Patent Description:
The repair and/or refurbishment of a cracked or scratched mobile electronic device screen broadly involves firstly separating the LCD/OLED (Liquid Crystal Display/Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other type of display screen from the broken outer layer glass and then laminating a new glass layer on the existing LCD/OLED screen. The lamination and de-bubbling processes generally involve the alignment, positioning and placement of the replacement outer layer glass with a layer of adhesive on to the existing LCD/OLED screen, placing the same into a vacuum pressure chamber, creating a vacuum within the vacuum pressure chamber, applying pressure so that the replacement outer layer glass adheres on to the existing LCD/OLED screen, and thereafter applying air pressure to remove the bubbles or gaps that may form in between the replacement outer layer glass and the existing LCD/OLED screen. This process is the same should someone wish to assemble his/her own mobile electronic device screen display by purchasing the LCD/OLED screen display and the outer glass separately and then laminating the LCD/OLED screen display and outer glass together and de-bubbling.

Molds for alignment, positioning and placement of the replacement outer layer glass with a layer of adhesive on to the LCD/OLED screen are known in the art. A major difficulty encountered when using such existing molds are that the outer glass layer is not aligned, positioned and placed perfectly on the LCD/OLED screen display due to very small but significant dimension inefficiencies and/or due to an inefficient alignment and placement process resulting in the glass either breaking and/or not fitting flush when laminated onto the LCD/OLED display screen and/or large bubbles or gaps, which are impossible or extremely difficult to remove, being formed between the outer glass, the adhesive and the LCD/OLED screen display.

Machines for laminating the outer layer glass with a layer of adhesive on to the LCD/OLED screen and for removing the bubbles ("de-bubbling") that may form between the outer glass, the adhesive and the LCD/OLED screen display are also known in the art. These machines are a single machine unit which has a separate chamber for lamination and a separate chamber for de-bubbling and which involves the user of such machines to first place the mold with outer glass layer, adhesive layer and LCD/OLED display screen into the laminating chamber and once the lamination process is complete then remove the laminated display screen and place the laminated display screen into the de-bubbling chamber. This takes more time and involves two processes and more movements and effort by the user. Also, having two chambers in one machine results in the machine being large, taking up space, consuming higher amounts of power and also being heavier.

Machines for laminating the outer glass layer with a layer of adhesive on to the LCD/OLED screen are also known in the art. These machines only have a laminating chamber and cannot remove the bubbles or gaps that may form between the outer glass layer, the adhesive layer and the LCD/OLED screen during the lamination process thus involving the user purchasing a second machine which can remove the bubbles or gaps and during the repair/refurbishment process the user transfers the laminated electronic mobile device screen from the lamination machine to the de-bubbling machine involving more steps, time and technician work. These laminating machines are also large, take up a lot of space, and are heavy.

The machines referred to above apply the pressure needed for the lamination process with an airbag which inflates within the lamination chamber, or with a piston which applies pressure to the object placed within the lamination chamber. The airbag method or piston method do not always have a high success rate of a perfect lamination.

Machines for removing the bubbles and gaps ("de-bubbling") that form between the outer glass, the adhesive and the LCD/OLED screen display are also known in the art. These machines only have a "de-bubbling" chamber and cannot be used to laminate the outer glass layer with a layer of adhesive on to the LCD/OLED screen, and thus a second machine is used which can do the lamination process. During the repair/refurbishment process the user transfers the laminated electronic mobile device screen from the lamination machine to the de-bubbling machine involving more steps, time and technician work. These de-bubbling machines are also large, take up a lot of space and are heavy.

The performance of the machines referred to above may be affected by the atmospheric pressure of the location where the machines are operated. This creates performance inefficiencies due to incorrect pressures being applied during the machine operation and if the user wishes to prevent same he/she would obtain the services of a qualified professional who would perform on site atmospheric pressure testing and thereafter machine calibration and changes in settings to ensure machine adaptation to location atmospheric pressure of the machine. This is a costly exercise, the qualified professional may not be readily available, and, if not done, will result in poor machine performance and repair/refurbishment results.

