Abstract: A spraying device for dispensing electrostatic liquid droplets includes a container holding a liquid at one end, and having a nozzle assembly with an aperture at another end. The nozzle assembly includes a longitudinal hollow tube terminating in a metallic structure. The metallic structure includes a metallic base plate having at least one aperture formed therein for fluid communication with the hollow tube. The longitudinal hollow tube includes an end inserted in the liquid. A charge accumulator disposed in the liquid accumulates electrostatic charges. A wire conductor between the base plate and the charge accumulator transfers the electrostatic charges from the liquid to the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A rotary spray atomizer for applying electrically conductive paint, in particular water-based paint, to surfaces, includes a housing. A spray head is fitted on front of the housing for receiving a supply of paint and discharging the supply of paint in a spray mist as a result of rotation. A motor is disposed in the housing for rotary actuation of the spray head. At least two electrode holders are disposed along a concentric circle and extend towards the front parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing. Electrodes are each accommodated in and protrude from an end of a respective one of the electrode holders. High-voltage sources constructed as a cascade are each plugged into a respective one of the electrode holders for receiving a low-voltage current, feeding one of the electrodes and causing the electrode to generate an electric field applying the spray mist discharged by the spray head to an application surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a gun for spraying a powder onto a work piece to form a coating and includes a pistol-grip housing having an air valve coupled to a source of pressurized air. The housing also supports a source of variable electrical potential. A powder container is disposed in fluid communication with the air valve so that powder within the container may be fluidized by air from the source of pressurized air when the valve is opened. A nozzle is positioned within the housing and includes a central passageway having an open end and disposed in fluid communication with the powder container. The central passageway frictionally imparts a net electrical charge of a first polarity to a first portion of the powder when the first portion of the powder contacts the surface during the spraying.

Abstract: A coating dispensing apparatus includes an atomizer and a housing for the atomizer. The housing includes a forward end defining an opening through which coating material dispensed by the atomizer is discharged. The forward end includes an inner portion and an outer portion. One of the inner portion and the outer portion includes a first surface. The other of the inner and outer portions includes a second surface. At least one of the first and second surfaces includes grooves which extend to the forward end and terminate around the opening. Compressed gas supplied to the grooves remote from the opening flows toward the forward end and exits from the grooves around the opening.

Abstract: There is a wear-type of static eliminator which comprises a static eliminator body attachable to the human body, and a discharge section disposed within said remover body to issue ions toward the human body, Also there is a static potential measuring instrument which comprises: a plus discharge needle for use in plus ion discharge, a minus discharge needle for use in minus ion discharge, a current source for generating a current supplied to said plus discharge and minus discharge needles, a plus current ammeter for measuring a current flowing from said current source to said plus discharge needle, a minus current ammeter for measuring a current flowing from said current source to said minus discharge needle, means of calculating the difference between absolute values of currents obtained by said ammeters, the ratio of one absolute value of current obtained by one of said ammeter to the other absolute value of current obtained by the other of said ammeter or both the difference and the ratio, and a measuring t

Abstract: A spray head for a spraying apparatus comprising a body formed as a conduit leading from an inlet end to a discharge end at which it forms a discharge pattern. A high velocity stream of air is injected into the head at its inlet end and flows through the conduit to its discharge end. Adjacent to the discharge end, a rank of injection nozzles injects liquid into the air stream, and adjacent to the nozzles, a rank of electrodes is formed as ports in the wall of the conduit.

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: This invention relates to an inhalation apparatus for dispensing an inhalable substance and, in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for use in the delivery of therapeutic substances to the human lung. There is provided and apparatus for dispensing an aerosol of electrostatically charged droplets including a housing having an open end duct in which are located a first electrode having an upper surface lying in a generally longitudinal plane of the duct and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode. The apparatus further includes means for delivering a metered quantity of liquid to the upper surface of the first electrode for atomization, and charging means for applying a higher potential to the second electrode with respect to the first electrode to effect atomization.

Abstract: A spray powder-coating system comprising at least one flow throttle (8, 34) in a compressed-air line of an injector (2). An electronic control unit (50) non-linearly controls the throttle as a function of setpoints.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun 10 has a needle electrode 14 made from a nickel titanium alloy.

