Abstract: A paint spray booth utilizes an exhaust system extending longitudinally along the path of the articles to be painted having an adjustment mechanism for varying the width of the exhaust inlets extending longitudinally for substantially the entire length of the air exhaust element and a downwardly slanting bottom surface of the exhaust elements for yielding powder overspray of uniform density to a filter media. Adjusting the width of the longitudinally extending exhaust inlet spreads an adjustable pressure drop over the slot opening. Adjusting the velocity of air flow through the exhaust elements substantially avoids powder paint build-up at the exhaust inlet. The slanted configuration of the exhaust elements, in conjunction with the adjustment mechanism, improves uniformity of filter life by providing a substantially even distribution of powder overspray to a filter media.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus in a paint spray booth plenum for increasing the uniformity of down draft velocities from the plenum to the spray booth paint application zone. The increased uniformity of down draft velocities correspondingly increases paint transfer efficiency and minimizes paint overspray buildup in the paint application zone. The improved air distribution apparatus includes airflow regulating elements and flow directing members which cooperate to distribute airflow substantially evenly across the plenum floor and into the paint application area. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of perforated plates and guide vanes are used to control the rate and direction of airflow in the plenum. The invention also provides for the adjustment of the rate and direction of flow through the use of slidable plates and adjustable guide vanes.

Abstract: A combined radiant and convection oven controls the rate at which heat is transferred to an object being dried within the oven by varying the flow rate of convection air delivered to the oven's heating chamber. The radiating surfaces within the oven are heated by a novel arrangement of longitudinally extending ducts, each duct associated independently with a different radiating surface.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a paint spray booth is located entirely within the booth below the paint application zone for supplying a modified temperature, humidity, and/or filtrated air to the application zone.

Abstract: An air supply housing arrangement for a paint spray booth is located at an elevation in the booth such that the air flowing through a booth paint spray zone is processed below a level of water held in a booth recirculation tank.

Abstract: A paint spray booth (40) having an air supply system for processing air is improved in that a housing arrangement (16) for the air supply system is located entirely within the paint spray booth (40).

Abstract: A first bring up zone of a camel-back oven utilizes a plurality of short and/or medium wave infrared lamps to raise the component temperature up to a desired level. Once within the paint baking oven, the component enters into the bring up zone where a computer activates the requisite number of infrared lamps at the proper intensity to achieve the desired component temperature. While the infrared lamps are activated, inlet air is directed over the lamps to prevent them from overheating. The invention allows for smoother car finishes by preventing bubbling and pops and raises the component temperature more quickly than conventional dark radiation panels.

Abstract: A paint baking oven utilizes air flow throughout the oven to ventilate solvents and/or resins which evaporate off during the paint baking process. Air is continuously introduced through air seals located along the paint baking oven at various points. This ventilation air is directed toward the center of the paint baking oven where it is exhausted at a rate proportional to the rate at which the ventilation air is introduced into the paint baking oven. Removing the solvent and/or resin laden air from the paint baking oven results in a more desirable final finish on the component being baked.

Abstract: A convection air holding zone utilizes turbulent ejector air flow along paths parallel to the path of travel of the article being baked in a paint bake oven. Air recirculation means are provided within the convection air holding zone which filters dirt particles from the air and a heat source is applied to the air to compensate for temperature loss due to heat exchange with the article and oven walls. Maintaining a turbulent air flow over the articles being baked in the convection air holding zone helps insure an even temperature throughout the zone, thereby enabling a more consistent paint finish on the article.

Abstract: A paint spray booth utilizes longitudinal air flow along paths parallel to a path of travel through a tunnel in the booth of objects to be painted, the air flow directed inwardly from both entrance and exit ends of the tunnel. An exhaust duct for the inwardly directed, longitudinally flowing air is positioned between the entrance and exit ends and includes an exhaust slot which surrounds at least a portion of a paint spray application area within the tunnel for drawing out overspray-laden exhaust air. Maintaining flow of exhaust air along the path of travel of the painted objects increases paint transfer efficiency and minimizes contamination of paint recovered from the exhaust air. The invention finds particular advantage in powder spray booth applications and is adapted to modularization thereby enabling retrofitting of existing spray booths with apparatus arranged in accordance with the principles of the invention.

Abstract: Partitions in a paint spray booth are adjustably coupled to a grated ceiling of the booth and extend to preselected heights above a grated floor of the booth. The adjustable partitions define a paint spray application zone therebetween wherein air flow rate between the ceiling and the floor of the booth is chosen for optimum paint transfer and overspray removal efficiency, while air flow between the partitions and the booth outer walls may be much lower to conserve investment and running costs. Air flow reducers, such as adjustable perforated plates, are positioned on the grated ceiling above the low rate air flow spaces between the partitions and the outer walls.

Abstract: Method for cleaning the floor and sub-floor region of a paint spray booth by flooding with a cleaning solution and allowing the cleaning solution to soak on the various structures for a preselected period of time. The drains, scrubber section, and conveyor openings of the floor and sub-floor region must be blocked off to prevent the cleaning solution from exiting the booth. This method does not require the manual cleaning of the floor and sub-floor region thereby saving labor costs.

Abstract: A paint spray booth enclosure having fixed, outer walls and movable, inner walls. Many inner walls throughout the length of a paint spray booth enclosure could be placed such that the total air volume moving through the work stations inside the paint spray booth enclosure would be minimized, thus lowering energy costs and capital investment for related equipment.