JP2004520155A - Mobile radiation curing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The radiation curing device (10) has a removable light source housing (20). The curing device (10) uses a fixed output power supply (55) and a shutter mechanism (3) and is easily operable due to its light weight. The light source housing (20) is laterally offset and is laterally adjustable.

Description

[0001]
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 233,116, filed Sep. 18, 2000.
[0002]
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the invention
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to radiation curing devices, and more particularly to a mobile device with improved operability having a laterally movable and removable light source housing.
[0003]
2. Description of the prior art
Recently, new UV coatings have been developed for use on floors. The UV coating protects the floor from abrasion. In commercial floor maintenance, maintenance costs are approximately 85% labor and approximately 15% material costs. Thus, UV coatings that can reduce labor can provide significant savings, and thus the popularity of newly developed UV coatings is increasing. However, today's UV coating curing equipment is typically very large and cumbersome. These devices are very large, often weighing 400 pounds. The operability of these large curing devices is poor. In addition, it is difficult to bring large devices into smaller areas, such as racquetball courts. It is also difficult to lift the device beyond a room threshold, such as a racket ball court. Japanese Patent No. 6'134381 discloses a UV curing apparatus having two sets of wheels (one for the X axis and the other for the Y axis). Although the operability is improved in such a device, the size of the device is reduced, the light source is protected, and the operability of the cart in a small space is insufficient.
[0004]
The amount of curing by ultraviolet light largely depends on the voltage to which the curing device is connected. Workers typically expect the voltage from the outlet to be 120 volts. However, problems that may arise from the transmission of power by the power company may cause the voltage to be less than 120 volts. Other common reasons for lower expected voltages include long running, long extension cords, and small diameter wires. Thus, it is highly likely that an operator will have cured the entire floor at 110 volts and the coating will not cure due to insufficient power to the light source. Then, the entire floor needs to be redone, resulting in a considerable waste of time. If the worker is initially aware of the low voltage, the worker can compensate for the low voltage when performing the first treatment on the floor. Of course, in other countries the voltage can vary from 120 volts, and it is known that there is a similar problem with the supply voltage.
[0005]
In addition, it is often necessary to harden the floor below the protrusion. The protrusion may be a heated duct or other similar structure. The structure is several inches from the floor and extends along the entire wall. In order to cure under such obstacles in advance, it is necessary to proceed and cure perpendicular to the wall, but only the width of the light source housing can be cured. The curing device is required to traverse the width of the light source housing. If the curing device moves parallel to the obstacle, the light source housing and the curing device will not fit well under the obstacle. This requires a significant amount of time to traverse each location, rather than moving parallel along the length of the obstacle.
[0006]
The present invention addresses the problems associated with prior art devices and provides an improved radiation curing device. Radiation as used in this application may refer to ultraviolet, infrared or visible light. The type of radiation used will depend on the coating and what radiation is required to cure the coating. The radiation emits light energy of all wavelengths or frequencies that causes curing or crosslinking or free radical polymerization of the practical photoreceptive material to form the required coating. The present invention is not limited to any particular coating or specific band of light energy, except for those materials that are capable of curing from liquid to solid immediately upon exposure to radiation after the floor has been coated. Absent.
[0007]
Summary of the Invention
In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing detachably connected to the frame, a power supply operatively connected to the frame, and a curing light source mounted within the light source housing. The first connector is operatively connected to a power source, and the engaging second connector is operatively connected to a curing light source. The first and second connectors are detachably connected to each other. A detachable connection is made between the housing and the frame, the connection having substantially one mechanical connection. The mechanical connection substantially has a first mounting mechanism operatively connected to the light source housing and a second mounting mechanism operatively connected to the frame. The light source housing is engageably connected to the first mounting mechanism and is detachably connected to the frame.
[0008]
In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface. The device includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing detachably connected to the frame, and a fixed output power source. The curing light source is mounted within the light source housing, which has a top that has a maximum height above the floor of 7 inches. The device is mobile and easily operable in areas with limited access.
[0009]
In another embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for curing a light curable material applied to a floor, comprising a frame having wheels, a light source housing detachably connected to the frame, and a frame. And an effectively connected power source. The curing light source is mounted in the light source housing. The first mounting mechanism is operatively connected to the light source housing, and the second mounting mechanism is operatively connected to the frame. The light source housing is detachably connected to the frame. One of the first and second mounting mechanisms has first and second positions, whereby the light source housing is connectable to the frame in the first and second lateral positions.