New models of electronic mobile devices are released regularly. In order to repair/refurbish the cracked or scratched screen displays of such new models the machines referred to above require frequent settings and software upgrades as each screen display is unique and may involve different settings in respect of pressures, timing and repair steps for successful repair/refurbishment. Frequent settings and software upgrades involve on site software upgrades and maybe even mechanical setting changes. If done regularly, this is a costly, timely and difficult exercise. If done incorrectly, the upgrades will result in repair/refurbishment failures. If not done regularly, the upgrades will result in the machines not being optimized to perform repair/refurbishment on new electronic mobile device screen models, resulting in poor repair/refurbishment results.

Other difficulties encountered with the machines referred to above is that the machines do not connect via the Internet to a central computer server hosting and operating a web-centric and/or mobile app software application whereby the owner of one or multiple machines can either remotely update one or more machine software and settings and/or control the real time operation of one or more machines remotely and/or activate and de-activate one or more machines remotely and/or have immediate remote access to real time or historical information related to the operations of such machines, repairs done by such machines, repairs per electronic mobile device model, repairs per technician, repairs per time period, repairs per location, repairs per grouped electronic mobile device models, technicians, time periods and locations, repair/refurbish success rates, repair times, electronic mobile device models repaired, technician identity, defects of the machine, wrong machine settings, user identified machine defaults, consumables and parts, as well as being able to order same immediately via central computer server hosting and operating a web-centric and/or mobile app software application. <CIT> discloses a bonding machine for fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel to which a liquid crystal dropping method been performed. In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for laminating and de-bubbling a mobile electronic device screen as set forth in the claims.

In one aspect of the technology, a system for laminating an outer glass layer with a layer of adhesive onto an electronic mobile device LCD/OLED (or other type of technology) screen and thereafter removing any bubbles or gaps which may have formed between the outer glass layer, the adhesive layer and the LCD/OLED screen during the lamination process, is disclosed.

The system comprises a machine unit, an internal or external vacuum pump, an external air compressor, lamination molds with varying dimensions which match the dimensions of various electronic mobile devices and a central computer server hosting and operating a web-centric and/or mobile app software application and platform which connects to and operates the machine unit via Internet two-way data communication and also provides real time and historical operation and repair/refurbish related data to the user of the system.

In one aspect, the machine unit is comprised of five panels which are held together by four internal metal columns and screws forming the machine housing. The machine housing contains a metal vacuum pressure chamber in which the outer glass layer, adhesive layer and electronic mobile device LCD/OLED are laminated and de-bubbled. The system also contains a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in the metal vacuum pressure chamber which is housed in the machine or is external to the machine, a piston chamber, piston and piston plate for applying upwards pressure to items placed within the metal vacuum pressure chamber, a central unit air distribution block with solenoid valves and pressure sensor which distributes and exhausts air via piping and air channels to and from the metal vacuum pressure chamber and other components of the machine as well as providing instrumental air pressure data readings, distribution block fans for cooling the air distribution block down and a machine cooling fan for cooling the vacuum pump if housed within the machine. In one aspect the machine housing also contains a control printed circuit board with processor and operating system software for controlling the operations of the machine unit, four actuators for opening, closing and sealing the metal vacuum pressure chamber with a metal lid, an operations button for performing various machine functions, an on/off switch for powering the machine on and off, a power inlet for distributing power to the control printed circuit board and other components of the machine. In one aspect the system contains a metal lid for sealing and unsealing the metal vacuum pressure chamber, closing safety switches for raising the lid in the event of an object obstructing the sealing of the metal vacuum pressure chamber, a lid sensor for providing confirmation when the lid has descended to a closed position, an O-ring for sealing the metal vacuum pressure chamber during vacuum and high pressure and an external independent high pressure air compressor for providing high pressure air into the air distribution block.

The system may also contain one or more of the following features. In one aspect the system may also contain an airbag installed on the underside of the lid which inflates within the metal vacuum pressure chamber for applying downwards pressure on the contents of the metal vacuum pressure chamber. In one aspect the machine housing may also contain a communications printed circuit board with processor and operating software system for enabling Internet two-way data communication between the control printed circuit board and the central computer server hosting and operating a web-centric and/or mobile app software application, a Wi-Fi antennae with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) switch for connecting the communications PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with a wireless Internet network, an Ethernet inlet port for connecting the communications PCB with a wired Internet network, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for on-site machine software upgrading and machine diagnosis and an LCD or other type of screen display for displaying functionality and operational information of the machine.

