Abstract: A gas ejected from a sonic nozzle toward the rear surface of a wafer. The flow speed of the gas flowing to the outer circumference side along the rear surface of the wafer is increased between the rear surface of the wafer and a second cup and is kept by Bernoulli's effects. Thus, flapping of wafer is suppressed. Furthermore, a resist solution is prevented from flowing around to the rear surface.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and an operating method thereof that prevent damage to the nozzle of a spinless coater from impurities on a substrate during resin coating of the substrate, and impurities remaining on a stage at the bottom of the substrate. The coating apparatus comprises a stage, a nozzle, a nozzle cleaner, and a stage cleaner. A substrate is placed upon the stage. The nozzle discharges resin on the substrate to perform coating. The nozzle cleaner cleans the nozzle. The stage cleaner cleans the stage. The operating method includes removing a coated first substrate from atop a stage, cleaning the stage using a stage cleaner, introducing a second substrate to be coated onto the cleaned stage, and discharging resin through a nozzle onto the second substrate and coating the second substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting liquid droplet includes a suction table for setting a rolled work having a plurality of drawing area arranged in the longitudinal direction by suction, a delivering apparatus for introducing the work into the suction table in a sagged state, a drawing apparatus having functional liquid droplet ejection heads for drawing patterns on respective drawing areas on the work set by suction while relatively moving the functional liquid droplet ejection heads, a winding apparatus for winding the work with the pattern drawn thereon in the sagged state, and a flushing unit having a flushing box for receiving ejection from the functional liquid droplet ejection head so as to be located in at least one of the sagged portions of the work.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cleaning unit, a regular flushing unit, capping unit, and an ejection-amount measuring unit as droplet ejecting head maintenance units used for function maintenance, function recovery, adjustment, or inspection of a liquid ejecting head. The droplet ejecting head maintenance units are arranged in a group in a movable platen as a maintenance-unit installing section. The movable platen is supported by an accessory stand physically separated from a main body.

Abstract: A cartridge changer (41) is composed of a swing arm (48) with a cartridge gripper (48B) for gripping a paint cartridge (24), and an arcuate moving portion (46) for putting the swing arm (48) in swinging movements in a horizontal plane. The cartridge changer (41) is adapted to pick up a replenished paint cartridge (24) on the mount deck (42) by the cartridge gripper (48B) and transfer the swing arm (48) to a changing position “O” by the arcuate moving portion (46). By the operation, a used paint cartridge (24?) will be replaced by the replenished paint cartridge (24) between the mount deck (42) and a common body (15) which is located in the changing position “O” of the atomizing head changing and washing device (31).

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can be an open mat having interstices between fibers. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place.

Abstract: A paint gun cleaning apparatus is provided that prevents the collection of overspray on the discharge end of the paint gun. The cleaning apparatus includes a drum that defines an aperture for insertion of at least the discharge end of a paint gun. The apparatus also includes a fin assembly inside of the drum for directing paint and solvent discharged from the paint gun away from the paint gun. A splash cone also helps direct discharge away from the center of the drum, laterally toward the fin assembly. The apparatus also includes a source of suction for drawing material discharged from the paint gun away from the discharge end of the paint gun. By preventing the collection of overspray it is not necessary for an operator to wipe the gun clean.

Abstract: The present invention is a resist solution supply apparatus for supplying a resist solution to a coating nozzle for discharging the resist solution to a substrate, including: a resist solution supply source storing the resist solution therein; a supply tube for supplying the resist solution from the resist solution supply source to the coating nozzle; a heating means provided on a side of the resist solution supply source along the supply tube for heating the resist solution in the supply tube to a predetermined temperature higher than room temperature; and a cooling means provided on a side of the coating nozzle along the supply tube for cooling the resist solution in the supply tube down to room temperature.

