Utilizing Apparatus To Atomize And Electrostatically Charge Liquid Coating Material (e.g., Charging Electrode Adjacent Spray Source, Etc.) Patents (Class 427/483)
  • Patent number: 6534129
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing one or more liquid beads on a substrate utilizes a liquid dispenser with one or more liquid dispensing outlets and one or more movable electrostatic point sources. Liquid material dispensed from an outlet is attracted to, or otherwise electrostatically influenced by, the electrostatic point source(s) resulting in controlled placement of the liquid material on a substrate passing or positioned between the outlet(s) and the point source(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, Laurence B. Saidman, James W. Schmitkons, David Zgonc
  • Patent number: 6524457
    Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robin Scott
  • Patent number: 6521299
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for improving the coating surface of a coating mass deposited on or applied to a paper web (8, 23) by a film press. An anionic aqueous coating mass or an anionic paper web are provided with an opposite electric charge by an electric charger, whereby the applied coating is attracted to the oppositely charged paper (8, 23) in a nip exit area of the film press. The electric charger is, for example, a corona generator (13, 17) or a direct current voltage source (9) that is connected to the paper (8, 23) and coating slip by electrodes (5, 5a, 7, 7a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: BTG Eclépens S.A.
    Inventor: Guido Dessauer
  • Patent number: 6506456
    Abstract: A method for application of a fluid on a substrate formed as a film or web or laminate in which the substrate is located between two spaced apart electrodes for generating an electrostatic field. An electrostatic field is generated on each side of substrate and a fluid is introduced as droplets for application to the substrate into the electrostatic field on at least one side of the substrate, forming electrostatically charged droplets. The electrostatically charged droplets are directed based upon a predetermined pattern onto the at least one side of the substrate. In accordance with one embodiment, the electrode on the side opposite to the side on which the droplets are introduced is used to cause the droplets to migrate into the interior of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Varunesh Sharma, Robert John Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6410100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directly or indirectly applying a liquid or pasty application medium (2) onto one or both sides of a continuous surface (4), wherein the application medium (2) is applied to the surface (4) in a plurality of single application regions by means of a plurality of single application nozzles (12) spaced apart from one another side by side and/or in succession in the direction of width (B) and/or longitudinal direction of the surface (4) and clearly distanced (D) from the surface (4), the application medium (2) emerging from each of these nozzles, wherein adjacent single application regions each intersect (U) at least in part in their respective edge regions, causing a layer of application medium to be produced across substantially the entire width (B) of the surface (4) to be coated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Bernert, Rüdiger Kurtz, Martin Kustermann, Bernhard Kohl, Hans-Dieter Dörflinger, Benjamin Mendez-Gallon
  • Patent number: 6399143
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for electrostatically adhering grains to a planar substrate comprising: a. an electrostatic chuck having a collection surface with at least one grain collection zone for, when the planar substrate is layered on the collection surface, electrostatically directing charged grains to a corresponding surface on the planar substrate; and b. a pattern of holes through the electrostatic chuck allowing a source of low pressure to act through the electrostatic chuck to adhere the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Delsys Pharmaceutical Corporation
    Inventors: Hoi Cheong Steve Sun, Bogdan Brycki
  • Patent number: 6387707
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Bioarray Solutions
    Inventors: Michael Seul, Alice Xiang Li
  • Patent number: 6376024
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a moving web of material is provided with an applicator that applies a liquid material to the moving web, a drying apparatus that heats the web to an initial temperature, a first cooling apparatus that causes the web to be cooled to a second temperature that is at least about 20° F. lower than the initial temperature, and a second cooling apparatus disposed after the first cooling apparatus that causes the web to be cooled to a third temperature that is at least about 20° F. lower than the second temperature. The first cooling apparatus includes a generator adapted to generate a directed electrostatic field through which the web passes and a sprayer adapted to spray liquid through the electrostatic field and onto the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hurletron, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Siler, David M. Klein
  • Publication number: 20020034592
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for electrostatically coating a pharmaceutical tablet core with powdered coating material. The apparatus comprises a first rotary drum (12) on which a core is held in electrical isolation from its surroundings but at a potential difference to earth by an electrode which contacts the core. The core is carried past a coating station B at which particles of powder having an opposite potential difference to earth are held in a tray (18). The surface of the drum is held at the same potential difference to earth as the powder particles. The powder is attracted to the core, and not to the drum, coating the exposed surface of the core. The drum carries the coated core past a fusing station C at which a heater fuses the powder to form a continuous film coating. The core is then turned and transferred onto a second drum (12′) where the other surface is coated in the same way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Phoqus Limited