In one aspect the system may also contain lamination molds of varying sizes for the optimal alignment, positioning and placement of the outer glass layer with adhesive layer onto the electronic mobile device LCD/OLED screen display prior to and during the lamination process.

In one aspect the system may also contain a central computer server hosting and operating a web-centric and/or a mobile app software application and platform which connects to the machine unit via Internet two-way data communication and enables and facilitates:.

The technology may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying representations.

Turning now to <FIG>, various views of the system and in particular the machine unit <NUM> in accordance with one or more aspects of the present technology are shown. A back housing panel <NUM> , a front housing panel <NUM>, a bottom housing base <NUM>, a left side panel <NUM>, a right side panel <NUM>, a metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and <NUM> steel columns <NUM> are shown. The top end of the <NUM> steel columns <NUM> is screwed on the <NUM> corners of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> whilst the bottom end of the <NUM> steel columns <NUM> is screwed onto the four corners of the bottom housing base <NUM>. The front housing panel <NUM>, the back housing panel <NUM>, the side left panel <NUM>, the right side panel <NUM> are then clipped or screwed onto the <NUM> steel columns <NUM> resulting in the formation of the machine housing.

The metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> has several features and functions. The metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> may be used to form the machine structure as described in the paragraph above. The metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> may be used as a laminating and de-bubbling chamber in which the outer glass layer <NUM>, the adhesive <NUM>, the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> and the lamination mold <NUM> or other items for lamination and/or de-bubbling are placed therein in order to be laminated and/or de-bubbled. The metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> may be used to channel air into and out of the airbag <NUM> via the airbag air port <NUM>. The metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> has four holes in which the actuators <NUM> pass allowing the actuators to connect to the metal lid <NUM>. The metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> has one hole allowing the metal lid wire rod <NUM> to pass through and also houses the lid sensor <NUM>. People having skill in the art will realize that various types of metal or compounds can be used to make the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>.

A vacuum pump <NUM> is also shown. The vacuum pump <NUM> is used to suck all air out of the metal vacuum pressure chamber creating a vacuum during the electronic mobile device screen lamination process. A vacuum pump bracket is also shown <NUM>. The vacuum pump bracket is used to install the vacuum pump <NUM> on to the bottom housing base <NUM> and to keep the vacuum pump <NUM> firmly in place. People having skill in the art will realize that the vacuum pump can also be external to the machine unit and can connect with the machine unit via a second air inlet port positioned above the air inlet port <NUM>. A piston chamber <NUM> containing a piston (not shown) is also shown. The piston chamber <NUM> is used to drive the piston and piston plate <NUM> which is attached to the piston (not shown) up and down during the lamination process. Attached to the piston chamber <NUM> is the piston chamber column <NUM> which is used to attach the piston chamber <NUM> on to the bottom housing base <NUM>.

A machine cooling fan <NUM> is also shown. The machine cooling fan <NUM> is utilized for cooling the vacuum pump <NUM> and for cooling the internal area of the machine housing. People having skill in the art will realize that the machine cooling fan <NUM> can be removed from the machine unit <NUM> if the vacuum pump <NUM> will be external to the machine unit <NUM>. An electronic LCD/OLED display is also shown <NUM>. The electronic LCD display is used to display network, operating and functionality data and information to the user of the machine unit <NUM> and is also used for on-site physical operation and control of the machine unit <NUM>. An operation button is also shown <NUM> and is used to commence and stop certain operations and functions of the machine unit <NUM>.

A central air distribution block <NUM> with solenoid valves <NUM> is also shown. The central air distribution block <NUM> is used to receive air from the external air compressor <NUM> and to distribute air in and out of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>, the piston chamber <NUM> and the airbag <NUM> via the solenoid valves <NUM>, piping <NUM> and air channels. The solenoid valves <NUM> are used to open and close the passage of air to and from the central air distribution block <NUM> and the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>, the piston chamber <NUM> and the airbag <NUM> and also to allow air to exhaust out of the central air distribution block <NUM> and into the atmosphere. People having skill in the art will realize that more than one central air distribution block <NUM> can be installed and used within the machine unit <NUM> and that the quantity, size and specifications of solenoid valves on the central air distribution block <NUM> may vary depending on system specification performance requirements.

