Abrading – Machine – Sandblast
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-09
2002-02-26
Nguyen, George (Department: 3723)
Abrading
Machine
Sandblast
C451S038000, C451S102000, C015S095000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06350185
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an improvement in waveguide formation and relates more particularly to an improved method of conditioning a surface on a part made of a composite material, in preparation for subsequent bonding or metal coating applications.
High power multicarrier microwave space antenna waveguides are important to the communication capability of satellites. Conventional waveguides are hollow tubes made preferably from a graphite composite and are subsequently coated with a metal to effect electrical conductivity. Usually the metal coating used is copper or silver. The effect of creating a waveguide in a satellite with a composite structure coated with metal is to reduce the mass of the satellite payload by replacing waveguides normally made entirely of metal. In launching a satellite into space, weight of satellite components at lift off into orbit can cost thousands of dollars per pound to launch. Therefore, lightweight yet highly effective component parts of each satellite are mandatory and are an integral part of satellite construction.
As illustrated in
FIG. 1
, a prior art grit blast nozzle
1
is shown. Such a nozzle is commercially available and can be used to condition the inner surface of hollow tubes. However, this nozzle is adapted for use in a direct pressure grit blast system, which unfortunately is not always available or applicable in all manufacturing settings. One problem with this arrangement is that often times in the construction and fabrication of waveguides, it is often necessary to use different types of grit or sandblasting systems. One such other type of system is a grit or sandblasting system which requires a venturi effect to mix the air and grit together. That is, in many instances, only venturi type blasters are available wherein the mixture of grit and air requires a venturi effect to effect mixing. However the use of such a prior art nozzle design shown in
FIG. 1
is prohibited in venturi type systems. That is, as seen in
FIG. 1
, a part of the nozzle
1
at location B is tapered in diameter to effect a constricted flow effect. A venturi effect pressure system has been found not to be functionally acceptable with nozzles as shown in
FIG. 1
because of the constricted passage at the section B illustrated in FIG.
1
. This constriction of the air flow illustrated by the arrowheaded lines, hinders the ability of the nozzle to draw grit from the supply and mix it with air and thus to ultimately accomplish the desired grit blasting effect.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a grit blast nozzle adapter for surface conditioning of an internal tube which is capable of being used either in a direct pressure or a venturi effect pressure grit blast system.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a grit blast nozzle adapter of the aforementioned type whereby the inner surface of a hollow tube is capable of being conditioned in a 360° conditioning arc.
Still a further object of the invention is to provide a grit blast nozzle adapter of the aforementioned type wherein registration of said nozzle adapter to the central axis of the tube is affected with repeatability and ease of placement.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following disclosure and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1045742 (1912-11-01), Pontani
patent: 1952848 (1934-03-01), Eckler
patent: 2089597 (1937-08-01), Carter
patent: 2739424 (1956-03-01), Fritze
patent: 3485671 (1969-12-01), Stephens
patent: 3982605 (1976-09-01), Sneckenberger
patent: 4545317 (1985-10-01), Richter et al.
patent: 4663893 (1987-05-01), Savanick et al.
patent: 88-220609-32 (1981-10-01), None
Duden Pierre
Robins Brian Gregory
Nguyen George
Perman & Green LLP
Space Systems/Loral, INc.
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