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: In an electrostatic sprayer, a pulsating voltage developed using a battery or a generator as a power supply is stepped up using a step-up transformer. A resultant high-voltage pulse is rectified and applied to an electrostatic electrode. A spray jetted from a spray nozzle is thus electrified. Herein, the step-up transformer is located near the spray nozzle. Owing to this structure, a high voltage produced by the step-up transformer can be applied to the electrostatic electrode with a loss minimized.

Abstract: The invention concerns an atomizing bowl (4) for coating product electrostatic rotary sprayhead unit (1), said bowl comprising a bell (7) for distributing the product made from a conductive material and arranged to be brought to high voltage when the sprayhead unit is in operation, so as to charge electrostatically said product by contact. The invention is characterized in that said bell is electrically connected to at least one corona discharge element (22, 25, 28) from one tapered end (22a, 25a, 25b, 28a), said tapered end being arranged in the proximity of said bowl outer surface. The bowl is electrically connected to a generator capable of detecting variations in the glow currents passing through the discharge elements (22, 25, 28) or the bowl tips.

Abstract: A disposable catridge for use with an electrostatic charging device. The disposable cartridge can have a reservoir configured to contain a supply of product suitable for electrostatic spraying, a nozzle configured and disposed to disperse the electrostatically charged product, and an electrode disposed to electrostatically charge the product prior to its dispersal. The disposable cartridge can also have an insulator for insulating the supply of product from electrostatic charge.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray device and a cartridge for an electrostatic spray device that reduce the occurrence of electrically induced emulsion product separation are disclosed. The device and/or the cartridge may reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by providing a conductive high voltage shield substantially around the product reservoir. Alternatively, the device and/or the cartridge may prevent the product located at the charging location from being in fluid communication with the product reservoir so that the product that is being charged cannot flow back into the product reservoir. The device and/or cartridge may alternatively reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by minimizing the volume of product between the charging location and the exit orifice of the nozzle.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is designed to be portable, hand-held, self-contained and battery operated, with a disposable cartridge. The electrostatic spraying device is configured to provide a precise essentially constant flow rate of a product being applied, to provide uniformity and ease of application of the product, as well as to conserve product usage.

Abstract: In an electrostatic sprayer, a pulsating voltage developed using a battery or a generator as a power supply is stepped up using a step-up transformer. A resultant high-voltage pulse is rectified and applied to an electrostatic electrode. A spray jetted from a spray nozzle is thus electrified. Herein, the step-up transformer is located near the spray nozzle. Owing to this structure, a high voltage produced by the step-up transformer can be applied to the electrostatic electrode with a loss minimized.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol delivery method and system for producing a charged electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosol, discharging the aerosol and moving the discharged aerosol in a desired direction without substantial wetting of the device. The delivery system may include a spray nozzle for dispensing the fluid to be aerosolized and negatively charging the aerosol droplets, a discharge electrode generally downstream of the spray nozzle for generating a positive ion stream which intercepts and electrically neutralizes the negative aerosol droplets while also imparting a desired movement on the aerosol in a direction generally away from the discharge electrode and a reference electrode between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode for modifying the electric field between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode.

Abstract: A paint spray system for directing paint to a part has a paint atomizer head having a bell housing and a bell-atomizer. An electrically conductive tape is applied to a surface of the paint atomizer. The tape may be applied to the bell housing or the front surface or side surfaces of the support housing. Tape is electrically connected to a power source to generate an electrical field and thereby an electrical force on charged paint particles produced at bell-atomizer. The electrical field repels the paint particles from the paint atomizer head to reduce the maintenance of the paint spray system.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray device that maintains a consistent charge-to-mass ratio in order to maintain a consistent target spray quality is disclosed. During steady state conditions, the high voltage power supply adjusts the output voltage level in response to changing environmental and/or operating conditions. During transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down and changing flow rate conditions, the high voltage power supply ensures that the charge-to-mass ratio is maintained. During, start-up, for example, the high voltage power supply charges the high voltage electrode to a predetermined voltage level before the product is delivered to the charging location. During shut-down, the product delivery is stopped before the high voltage power supply shuts off power to the high voltage electrode, and during changes in product flow rate, the voltage level of the high voltage electrode is adjusted to maintain a consistent charge-to-mass ratio.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a supply to a point of dispersal. The electrostatic spraying device has a reservoir configured to contain the supply of product and a nozzle to disperse the product. The nozzle being disposed at the point of dispersal. The nozzle has an exit orifice. A channel is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, wherein the channel permits the electrostatic charging of the product upon the product moving within the channel. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A power source supplies an electrical charge. A high voltage power supply, high voltage contact, and high voltage electrode are used. A portion of the high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge the product within the channel at a charging location.