    Inventors: John E. Hogan, John N. Stantiforth, Linda Reeves, Trevor Page
  • Patent number: 6331330
    Abstract: Methods for depositing a material onto a substrate include the steps of: feeding a material solution including one or more precursor compounds, a solvent and a pH-modifying catalyst to an outlet to provide a stream of droplets of the material solution; generating an electric field to electrostatically attract the droplets from the outlet towards the substrate; and providing an increase in temperature between the outlet and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine
    Inventors: Kwang-Leong Choy, Wei Bai
  • Patent number: 6326062
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for use in spraying inter alia personal care and personal hygiene products comprises an outlet (94) from which the product issues in the form of an electrostatically charged spray and a control member (60, 60a) for attenuating the potential gradient in the vicinity of the outlet (94) to such an extent that spraying is suppressed until the device is brought to within a predetermined distance from a site to be spayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Noakes, Andrew Jefferies, Maurice Joseph Prendergast, Michael Leslie Green
  • Patent number: 6296910
    Abstract: A method of depositing a material onto a substrate, comprising the steps of: feeding a material solution to an outlet to provide a stream of droplets of the material solution; applying a potential difference between the outlet and a substrate to electrostatically attract the droplets from the outlet towards the substrate such that a corona discharge is formed around the outlet; heating the substrate to provide an increase in temperature between the outlet and the substrate; and progressively increasing the temperature of the substrate during material deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine
    Inventors: Kwang-Leong Choy, Wei Bai
  • Patent number: 6153268
    Abstract: Highly oriented thin films exhibiting good piezoelectric effects are formed in a reaction chamber. This is done by bombarding a target comprising a piezoelectric material. Dislodged particles from the target are ionized and then electrostatically attracted to the surface of a substrate where they are neutralized and deposited in an ordered way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Alexis Huggins
  • Patent number: 6127082
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for supplying material to a substrate (109). The apparatus includes a member (3) having a surface with a plurality of features (8) which locate, in use, menisci of a liquid (1) supplied to the member. An actuator (4) induces mechanical vibrations within the liquid located by the features to cause liquid droplets (7) to be sprayed. Liquid (1) is supplied to the member and electrical charge is supplied to the member and electrical charge is supplied to the liquid by, for example, an electrode (14). Electrical charge or potential is also supplied to the substrate (109) so that the droplets are directed towards the substrate to deposit material thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: TCC Group PLC
    Inventors: Victor Carey Humberstone, Andrew Jonathan Sant, David Mark Blakey, Peter John Taylor, Richard Wilhelm Janse Van Rensburg
  • Patent number: 6120832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the transfer efficiency during the electrostatic spraying of a coating material (e.g. powder coating) is provided. The transfer efficiency can be measured during the test cycle rather than measuring an average transfer efficiency for an electrostatic spray cycle. A cycle may include the initial time when the substrate is "uncoated or clean" and an end point of the test when electrical insulating effects caused by accumulated powder on the substrate lead to a reduction in the transfer efficiency. The method uses computer based calculation software and a computer. The computer is connected to load cells that measure weight changes of a target substrate and a vessel containing the coating material to be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Paul P. Walsh, Charles F. Williams
  • Patent number: 6106896
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for spraying liquid compositions containing volatile solvent by using compressed fluids, such as carbon dioxide or ethane, to form solid particulates, coating powders, and catalyst materials, which can be produced with narrow particle size distributions and can be sprayed at higher solids levels, in ambient air or with heated air applied to just the spray instead of a spray chamber. Novel catalyst supports can be produced having a beneficial morphology such as for olefin catalysis. Drier water-born coatings can be applied to substrates by using compressed fluids to spray water-born coating compositions having conventional water levels, thereby reducing runs and sags and shortening dry times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Andrew Nielsen, John Nicholas Argyropoulos, Burkhard Eric Wagner
