Visual indicator of coating thickness
US9556743B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In some examples, a coating may include at least one feature that facilitates visual determination of a thickness of the coating. For example, the coating may include a plurality of microspheres disposed at a predetermined depth of the coating. The plurality of microspheres may define a distinct visual characteristic. By inspecting the coating and viewing at least one of the microspheres, the thickness of the coating may be estimated. In some examples, the plurality of microspheres may be embedded in a matrix material, and the distinct visual characteristic of the microspheres may be different than the visual characteristic of the matrix material. In other examples, the at least one feature may include at least one distinct layer in the coating system that includes a distinct visual characteristic, such as a color of the distinct layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.