Abstract: In an electrostatic powder spray gun, a cylindrical air curtain is formed toward the front side of a gun main body by supplying compressed air to an air chamber formed between the outer peripheral surface of a cover member and an outer cylinder so as to eject the air from an air blowing opening. Owing to the air curtain, powder particles move toward an object to be coated without the risk of scattering to an ion trap electrode.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head type coating machine which is arranged to prevent occurrence of spark discharges, including a rotational shaft (9) which is formed of an insulating material, a rotary atomizing head (11) which is likewise formed of an insulating material and mounted on a fore end portion of the rotational shaft (9). An on-head semi-conductive coat film (14) is formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary atomizing head (11). On the other hand, a first arcuate coat film (16) is formed on a first limiter ring (15) which is provided on a motor body (6), and a second arcuate coat film (18) is formed on a second limiter ring (17) which is provided on the rotary atomizing head (11). Further, a power supply semi-conductive coat film (19) is formed on and around outer peripheral surfaces of the rotational shaft (9) between the arcuate coat films (16) and (18).

Abstract: An electrostatic spray module for applying agricultural liquids such as a pesticide to crops where, externally to the spray module the number of connections is reduced to three, one for the liquid pesticide, one for compressed air and one for a low voltage signal. Internally to the spray module, the low voltage is converted to a high voltage signal, which is, along with the pesticide and the compressed air delivered to one or more electrostatic spray nozzles using only two electrically conductive pipes, a gas delivery pipe and a liquid delivery pipe. The nozzles fit into the gas delivery pipe and draw the compressed air through gas channel openings in the side of the nozzles. The gas delivery pipe doubles as the means to delivery the high voltage signal to the nozzles. Each nozzle has a liquid feed from the liquid delivery pipe, which carries ground voltage, maintaining the liquid at ground voltage. The grounded liquid merges with the compressed air in the nozzles to form an atomized liquid.

Abstract: A powder-spraying apparatus having simultaneous internal and external charging, which is suitable for electrostatic powder coating. In order to achieve improved constancy of the deposition efficiency, largely independent of the distance between the powder-spraying apparatus and the work piece, it is proposed to connect both internal high-voltage electrodes and external high-voltage electrodes to a high-voltage source via high-resistance components.

Abstract: While plural kind of powder paints of different hues are mixed with each other without melting for preparation of a powder paint of a desire hue, a fluidity improver possessing a charge control function is simultaneously mixed into the powder paints without melting. The mixed powder paint containing the fluidity improver is charged, and then electrostatic powder coating is performed by the charged powder paint.

Abstract: A powder spray gun includes a rotary distributor which is capable of operating at slower speeds than liquid spray gun to reduce the problem of powder fusing, increases bearing life, reduce wear on moving parts while generating larger fan patterns and optimized charge transfer capabilities. The powder spray gun has a powder flow path which extends through a gun body to a powder outlet. The rotatable powder distributor is located at the powder outlet. A drive mechanism in the form of a motor is located within the housing and connected to the distributor the rotate the distributor. A spindle, which is mounted for rotation within the body, has a passageway therethrough which forms a part of the powder flow path. The distributor communicates with the passageway and is attached for rotation with the spindle. The powder thus enters the passageway in the rotating spindle before it passes into the rotating distributor.