Abstract: A substrate-processing apparatus includes a sample table which mounts thereon a to-be-processed substrate, a first line which supplies a chemical solution, a second line which supplies a cleaning liquid, a three-way valve connected to the first and second lines and configured to select one of the first and second lines, a filter provided across the first line upstream of the three-way valve, and configured to eliminate a foreign material from the chemical solution, and a nozzle provided downstream of the three-way valve and configured to discharge the chemical solution or the cleaning liquid when the first or second line is selected via the three-way valve. The three-way valve selects the first line when the substrate is coated with the chemical solution, and selects the second line in other cases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens, which comprises a core material and a biocompatible LbL coating non-covalently attached to said core material. The biocompatible LbL coating comprises at least one charge/non-charge bilayer, wherein said charge/non-charge bilayer is composed of, in no particular order, one layer of a charged polymeric material and one layer of a non-charged polymeric material which is capable of being non-covalently bond to the charged polymeric material.

Abstract: A coverslipping machine (1) for applying coverslipping agent and a coverslip onto a specimen slide is described. A hollow needle (2), which is embodied to be movable via a guide (4) into a working position for application of the coverslipping agent from a reservoir (3) onto the specimen slide, is additionally movable via the guide (4) into a parked position. A cleaning device (5) for the hollow needle (2) is arranged at the parked position.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a novel epoxy resin composition. The epoxy resin composition comprises (i) a first epoxy resin having in the molecule thereof at least one water-repellency-imparting group and two or more cyclic aliphatic epoxy groups, and having a number average molecular weight ranging from 8,000 to 22,000 and a polydispersity ranging from 3.5 to 5.0, (ii) a second epoxy resin having in the molecule thereof at least one water-repellency-imparting group and two or more cyclic aliphatic epoxy groups, having a number average molecular weight ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 and a polydispersity ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, and (iii) a cationic polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A spreading device (10) includes an injector (14) and a spreading tube (16) connected with the injector. The injector contains therein a viscous thermal medium material for being spread on a surface of a cooling device for electronic components. The spreading tube defines therein at least one outlet hole (164) for release of the thermal medium material contained in the injector. The spreading device further includes means formed on the spreading tube for evenly distributing the material released through the outlet hole of the spreading tube over an entire area of the surface to be applied with the thermal medium material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the fabrication of polymer-coated, coated fiber composites, hybrid composites and a method and apparatus for fabricating the same. The invention provides for the maximum spraying and coating of a roving of coated fibers with molten polymer streams without making physical contact with a solid media, thus simultaneously preventing the fiber surface from getting damaged and stripping off the coating. When metal-coated fiber is used the invention improves the electromagnetic shielding properties of any subsequent product made from the inventive composite. The method and apparatus of the present invention uses sets of nozzle-type sprayers having multiple orifices to enable the thermoplastic or thermoset polymer to penetrate more efficiently into the fiber bundle, thereby providing a more uniform coverage of all fibers. The hybrid composites can consist of two or more types of reinforcements and one or more type of matrix polymer.

Abstract: Purge method and apparatus for a manual spray gun or coating material application device, in which purge air is introduced into the device through a handgrip portion that is manually held during a coating operation. Purge air first enters the coating material flow path after the purge air enters the handgrip portion.

Abstract: A system for applying a sprayed coating includes a spray mechanism operative to spray a liquefied coating material; a target system including a rotatable spray target wheel; and one or more device-holding fixtures configured to be mounted onto the spray target wheel without requiring either an unattached threaded fastener or a locking pin. Preferred embodiments of the system are configured for thermal spray application of Tamper Resistant Coatings (TRCs).

Abstract: A sprayed film forming method and apparatus in which the thickness of the sprayed film in a predetermined region is increased so as to unify the entire thickness. A sprayed film is formed at a cylinder bore inner surface while a spraying gun is moved in an axial direction during rotation inside the bore. Air inside the bore is sucked out to prevent foreign material from being caught in the sprayed film. The flow rate inside the bore tends to become higher at an axial end on a suction side, resulting in a thinned region. The supply speed of a wire serving as a spraying material to the spraying gun or the number of sprays in this region is higher than those at other portions. The thickness at the axial end of the bore is made equal while suppressing an increase in working time and spraying material used.

