Micro abrasive blasting device and method with integral flow control

摘要

The present invention is a superior micro abrasive blasting device (55) with an integral flow control mechanism. Flow control is achieved through the displacement of discharge conduit (10) to control the distance between discharge conduit inlet (12) and mixing chamber second end wall (30). The flow control mechanism provides for the continuous pressurization of the mixing chamber (23) to yield instantaneous flow start-up response and instantaneous flow shut-off response. A method is provided for maintaining discharge conduit outlet (67) stationary with respect to target material (40) while discharge conduit inlet (12) is displaced. The method utilizes the deflection properties of discharge conduit (10) to provide the necessary compliance so the discharge conduit inlet (12) can be displaced while the discharge conduit outlet (12) remains stationary. The deflection properties of the discharge conduit (10) are also utilized to provide a sealing force between discharge conduit inlet (12) and mixing chamber second end wall (30). The sealing force assures that discharge conduit inlet (12) abuts mixing chamber second end wall (30) when the device is not operational. The deflection properties of discharge conduit (10) are also utilized to apply a displacement restoring force on discharge conduit (10) to close the distance between discharge conduit inlet (12) and mixing chamber second end wall (30) when the device is operational.