Abstract: An electrospraying apparatus and/or method is used to coat particles. For example, a flow including at least one liquid suspension may be provided through at least one opening at a spray dispenser end. The flow includes at least particles and a coating material. A spray of microdroplets suspending at least the particles is established forward of the spray dispenser end by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the spray dispenser end and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom. The particles are coated with at least a portion of the coating material as the microdroplet evaporates. For example, the suspension may include biological material particles.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic powder paint spray coating of substrates, such as automotive vehicles, is provided. The apparatus includes modular applicators which are mountable into a programmable, robotically controlled housing. The modular applicators are switchable into and out of an operational mode on command, to facilitate different optimal coating procedures for coating differing surfaces, ranging from large, open surfaces to smaller, highly irregular substrate surfaces. The applicator heads may be spatially switchable on command from, for example, a bell cup spray applicator to a spray gun applicator. Flow control to each applicator is preferably enhanced using selectable pneumatically controlled pinch valves.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting device in which spray coating may be carried out by keeping a spray distance of the electrostatic painting machine within an optimum distance range to provide good coating efficiency and to prevent a coating worker from extending unconsciously out of the optimum distance range. The electrostatic painting device includes an electrostatic spray gun (2) provided with a high voltage generation part (201) for supplying high voltage to an atomized painting material, a detection device (107) for detecting load current I which varies depending on a change of the spray distance L between the electrostatic spray gun (2) and an article (4) to be coated, a processing device (107) adapted to output an alarm signal when the detected load current falls below a threshold value, and an alarm (108) adapted to receive the alarming signal and provide an alarm indication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus that use electrostatic and/or electromagnetic fields to enhance the process of spray forming preforms or powders. The present invention also describes methods and apparatus for atomization and heat transfer with non-equilibrium plasmas. The present invention is also directed to articles, particularly for use in gas turbine engines, produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A spray booth comprising an electrostatic disk (1) that is suitable to move along a shaft in order to position it at a chosen height with respect to a piece to be coated, the electrostatic disk (1) being provided with a plurality of electrodes (3) for generating an electrical field and for coating the piece to be coated by electrostatic disk is composed of a plurality of circulars sectors (1a), each powered by an independent voltage source (12).

Abstract: A method of providing a droplet spray, includes supplying a liquid polymer formulation within which substantially inert particulate material is suspended to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electric field that causes the liquid to break up into droplets.

Abstract: A system and method of storing and reading parameter data associated with an electrostatic spray gun power supply is provided. The method includes, for example, the steps of reading parameter data associated with a power supply for a particular spray gun from a database and storing the parameter data in a memory device associated with the spray gun. The parameter data may include the drive current parameter information, for example, and additionally, spray gun type identification information. The memory device is preferably integral with the spray gun or a cable connector that connects to the spray gun. The data or information can be in the form of analog or digital information. After reading the spray gun power supply parameter data, the spray gun controller appropriately operates and monitors the spray gun to ensure that the spray gun power supply is performing properly.

Abstract: An electrostatic method for increasing the transfer efficiency of spray finishing using lower voltages than are normally required and used with electrostatic spraying. The positioning and construction of ground electrodes (16) behind the air cap (18) helps ensure a clean operation.

Abstract: The atomizer (Z) of an electrostatic coating unit contains a dosing pump (DP) connected between the atomization device (4) and a scrapeable coiled pipe (10) which serves as a space-saving paint supply vessel and which is also situated in the atomizer. The scraper (12) is activated by compressed air on one side in order to force the paint material fed to its other side to the dosing pump (DP), which conveys it to the atomization device (4).

Abstract: Provided is a system for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument. Included is an acoustic ejector driven by a drive system that generates drive signals provided to the ejector. The drive signals are generated with a pulse width sufficient to eject at least a portion of the liquid sample. A reservoir provided for holding the liquid sample is in operational arrangement with the acoustic ejector. A liquid sample voltage source is located within the reservoir, and the liquid sample voltage source is designed to provide a charge to the liquid sample. An analytical instrument voltage source is in operational arrangement with the analytical instrument and is designed to provide a voltage bias between the reservoir and the analytical instrument.