Abstract: A powder spray gun, and method for using same, is disclosed. The powder gun includes a corona discharge tip and mesh screen within the passage for powder flow. A potential is applied to the corona discharge tip, resulting in an electric field between the corona discharge tip and mesh screen. This electric field efficiently charges powder particles passing through the spray gun, but the mesh screen blocks most of the free ions that are generated by the corona discharge tip. Any free ions that pass through the mesh screen are captured by a conductive end piece on the spray gun. A potential difference is applied between the end of the spray gun and the workpiece to guide the charged powder particles to the workpiece.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device is disclosed which is suitable for, but not limited to, dispensing an electrostatically sprayable substance for nasal or oral inhalation. Electrical charge is imparted to the spray particles by applying a high voltage to the substance prior to break up into a spray. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle portion for registry with the nasal or oral cavity and defines a passageway through which, in use, air can be drawn by inhalation on the part of the user. The substance to be sprayed passes into the passageway so that, with the assistance of user-induced air flow through the passageway, the resulting spray passes into the oral or nasal cavity.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a comminuted liquid to the upper respiratory tract, which comprises an electrohydrodynamic comminution device and a supplier of a liquid to the comminution device. And a device for comminuting a liquid, the comminution site of which is provided by fibers projecting from an end surface or edge, the edge or surface being composed substantially of fibers.

Abstract: A flexible coating material conduit conducts a flow of electrostatically charged coating material to a spray gun. The flexible conduit includes a first or inner layer which is electrically insulating and chemically nonreactive with the electrostatically charged coating material. A second layer of synthetic rubber is electrically insulating. The second layer has a Shore A hardness of 75 or less and a thickness which is at least 0.200 times an overall radial extent of the conduit. A third layer of synthetic rubber extends around the second layer and is electrically conductive. A fourth layer of polymeric material extends around the third layer and is abrasion resistant and electrically insulating. The third layer is connected with ground. The source of electrostatically charged coating material includes a voltage block which electrically isolates the electrostatically charged coating material from a source of coating material which is not electrostatically charged.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray module for applying agricultural liquids such as a pesticide to crops where, externally to the spray module the number of connections is reduced to three, one for the liquid pesticide, one for compressed air and one for a low voltage signal. Internally to the spray module, the low voltage is converted to a high voltage signal, which is, along with the pesticide and the compressed air delivered to one or more electrostatic spray nozzles using only two electrically conductive pipes, a gas delivery pipe and a liquid delivery pipe. The nozzles fit into the gas delivery pipe and draw the compressed air through gas channel openings in the side of the nozzles. The gas delivery pipe doubles as the means to delivery the high voltage signal to the nozzles. Each nozzle has a liquid feed from the liquid delivery pipe, which carries ground voltage, maintaining the liquid at ground voltage. The grounded liquid merges with the compressed air in the nozzles to form an atomized liquid.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a spray gun onto a mounting bar comprises a ball-and-socket joint attached at one end to the bar and attached at the other end to the gun, and an adjustment sleeve extending along the exterior of the bar. The sleeve is attached to the ball-and-socket joint and adapted to tighten the socket around the ball when the sleeve is turned to retain the gun securely in a desired position with respect to the bar. The mounting assembly allows for positioning the spray gun in an almost limitless range of possible orientations, and allows the securing mechanism to be easily tightened and loosened by the operator by turning the adjustment sleeve. An anti-back-ionization probe is attached to the gun and extends externally to the gun along the top or side of the gun. The probe comprising an elongated rod, which is easily removable and easily adjustable in length.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in directing a flow of air with particles entrained therein toward a workpiece includes a nozzle and a deflector. The nozzle has a passage with a noncircular cross sectional configuration. The deflector has an outer side surface with a circular cross sectional configuration. A flow of air with particles of powder entrained therein is conducted along outer surface areas on the deflector at a first volumetric flow rate. A flow of air with particles of powder entrained therein is conducted along outer surface areas on the deflector at a second volumetric flow rate which is greater than the first flow rate. The deflector includes a porous member which is releasably connected with a main portion of the deflector to facilitate cleaning and provide access to the interior of the deflector. Seal members are provided between an electrode sheet, the porous member, and the main portion of the deflector.

Abstract: A tribocharge applicator device for application of a powdered material to a substrate is disclosed. The device includes an inlet for pressurized conveying gas, an inlet for powdered polymeric material having a first dielectric constant, a mixing chamber, a discharge barrel and a charge module. The charge module includes: at least two spiral charging elements disposed inside and coaxially aligned with respect to the barrel, each spiral charging element comprising an elongated sheet of a different material having a second dielectric constant. The proximal end of the elongated sheet is twisted about its longitudinal axis with respect to the distal end such that each longitudinal edge of the sheet forms a spiral.