An O-ring <NUM> is also shown. The O-ring <NUM> is used to hermetically seal the metal vacuum pressure chamber airtight during the lamination and de-bubbling process. People having skill in the art will realize that the O-ring can be made out of various types of high pressure sealing rubber material or other high pressure sealing materials. A safety switch bracket <NUM> is also shown. The safety switch bracket <NUM> is attached to the underside of the metal lid with double sided adhesive foam (not shown) and is used to trigger the closing safety switches <NUM> which are found on the four corners on the underside of the metal lid <NUM>. In the event that the metal lid <NUM> is closing and a finger or other object is in the way of the closing metal lid <NUM>, the metal lid <NUM> will push against the safety switch bracket <NUM> which will then cause the safety switch bracket <NUM> to press against one or more of the closing safety switches <NUM> causing the metal lid <NUM> to stop closing immediately and to elevate. An airbag <NUM> is also shown. The airbag <NUM> is used to inflate within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> during the lamination process so as to apply downwards pressure on the item which has been placed within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> in order to be laminated. People having skill in the art will realize that the airbag <NUM> can be made out of latex or any other high expansion and contraction material. An airbag bracket is also shown <NUM> and is used to install and hold the airbag on the underside of the metal lid <NUM>. The metal lid is also shown <NUM>. The metal lid <NUM> has several features and functions. The metal lid <NUM> may be used to house the airbag <NUM>. The metal lid <NUM> may be used to house the <NUM> closing safety switches <NUM>. The metal lid <NUM> may be used to open and close the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. The metal lid <NUM> may be used to hermetically seal the metal vacuum pressure chamber. The metal lid <NUM> has air channels which allow air to pass in and out of the airbag air port <NUM> and into and out of the airbag <NUM> for airbag inflation and deflation purposes and the safety switch bracket <NUM> is also attached to the underside of the metal lid <NUM> therefore supporting the safety during the metal lid <NUM> closing process. People having skill in the art will realize that the metal lid <NUM> can be made out of a variety of metals or metal compounds subject to the strength, weight and density of the metal or metal compound. Four actuators are also shown <NUM>. The four actuators have several features and functions. The actuators are used to lift the metal lid <NUM> up and down and are used to maintain the metal lid <NUM>, O-ring <NUM> and metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> tightly pressed against each other so as to obtain a perfect hermetic airtight seal of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and to maintain such hermetic airtight seal during the vacuum and lamination processes. A lid sensor <NUM> and lid magnet <NUM> are also shown and are used to provide a signal to the control printed circuit board with processor and operating system software <NUM> as to when the metal lid <NUM> has reached the correct closed position so that the actuators <NUM> can stop applying downward force on the metal lid <NUM>.

An external air compressor <NUM> is also shown. The external air compressor is utilized to supply air under high pressure to the central air distribution block <NUM> which is then distributed by the central air distribution block <NUM> using the solenoid valves <NUM> to the piston chamber <NUM>, the airbag <NUM> and the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>.

A communications printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> (with built-in processor and operating system software not shown) is also shown. The communications printed circuit board has a built-in processor and operating system software and is used as a bridge to provide Internet two-way data and command communication between the control printed circuit board <NUM> and the central computer server <NUM> hosting and operating a web-centric and/or mobile app software application, platform and database. People having skill in the art will realize that the communications printed circuit board <NUM> can be installed in various locations within the machine unit <NUM>.