Abstract: Some embodiments include utilization of both plasma and aerosol to treat substrate surfaces. The plasma and aerosol may be utilized simultaneously, or sequentially. In some embodiments, the plasma forms a plasma sheath over the substrate surfaces, with the plasma sheath having an electric field gradient therein. The aerosol comprises liquid particles charged to a polarity, and such polarity is transferred to contaminants on the substrate surfaces through interaction with the aerosol. The polarity may be used to assist in dislodging the contaminants from the substrate surfaces. The electric field of the plasma sheath may then sweep the contaminants away from the substrate surfaces. In some embodiments, multiple different aerosols are formed to remove multiple different types of materials from substrate surfaces. Some embodiments include apparatuses configured for treating substrate surfaces with both plasma and aerosol.

Abstract: A system and method for reliably cleaning the nozzle face of each head while flexibly coping with changes in specification for a product to be manufactured. The film forming apparatus has a plurality of heads for jetting droplets, each having an nozzle in a nozzle face; and a common head cleaning mechanism for collectively cleaning the nozzle faces, so that the head cleaning mechanism is not substantially affected by a change in the pitch between the heads, or the like. Typically, the head cleaning mechanism has a wiping sheet for wiping the nozzle faces; a supply unit for feeding the wiping sheet towards the nozzle faces; and a roller for pressing the wiping sheet against the nozzle faces while the wiping sheet is fed from the supply unit, so that an unused cleaning face can always be supplied to each nozzle face.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid ejector device are disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning unit of this invention includes a body and a cleaning member. The body includes an upper face. The upper face subsides to form a receiving recession for receiving a slit nozzle of the slit coater. The receiving recession includes a sidewall and a bottom face. The sidewall includes a first injection hole. A cleaning material is sprayed via the injection hole. The cleaning member eliminates dregs of the material attached on the slit nozzle of the slit coater. The cleaning member is attached on the bottom face of the receiving recession. According to the present invention, the slit nozzle is effectively cleared, so that the substrate is uniformly coated with the photosensitive layer, and the photosensitive layer is not scratched.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic spray coating system comprising an ultrasonic spray head with integrated fluid delivery system (IFDS), which consists of an ultrasonic transducer with a spray forming tip, an ultrasonic generator, an external liquid applicator, a precision liquid delivery system and air directors. The coating liquid is delivered to the spray forming tip on the ultrasonic transducer from an external liquid applicator. The liquid is stored in a pressurized reservoir and fed to the liquid applicator by a precision liquid delivery system. The ultrasonic vibrations of the spray forming tip break up the liquid into small droplets and propel them from the tip in the form of a spray. The spray produced with ultrasonic energy alone is a very narrow “sheet-like” pattern. The width of the spray pattern produced is equal to the width of the spray forming tip (2 mm to 4 mm). Air directors are used to produce air streams to further shape and accelerate the ultrasonically produced spray.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for depositing films on a substrate which may form part of an LED or other types of display. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an apparatus for depositing ink on a substrate. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving ink; a discharge nozzle having an inlet port and an outlet port, the discharge nozzle receiving a quantity of ink from the chamber at the inlet port and dispensing the quantity of ink from the outlet port; and a dispenser for metering the quantity of ink from the chamber to the inlet port of the discharge nozzle; wherein the chamber receives ink in liquid form having a plurality of suspended particles and the quantity of ink is pulsatingly metered from the chamber to the discharge nozzle; and the discharge nozzle evaporates the carrier liquid and deposits the solid particles on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying fluids such as adhesive, in particular hot melt adhesive, to a substrate. The apparatus includes a main body which can be connected to a fluid source, an application valve for selectively interrupting or enabling a flow of fluid, and a nozzle arrangement arranged on the main body for applying the fluid. The nozzle includes a distributor passage communicating with the fluid source, and the nozzle arrangement has at least one outlet opening for delivery of the fluid, which communicates with the distributor passage, and a closure body arranged movably in the distributor passage for varying the length, which can be acted upon with fluid, of the distributor passage. The distributor passage is provided in a one-piece portion of the nozzle arrangement.