[0010]
In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing operatively connected to the frame, and a power supply operatively connected to the frame. The curing light source is mounted in the light source housing. The light source housing is sized and configured to extend laterally at least one inch away from any other part of the device, and the device can be moved below the protrusion and parallel to the protrusion.
[0011]
In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface. The device includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing detachably connected to the frame, and a fixed output power source. The curing light source is mounted in the light source housing. The first connector is operatively connected to a power source and the second connector mating therewith is operatively connected to a curing light source. The first and second connectors are detachably connected to each other. The housing and the frame are separably connected, the connection having a first mounting mechanism operatively connected to the light source housing and a second mounting mechanism operatively connected to the frame. The light source housing is detachably connected to the frame and is engaged with the first mounting mechanism. The light source housing has a maximum height above the floor of 7 inches or less, and the device weighs 100 pounds or less. The device is mobile and easily operable in areas with limited access. One of the first and second mounting mechanisms has first and second positions, whereby the light source housing is connectable to the frame in the first and second lateral positions. The light source housing is sized and configured to extend laterally at least one inch away from any other part of the device, and the device can be moved below the protrusion and parallel to the protrusion.
[0012]
In another embodiment, the invention is a method for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface. The method includes applying a photocurable material to the floor when the wall has an obstruction extending above the floor with a width of at least one inch. The device is arranged to cure the photocurable material proximate the obstacle. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing operatively connected to the frame, and a power supply operatively connected to the frame. The curing light source is mounted in the light source housing. The light source housing is dimensioned and configured to extend laterally at least one inch away from any other part of the device. The device moves below the protrusion parallel to the protrusion.
[0013]
In another embodiment, the invention is a method of replacing a light source in an apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface, the apparatus comprising a frame having wheels and a separable frame. , A light source housing operatively connected to the frame, and a curing light source mounted within the light source housing. The first connector is operatively connected to a power source and the second connector mating therewith is operatively connected to a curing light source. The first and second connectors are detachably connected to each other. The first mounting mechanism is operatively connected to the light source housing, and the second mounting mechanism is operatively connected to the frame. The light source housing is detachably connected to the frame. The method involves operating the apparatus, whereby the curing light source is heated and then burns out. Prior to cooling the light source, the first light source housing is separated from the frame. The first light source housing is replaced by a second light source housing having a second light source, so that the device can be used without delay.
[0014]
In another embodiment, the invention is a method for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface. The method includes applying a photocurable material to a floor surface. Next, an apparatus is arranged to cure the photocurable material. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing operatively connected to the frame, and a power supply operatively connected to the frame. The curing light source is mounted in the light source housing. Next, the voltage applied to the device is measured and the applied voltage is used to determine a device movement speed sufficient to cure the photocurable material.
[0015]
In another embodiment, the invention is a method for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface. The method includes applying a photocurable material to a floor surface. Next, an apparatus is arranged to cure the photocurable material. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing operatively connected to the frame, and a power supply operatively connected to the frame. The curing light source is mounted in the light source housing. Next, the voltage supplied to the device is measured and the supplied voltage is used to determine if sufficient power is available to cure the photocurable material.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, the radiation curing device is generally designated by the numeral 10. The radiation curing device 10 has a removable light source housing 20. The light source housing 20 has the shape of a rectangular box with an open bottom. The light source housing 20 has an upper portion 20a on which a slight protrusion 20b is formed. The light source housing 20 is mounted such that its bottom 20c is about 0.5 inches from the floor, as described in more detail below. The side 20d is about 5 inches high, so that the top 20a is 5.5 inches above the floor. The protrusion 20b has a height of about 1.5 inches and has dimensions and construction such that the two housing fans 60 can be mounted in a manner well known in the art. The fan 60 cools the curing light source 25. The curing light source 25 is mounted inside the box. Curing light source 25 is typically an ultraviolet