Apparatus for automated windshield repair

摘要

Portable self-contained apparatus for repairing a glass windshield by filling a damaged area with a repair material. An injector nozzle having a reservoir for holding an uncured liquid repair material is sealed over the damaged area of the windshield by vacuum cups. The reservoir is automatically supplied with timed alternating vacuum and positive precision controlled pressures from a fluid pressure device controlled by preprogrammed computer circuitry which is responsive to conditions of timing controls and of sensor controls for measuring and regulating the amounts and durations of the vacuum and positive pressures applied to the reservoir. After the apparatus is turned on and any one of several selectable control programs is activated by a single selection switch, the control circuitry automatically responds to timing and sensed pressure condition signals for applying several cycles of alternating application of vacuum and pressure to the reservoir without operator intervention, always starting with application of vacuum and ending with positive pressure. The fluid pressure device may utilize one or more electric battery operated pumps or it may utilize a container of pressurized gas to directly supply controlled positive pressure to the reservoir and drive a suitable pump for supplying a controlled vacuum to the reservoir. The apparatus controls are enclosed in a case having a program selecting keyboard and connections for a pressure hose for the injector nozzle. Connections are also provided for a glass drill, an ultraviolet curing lamp, battery recharging or for an external power source.