Abstract: An electrospraying apparatus and/or method is used to coat particles. For example, a flow including at least one liquid suspension may be provided through at least one opening at a spray dispenser end. The flow includes at least particles and a coating material. A spray of microdroplets suspending at least the particles is established forward of the spray dispenser end by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the spray dispenser end and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom. The particles are coated with at least a portion of the coating material as the microdroplet evaporates. For example, the suspension may include biological material particles.

Abstract: A radioactive static eliminator gun has a cartridge (7) connected to a high pressure air supply (8). Within the cartridge (7) a radioactive source (6) which generates alpha particles is located coaxially along the central longituidinal axis. The alpha particles collide with the high pressure air stream passing through the cartridge thereby generating ions. With this arrangement the ion concentration is greatest at the core of the air stream which ensures that the greatest number of ions is delivered to the surface requiring static elimination. The radioactive static eliminator gun provides improved efficiency in removing static an is particularly suited to use in paint spraying of metal surfaces where the electrostatic forces at the surface of the metal may not be strong enough to attract ions in the air stream emerging from the gun.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for efficiently applying a test substance to a test unit by atomizing a solution or suspension of the test substance and electrostatically attracting the atomized droplets to the test unit. This apparatus and method can be used to apply small quantities of test substances to organisms such as plants or insects to assay their utility as crop protection agents.

Abstract: A system for blowing loose-fill insulation includes a loose-fill blowing machine including a discharge hose. An ionizer is disposed in the flow path of the insulation through the discharge hose, wherein the ionizer reduces the static charge developed on the insulation prior to discharge thereof. A method of reducing static charge developed on loose-fill insulation during blowing is also provided and includes the step of ionizing the insulation in the flow path of the insulation while the insulation is being discharged to reduce the static charge.

Abstract: A spraycoating device comprising at least one coating liquid spray gun (2) which contains a measuring valve device (40) opening or closing a compressed gas measuring valve flow path (42) depending in the positions of a liquid feed valve (4). The measurement of the compressed gas flow allows automatically determining whether the liquid feed valve (4) is situated in a fully close or a fully open position or in an arbitrary intermediate position thereto.

Abstract: A device and method for atomizing a liquid medium, including an electrically conductive nozzle body with an internal volume for holding the liquid medium, at least one nozzle opening as well as a high-voltage electrode arranged inside the internal volume coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body. The high-voltage electrode is provided in the area of its greatest lateral expansion with a circumferential, sharp edge that extends at a small distance to the nozzle body in order to be able to bring about the electrostatic charging of the passing liquid medium. This construction enables the electrostatic atomization in a simple manner even for multi-hole nozzles, so that the electrostatic atomization also can be used in the field of gas turbine technology for improving the injection in the start-up and partial load range.

Abstract: A liquid emission device includes a chamber having a nozzle orifice. Separately addressable dual electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of a central electrode. The three electrodes are aligned with the nozzle orifice. A rigid electrically insulating coupler connects the two addressable electrodes. To eject a drop, an electrostatic charge is applied to the addressable electrode nearest to the nozzle orifice, which pulls that electrode away from the orifice, drawing liquid into the expanding chamber. The other addressable electrode moves in conjunction, storing potential energy in the system. Subsequently the addressable electrode nearest to the nozzle is de-energized and the other addressable electrode is energized, causing the other electrode to be pulled toward the central electrode in conjunction with the release of the stored elastic potential energy. This action pressurizes the liquid in the chamber behind the nozzle orifice, causing a drop to be ejected from the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A powder spraying gun generates a desired pattern of electrostatically charged particles for coating a workpiece without rotating parts or particle deflectors. The powder pattern is generated with a funnel-shaped output in conjunction with air introduced into a powder charging chamber of the gun in a tangential swirling motion. The swirling air is additionally used to purge agglomerated powder particles from the charging electrodes in the charging chamber. The charging chamber surface is fashioned from material exhibiting low friction or high resistance to powder impact fusion.