curing light source well known in the art. The curing light source 25 is mounted in a shutter mechanism 30 having a first panel 31 and a second panel 32. The shutter mechanism 30 is shown in detail in particular in FIGS. The panels 31, 32 pivot from a closed position to an open position. Button 33 can be pressed by trigger 34 attached to handle 50. The trigger 34 is connected by a cable (not shown) having an end close to the button 33. Next, by pressing the trigger 34, the end of the cable extends and presses the button 33, which causes an appropriate mechanism in the housing 20 to move the first and second panels 31, 32 to the open position. With the shutter 30, the use of a variable power supply for the light source 25 is not always necessary, which can reduce the weight and simplify the design. FIG. 7 shows the shutter assembly in the closed position, and FIG. 8 shows the shutter assembly in the open position. The light source 25 is mounted inside the shutter assembly in a manner well known in the art, as shown in FIG. The panels 30, 31 are mounted between two end panels 61, 62. The upper member 63 is connected and attached between the end panels 61 and 62. As a result, a structure for mounting the panels 31 and 32 is obtained. The upper part 63 has a plurality of fins and openings for promoting the dissipation of heat generated from the light source 25. The upper part 63 is formed with flanges 63a and 63b. The shutter and light source assembly as shown in FIG. 7 is mounted in the housing 20 by the flange 63a being received in an elongated slot (not shown) inside the light source housing 20. Shutter 30 is similar to that used in Fusion Aetek UV systems for other industrial applications, but is a mechanical device for operating the shutter device, as opposed to an air supply available in other industrial applications. Is used. It will be appreciated that any suitable mechanism can be used to open and close the shutter 30. Further, it will be appreciated that other suitable shutters 30 can be used as shutters known in the art as described in International Application No. PCT / US99 / 21584. With the height of the projection 20b of the light source housing 20 being only 7 inches from the floor, the device 10 can enter a small, narrow area such as a kickboard or under a desk. The height of the upper portion 20a of the light source housing 20 being only 5.5 inches from the floor allows that portion of the light source housing 20 to have better access to a narrow area. With the highest point of the light source housing only 7 inches from the floor, a slightly higher light source housing is still less than optimal but still advantageous. That is, a height of 10 inches or less is advantageous compared to the prior art. Of course, it will be appreciated that the lower the overall height of the light source housing, the more it is advantageous to enter a smaller area. Two 3 inch openings 28 are formed in the protrusion 20b. Below the opening 28, two fans 29 are mounted by suitable means well known in the art.
[0017]
Housing 20 has two amphenol connectors 22 suitably connected to and powering light source 25. The connector 22 may be a screw connector or a quick disconnect connector. The connector 22 has a female element 22 a fixed to the housing 20 and a male element 22 b attached to a power supply wire 64 from a power supply 55. With this structure, the light source housing 20 to be separated from the frame 40 can be quickly and easily removed.
[0018]
The housing 20 can be easily removed in a short time of less than one minute. Furthermore, the light source housing 20 is removable without using tools. This can be achieved by the first mounting mechanism of the light source housing 20 and the second mounting mechanism carried on the frame 40. The first mounting mechanism has four plates 21a-21d which are mounted on the rear wall 20e by suitable means such as bolts 23. The oblique projections 24a to 24d are attached to the plates 21a to 21d by appropriate means such as welding. Two mounting studs 26, 27 are also fixed to the rear wall 20e of the housing 20. As will be described in detail later, the oblique projections 24b and 24c are used to attach the housing 20 to the center position. The oblique projection 24d and the mounting stud 27 are used when mounting the housing in the left lateral direction as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the oblique projection 24a and the mounting stud 26 are used when the housing is mounted on the opposite right lateral direction.
[0019]
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a part of the first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism. Here, the interlock mechanism for connecting the housing 20 to the frame 40 without fasteners is shown in more detail. The oblique projection 24b has a first segment 98 perpendicular to the plate 21b. The second segment 99 is operatively connected (preferably integrated) to the first segment 98. The second segment 99 is perpendicular to the second segment 98. The second segment 99 is parallel to the plate 21b and is separated from the plate 21b by a certain distance. Similarly, the oblique projection 68 a has a first segment 97 perpendicular to the plate 68 and a second segment 96 perpendicular to the first segment 97. The second segment 96 is parallel to and at a distance from the plate 68. The second segment 99 and the plate 21b form a slot in which the second segment 96 is located. Further, second segment 96 and plate 68 form a slot in which second segment 99 is located. This sliding interlock connection enables the connection between the light source housing 20 and the frame 20. The connection consists of one separable connection, one connection consisting essentially of a first mounting mechanism and a second mounting mechanism for holding the light source housing in place. Assembly parts such as wing nuts etc. are not used anymore.