Abstract: A slit coater including an apparatus for supplying coating solution by a coating method using a slit nozzle, which is configured to minimize contamination of coating solution, utilizing a filtering function, and supplying a controlled amount of photosensitive solution to a slit nozzle. The slit coater further includes a table on which an object to be processed is mounted, a slit nozzle unit that applies coating solution onto a surface of the object to be processed, and a coating solution supply apparatus including a storage tank that stores the coating solution, a pump that supplies the coating solution stored in the storage tank to the slit nozzle unit, and a buffer tank that is in fluid communication with the pump and the storage tank.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and material composition for forming a coherent refractory mass on a surface wherein one or more non-combustible materials are mixed with one or more metallic combustible powders and an oxidizer, igniting the mixture in a combustion chamber so that the combustible metallic particles react in an exothermic manner with the oxidizer and release sufficient heat to form a coherent mass of material under the action of the heat of combustion, and projecting this mass against the surface so that the mass adheres durably to the surface.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating onto a substrate includes providing a coating source having a plurality of color components, dynamically blending selected color components to form a plurality of coating materials of selected color, directing the coating materials to separate reservoirs, and selectively directly a coating material from one or more of the reservoirs over the substrate by one or more applicators.

Abstract: Powder spraycoating equipment and powder supply system for same. The powder supply system comprises a closed or closable powder receptacle which is fitted with a cleaning fixture to remove residual powder from a powder chamber of the powder receptacle using compressed cleaning air.

Abstract: A shuttle push system (10) is provided with a displacing object (36) for insertion into a supply tube (26) and removal from the supply at spaced locations. A return tube moves (34) the displacing object between the position at which it is removed (32) from the supply tube and the position (30) at which it is inserted into the supply tube.

Abstract: A heat treatment device for baking a chemically amplified resist film formed on a substrate after exposure but before development includes a table that supports the substrate, a heater that heats the substrate, a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field of lines of magnetic flux directed in a film thickness direction of the resist film and reverses the direction of the lines of magnetic flux, and a controller unit that controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate the magnetic field acting on the resist film at least while the substrate is being heated by the heater unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for preparing a silicon-containing solid film, which can form a thin film uniformly over a wide area. Raw-material fluid comprising a silane derivative and a hydrocarbon derivative is mixed with carrier fluid comprising carbon dioxide to form a supercritical condition. Further, an active-state is produced in the raw-material fluid of the supercritical fluid by a catalytic reaction with at least one metal catalyst selected from a group consisting of platinum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, iron or an alloy of each of them. The fluid is blown to the substrate, thereby forming a silicon-containing solid film or a hydrocarbon-containing solid film on the substrate.

Abstract: A reinforced humidity adaptive, vapor retarding film and a method of manufacture thereof includes, a combination of a thin film and melt bonded thermoplastic fibers, the combination having a tear strength greater than that of the thin film alone and at least the same as a minimum tear strength required to withstand shipping, handling and installation of an unreinforced thicker film of the same material as the thin film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for fuel cells that are capable of manufacturing an electrode in which micro catalyst particles are uniformly dispersed through a simple manufacturing process. The electrode manufacturing method includes disposing at least one heating unit to heat a material, evaporating the material using the at least one heating unit to create catalyst particles, and supplying and attaching the created catalyst particles to a carbon carrier. The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a process chamber, a catalyst particle generator mounted in the process chamber, the catalyst particle generator directly heating a material to create catalyst particles, and a transfer device to transfer a carbon carrier disposed in the process chamber.

Abstract: A pig traversable through a conduit to deliver a liquid, such as a coating material, having a resilient flexible, generally frustoconical sealing lip which is resiliently biased against an internal surface of the conduit and a resilient biasing member engaging and biased against an under surface of the sealing lip, biasing the sealing lip against an internal surface of the conduit. The disclosed embodiments of the resilient biasing member include annular coil springs and serpentine annular metal springs which may be U-shaped in cross-section, including a first leg received against the under surface of the sealing lip and a second leg received against the pig body portion.

