System for continuously monitoring curing energy levels within a curing unit
US5418369A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 23, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/0827
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention continuously monitors the amount of curing radiation available for curing coating material on a moving optical fiber and includes a curing system having a radiation source capable of providing radiation energy for curing coating material on an optical fiber and a reflector system which redirects non-direct radiation back toward the article. An optical fiber which has been provided with a curable coating material is moved along a path of travel through a curing area. The coating material is cured by causing the radiation source to emit energy suitable for curing the curable coating material. The predictable average amount of light energy properly redirected by the reflector system toward the curable article is sensed as the curable coating material is being cured to obtain continuous in-process reading. The average radiation value is obtained by positioning three longitudinally aligned holes adjacent the fiber path and between the fiber and a radiation sensing device. Furthermore, the amount of the light energy available from the reflector system may be sensed at a location which is outside the reflector system to obtain a reference reading. The in-process read…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.