[0020]
The frame 40 has a right member 41 connected to a left member 42 by a rear member 43. The front member 44 also connects the right side 41 to the left side 42. The right side 41 and the left side 42 have angles near the front for mounting the two casters 65. The two wheels 66 are mounted on casters 65. The casters 65 rotate, improving the operability of the device 10. Bottom 45 is attached to frame 40 and forms a platform for power supply 55. A second attachment plate 46 is attached to the frame 40. Attachment plate 46 has been removed from some of the figures to better show other features of the present invention. The second attachment plate has a front member 46a that is operatively connected to the upper member 46b. Two triangular side members 46c are effectively connected to the upper member 46b and the front member 46a. The members 46a-46c are connected by means well known in the art, such as welding. Two support openings 46d and 46e are formed in the front member 46a. As described below, the support openings 46d, 46e are sized and configured to receive the mounting studs 26,27. Attachment plate 46 is secured to frame 40 by any suitable means such as welding. The upper member 46b is in contact with the front member 44, and the side portions 46c are disposed close to the right side portion 41 and the left side portion 42. The two plates 67, 68 are fixed to the front member 46a by suitable means such as bolts. The oblique projections 68a, 67a are fixed to the plates 67, 68 by suitable means such as welding. The light source housing 20 and the frame 40 are separably connected by the projections 67a and 68a engaging with the oblique projections 24b and 24c. It can be seen that the oblique projection 24b engages the oblique projection 68a and the oblique projection 24c engages the oblique projection 67a. This achieves a simple and easy connection and allows the light source housing to be easily removed in less than a minute without the use of tools. All that is required is to disconnect the wire connector from the connector 22 and raise and remove the light source housing 20. The housing 20 is arranged above the oblique projections 68a, 67a with the projections 24b, 24c approaching each other. The housing 20 is lowered, and the oblique projections 68a, 67a guide the housing 20 into place. It can be seen that each of the oblique projections 24a-24d and 67a, 68a is L-shaped and each is set at the same angle with respect to the corresponding plate as the projection with which the plates engage. The projections 68a, 67a form a V-shape to receive the oblique projections 24b, 24c. The V-shape formed by the protrusions 67a and 68a limits the downward stroke of the housing 20. The interlock between the second segments 96 and 99 prevents the housing 20 from moving forward. It will be appreciated that the housing 20 can be detachably connected to the frame 20 without the use of tools or other connections or mechanisms and can be securely held in place. The mounting mechanism consists essentially of only one mechanism for holding the housing 20 in place. That is, one mechanism is a combination of the oblique projections 21a to 21d and 68a, 67a. The housing has a very easily separable and quickly connectable mounting mechanism, since no secondary mechanisms such as wing nuts, bolts or screws, etc. are required. Handle 50 is secured to frame 40 by any suitable means well known in the art, such as welding. Alternatively, a folding or telescopic handle can be used. Since the two wheels 47 are fixed to the rear portion of the frame 40, the operability of the cart 10 is improved. The rear wheel 47 is fixed.
[0021]
The cover or shroud 70 is preferably made of durable lightweight plastic and covers the frame 40 and components thereon.
[0022]
6a to 6c schematically show the light source housing 20 arranged in three different states. The width of the housing 20 is 24 inches. Shroud 70 has a width of 18 inches at its forward end. Accordingly, housing 20 extends 3 inches laterally on either side of shroud 70. The shroud 70 is wider at the front than at the rear, due to the two enlarged areas with space for the caster wheels 65, 66 to rotate. The width of the rear of the device 10 is only 14.5 inches. Thus, it can be seen that a 3 inch offset can be used to travel beneath and parallel to the obstacle. It is not necessary to move the apparatus 10 repeatedly to treat the entire floor below the obstacle. Under certain conditions, a 3 inch protrusion is not enough to completely handle below the obstacle. To this end, the device 10 can be easily adjusted to have an additional offset to the right or left. FIG. 6b shows a light source housing with a lateral offset to the right, and FIG. 6c shows a light source housing with a lateral offset to the left. The protrusion 24a is engaged with the protrusion 67a for lateral offset to the right as shown in FIG. 6b. The mounting stud 26 is disposed in the support opening 46d. In the case of the offset arrangement as shown in FIG. 6c, the projection 24d engages with the projection 68a and the mounting stud 27 is arranged in the support opening 46e. The mounting studs 26, 27 support the weight of the housing 20 whether the housing 20 is offset right or left. By offsetting the housing 20, the left and right lateral offsets are further increased by 12 inches to 15 inches. While a lateral offset of 3 inches from the central configuration has been found to be advantageous in many operations, the flexibility of this additional offset allows hardening of hard-to-reach areas. The lateral offset is preferably at least 1 inch or more, preferably at least 2 inches or more, more preferably at least 3 inches or more.