Abstract: A method of designing and the resulting thermally stable heated coating die apparatus, the die apparatus including a die having a die geometry and a heating system with heaters and temperature sensors. The method and resultant apparatus provides minimized temperature gradients, flat die lip faces in a die to roll plane and a flat die in a plane perpendicular to die flat lip faces and parallel to substrate width. The method optimizes simultaneously: die geometry, placement of the heaters, placement of temperature sensors, and shielding from operating conditions, using heat transfer and structural numerical modeling and statistical analysis while considering die functionality characteristics, minimum increment of temperature measurement and control accuracy related to minimum acceptable deviation from flatness, coating die material of construction relative to thermo-structural material properties, and desirable coating die material properties.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a wafer processing apparatus is provided. The wafer processing apparatus may include a wafer support, a dispense head, and a solvent bath. The dispense head may be moveable between a position over the wafer support and a position over the solvent bath. When the dispense head is positioned over the solvent bath, a fluid dispensed from the dispense head may enter a drain and nozzles on the dispense head may be exposed to a controlled atmosphere within a chamber of the solvent bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma spraying device (1) for spraying a coating (2) onto a substrate (3) by a thermal spray process. Said plasma spraying device (1) includes a plasma torch (4) for heating up a plasma gas (5) in a heating zone (6), wherein the plasma torch (4) includes a nozzle body (7) for forming a plasma gas stream (8), and said plasma torch (4) having an aperture (9) running along a central longitudinal axis (10) through said nozzle body (7). The aperture (9) has an convergent section (11) with an inlet (12) for the plasma gas (5), a throat section (13) including a minimum cross-sectional area of the aperture, and a divergent section (14) with an outlet (15) for the plasma gas stream (8), wherein an introducing duct (16) is provided for introducing a liquid precursor (17) into the plasma gas stream (8). According to the invention a penetration means (18, 161, 181, 182) is provided to penetrate the liquid precursor (17) inside the plasma gas stream (8).

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning a spray gun positioned in or within a direct vicinity to a spray booth includes a cleaning nozzle and a media delivering system. A valve communicates with the media delivering system and controls an outflow of cleaning media from the cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: A process liquid supply nozzle comprises a substantially tubular main nozzle provided with a discharge port for discharging a coating liquid, a substantially bowl-shaped nozzle holder provided with a through-hole into which the main nozzle can be inserted, and a free space formed between the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle holder and the outer circumferential surface of the main nozzle, at least a prescribed cleaning liquid being supplied into the free space. The nozzle holder or the nozzle is relatively movable in the vertical direction such that the coating liquid is discharged from the discharge port under the state that the discharge port of the main nozzle projects downward from the through-hole, and the nozzle is cleaned with the cleaning liquid under the state that the nozzle is housed in the nozzle holder.

Abstract: A supply or feed center for dry particulate material is modular in design with an application module and an exhaust module, along with optimal cabinet modules such as a pump cabinet module. The application module is partitioned into an application section and a utility section, both of which communicate with the exhaust module. An air diverter may be used to change relative air flow into the two sections, and in one embodiment is a swingable door. The exhaust module may include a self-contained exhaust system including after filters, motor, fan and final filters, or may share energy from a remote exhaust system. An inventive suction device is also provided to extract material from a hopper.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fluid processing method and apparatus. The apparatus includes a substrate support assembly positioned in a processing volume, a disk shaped member positioned in the processing volume in parallel orientation with a substrate supported on the substrate support assembly, a fluid outlet positioned in a central location of the disk shaped member, and a plurality of turbolators positioned on an upper surface of the disk shaped member, the turbolators being configured to generate a uniform turbulent flow of fluid traveling from the fluid outlet to a perimeter of the substrate. The method includes flowing a heated processing fluid over a plurality of turbolators that are positioned under a substrate being processed to control the temperature of the substrate during processing.

Abstract: A processing equipment includes a chamber, an airflow generator which generates a downward airflow in the chamber, a stage in the chamber, a nozzle which is arranged above the stage. The nozzle has a protector which is arranged around a supply port of the nozzle. The protector protects the supply port form the downward airflow.