An external central computer server <NUM> is also shown. The central computer server <NUM> hosts and operates a web-centric and/or mobile app software application, platform and database (not shown) and connects to the communications printed circuit board <NUM> and thereafter to the control printed circuit board <NUM> via the Internet enabling the owner of one or multiple machine units <NUM> to remotely update one or more machine unit <NUM> software and settings and/or control the operation and functions of one or more machine units via the web-centric and/or mobile app software application, platform and database (not shown) hosted and operated on the central computer server <NUM> and/or activate and de-activate one or more machine units <NUM> remotely and/or have immediate remote access to real time or historic statistical information related to the repairs done by such machine units <NUM>, repairs per electronic mobile device model, repairs per technician, repairs per time period, repairs per location, repairs per grouped electronic mobile device models, technicians, time periods and locations, repair/refurbish success rates, repair times, electronic mobile device models repaired, technician identity, machine defects, wrong machine settings, user identified machine defaults, consumables and parts, and being able to order same immediately via the web-centric and/or mobile app software application.

Turning now to <FIG>, a control printed circuit board <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG> is also shown. The control printed circuit board <NUM> has a processor with operating system software and has a number of features and functions. The control PCB <NUM> is used to operate and control the various components of the machine unit <NUM> as well as a sequence of operation of components, namely the actuators <NUM>, the vacuum pump <NUM>, the solenoid valves <NUM>, the operation button <NUM>, the LCD/OLED screen display <NUM>, the lid sensor <NUM>, the communications printed circuit board <NUM> (with processor and operating system software not shown) and the closing safety switches <NUM>. The control PCB <NUM> is also utilized to supply the correct amounts of power (voltage and amperage) to the above named components. The control printed circuit board <NUM> also performs Internet two-way data and command communication via the communications printed circuit board <NUM> to the central computer server <NUM> hosting and operating a web-centric and/or mobile app software application, platform and database, allowing a user of the web-centric and/or mobile app software application hosted on the central computer server <NUM> to remotely operate the machine unit <NUM> via the Internet and/or remotely update the machine unit <NUM> software and settings via the Internet and also to obtain real time data of the performance, functions, settings, operations, defects and usage of the machine unit <NUM>. More specifically (but without limitation) the web-centric and/or a mobile app software application hosted on the central computer server <NUM> is used to enable and facilitate the remote operation of the machine unit <NUM> via the Internet and/or remote updating of the machine unit <NUM> software and settings via the Internet, the real time remote sending and receiving of instructions, operating processes, laminating and de-bubbling parameters (pressure, timing, repair steps) and data specific to a particular mobile device model to and from the machine unit <NUM> and the central computer server <NUM> via the Internet during the repair process and also for providing real time and historical machine operation and repair/refurbish related data to the user of the system. The control printed circuit board <NUM> also empowers the owner of one or multiple machine units <NUM> to remotely update one or more machine unit <NUM> software and settings and/or remotely control the operation of one or more machine units <NUM> and/or remotely activate and de-activate one or more machine units <NUM> and/or have immediate remote access to real time or historical statistical information related to the repairs done by such machine units <NUM>, repairs per electronic mobile device model, repairs per technician, repairs per time period, repairs per location, repairs per grouped electronic mobile device models, technicians, time periods and locations, repair success rates, repair times, electronic mobile device models repaired, technician identity, defects of the machine unit <NUM>, wrong machine unit <NUM> settings, user identified machine unit <NUM> defaults, consumables and parts required and being able to order such consumables and parts immediately via the web-centric and/or a mobile app software application. People having skill in the art will realize that the control printed circuit board <NUM> can be installed in various locations within the machine unit <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a Wi-Fi antennae <NUM> with WPS button <NUM>, an on/off power switch <NUM>, an Ethernet inlet port <NUM>, a USB inlet port <NUM>, a power inlet port <NUM> and an air inlet port <NUM> is shown. The Wi-Fi antenna <NUM> with WPS button <NUM> is used for connecting the communications printed circuit board <NUM> with a wireless Internet network, the on/off power switch <NUM> is used to power on and power off the machine unit <NUM>, the Ethernet inlet port <NUM> is used for connecting the communications printed circuit board <NUM> with a wired Internet network, the USB inlet port <NUM> is used for providing access to the operating software system of the control printed circuit board <NUM> from an external computer and also for updating the software on the control printed circuit board <NUM>, the power inlet port <NUM> is used for connecting power to the control printed circuit board <NUM> and the air inlet port <NUM> is used for channeling and distributing high pressure air from the external air compressor <NUM> to the central air distribution block <NUM>. People having skill in the art will realize that in the event that the vacuum pump <NUM> is located externally to the machine unit <NUM> a second air inlet port (not shown) shall be utilized to connect the machine unit <NUM> with the external vacuum pump. The machine cooling fan <NUM> is also shown in an assembled position and can be seen facing the vacuum pump <NUM> directly so that the machine cooling fan <NUM> blows directly on to the vacuum pump <NUM> for maximum cooling results. People having skill in the art will realize that should the vacuum pump <NUM> be situated externally to the machine unit <NUM> then the machine cooling fan <NUM> is not necessary and is optional. While Wi-Fi, WPS, Ethernet, USB and the like are described herein, other types of communication technologies are also contemplated and are considered within the scope of this technology.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a top side and top front view of the machine unit <NUM> are provided with all internal components assembled and in place (cabling and piping is not shown). Two chamber magnets <NUM> at the base of the internal part of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> are shown. These chamber magnets <NUM> are used to correctly align the lamination mold <NUM> when placed into the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. <FIG> also shows how the actuators <NUM> pass through holes in the metal vacuum pressure chamber to connect to the metal lid <NUM> whilst <FIG> shows the metal lid <NUM> in a closed descended position with the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> sealed.