[0023]
If the device does not move parallel to the obstacle, the height of the center of the housing is important. If a more flexible design of the device 10 is desired for such use, a second embodiment light source housing 20 'can be used. In this embodiment, the upper portion 20a 'is flat and has no protrusion. Instead, the fan 60 is located close to the rear wall 20d 'so as not to increase the overall height of the housing 20'. This embodiment is shown in FIG. Plates 21a 'to 21d' are identical to plates 21a to 21d. Further, the connector 22a 'is located proximate to the rear wall 20d', thereby minimizing the height of the light source housing 20 'and providing additional clearance when moving forward. Ultimately, when going straight under the obstacle in front of the device, how far the device 10 can go under the obstacle is determined by the shroud or cover 70. By arranging the fan 60 and the connector 22 on the rear wall 20d, the overall height of the light source housing 20 is minimized. This height is preferably less than 10 inches, more preferably 7 inches or less. Furthermore, the width of the housing, ie the distance from the front end to the rear end, is important. In this embodiment, the width is 6 inches. A width of at least 4 inches or more is desirable to increase the ability to handle hard-to-reach areas.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 9, the radiation curing apparatus 10 has a fixed output power supply 55 connected to an electric cord 48 via a connector / contactor 49. A fan 56 mounted on the frame 40 creates an air flow to remove heat from the radiation curing device 10. Power supply 55 is a fixed output power supply weighing approximately 35 pounds. Prior art power supplies are typically variable power supplies and are substantially heavier. The variable power supply is adjustable in wattage. This is often used to gradually reduce the amount of power when light is not being used to cure the coating. The reason for this is that when the light is stationary and at maximum output, the light easily burns the floor in 5 to 15 seconds. Turning light on and off frequently is not advisable, as it will significantly shorten the life of the bulb. Therefore, prior art devices have used variable power sources to address this problem, reducing the amount of power to the bulb and reducing the amount of heat generated. However, because the present invention uses a fixed output power source, its output is always the desired maximum for curing the coating. The use of a shutter is very significant in that it allows the maintenance and blocking of light and heat from the light source 25 to the floor coating, and prevents burning when the radiation curing device 10 is stationary. is important.
[0025]
The power supply 55 has a plurality of capacitors 57 (7 ufd and 25 ufd). The capacitor 57 is connected to the first connector 22b by a first cord 58a, and the power supply 55 is connected to the second connector 22b by a second cord 58b. The first and second connectors 22b are separably connected to the connector 22a. The connector 22a is effectively connected to the light source 25, and power is supplied to the light source 25.
[0026]
The weight of the device of the present invention is preferably less than 100 pounds, and more preferably 70 pounds or less. This is a significant weight reduction when compared to the prior art 430 pounds, thus greatly improving operability and ease of transport. Further, the present invention has a removable light source housing 20. Thus, the light source housing 20 having the curing light source 25 can be easily removed and carried while the apparatus is stopped. The reduced size also allows the cart to be placed under obstacles. This obstacle refers to any obstacle less than one foot above the floor that limits access to members that are only seven inches above the floor or protrude to that height.
[0027]
A light bulb power switch 77 is used to turn on the light bulb 25 after the cord 48 is connected to the power output. A power indicator 78 is mounted on the shroud 70 adjacent the power switch 77 and illuminates when the plug 48 is connected to the appropriate electrical output and power is supplied to the device 10. A light bulb power indicator 79 is also mounted on shroud 70 to indicate that light bulb 25 has been powered. A first fuse 75 (2 amps) and a second fuse 76 (20 amps) can also be used in the electrical circuit of the device 10.
