Comco Inc.

Edward M Reilley

Novel systems and apparatuses for conveying particulate media are disclosed. One such system may include a conveying tank configured to receive media and push it out to a media distribution valve to be distributed to any desired destination. The media distribution valve is preferably a multi-port, pinch valve having a drain to dump any residual media not distributed through the distribution valve. One or more blast dispensers may be in communication with the media distribution valve. Each blast dispenser may be in communication with a blast chamber, which also may be in communication with the media distribution valve. A screen classifier may be in communication with the media distribution valve to receive and screen media from the blast chamber, for example, before being conveyed, if desired, through one or more conveying tanks through the media distribution valve.

Particulate media conveying systems and apparatuses

A nozzle assembly for a tool which utilizes a particulate/fluid mixture comprises a unique floating ferrule within a handpiece assembly, and eliminates the need, in the prior art, for a nose piece to attach a nozzle to the handpiece assembly. Rather, the nozzle and its integral holder are designed so that a hose may be slipped over its extended rear tube and then, when the handpiece with its floating ferrule is twisted on, the hose is captured and sealed. This is managed because the ferrule is unengaged when the handpiece tube is first started to be threaded onto the nozzle holder. After a few turns, the ferrule pushes against the hose and seals it against the rear extension of the nozzle holder. When the handpiece is unscrewed from the nozzle, because the nozzle must be replaced, the ferrule remains attached to the nozzle and hose, allowing for easy turning. Once the handpiece is unscrewed from the nozzle, the nozzle may be tipped slightly to disengage it from the hose very easily.

Tool for using a particulate media/fluid mixture

A particulate media/fluid delivery system comprises a tank for containing a supply of particulate media, preferably an abrasive powder. A modulator is disposed upstream of the tank for modulating the pressure of air flowing therethrough. A mixing chamber is adjacent to the tank, and an orifice is provided for delivering particulate media from the tank into the mixing chamber. A fluid inlet delivers fluid from the modulator to the tank, and a bypass tube is disposed adjacent to the fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the fluid inlet and delivering the fluid into the tank. A discharge port is provided for delivering a fluid/particulate media mixture to a tool. Control of the fluid/particulate is via differential modulation pressure. This differential modulation pressure is a function of two mechanisms, namely, the modulator in the system, including bypass (or blend) air around it that is metered, and the aforementioned bypass tube. Fine adjustment of the particulate media/fluid ratio is by a panel flow control valve, which may be either manually or automatically controlled, and coarse adjustment is via change-out of the bypass tube with another bypass tube having a different internal diameter.

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Granada Hills, CA, United States of America

Edward M Reilley