Turning now to <FIG> different angles of the exterior view of the machine unit <NUM> are shown both with the metal lid <NUM> in an ascended position with the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> open and with the metal lid <NUM> in a descended position with the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> closed and sealed. Persons having skill in the art will realize that the machine unit <NUM> as disclosed herein is not limited to the design shown in <FIG>.

Turning now to <FIG> the four actuators <NUM> as shown in <FIG> are shown firmly attached and screwed on to the bottom housing base <NUM> so as to handle the holding force of each actuator which is over <NUM> newtons.

Turning now to <FIG> the central air distribution block <NUM> with solenoid valves <NUM> and air pressure sensor <NUM> , the central air distribution block fans <NUM>, the vacuum pump <NUM>, the piston chamber <NUM>, the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and air piping <NUM> are shown. The central air distribution block <NUM> distributes air to and from the aforementioned components which assists with the functionality of the machine unit <NUM>. One of the solenoid valves <NUM> is connected via air piping <NUM> to the external air compressor <NUM> to introduce the high pressured air into the central air distribution chamber <NUM> and thereafter distribute the high pressured air from the central air distribution chamber <NUM> to the various components of the machine unit <NUM> referred to above and below. Another solenoid valve <NUM> is connected via air piping <NUM> to the air input output port <NUM> of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and this is how air is distributed to and from the central air distribution chamber <NUM> and the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. Another solenoid valve <NUM> is connected to the airbag chamber air port <NUM> to distribute air to and from the central air distribution chamber <NUM> and the airbag. Another solenoid valve <NUM> is connected via air piping <NUM> to the air input exit port <NUM> at the bottom part of the piston chamber <NUM> and when air is released into the bottom part of the piston chamber <NUM> from the central air distribution chamber <NUM> this pushes the piston (not shown) and piston plate <NUM> upwards. Another solenoid valve <NUM> is connected via air piping <NUM> to the vacuum pump <NUM> for air to be sucked by the vacuum pump <NUM> from the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> in order to create a vacuum. People having skill in the art will realize that if the vacuum pump <NUM> is located externally to the machine unit <NUM> then the aforesaid solenoid valve <NUM> will be connected to the external vacuum pump via a second air inlet port referred to above. Another solenoid valve <NUM> is connected to the top part of the piston chamber <NUM> via an air port <NUM> found on the underside of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> to distribute air from the central air distribution block <NUM> and push the air into the top part of the piston chamber in order to push the piston with piston plate <NUM> down. People having skill in the art will realize that the channeling of air may vary depending on the design and type of piston and piston chamber <NUM> used as well as on the air channel design of the central air distribution block <NUM> and/or the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. The central air distribution block fans <NUM> are used to cool down the central air distribution block <NUM> as well as the solenoid valves <NUM>. People having skill in the art will realize that the quantity, dimensions and performance of the central air distribution block fans <NUM> may vary depending on the system performance requirements.