[0028]
A voltmeter 80 can be used in the electrical circuit of the device 10. The voltmeter 80 indicates the voltage applied to the bulb 25. Under normal conditions, the voltage is expected to be 120 volts. The curing amount is determined not only by the amount of radiation given from the light source 25 but also by the moving speed of the device 10. The radiation dose depends on the voltage applied to the light source 25. For example, in the United States, that voltage is always expected to be 120 volts. As long as the voltage is approximately at that value, the proper amount of cure will be achieved if the operator operates the device at normal speed. However, if the voltage is lower than that value, the operator must correct by operating at a lower speed. To date, prior art devices have no means to determine whether the proper voltage is being supplied from the electrical output. This becomes a significant factor when the voltage drop and power shortage increase. Power companies sometimes reduce the voltage available over their wires. The need for the voltmeter 80 also arises for other reasons described above. The voltmeter 80 indicates the effective voltage value to the bulb 25 so that the operator can make the necessary corrections during the first hardening of the floor. The operator does not end up treating the entire floor at a predetermined speed, but later finds that the floor has not been cured due to the low voltage and has to start over. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a voltmeter, it will be appreciated that other suitable signaling devices, such as lights, may be used. Further, while the present invention contemplates that the operator solves this voltage problem before work, it is also possible to correct the voltage difference by moving the device at different speeds. It will be appreciated that if the device 10 is powered by a motor, it can be compensated by controlling the speed of the motor.
[0029]
Fusion's power supply is a Fusion Aetek UV 120 volt, 20 amp power supply and the bulb is a lamp-Fusion Aetek UV07-01548 18 inch bulb, but other suitable bulbs or housings and power supplies are available. .
[0030]
The specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the components of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
It is a perspective view of the radiation hardening device of the present invention.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear left of the radiation device of FIG. 1, showing a state in which a light source housing and a shroud are disassembled.
FIG. 3
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear right of the radiation device of FIG. 1 and shows a state where a light source housing and a shroud are disassembled.
FIG. 4
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radiation device of FIG. 1 from substantially below.
FIG. 5
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mechanism for attaching the radiation device of FIG. 1 to a light source housing and a shroud.
FIG. 6A
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a light source housing in various positions.
FIG. 6B
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a light source housing in various positions.
FIG. 6C
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a light source housing in various positions.
FIG. 7
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combination of a light source and a shutter disposed in a light source housing shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from substantially above.
FIG. 8
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combination of a light source and a shutter arranged in a light source housing shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from substantially below.
FIG. 9
FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of the radiation curing device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 10
It is a perspective view of other embodiments of a light source housing.
FIG. 11
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a light source housing and a plate of a frame.

Claims (19)

An apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) a frame having wheels;
b) a light source housing detachably connected to the frame;
c) a power supply operatively connected to the frame;
d) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing;
e) a first connector operatively connected to the power source;
f) an engaging second connector, which is operatively connected to the curing light source and is detachably connected to the first connector;
g) a separable connection consisting essentially of one mechanical connection between the light source housing and the frame, wherein the mechanical connection is substantially i) connected to the light source housing. Ii) a second mounting mechanism connected to the frame and engaging the first mounting mechanism;
A connection portion, wherein the light source housing is detachably connected to the frame,
An apparatus having The first mounting mechanism is a first mounting member having a first member forming a first slot having a first plate operatively connected to the light source housing, and the second mounting mechanism is mounted on the frame. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second mounting member comprises a second member forming a second slot having a second plate operatively connected thereto. The first member is attached to the first plate at a first angle, the second member is attached to the second plate at a second angle, and the first and second angles are equal to each other. Item 3. The apparatus according to Item 2. The first mounting mechanism has a third mounting member operatively connected to the first plate, the first and third mounting members form a substantially V-shape, and the second mounting member is the second mounting member. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a fourth mounting member operatively connected to the plate, wherein the second and third mounting members form a generally V-shape. An apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) a frame having wheels;
b) a light source housing operatively connected to the frame;
c) fixed output power supply;
d) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing;
Has,
e) the light source housing has an upper portion with a maximum height above the floor of 7 inches, and the device is movable and easily operable in restricted access areas;
apparatus. 6. The device of claim 5, weighing up to 100 pounds. An apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) a frame having wheels;
b) a light source housing detachably connected to the frame;
c) a power supply operatively connected to the frame;
d) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing;