  • Patent number: 6063450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directly or indirectly applying a liquid or pasty application medium (2) onto one or both sides of a continuous surface (4), wherein the application medium (2) is applied to the surface (4) in a plurality of single application regions by means of a plurality of single application nozzles (12) spaced apart from one another side by side and/or in succession in the direction of width (B) and/or longitudinal direction of the surface (4) and clearly distanced (D) from the surface (4), the application medium (2) emerging from each of these nozzles, wherein adjacent single application regions each intersect (U) at least in part in their respective edge regions, causing a layer of application medium to be produced across substantially the entire width (B) of the surface (4) to be coated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Bernert, Rudiger Kurtz, Martin Kustermann, Bernhard Kohl, Hans-Dieter Dorflinger, Benjamin Mendez-Gallon
  • Patent number: 6060128
    Abstract: A method for producing a thin film or nanoparticle deposit includes the step of providing a working liquid, movement of the working liquid at a liquid surface prevented by surface tension. The method also includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a first polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a first plurality of charged nanodrops and directing the first plurality of charged nanodrops against a substrate surface. The method further includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a second polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface, the second polarity being opposite to the first polarity, to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a second plurality of charged nanodrops, and directing the second plurality of charged nanodrops against the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kyekyoon Kim, Qichen Feng
  • Patent number: 6051280
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method of controlling a coating device, which discharges a coating medium such as a powder or wet lacquer to a workpiece, in which in accordance with the shape of the workpiece the shape of the cloud of the coating medium discharged is automatically adjusted by changing at least one of the velocity, and the quantity, and the mass flow of the coating medium discharged or shaping air. The invention further refers to a coating installation capable of operating by this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Wagner International AG
    Inventors: Kurt Seitz, Markus Hasler, Horst Adams
  • Patent number: 6045855
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for producing an even and homogenous coating of liquids or powders on small free-falling objects that are not earthed. The process and the device according to the invention are primarily intended for surface coating of medicinal products and foodstuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignees: Anders Lindqvist, Nils Lewinsky, Hasse Johansson
    Inventor: Anders Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 6037012
    Abstract: A process for applying water-based paints and/or varnishes to the surface of a glass article which includes the steps of charging a composition of water-based product to a potential of a given polarity, spraying the composition of the water-based product and diffusing the resulting particles in a wide area so as to form a mist (120, 121), placing the glass article (200) in contact with an electrode at a potential of another given polarity and maintaining its surface temperature between 15.degree. C. and 30.degree. C., and bringing the glass article into the field of the mist making it possible to obtain various appearances of coloration in the glass article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Autonome de Verreries SA
    Inventor: Didier Lourman
  • Patent number: 6004625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adhering particles on an object to form a coating thereon. The method includes spraying the particles onto the object, and continuously supplying air ions comprising positive air ions and negative air ions to both sprayed particles in an atmosphere and a surface of the object to be coated during a spraying operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ibick Corporation
    Inventor: Kuniyasu Ohshima
  • Patent number: 5948483
    Abstract: A method for producing a thin film or nanoparticle deposit includes the step of providing a working liquid, movement of the working liquid at a liquid surface prevented by surface tension. The method also includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a first polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a first plurality of charged nanodrops and directing the first plurality of charged nanodrops against a substrate surface. The method further includes the steps of supplying an electric charge having a second polarity to the working liquid at the liquid surface, the second polarity being opposite to the first polarity, to overcome surface tension at the liquid surface to produce a second plurality of charged nanodrops, and directing the second plurality of charged nanodrops against the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kyekyoon Kim, Qichen Feng
  • Patent number: 5932295
    Abstract: A mist generator produces a mist from a liquid precursor. The mist is charged and accelerated by a pair of charged electrodes in an acceleration chamber. The mist passes through a conduit charged to the same polarity of the mist particles, to a deposition chamber where they are deposited on a substrate having the opposite polarity as the particles. Infrared lamps heat the mist particles in the acceleration chamber to a temperature below the temperature at which the compounds and solvent in the liquid precursor decompose. In one embodiment the deposition chamber is tubular and a plurality of substrates are held within the chamber in a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of mist flow in the chamber. A heater and an electrical field generator in the tube add sufficient energy to the mist as it passes through the tube to provide uniform deposition of the mist on the plurality of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Symetrix Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. McMillan, Carlos A. Paz de Araujo