Abstract: A grounded insulated electrostatic supply tank comprised of a conductive tank that has several liners to fully insulate a waterborn fluid in the tank from ground. The interior of the tank and a sealed lid are coated with an insulating liner. An intermediate lining is placed in the tank and third interior insulating inner liner is inserted in the tank and has a lip that wraps around the upper rim of the tank and is sealed between the lid and the tank. Electrostatic spray equipment is connected to the tank by a coaxial hose having an inner non-conductive hose and preferably, an outer hose that is conductive. Inner non-conductive hose extends through the lid into an insulating teflon pick-up tube that extends to near the bottom of the tank. Depleted waterborn fluid in the tank is grounded after use by a manual probe or by a piston operated automatic grounding system.

Abstract: A flexible coating material conduit conducts a flow of electrostatically charged coating material to a spray gun. The flexible conduit includes a first or inner layer which is electrically insulating and chemically nonreactive with the electrostatically charged coating material. A second layer of synthetic rubber is electrically insulating. The second layer has a Shore A hardness of 75 or less and a thickness which is at least 0.200 times an overall radial extent of the conduit. A third layer of synthetic rubber extends around the second layer and is electrically conductive. A fourth layer of polymeric material extends around the third layer and is abrasion resistant and electrically insulating. The third layer is connected with ground. The source of electrostatically charged coating material includes a voltage block which electrically isolates the electrostatically charged coating material from a source of coating material which is not electrostatically charged.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for powder spraying can be used, for example, for electrostatic enameling. In order to achieve an easily regulatable high powder output rate, it is proposed to fluidize powder in a closed container, extract it in the region of the fluid bed and cause it to emerge through a nozzle on the container. The container is subdivided by a frit into a first chamber to which air is fed and a second chamber which contains the powder and out of which air is discharged through a valve. A powder output rate can be regulated by the regulation of air pressures.

Abstract: A powder spray gun includes a rotary distributor which is capable of operating at slower speeds than liquid spray gun to reduce the problem of powder fusing, increases bearing life, reduce wear on moving parts. The powder spray gun has a powder flow path which extends through a gun body to a powder outlet. The rotatable powder distributor is located at the powder outlet. A drive mechanism in the form of a pneumatic motor is located within the housing and connected to the distributor the rotate the distributor. A spindle, which is mounted for rotation within the body, has a passageway therethrough which forms a part of the powder flow path. The distributor communicates with the passageway and is attached for rotation with the spindle. The powder thus enters the passageway in the rotating spindle before it passes into the rotating distributor. A chamber is formed within the body around the spindle, and the chamber is connected to an air supply to pressurize the chamber.

Abstract: A spray gun type electrostatic paint coating machine which is capable of improving quality of coated surfaces, the coating machine including an air nozzle (8) and a paint nozzle (21) respectively provided at the fore end of a spray gun body (6). The spray gun body (6) and the air nozzle (8) are made of an electrically insulating material, while the paint nozzle (21) is made of a metallic material including a paint spouting orifice (21C) which is projected on the front side through the air nozzle (8). The paint spouting orifice (21C) is connected to ground through a paint supply passage (10) to serve as a grounding electrode. Sprayed paint particles are at the earth potential, so that they are less susceptible to influences of dielectric polarization and negatively charged quickly by the high negative voltage of the external electrode.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to electrostatic spraying systems for liquids and specifically to an improved spray-charging nozzle system having increased reliability, consistency, safety and power efficiency for long-term operation in harsh agricultural and industrial applications. The invention achieves these advantages by: a) management of the interaction of any externally-originating electric fields with the droplet-charging electric-induction field being applied within the nozzle, including partial or total exclusion of the former fields; b) maintenance of the charge-induction electric field at the droplet-formation zone by precluding or minimizing leakage of charge in all directions from the induction electrode; c) protection of electronic and nozzle components from damage due to inadvertent overcurrents; and d) facilitation of non-tedious, convenient, trouble-free inspection and cleaning of the nozzle under harsh field conditions.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting system for painting an object or article under corona discharge. The system comprises a spray gun which is formed at its tip end with annular air ejection opening through which air is ejected under pressure to atomize liquid paint ejected from a paint ejection opening formed at the tip end of the spray gun. An annular wire netting-like negative electrode is fixedly disposed at the tip end of the spray gun and located coaxially around the air ejection opening. The electrode functions to form an electrostatic field and a corona discharge field between the electrode and the object to be painted and to provide electric charge to the atomized paint, upon a high negative voltage being applied to the electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for spraying powder into the interior of welded hollow can bodies from a spray gun mounted to the welding arm of a can forming machine. The spray gun can either apply a stripe of highly charged powder on the welded seam areas of hollow can bodies, or can simultaneously apply a coating of powder having a first thickness on the longitudinally welded seam areas and a second thickness less than the first thickness on the remainder of the interior surface. Air is vented off from the powder flow being transported through the welding arm so that the powder to air ratio is increased. Air is introduced at the downstream end of the welding arm to provide a suction force to help draw the powder flow through the welding arm and to increase the velocity of the powder flow for better tribo charging of the powder in the gun and to improve spray pattern stability.

