Vernay Laboratories, Inc.

Timothy F Shelton

Jeffrey L Dulaney

Robert E Nagy

Jeffrey L Milam

A method and apparatus for cleaning equipment surfaces using a laser. A barrier layer is provided at a surface to be cleaned prior to being impinged by light from a laser in order to avoid degradation in the form of oxidation of the surface. The laser light causes residual material on the surface to be removed while the barrier layer ensures that energy from the laser light is evenly distributed. In addition, the barrier layer shields the surface from oxygen to thereby prevent oxidation of the surface.

Method and apparatus for minimizing degradation of equipment in a laser

A system for cleaning molds within presses is disclosed wherein the system utilizes a light source including a laser to clean surfaces within the mold. The light source is aligned with an opening in the mold and light from the laser is directed onto the mold surfaces to vaporize residual material thereon to thereby clean the surfaces. The light source may be formed as a portable unit movable between different presses, or the light source may be in the form of a single laser with a plurality of light paths leading from the laser to individual presses such that light may be selectively conveyed along the light paths to clean the molds within the presses.

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Xenia, OH, United States of America

Timothy F Shelton