Abstract: A spraycoating apparatus with a tubular, hollow affixation element (16) to affix an adapter (8) to a casing (2), a coating-material tube (14) running through the hollow affixation element (16) into the casing (2).

Abstract: An external mix air assisted spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, and an air cap for a directing pressurized air streams on a discharging liquid stream external to the liquid discharge orifice of the nozzle assembly for atomizing and forming the liquid into the desired spray pattern. The air cap includes an upstream internal air chamber, an external, downstream liquid discharge and mixing chamber, and a central opening coaxial with the liquid discharge orifice communicating between the upstream and downstream chambers. The air cap further includes a plurality of angled pressurized air discharge passages which communicate with an annular plenum of the air chamber disposed in surrounding relation to the central opening for enabling substantially uniform particle breakdown and distribution at lower air pressures than heretofore possible.

Abstract: An ionizing device generates ionizing lines to shape solvent borne coating material being dispersed from an electrostatic rotary atomizer. A band having a clamping element affixes the device to the electrostatic rotary atomizer. A halo is affixed to the band by at least one support arm. The halo includes a plurality of generally conical members spaced therearound, each generating ionic lines to shape the atomized coating material being dispersed from the rotary atomizer. A shroud is positioned around each of the generally conical members to shape the ionizing lines being generated to form an ionic field to improve the transfer efficiency of the electrostatic rotary atomizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve the atomization of liquid and the efficiency of depositing liquid particles onto target objects, or to coat the target object with a thin film of liquid, to reduce the risk of high-voltage electrical shock, and to reduce the weight of an electrostatic spray system has been developed by inducing electrostatic charges onto the atomized liquid particles sprayed from a grounded metal nozzle.

Abstract: A drop-on-demand liquid emission device, such as for example an ink jet printer, includes a member movable through a path for driving liquid from the device, wherein the speed at which the member moves is reduced over the time period that liquid is being expelled. During that time period, a portion of the liquid flows through a passage away from the nozzle orifice. According to a feature of the present invention, a variable flow restrictor increases the resistance to flow through the passage during the time period that liquid is being expelled; thereby tending to compensate for the reduction of the liquid-expulsion force over the time period. The result is a reduction of undesirable satellite droplets following a main drop.

Abstract: An anti-electrostatic discharge spray gun apparatus and method for preventing crystallization of particles formed as a result of electrostatic discharge from forming on a spray gun nozzle and an associated pair of oppositely charged electrodes disposed on the gun. The apparatus has a housing; a nozzle attached to the housing for dispensing gas; a device for dispensing a gas through the nozzle; a device for electrostatically discharging a gas dispensed through the nozzle; and a device for restricting the flow of a gas through the nozzle. The device for dispensing and restricting flow of a gas through the nozzle may be either a bypass piping having a flow control means or a stopper that operates to provide a constant but low volume flow of an inert gas such as nitrogen to the nozzle to prevent particle build up or crystallization from occurring.

Abstract: A powder spray system comprises a plurality of supply hoppers, a purge air supply, a manifold operably connected to each of the plurality of supply hoppers, and a spray gun. The manifold comprises a plurality of outlets. The spray gun is operable in a plurality of spraying configurations and a purging configuration. The spray gun is selectively, removably connected to at least one of the outlets when in one of the plurality of the spraying configurations and is removably connected to the purge air supply when in the purging configuration. A method of operating a powder spray system also is provided.