Abstract: An applicator device and method where on the one hand adherence of particles in the dispensing area of the applicator nozzle, and on the other hand a thermal deflection of applicator device components can be prevented, or at least minimized. At least one thermal control channel through which a fluid flows is integrated into at least one of the two nozzle lips of the applicator device. Water or air can be used as temperature controlling fluids.

Abstract: A resin block has a treating solution channel extending between and opening at front and back surfaces thereof. Heat conductive members are face-bonded to the front and back surfaces of the resin block, respectively, for closing the channel. Consequently, no air is present between the resin block and heat conduction members, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange. A nozzle of simple construction is realized only by face-bonding the two heat conductive members to the open front and rear surfaces of the resin block. Temperature control plates hold the heat conductive members along with the resin block to effect a temperature control, whereby the temperature of a treating solution in the treating solution channel is controlled effectively through the heat conductive members. The treating solution adjusted to a desired temperature is delivered from a discharge opening to a substrate for performing substrate treatment with high accuracy.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cleaning unit, a regular flushing unit, capping unit, and an ejection-amount measuring unit as droplet ejecting head maintenance units used for function maintenance, function recovery, adjustment, or inspection of a liquid ejecting head. The droplet ejecting head maintenance units are arranged in a group in a movable platen as a maintenance-unit installing section. The movable platen is supported by an accessory stand physically separated from a main body.

Abstract: Device and method for fabricating a display panel having ink-jet printing applied thereto, the device including a stage for supporting a substrate, a base having one or more than one rail for transporting the stage, and one or more than one ink-jet head rotatable by an angel for spraying a pattern forming solution to the substrate, thereby reducing a fabrication cost and simplifying a fabrication process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method suitable for automatic cleaning of a coating or extrusion head of a coating apparatus. The invention includes a scrubbing station wherein a combination of physical contact and strong solvent solution combine to remove coating fluid from the exterior of an extrusion head. A second cleaning station, preferably a rinsing station then further cleans the head of coating fluid and removes solvent used at a first cleaning station. The solvent used at the rinsing station is preferably self-drying thereby obviating the need for any further cleaning action. The invention also provides for the ability to prime the coating bead at the extrusion head so as to have a fully formed bead ready before the head begins coating a substrate, thereby providing an even coating across said substrate. The priming operation preferably comprises holding the head steady over a rotating priming roller while extruding fluid preferably at a constant volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a novel epoxy resin composition. The epoxy resin composition comprises (i) a first epoxy resin having in the molecule thereof at least one water-repellency-imparting group and two or more cyclic aliphatic epoxy groups, and having a number average molecular weight ranging from 8,000 to 22,000 and a polydispersity ranging from 3.5 to 5.0, (ii) a second epoxy resin having in the molecule thereof at least one water-repellency-imparting group and two or more cyclic aliphatic epoxy groups, having a number average molecular weight ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 and a polydispersity ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, and (iii) a cationic polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: In a screen printing apparatus which prints solder cream on a substrate by a closed type squeeze head, in print space 35 that houses the solder cream 5 pressurized in a paste storing part and brings the solder cream 5 into contact with a surface of a mask plate, a hollow heat regulating member 37 provided in a horizontal direction orthogonal to a squeezing direction is caused to pass, and a heat regulating medium is circulated inside the heat regulating member 37 by a heat regulator 40, whereby the solder cream 5 in the print space 35 can be always kept at an appropriate temperature and at an appropriate viscosity, so that print quality can be secured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to clean a paint feed-line (1) of a painting system, line running from at least one paint tank (2, 9) to a paint deposition device (3) and feeding paint in this direction during the operational stages. During cleaning stages between operational stages, a cleaning substance is forced through the feed line (1). An inert gas, for instance nitrogen, is used as the gas for this purpose, and at the end of the cleaning stages the feed line (1) is filled with the inert gas. The gas remains in the feed line (1) until the next operational stage begins.