  • Patent number: 5932011
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic spraying device which includes a primary charge return path between the device and the target to be sprayed and circuitry for warning the operator of potentially hazardous spraying conditions. More particularly, the present invention includes circuitry for warning the operator of conditions wherein the primary charge path is inadequate and other conditions in which the return of spray current via the primary charge path is affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Noakes, Andrew Jefferies, Maurice Joseph Prendergast, Michael Leslie Green
  • Patent number: 5928126
    Abstract: A process for homogeneously dispersing at least one reactant in a fluid matrix, characterized in that capsules of a first type containing the reactant(s) are prepared with a first encapsulation product and capsules of a second type containing the fluid matrix are prepared with a second encapsulation product which is compatible with the first, these two types of capsules bearing electric charges of opposite polarity, the capsules of the two types are combined by electric attraction and the first and second encapsulation products are removed so as to obtain a composite material consisting of the fluid matrix containing the reactant(s) in homogeneous dispersion form, and products obtained according to this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: AIMCO SA (Automatic Instant Mesures et Controle Optique)
    Inventor: Philippe Guillot
  • Patent number: 5916640
    Abstract: An atomizer has a chamber holding a liquid containing particles of a desired material. Aerosol particles are formed by using an aspirating nozzle or ultrasonic vibrator and the aerosol particles are carried in a gas flow. The aerosol particles are treated by increasing the charge on the aerosol particles by contact with a high voltage electrode and the aerosol particles are passed through inertial separator stages to remove large aerosol particles from the flow so they are not discharged from the atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Y. H. Liu, James J. Sun
  • Patent number: 5876543
    Abstract: Thick molded strips of unsaturated polyester resin are bonded to butt edges of a panel member, upper and lower edge portions of the thick molded strips are cut so as to make upper and lower edge surfaces coplanar with upper and lower surfaces of the panel member, the coplanar surface is, thereafter, coated with the unsaturated polyester resin, and the polyester resin film and the thick molded strips are, finally, trimmed with a polisher; even though the molded strips are decreased in thickness through the polishing, the molded strips are thick enough to make the butt edges of the panel invisible, and the appearance of the board member is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Kinpara, Hisayoshi Ohsumi, Yoshinori Sagisaka
  • Patent number: 5863619
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coating a photoresist film over a wafer, capable of eliminating local non-uniformity of the photoresist film and uniformly controlling the thickness of the photoresist film. The method includes the steps of vaporizing and injecting a liquid photoresist material to form photoresist particles, electrically charging photoresist particles, establishing an electric field in an area where the photoresist particles flow, thereby deflecting the photoresist particles, and selectively taking the photoresist particles passing through a desired zone, and depositing the selected photoresist particles over the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ik Boum Hur
  • Patent number: 5846595
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrostatic chucks, methods for their use, the electrostatic deposition of particles on an objects, and the objects themselves that have been subjected to electrostatic deposition. In one aspect, the present invention provides an electrostatic chuck for electrostatically attracting an object or objects wherein the object is used in chemical or pharmaceutical assaying or manufacturing, and optionally wherein the object is less than or equal to one millimeter in average width or diameter. The objects can be pharmaceutical substrates, for example, such as a pharmaceutical tablet. Additional embodiments of the invention provide chucks and their use to electrostatically attract particles, such as a pharmaceutically active ingredient, to a substrate, such as a tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Hoi Cheong Steve Sun, Timothy Allen Pletcher
  • Patent number: 5843536
    Abstract: A coating material dispensing and charging system comprises first electrical conductors extending between first electrically non-conductive supporting members, a power supply coupled across the first conductors and articles to be coated to maintain a high magnitude electrostatic potential difference across a space defined between the first conductors and the articles, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material into the space, and a supply of coating material for the dispenser. The first electrical conductors comprise electrically conductive filaments surrounded by electrically non-conductive sheaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Scharfenberger, Ghaffar Kazkaz, Varce E. Howe, C. Terry Duncan
  • Patent number: 5830562