Abstract: A liquid fuel injection nozzle to supply atomized droplets of fuel to a combustion chamber arrangement in a gas turbine engine combustion system. The fuel droplets leave the passage through its upper end defined by an annular sharp edge of a tubular electrode which can be electrostatically charged for the sharp edge to impart electrostatic charge to the fuel droplets as they pass the edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid emission control of a conductive fluid utilizes a passive electrolytic reaction to ionize the conductive fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid emission system having a reaction chamber that includes an anode and cathode to initiate an electrolytic reaction within the conductive fluid and reaction chamber. An ion-generating member is disposed within the reaction chamber and enhances the electrical bias in the conductive fluid. An oxidation-controlling member disposed within the reaction chamber retards oxidation of the anode and cathode. The metallic component parts and amount of such component parts used in the reaction chamber are chosen to achieve a target voltage, which that amount of voltage created, by the electrolytic reaction necessary to charge a fluid droplet of any density to achieve a maximum acceleration of fluid droplets as the fluid droplets enter and leave a spray cone.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device being configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a liquid composition from a supply to a point of dispersal, wherein the device comprises:

Abstract: A device for spraying paint having a spring activated cartridge in a body. The flow of fan air, atomizing air and paint are controlled by pistons within the cartridge. The fan air and atomizing air exit the body through slots to provide high volume, low pressure. The fan air is distributed uniformly by a baffle flange within a guide ring. The fan air exiting the air cap passes through a conical opening. Compensating air is provided over the surface of the air cap for improved coating. Isolation rings for reduction of electrical leakage are integrally formed in the body.

Abstract: A spray gun includes a handle portion and an extension portion. A nozzle is connected with an outer end of the extension portion. An electrode assembly is disposed in the extension portion to establish an electrical field to electrostatically charge particles of coating material. A coating material flow control member and a purge air flow control member are disposed on the handle portion. Operation of either one of the two flow control members actuates a membrane switch assembly. Operation of the purge air flow control member directs the flow of air to the coating material passage in the extension portion to remove excess coating material from the passage and from the nozzle. Different size hand grips may be mounted on the handle portion of the spray gun to accommodate operators having hands of different sizes.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic spraying device to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a reservoir to a point of dispersal that includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and being disposed at the point of dispersal to disperse the product. A channel is included that permits the electrostatic charging of product. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A power source supplies an electrical charge. A portion of a high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge product within the channel at a charging location. A distance between the charging location and the nozzle exit orifice is governed by Vo/d<100,000, wherein Vo=an output voltage of said high voltage power supply and d=linear distance between the charging location and said nozzle exit orifice.

Abstract: A plurality of unconventional negative tribo-charging materials are described for use as the powder contact surfaces in tribocharging and corona powder spray guns, gun components, and powder delivery system components. The invention also provides a short barrel tribo-charging powder spray gun having an interchangeable powder contact insert and nozzle, with turbulence inducing air jets. The invention further provides novel tribocharging and corona gun designs. Improved powder coating systems are made possible wherein, for example, negative tribo guns can be utilized with negative corona guns to coat different parts of the same workpiece in a powder coating system.

Abstract: The invention concerns electrohydrodynamic spraying means enabling electrohydrodynamic spraying, in the air and at atmospheric pressure, of liquids with high surface tension such as water. The means are characterised in that they comprise at least a liquid dispensing conduit (1) whereof the dimensions of the external diameter and of the internal diameter, at the liquid exit point, correspond to an appropriate ratio. Said means can be advantageously used for depolluting aerosol effluents, or transformable into aerosols.

