiant energy emitting means, which radiation passes the web and impinges upon said plate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
274 words
Apparatus for curing solvent free coating material on a web, comprising: radiant energy emitting means, comprising: at least one assembly with each said assembly including a lamp, a reflector to direct radiation from said lamp toward said web; for each said assembly a shutter for being selectively movable to a first position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web, on the other hand, to block radiation from impinging upon the web; said shutter being selectively movable to a second position where it is away said lamp, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, thereby to permit impingement of emitted radiation upon the web; means for moving said shutter between its two said positions; conveyor means for moving a web to which the material is applied along a feed path in front of said radiant energy emitting means, whereby radiation therefrom impinges upon the web and cures the material thereon; said radiant energy means being positioned within an enclosed housing; said housing having an inlet for a web, through which the web enters said housing, and having an outlet for the web out of which said web exits from said housing; a radiation baffle over both said inlet and said outlet for blocking escape of radiation through said inlet and said outlet; said housing having an opening extending around its periphery, thereby permitting separation of the enclosed said housing into two sections to enable access to its interior and to said radiant energy emitting means therein; separating means attached to said two housing sections for selectively separating them and for moving them together.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
274 words
Apparatus for curing solvent free coating material on a web, comprising: radiant energy emitting means, comprising: at least one assembly with each said assembly including a lamp, a reflector to direct radiation from said lamp toward said web; for each said assembly a shutter for being selectively movable to a first position between the respective said reflector and said lamp, on the one hand, and the web, on the other hand, to block radiation from impinging upon the web; said shutter being selectively movable to a second position where it is away said lamp, on the one hand, and the web on the other hand, thereby to permit impingement of emitted radiation upon the web; means for moving said shutter between its two said positions; conveyor means for moving a web to which the material is applied along a feed path in front of said radiant energy emitting means, whereby radiation therefrom impinges upon the web and cures the material thereon; said radiant energy means being positioned within an enclosed housing; said housing having an inlet for a web, through which the web enters said housing, and having an outlet for the web out of which said web exits from said housing; a radiation baffle over both said inlet and said outlet for blocking escape of radiation through said inlet and said outlet; said housing having an opening extending around its periphery, thereby permitting separation of the enclosed said housing into two sections to enable access to its interior and to said radiant energy emitting means therein; separating means attached to said two housing sections for selectively separating them and for moving them together.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
The curing apparatus of claim 23, wherein said separating means comprises a piston and a cylinder in which said piston reciprocates; means in said cylinder for reciprocating said piston.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
The curing apparatus of claim 23, wherein said housing sections are hingedly joined by a hinge along one side; said separating means being so attached to said housing sections and being adapted so as to pivot said sections around said hinge.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-29 | 1978-01-28 | 1978-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-29 | 1982-01-28 | 1982-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-29 | 1986-01-28 | 1986-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |