Patent ID: 6470800
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B41F,B41P

Abstract:
A safety device for use with a manual cure unit during a screen printing process, wherein the cure unit includes a radiation source that is powered by a continuous supply of electric current having a voltage, and wherein the radiation source emits a constant stream of radiation defining a scorch zone, said safety device comprising:a) a proximity sensor positionable at a location proximate the scorch zone, said proximity sensor having a capability to detect the presence of an object disposed in the scorch zone when positioned at said location, and wherein said proximity sensor is adapted to provide a continuous current through an output line while detecting an object, in the scorch zone; b) a voltage reduction mechanism interruptably connectable to the continuous supply of electric current of the cure unit and adapted to reduce said voltage upon actuation, wherein said mechanism actuates upon receiving current through an input line to said mechanism; and c) a timer receivably connected to said output line of said proximity sensor and providingly connected to said input line of said voltage reduction mechanism, wherein said timer is adapted to measure the duration of time that current is continuously received from said output line of said proximity sensor and, upon measuring the current output from the proximity sensor for a pre-selected maximum safe cure time, to provide a current to said input line of said voltage reduction means, thereby causing said voltage to be reduced.