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| United States Patent |
6,423,926
|
|
Kelly
|
July 23, 2002
|
Direct-metal-deposition (DMD) nozzle fault detection using temperature
measurements
Abstract
The temperature of the deposition tip in a direct metal deposition (DMD)
apparatus is monitored to circumvent problems due to tip clogging. Both
the inner and outer nozzle tips are monitored utilizing appropriate
sensors, which are interconnected to a controller programmed to detect a
predetermined rise in tip temperature. If an unacceptable condition is
sensed, the equipment may be configured to sound an alarm, display a
warning condition, or enter a controlled shut-down of the deposition
apparatus. Use of the invention accordingly permits the detection of even
partial clogging when it occurs, allowing an operator to take immediate
corrective measures both to protect the nozzle from damage and to insure
the highest possible deposition quality.
| Inventors:
|
Kelly; Joseph K. (44696 Helm St., Plymouth, MI 48170)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
714086 |
| Filed:
|
November 16, 2000 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
219/121.63; 219/121.84 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B23K 026/14; B23K 026/34 |
| Field of Search: |
219/121.63,121.64,121.65,121.66,121.84,121.47
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4724299 | Feb., 1988 | Hemmeke | 219/121.
|
| 5304771 | Apr., 1994 | Griffin et al. | 219/121.
|
| 5961862 | Oct., 1999 | Lewis et al. | 219/121.
|
| 6122564 | Sep., 2000 | Koch et al. | 700/123.
|
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 02255288 | Oct., 1990 | JP | 219/121.
|
Primary Examiner: Heinrich; Samuel M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, PC
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