    Abstract: An apparatus 100 is provided with: a supply section 1 for supplying a paper base material P; a storage section 21 for storing a white fine particles coating; a development section 2 having a sleeve 22 for holding the white fine particles coating from the storage section 21, a blade 23 for controlling a thickness of the white fine particles coating held by the sleeve 22, and a charge drum 24 for absorbing the white fine particles coating from the sleeve 22; a transfer section 3 for electrostatically transferring the white fine particles coating absorbed by the charge drum 24 onto the paper base material P; a fixing section 4 having a heat roller 41 and a press roller 42, and for fixing the white fine particles coating on the paper base material P; and a ejection section 5 for ejecting the paper base material P fixed the white fine particles coating by the fixing section 4. By using the apparatus 100, the thermal transfer image receiving sheet S on which a high quality image can be formed, is produced easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Mitsuhata, Yasuo Hosoda, Toshiyuki Miyadera, Fumio Matsui
  • Patent number: 5830541
    Abstract: Polyurethane/polyurea polymers can be electrostatically painted without first being coated with a conductive primer. Disclosed is a process for electrostatically painting polyurethane/polyurea polymers, the process having a step of including a non-volatile metal salt conductivity inducing material. The conductivity of the polymers of the present invention can allow them to be charged with sufficient charge density to permit efficient paint transfer to the polymer surface. Also disclosed is a composition of at least two adjacent layers, one layer being an outer layer of electrostatically applied paint, and the other an inner layer of polyurethane/polyurea polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Carswell, Marty C. Cornell, Cynthia K. Groseth, James R. Porter, Ralph D. Priester, Jr., Ricky L. Tabor, Melissa J. Zawisza
  • Patent number: 5820941
    Abstract: Apparatus for powder spray coating comprises means (4) for electrostatically-charging powder entrained in air, a conduit (6) for transporting the electrostatically charged powder from the charging means (4) to an internal chamber (12) in a spray head (8), the spray head (8) having at least one passage (16) from the internal chamber (12) to at least one nozzle (17) from which the powder is discharged, and a deflector (18) mounted externally of the spray head (8) and adjacent to the or each nozzle (17) to deflect the discharged powder into a flat spray pattern, the spray head (8) and the flat spray pattern being substantially symmetrical about a common longitudinal axis. The apparatus is particularly suitable for coating a large surface area, or a plurality of small objects hung in a planar array. Preferably multiple triboelectric type charging means (4) are used and a single pump is used to supply powder to the multiple charging means through a common distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Harry-Graham Felton, Jan Ruud
  • Patent number: 5817376
    Abstract: Compositions containing conductivity enhancers, which are capable of being coated onto a substrate by means of electrostatic assistance. The compositions comprise one or more free-radically curable monomer(s), and one or more non-volatile conductivity enhancer(s), having cationic and anionic portions, which are soluble in the monomer(s) and which do not interfere with free-radical polymerization, wherein said anionic portion is a non-coordinating organophilic carbon-containing anion. The compositions may further comprise one or more initiator(s), one or more dissociation enhancing agent(s), cross-linking agent(s), cationically polymerizable monomer(s), cationic initiator(s), leveling agents, oligomer(s) or polymer(s), preferably co-reactive, and other additives or adjuvants to impart specific properties to the cured coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Albert I. Everaerts, William M. Lamanna, Albert E. Seaver, George V. Tiers
  • Patent number: 5792558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrostatic lacquering of non-conductive surfaces. For this purpose, a layer of a conductive organic polymer from the class of the polypyrroles, polyanilines or polythiophenes is applied to the surface and this layer is then electrostatically lacquered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Jonas, Udo Guntermann, Klaus Lerch, Arthur Bohnke, Hans Basten, Peter Thometzek
  • Patent number: 5753302
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic dispenser for propelling objects toward a substrate, together with methods of use of the dispenser. The acoustic dispenser uses a source of acoustic vibration and a membrane for the application of acoustic vibration wherein the objects are propelled from the membrane to a substrate. The acoustic dispenser and the methods of the invention can be used with numerous types of objects. In some embodiments, the objects are particles in a dry powder, which can include, for example, a pharmaceutically active ingredient. In other embodiments, the objects are beads, which preferably have an average diameter of about 100 to about 300 microns. Additionally, the acoustic dispenser can be used with more than one type of object, for example, two types of objects such as beads and dry powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: David Sarnoff Research Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoi Cheong Steve Sun, Pabitra Datta, William Yat Chung Chiang, Howard Christopher Rivenburg, Bawa Singh, Dominic S. Rosati, James Regis Matey
  • Patent number: 5753315