Turning again to <FIG> and <FIG> though <NUM>, various basic functions of the machine unit <NUM> can be explained, such as functions of lamination and de-bubbling. The lamination process involves the following processes. The actuators <NUM> are activated and lift the metal lid <NUM> so as to open the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. The items to be laminated are then placed within the internal part of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and the actuators <NUM> then bring the metal lid <NUM> downwards until the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> is closed and sealed. The vacuum pump <NUM> is turned on, thereafter the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the vacuum pump <NUM> is opened and the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the air input output port <NUM> of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> is also opened allowing the vacuum pump <NUM> to suck all the air out of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> until such time as the air pressure sensor <NUM> detects that a vacuum has been reached. Thereafter the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the vacuum pump <NUM> is closed and the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the air input output port <NUM> of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> is also closed. Thereafter the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the external air compressor <NUM> is opened allowing high pressure air to flow into the central air distribution block <NUM>, the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the air input exit port <NUM> at the bottom part of the piston chamber <NUM> is opened resulting in high pressure air passing from the central distribution block <NUM> to the bottom part of the piston chamber <NUM> pushing the piston (not shown) and piston plate <NUM> upwards into the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and applying an upward pressure on the item placed within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. If downward lamination pressure is used, the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the airbag air port <NUM> is opened so that high pressure air can flow from the central air distribution block <NUM> to the airbag <NUM> inflating the airbag within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and applying downwards pressure on the item placed within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. Thereafter the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the bottom part of the piston chamber <NUM> is closed and then the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the top part of the piston chamber <NUM> is opened allowing high pressure air to flow from the central air distribution block <NUM> and into the top part of the piston chamber <NUM> pushing the piston (not shown) and piston plate <NUM> downwards. Thereafter the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the top part of the piston chamber <NUM> is closed, the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the external air compressor <NUM> is closed and the actuators <NUM> are activated and lift the metal lid <NUM> opening the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. All the above processes are controlled by the software in the processor of the control printed circuit board <NUM>. People having skill in the art will realize that sequences, processes, air channeling, air speed, piston speed, air pressure levels and other settings may vary depending on atmospheric pressures and the type of mobile electronic device screen being laminated.

The de-bubbling process involves the following processes. The actuators <NUM> are activated and lift the metal lid <NUM> so as to open the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. The item/s to be de-bubbled is/are then placed within the internal part of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and the actuators <NUM> then bring the metal lid <NUM> downwards until the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> is closed and sealed. Thereafter the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the external air compressor <NUM> is opened allowing high pressure air to flow into the central air distribution block <NUM>, the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the air input output port <NUM> of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> is opened resulting in high pressure air passing from the central distribution block <NUM> and into the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> applying high levels of air pressure on the item that has been placed within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> to be de-bubbled. The pressure sensor <NUM> reads the pressures in the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and based on these readings more air is added until the correct air pressure is reached within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. Once the de-bubbling period has expired the solenoid valve <NUM> connected to the external air compressor <NUM> is closed, the solenoid valve <NUM> of the central air distribution block <NUM> which exhausts air into the atmosphere is opened allowing the air in the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> to exhaust and thereafter actuators <NUM> are activated and lift the metal lid <NUM> opening the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. The processes are controlled by the software in the processor of the control printed circuit board <NUM>. People having skill in the art will realize that sequences, processes, air channeling, air speed, air pressure levels and other settings may vary depending on atmospheric pressures and the type of mobile electronic device screen or item being de-bubbled.