Abstract: Electrostatic spray device for coating powder or liquid with at least one charging electrode for electrostatic charging the coating material. The device has at least one, and preferably a plurality, of counter electrodes for the electrostatic removal of free charges (electrons or ions) from the stream of sprayed coating material adjacent a coating material discharge nozzle on the device. The counter electrodes are carrier by a ring which is slipped onto a body of the device. A sleeve screwed onto the body holds the ring in an axial direction on the body. An electrical line for discharging the free charges from the counter electrodes is secured to the ring. The electrical line passes through and is confined in a bore in the body to prevent rotation and axial movement of the ring on the body. When the sleeve is removed from the body, the counter electrode ring and attached electrical line can be withdrawn from the body in the axial direction as a unit.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus is provided which includes a spray gun and a powder supply unit. The spray gun includes facilities for dually functioning to both pulverize and disperse the aggregated powder and powder adhesion preventing facilities. Both the pulverizing and dispersing facilities and the powder adhesion prevention facilities are provided in a nozzle lip of the spray gun of the electrostatic powder coating apparatus. The powder supply unit includes a temperature/humidity control facilities for adjusting the temperature and humidity of the compressed air supplied to an air chamber within the powder supply unit.

Abstract: Air atomizing induction charging spray nozzles suited for use with conductive liquids, solutions, suspensions or emulsions. These systems feature a high level of the spray charging at low induction--electrode voltage and current. Primary benefits include consistent, reliable operation in harsh agricultural and industrial environments with a wide range of spray formulations, especially those having relatively high concentrations of abrasive and conductive materials. Internal and external surfaces are configured to minimize potential differences between electrode and ground. Such nozzles may employ external cavities, field concentrators, hoods and other structures and arrangements to affect aerodynamic flow of gases within the vicinity of the nozzles and electrostatic and electrodynamics effects such as those caused by electrical fields within the vicinity of the nozzles.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus includes a plurality of paint nozzles and a solvent nozzle. Each paint nozzle communicates uniquely with a respective paint source separate by respective paint passages which are pathwise separate from each other. In each paint passage, a respective paint valve is installed. When changing a painting color according to the present invention, the paint filling the operating paint nozzle and the paint passage connected thereto is not washed out by a washing solvent, so that the amount of paint wasted when changing the painting color is decreased to substantially zero and the working time period for changing the painting color is also shortened. A corresponding method of use of such an apparatus is also disclosed which reduces the amount of paint wasted and the amount of solvent used during a step of switching from a first paint to a second paint.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic ionizing system for use in connection with a spray gun, having a conductive needle positioned near the center of the spray gun spray pattern, the needle having a diameter of less than about 250 micrometers and a needle tip sharpened to have a radius of curvature of less than about 50 micrometers, and a second electrode spaced approximately one centimeter from the needle.

Abstract: Electrostatic spray appliance for coating material for the spray-coating of articles comprisesa single carrier (4) which carries a plurality of gun barrels (6, 8), so that the carrier (4), together with the gun barrels, forms spray guns. The gun barrels (6, 8) are releasably fastened to the carrier (4). The supply lines (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 78) are combined to form a line bundle and are led through a movable robot arm (68) in the longitudinal direction of the arm on the side of the carrier (4) facing away from the gun barrels (6, 8). The spray nozzles (12) are preferably slit nozzles having slits arranged obliquely relative to their theoretical connecting line.

Abstract: Particles of spray solution are given with an electrostatic charge by applying voltage of 300 to 800 V thereon as the solution passes through the tip of the spray nozzle of an electrostatic spray dispenser.