Coating processes – Restoring or repairing – Metal article
Reexamination Certificate
1993-03-29
2001-04-17
Bareford, Katherine A. (Department: 1762)
Coating processes
Restoring or repairing
Metal article
C427S429000, C401S043000, C401S198000, C401S199000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217935
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to the application of hazardous chemicals, and more particularly, to a method and a hand held pen type applicator for use in applying hazardous chemical solutions to scratched surfaces, and the like, and even more particularly, to such a method and applicator for touching up conversion coated aluminum surfaces.
Typically, aluminum parts for use in commercial and military systems are fabricated, and then their surfaces are chemically treated to prevent corrosion using conventional batch processing techniques. This chemical treatment process is quite important in applications that require electrical and thermal insulation or conductivity, for example. After chemical treatment, however, many parts become scratched during subsequent processing steps, which removes a portion of the chemically treated corrosive protection layer from the surfaces of the parts. Consequently, it becomes necessary to treat the scratched areas to return the surfaces to a condition of complete chemically treated corrosive protection.
Typically, the chemical re-treatment process uses a MIL-C-81706 treating solution, commonly known as certified conversion coat solution. The conventional method of repairing the scratched aluminum surfaces is to obtain a bottle of certified conversion coat solution, and then using cotton balls, Q-tips, rags, or sponges, and the like, rub, or otherwise apply, the conversion coat solution over the scratched areas until the scratch was fully coated with conversion coat solution. In many cases, the shape of the parts creates many problems in applying the conversion coat solution to the surfaces.
The conversion coat solution is a hazardous material, since it contains quantities of chromic acid and cyanide. These conventional procedures typically apply excessive quantities of the conversion coat solution, and often result in spillage of the hazardous solution, creating a hazardous condition in the treatment area. The conventional process is messy, and much of the conversion coat solution is wasted. The cotton balls, Q-tips, rags, or sponges, and the like which are used to apply the conversion coat or clean up the spillage become hazardous waste as a result of their use and thus present disposal problems.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that eliminates the above-mentioned problems. Another objective of the present invention is to provide for an environmentally safe method and apparatus to touch up and repair scratched parts with chemical solutions. It is a further objective of the present invention to reduce the repair cycle time in touching up and repairing scratched parts with chemical solutions. It is a specific objective of the present invention to provide for such a method and means for touch up and repair of aluminum parts with conversion coat solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention employes a hand-held pen applicator to apply a measured amount of the hazardous chemical solution to a surface as the solution dispensing tip is applied to the surface. The applicator may be a well-known conventional “felt tip” type marking pen or similar structure which is filled with the hazardous chemical solution rather than a non-hazardous marking fluid. A label is provided on the applicator that identifies the hazardous chemical solution and further denotes the shelf-life of the applicator or solution.
The present invention contemplates that the size of the solution reservoir and the size and shape of the dispensing tip are chosen to provide the appropriate amount of solution to desired area of a surface. For example, a relatively narrow tip may be used to touch up a narrow scratch whereas a broader tip may be used to touch up a scratch having a broader surface area.
A typical pen applicator includes a tubular body in which a liquid absorbing material is disposed. The liquid absorbing material serves as a reservoir for the hazardous coating solution. A solution-dispensing tip is held in contact with the reservoir such that one end of the tip acts as a wick to draw the solution from the reservoir to the tip and the other end of the tip is configured to apply the solution to a surface when that end of the tip is placed in contact with the surface to be touched up or coated. The tubular body and the tip are adapted so that the body holds the wick-end of the tip in contact with the reservoir material and the dispensing-end of the tip is available for application to a surface. A tip cover is provided to seal the tip and tip-end of the tubular body prevent inadvertent application of the solution and to preserve the shelf life. A cap or sealing member is provided at the end of the tubular body to seal the reservoir. The applicator should be made from materials that do not react with the solution.
In accordance with the method of the present invention, the liquid dispensing tip is brought in contact with the surface to be touched up and rubbed over the desired area to dispense a controlled amount of the hazardous solution on the desired area of the surface.
The method of the present invention employs an applicator that uses a felt tip marker containing a MIL-C-81706 certified conversion coat solution or other appropriate chemical solution. The applicator and conversion coat solution (or other solution) are used to touch up small areas and or scratches on conversion coat solution treated aluminum surfaces (or appropriately treated surfaces). The applicator and method of the present invention eliminates the hazardous waste normally produced in the conversion coat touch up process, and substantially reduces the number of process steps and time involved. The method and applicator of the present invention provides hand held, self feeding means for performing conversion coat touch-up. The applicator is easily stored, produces no spillage, and requires less work area and process space for touch up. The present applicator and method reduces solution waste by up to 99%—the only waste material that is thrown away is an expired or empty applicator. The applicator may be refilled or recycled by the user.
The applicator and method of the present invention may be used to treat aluminum parts, and the like, and is specifically used in conjunction with articles that are “inspected and repaired as necessary,” known as IRAN articles. The present applicator and method simplifies the conversion coat touch up process and reduces repair cycle time by allowing application of the conversion coat solution regardless of the orientation or location of the scratched surface. In most cases, the applicator allows touch up without disassembly of the article. The present applicator and method may be employed in aluminum pre-paint processes in the automobile, boat and aircraft industries.
The present applicator and method has been tested using a MIL-C-5441 conversion coat solution testing specification. It has been shown that although the present invention applies a minimal amount of conversion coat solution to the surface of the treated parts, the efficacy of the invention is is equivalent to the prior methods. During the chemical reaction process, the solution drys on the surface leaving no wasted conversion coat solution.
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Technical Process Bull
Bareford Katherine A.
Harper Stephen D.
Henkel Corporation
Jaeschke Wayne C.
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