Turning now to <FIG> the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM> and piston chamber <NUM> as seen in <FIG> are shown isolated, specifically showing the four holes in which the four actuators pass through, the chamber magnets <NUM> for aligning the lamination mold <NUM>, the lid sensor <NUM>, the airbag air input and output port <NUM> and how the piston chamber <NUM> is attached to the underside of the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG> the underside of the metal lid <NUM>, the safety switch bracket <NUM> is attached to the underside of the metal lid <NUM>, the airbag bracket <NUM>, the airbag <NUM> and the airbag air inlet and outlet port is shown in isolation illustrating the installation and placement on the underside of the metal lid <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, various views of the lamination mold <NUM> and associated components are shown. A metal lamination mold base <NUM> is shown. The metal lamination mold base <NUM> is used as a base upon which all the lamination mold components are placed. Two lamination mold magnets <NUM> are also shown. The lamination mold magnets are used to align the lamination mold <NUM> with the chamber magnets <NUM> so as to ensure that the lamination mold <NUM> is perfectly aligned within the metal vacuum pressure chamber <NUM>. A lamination mold suspension frame <NUM> is also shown. The lamination mold suspension frame has a top metal layer and an underside foam layer which is glued on to the metal lamination mold base <NUM> so that when the top end of the lamination mold suspension frame <NUM> is pressed down there is a spring bounce back effect. The LCD/OLED cut out insert <NUM> is also shown. The LCD/OLED cut out insert <NUM> acts as a base upon which the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> is placed and the upside of the LCD/OLED cut out insert <NUM> is an exact negative of the back end of the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> so that when the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> is placed on the LCD/OLED cut out insert <NUM> the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> fits totally flush. The lamination mold suspension frame <NUM> also acts as a holder or base for the top and bottom ends of the outer glass layer <NUM> with adhesive <NUM> so that the outer glass layer <NUM> with adhesive <NUM> does not touch the underlying LCD/OLED screen prior to the lamination mold suspension frame <NUM> being pushed down during the lamination process.

Turning now to <FIG> a side view of how the outer glass <NUM> with adhesive <NUM> and the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> are positioned before lamination (<FIG>) and during lamination (<FIG>) is clearly visible. <FIG> shows how the outer glass <NUM> with adhesive <NUM> rests on the lamination mold suspension frame <NUM> above and without touching the underlying LCD/OLED screen <NUM>. <FIG> shows how the piston and piston plate <NUM> push the lamination mold <NUM> upwards against the metal lid <NUM> causing the lamination mold suspension frame <NUM> to be pushed down resulting in the outer glass <NUM> with adhesive <NUM> being pushed down on to the underling LCD/OLED screen <NUM> causing the outer glass <NUM> and the LCD/OLED screen <NUM> to laminate together.

Reference has been made to the examples illustrated in the drawings and specific language was used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein and additional applications of the examples as illustrated herein are to be considered within the scope of the description.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the preceding description, numerous specific details were provided, such as examples of various configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. It will be recognized, however, that the technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology.

Claim 1:
A system for laminating and de-bubbling a mobile electronic device screen, comprising:
a machine unit (<NUM>), said machine unit (<NUM>) comprising:
an external housing;
a metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>) for housing a mobile electronic device screen (<NUM>) during a laminating process and/or de-bubbling process;
a lid (<NUM>) for sealing and unsealing the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>);
an O-ring (<NUM>) for sealing the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>) during vacuum and high pressure;
a vacuum pump (<NUM>) for creating a vacuum in the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>);
a piston chamber (<NUM>) with a piston and a piston plate (<NUM>) facing upwards into the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>) for applying an upwards pressure to the mobile electronic device screen (<NUM>) within the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>);
a central air distribution block (<NUM>) with solenoid valves (<NUM>) and a pressure sensor (<NUM>), the central air distribution block (<NUM>) being configured for distributing and exhausting air to and from the piston chamber (<NUM>), and the pressure sensor (<NUM>) being configured for providing system air pressure readings;
a control printed circuit board (<NUM>) with processor and operating software for controlling operations of the machine unit (<NUM>);
actuators (<NUM>) for opening, closing and sealing the lid (<NUM>) of the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>);
an on/off switch (<NUM>) for powering the machine unit (<NUM>) on and off;
a power inlet (<NUM>) for distributing power to the machine unit (<NUM>), including the control printed circuit board (<NUM>);
an operations button (<NUM>) for performing designated functions of the machine unit (<NUM>);
an air inlet port (<NUM>) for allowing high pressure air to pass from an external air compressor (<NUM>) into the central air distribution block (<NUM>); and
a standalone high pressure air compressor (<NUM>) for providing high pressure air into the central air distribution block (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the system further comprises an airbag (<NUM>) installed on an underside of the lid (<NUM>) which inflates within the metal vacuum pressure chamber (<NUM>) for applying downwards pressure on the mobile electronic device screen (<NUM>); wherein the central air distribution block (<NUM>) is configured for distributing and exhausting air to and from the airbag (<NUM>).