Abstract: A rotating powder bell cup electrostatic spray assembly is provided. This assembly includes a bell cup body removably mated coaxially by screw threads to a first deflector, the assembly rotatably affixed to an air/powder supply. Preferably, the bell cup and first deflector are constructed from an insulative, non-stick material. The assembly includes unique, streamlined, preferably teardrop shaped, paddle deflectors. All corners around which powder passes are rounded, thereby achieving streamlined flow and little or no powder accumulation, as well as improved efficiency, ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of cleaning for such devices. A preferred non-stick material of construction of the bell cup and first deflector is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an anti-electrostatic discharge spray gun apparatus and method for preventing crystallization of particles formed as a result of electrostatic discharge from forming on a spray gun nozzle and an associated pair of oppositely charged electrodes disposed on the gun. The apparatus has a housing; a nozzle attached to the housing for dispensing gas; means for dispensing a gas through the nozzle; means for electrostatically discharging a gas dispensed through the nozzle; and means for restricting the flow of a gas through the nozzle. The means for dispensing and restricting flow of a gas through the nozzle may be either a bypass piping having a flow control means or a stopper that operates to provide a constant but low volume flow of an inert gas such as nitrogen to the nozzle to prevent particle build up or crystallization from occurring.

Abstract: An expansion device for refrigeration system having a piston which reciprocates to either open or close ports to increase or decrease the volume of atomized refrigerant liquid received from the condenser. Atomization may be enhanced by use of auxiliary ultrasonic or electrostatic atomization devices.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided for a pulverulent material entrained in a stream of a transporting gas or mixture of gases. The apparatus includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes an interior into which the stream flows and a perimetral discharge edge. The second member includes a side facing the interior and a perimetral discharge edge. A discharge opening is defined between the discharge edges of the first and second members. A dimension of the discharge opening is determined by one or more third members. Each third member has a first end adjacent the first member and a second end adjacent the second member. The third members have non-uniform transverse sections. A transverse section of each third member between its first and second ends has a smaller area than the transverse section of each third member at one its first and second ends.

Abstract: A device for spraying a liquid coating product includes a hub forming or accommodating a liquid feed pipe and a divergent centrifugal deflector having a distribution surface whose overall shape is that of a trumpet bell. Applications include electrostatic painting.

Abstract: A liquid emission device includes a chamber having a nozzle orifice. Separately addressable dual electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of a central electrode. The three electrodes are aligned with the nozzle orifice. A rigid electrically insulating coupler connects the two addressable electrodes. To eject a drop, an electrostatic charge is applied to the addressable electrode nearest to the nozzle orifice, which pulls that electrode away from the orifice, drawing liquid into the expanding chamber. The other addressable electrode moves in conjunction, storing potential energy in the system. Subsequently the addressable electrode nearest to the nozzle is de-energized and the other addressable electrode is energized, causing the other electrode to be pulled toward the central electrode in conjunction with the release of the stored elastic potential energy. This action pressurizes the liquid in the chamber behind the nozzle orifice, causing a drop to be ejected from the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing fluent material comprises a body defining a plurality of orifices arranged around a central axis and a charge injection device arranged on the central axis.

Abstract: A method and equipment for applying a liquid product onto a household article or plant for purpose of cleaning, wetting, coating, polishing, fabric treatment, plant watering and the like, the method comprising discharging the liquid through a spray nozzle in the form of an upwardly or downwardly directed spray of droplets having an average droplet size of at least about 40 &mgr;m and preferably in the range from about 75 to about 500 &mgr;m and at a proximal distance of from about 0.1 to about 1 m from the household article or plant, the liquid being discharged through the spray nozzle at an exit velocity in the range from about 3 to about 80 m/s, preferably from about 3 to about 20 m/s (when the spray droplets are upwardly directed) and from about 0 to about 2 m/s (when the spray droplets are downwardly directed) and at an applied potential in the range from about 0.2 to about 50 kV, whereby the overspray is less than about 40%.

Abstract: A fabric paint delivery system includes a container storing fabric paint under nitrogen pressure, the container having an opening for discharge of the paint therethrough; a valve operative for receiving the paint from the opening; a trigger assembly having a nozzle operative for discharging the paint received from the container through the valve, the trigger assembly having a trigger for opening and closing the valve to selectively discharge the paint from an opening of the nozzle as a mist in a spray cone; wherein the trigger is operable by pulling the trigger towards the container using one's index finger for opening the valve and for closing the valve by releasing the trigger.

