BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a micro-abrasion sandblaster powered by compressed air for cleaning a surface via surface blasting with abrasive media.

A typical sandblasting procedure includes directing a jet of compressed air and abrasive material from a hand-held nozzle onto a surface to remove an unwanted layer of material from the surface, thereby cleaning the surface. The abrasive material may include various types of abrasive particles, powder, and/or other media. The nozzle typically has a trigger or like mechanism by which the operator turns the spray of compressed air and abrasive material on and off. Merely for purposes of example, a sandblaster may be used to remove a layer of paint, coatings, rust, or corrosion from metal, stone, masonry, or like surfaces, for cleaning soft stones and architectural works (such as for historic preservation of buildings and like structures), and for preparing a surface for application of a new coating.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a micro-abrasion sandblast device is provided. The device has a tank for containing a supply of abrasive media, a media outlet on a base thereof, and a cabinet attached to the tank and providing a first inlet to which an external source of compressed gas, such as compressed air, may be connected and a second inlet to which an external source of liquid, such as water, may be connected. A media valve is located adjacent the base of the tank for receiving media from the media outlet and compressed gas or air from the cabinet. A blast hose coupler connects to the media valve for receiving the media and compressed gas or air from the media valve and liquid or water from tubing extending from the cabinet so that the liquid or water is first mixed with the media and compressed gas or air at the blast hose coupler.