e) a first mounting mechanism operatively connected to the light source housing;
f) a second mounting mechanism operatively connected to the frame;
Wherein the light source housing is detachably connected to the frame,
g) one of the first and second mounting mechanisms has first and second positions, whereby the light source housing is connectable to the frame in first and second lateral positions;
apparatus. The first mounting mechanism is a first mounting member having a first member forming a first slot having a first plate operatively connected to the light source housing, and the second mounting mechanism is mounted on the frame. A second mounting member comprising a second member forming a second slot having a second plate operatively connected, wherein one of the light source housing and the frame has a first support member, and wherein the light source housing and the frame; 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the other of said has a receiving second support member. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first support member is a post, and the second support member is an opening formed in the other of the light source housing and the frame. An apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) a frame having wheels;
b) a light source housing operatively connected to the frame;
c) a power supply operatively connected to the frame;
d) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing;
Has,
e) the light source housing is dimensioned and configured to extend laterally at least one inch away from any other part of the device, and the device moves below and parallel to the protrusion. be able to,
apparatus. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the light source housing extends at least 2 inches away from any other part of the apparatus. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the light source housing extends at least 3 inches from any other part of the device. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a voltmeter operatively connected to the power supply, wherein a voltage to the power supply can be measured. An apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) a frame having wheels;
b) a light source housing detachably connected to the frame;
c) fixed output power supply;
d) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing;
e) a first connector operatively connected to the power source;
f) an engaging second connector, which is operatively connected to the curing light source and is detachably connected to the first connector;
g) a separable connection between the light source housing and the frame, wherein the connection is substantially i) a first mounting mechanism operatively connected to the light source housing; A second attachment mechanism operatively connected,
A connection portion, wherein the light source housing is detachably connected to the frame and engages the first mounting mechanism;
Has,
h) the height of the light source housing is no more than 7 inches from the floor, the weight of the device is no more than 100 pounds, the device is mobile and easily operable in limited access areas,
i) one of said first and second mounting mechanisms has first and second positions, whereby said light source housing is connectable to said frame in first and second lateral positions;
j) the light source housing is sized and configured to extend laterally at least one inch away from any other part of the device, and the device moves beneath and parallel to the protrusion; be able to,
apparatus. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a voltmeter operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the voltage to the power supply can be measured. A method for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) applying a light-curable material to the floor when the wall has obstacles extending above the floor with a width of at least one inch;
b) arranging a device for curing the photocurable material proximate to the obstacle, the device comprising: i) a frame having wheels;
ii) a light source housing operatively connected to the frame;
iii) a power supply operatively connected to the frame; and iv) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing.
Has,
v) the light source housing is sized and configured to extend laterally at least 1 inch away from any other part of the device;
c) moving the device below the obstacle parallel to the obstacle;
Having a method. A method of replacing a light source in an apparatus for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
The apparatus includes a frame having wheels, a light source housing detachably connected to the frame, a power supply operatively connected to the frame, a curing light source mounted within the light source housing, and operatively connected to the power supply. A first connector, an engaging second connector operatively connected to the curing light source and separably connected to the first connector, a first mounting mechanism operatively connected to the light source housing, and the frame; Having a second mounting mechanism operatively connected to said frame, said light source housing being detachably connected to said frame, said method comprising: a) operating said apparatus such that said curing light source becomes hot and then cut off. Steps and
b) separating the first light source housing before cooling the curing light source;
c) replacing the first light source housing with a second light source housing having a second light source so that the device can be used without delay;
Having a method. A method for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) applying a photocurable material to the floor;
b) disposing an apparatus for curing the photocurable material, the apparatus comprising: i) a frame having wheels;
ii) a light source housing operatively connected to the frame;
iii) a power supply operatively connected to the frame; and iv) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing.
Having a step,
c) measuring a voltage supplied to the device, wherein the voltage is used to determine a speed of movement of the device sufficient to cure the photocurable material;
Having a method. A method for curing a photocurable material applied to a floor surface,
a) applying a photocurable material to the floor;
b) disposing an apparatus for curing the photocurable material, the apparatus comprising: i) a frame having wheels;
ii) a light source housing operatively connected to the frame;
iii) a power supply operatively connected to the frame; and iv) a curing light source mounted within the light source housing.
Having a step,
c) measuring a voltage supplied to the device, the voltage being used to determine if sufficient power is available to cure the photocurable material; Steps and
Having a method.

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