Abstract: A drop-on-demand liquid emission device, such as for example an ink jet printer, includes a member movable through a path for driving liquid from the device, wherein the speed at which the member moves is reduced over the time period that liquid is being expelled. During that time period, a portion of the liquid flows through a passage away from the nozzle orifice. According to a feature of the present invention, a variable flow restrictor increases the resistance to flow through the passage during the time period that liquid is being expelled; thereby tending to compensate for the reduction of the liquid-expulsion force over the time period. The result is a reduction of undesirable satellite droplets following a main drop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for micropumping is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a virtual or physical microchannel (106) and at least two hydrophobic electrode patches (104A-104G) on a surface (102) or two electrode patches disposed underneath a dielectric film proximate to the channel (106). Each of the electrode patches modifies a surface property between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states in response to an electrical potential applied between the liquid and the electrode, and the electrical potential is provided to digitize the liquid, drive the liquid segments, and mix different liquids.

Abstract: The invention can be used in a micropump for dispensing a pharmaceutical liquid, in an ink jet printer or similar devices, or in other applications for controlled pumping of a liquid through an opening in a barrier wall. A pair of electrodes is in electrical contact with a fluid confined behind a containing wall. Each electrode is connected to a source of different electrical potential. When current is conducted through the fluid between the electrodes, resistance heating in the fluid causes local boiling and thus the formation and expansion of a bubble within the fluid. The electrodes are disposed on either side of an opening in the wall, so that the bubble is formed on one side of the wall in close proximity to the opening. Fluid behavior is such that a fluid jet is formed when the bubble collapses in close proximity to the wall. This jet impacts the bubble in a direction toward the wall.

Abstract: An electrostatic method for increasing the transfer efficiency of spray finishing using lower voltages than are normally required and used with electrostatic spraying. The positioning and construction of ground electrodes (16) behind the air cap (18) helps ensure a clean operation.

Abstract: The method for finishing a manufactured article by powder painting, providing for the application, on a surface to be decorated of the manufactured article, of one decorative layer obtained by means of the transfer by controlled migration of powder particles which originate from a graphic matrix arranged in front of the surface to be decorated and designed to adhere thereto, said transfer and said adhesion being provided by way of a first electrostatic field which comprises lines of force which are incident at right angles to the surface to be decorated, said manufactured article acting fully or partly as reference electrode for the first electrostatic field, so as to produce a condition of solid contact between the electrode and the surface to be decorated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrodeposition device, having two or more emission electrodes that can be connected to a common electrical supply line and an electrically insulating electrode holder, wherein the electrode holder is made of plastic and receives the electrodes, the electrical connections thereof and a contact surface for the connection to the electrical supply line.

Abstract: A personal product comprising a liquid cosmetic composition and a hand-held electrostatic spraying device suitable for applying the composition to the human body, said hand-held electrostatic spraying device comprising a slit nozzle having a maximum width of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, means for containing the liquid cosmetic composition, means for supplying the liquid cosmetic composition to the nozzle, an electricity source, high voltage circuitry arranged so that, in use, liquid cosmetic composition sprayed in atomized form from the nozzle is electrically charged, and control means for selectively applying a high voltage.

Abstract: A method of improving the spraying of liquid droplets from a spray device onto a surface which method comprises imparting a unipolar charge to the said liquid droplets by double layer charging during the spraying of the liquid droplets from the spray device, the unipolar charge being at a level such that the said droplets have a charge to mass ratio of at least ±1×10−4 C/kg, whereby the charged droplets of the liquid are mutually repelled thereby increasing the spread of the droplets from a central spray line extending from the head of the spray device and avoiding coalescence of the droplets, thus providing a more even coverage of the surface which is to be sprayed. In particular, the method enables liquid droplets to be sprayed onto a surface which is obscured by all object located between the surface and the spray device.