Abstract: A system for applying a coating material to articles comprises a booth having a floor and walls, a coating material dispensing device for depositing coating materials onto the articles, a vent opening in one of the walls, an exhaust system coupled to the vent opening for pulling atmosphere from the booth, one or more filters positioned between the coating material dispensing device and the vent opening for collecting undeposited coating material entrained in the atmosphere being pulled from the booth, a collection opening in the floor for collecting undeposited coating material which falls to the floor, and a sweeping apparatus for sweeping undeposited coating material on the floor into the collection opening. The sweeping apparatus includes two arms rotatably mounted in proximity to the floor, a drive mechanism for rotating the arms in a circular path. The collection opening in the floor is located near the periphery of the circular path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling plywood laminate structures on a plywood assembly line utilize a first conveyor extending through an assembly area. Plywood back sheets are loaded onto the entry end of the first conveyor in end-to-end abutting relationship and the first conveyor conveys the back sheets, additional laminate layers (such as core layers), and complete laminate structures at constant speed from the entry end to the first conveyor's exit end. The method and apparatus utilize a first curtain coater to coat the top side of the back sheets with a laminating adhesive. The first curtain coater is positioned upstream from and adjacent the entry of the first conveyor. Additional side conveyors convey plywood core laminate layers and face sheets to assembly stations along the first conveyor. Additional curtain coaters are utilized as required to coat the top sides of the core laminate layers moving along such additional conveyors with laminating adhesive.

Abstract: A method of preparing water for human consumption by chlorinating water obtained from reservoirs, lakes, or streams, which water contains microorganisms and naturally occurring or pollutant organic precursor substances known to react with chlorine to yield one or more halogenated organic compounds, holding the chlorinated water for a period of time sufficient for the chlorine to react with said precursors to produce halogenated organic compounds, and then removing the halogenated organic compounds from the water by aeration. Such treatment also removes any bromine-containing organic compounds contained in the water and any chlorine derivatives thereof formed in the chlorine treatment.

Abstract: A spray booth having bottom, top, and back surfaces and a spray gun for depositing spray coating material onto the articles as they are conveyed through the booth. The bottom surface of the spray booth includes a hopper for collecting undeposited coating material and the top surface of the spray booth includes a vent opening. An exhaust fan is coupled to the vent opening for pulling atmosphere from within the spray booth in a first direction through the vent opening. A baffle is positioned between the spray gun and the vent opening for deflecting undeposited coating material and allowing it to fall by gravity into the hopper, and a filter media is positioned between the baffle and vent opening for collecting any remaining undeposited coating material present before being pulled through the vent opening.

Abstract: An oven for curing coatings on articles removes the volatile components of the coating by a heated circulated atmosphere directed at high velocity at the coated articles and increasing in temperature between the entrance and the exit of the articles from the oven. Prior to their exit from the oven, the coated articles are exposed to infrared radiation in relatively still air to effect the final curing of the coating. The oven enclosure includes an open portion and a ducted portion. The ducted and open portions of the oven enclosure and the heating means are arranged to contribute to the effective use of energy. Within the ducted portion is a removable fan means supported and driven from outside of the oven enclosure. The ducted portion of the oven communicates with an exhaust opening in the oven enclosure having a damper valve that can be automatically controlled to permit exhaust when the level of the volatile coating material components in the oven atmosphere exceeds a preset amount.

Abstract: An oven for curing coatings on articles removes the volatile components of the coating by a heated circulated atmosphere directed at high velocity at the coated articles and increasing in temperature between the entrance and the exit of the articles from the oven. Prior to their exit from the oven, the coated articles are exposed to infrared radiation in relatively still air to effect the final curing of the coating. The oven enclosure includes an open portion and a ducted portion. The ducted and open portions of the oven enclosure and the heating means are arranged to contribute to the effective use of energy. Within the ducted portion is a removable fan means supported and driven from outside of the oven enclosure. The ducted portion of the oven communicates with an exhaust opening in the oven enclosure having a damper valve that can be automatically controlled to permit exhaust when the level of the volatile coating material components in the oven atmosphere exceeds a preset amount.

Abstract: A radiation reactor for curing radiation curable products, coatings, inks, etc. The reactor has a plurality of radiation producing lamps carried in an enclosed chamber for directing radiation onto a coated substrate conveyed through the chamber. Supply and exhaust fans circulate ambient air through the chamber for cooling the chamber interior. A coolant carrying pipe is interposed between the lamps and the substrate conveyed to block at least a portion of the radiation field produced by the lamps for cooling the substrate surface.

Abstract: A curable coating process wherein the surface of a panel formed from wood, particle board, plastic, etc., is coated with a radiation curable coating. A radiation permeable film has a controlled gloss surface on one side thereof, and the film is placed over the panel with the controlled gloss surface in intimate contact with the uncured radiation sensitive coating. The panel and film are then together irradiated to cure the coating to the same gloss as the gloss controlled surface, with the sheet and film being removed after curing.

Abstract: An oven for drying an applied coating material having volatile properties characterized by an arrangement of components which minimize the effects of air pollution and, at the same time, satisfies governmental regulations in this regard.