    Abstract: A workpiece is electrostatically coated by an internal-voltage-application-type rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus. An electrically conductive paint is supplied to the internal-voltage-application-type rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus, and a voltage applied to the internal-voltage-application-type rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus is controlled depending on an area of the workpiece which is to be coated, for thereby varying a coated pattern width on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuji Minoura, Daisuke Nakazono, Kazuo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5741558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for powder coating three dimensional articles (12) carried on a conveyor (14) includes a controller (36) for controlling the rate at which coating material is discharged from a gun (16), so that the rate is proportional to the surface area of the surface portions of the article (12) as they pass the gun (16). Some surface portions topographically have a greater surface area which must be covered, while others are flat or have cut-out regions, requiring less coverage or no coverage at all. In powder coating operations, the discharge rate is controlled via automatic or programmed control of an electro-pneumatic air regulator (42) which regulates the supply of pressurized air to a powder pump (24) connected to the spray gun (16). The apparatus (10) assures uniformity in coating for a three dimensional article (12) with multiple surface portions of varying topography such as curves, angles, cut outs, etc., while minimizing the amount of wasted coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Otani, Hidetaka Tsukamoto, Makoto Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 5725150
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying electrically conductive coating materials to an electrostatic dispenser with a parallel arrangement of subsystems selectably coupled to the dispenser by a four-port system voltage blocking valve, which electrically isolates the subsystems. The subsystems each include first and second piston cylinders that alternatingly receive a selected coating material from a corresponding manifold and supply the coating material to the dispenser by a subsystem voltage blocking valve, which isolates the dispenser from the manifold, when coupled to the dispenser. The first and second piston cylinders of each subsystem also alternatingly receive a solvent from the corresponding manifold and direct the solvent to a waste receptacle by a corresponding subsystem voltage blocking valve when the subsystem is not coupled to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Harold T. Allen, Edward T. Feldman, Varce E. Howe, Ghaffar Kazkaz, Jerry L. McPherson, Jr., James Scharfenberger
  • Patent number: 5681623
    Abstract: An electrostatically clad conduit innerduct liner and method for making the innerduct are disclosed, The process includes, heating the innerduct to a temperature less than melting point of the innerduct or a powder to be coated on the inner surface of the innderduct, The powder to be coated is electrically charged and applied to the innerduct by spraying from a nozzle having a different polarity than the innerduct to provide a substantially uniform coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Technology Licensing Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferralli
  • Patent number: 5661212
    Abstract: Coating composition comprising a liquid carrier-based dispersion of at least one olefinic addition polymer, said dispersion of polymer(s) providing polymer bound tertiary amino groups and polymer bound acetoacetyl groups.The compositions are suitable for providing protective or decorative coatings for a range of substrates and have excellent adhesion and wet adhesion properties.The olefinic addition polymers having polymer bound amino and acetoacetyl groups are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Resins BV
    Inventors: Peter Lear, Hendricus Cornelis Goos, Gerardus Cornelis Overbeek, Emile Johannes Maria Stevens
  • Patent number: 5582875
    Abstract: A device electrically insulates the supply of paint for an electrostatic paint sprayer from the charged paint near the sprayer. In the electrostatic paint sprayer, the paint that is sprayed from a nozzle is charged to a high potential. Because the paint is electrically conductive, the charged paint will conduct charge toward the supply. The present invention runs the paint supply through a vessel of insulating material. The vessel has baffles with openings that divide the flow into droplets, thus creating a discontinuity in the supply stream. Charge accumulated on the interior wall of the vessel attracts oppositely charged droplets, causing them to accelerate and splatter against the interior wall. The resulting coating of electrically conductive paint on the interior wall can create an electrically conductive bridge that destroys the insulating effect of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Yugenkaisya Kotogawa Kenzai Kogyosho
    Inventor: Sasaoka Ryosuke
  • Patent number: 5527564
    Abstract: A method of electrostatically painting and an apparatus for producing an electric field within a booth includes a paint spray gun charged to a first potential and a target to be painted to a second potential with one of the panels in the booth charged to a third potential intermediate the first potential and the second potential to repel paint particles away from the panel. The paint particles and the panels are charged to the same polarity and the target is of the opposite polarity. The panel is usually a wall, a ceiling and/or a conveyor protection housing within the paint spray booth. The preferred panel comprises an outer insulating layer of plastic, glass or porcelain that is easily wiped of paint and an interior, electrically-conducting layer such as a thin sheet of aluminum. Variations of the panel include a version which is completely enclosed in plastic and a version which is bonded to plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley C. Napadow
    Inventors: Stanley C. Napadow, Robert G. Smead, Gary L. Demeny
  • Patent number: 5518546
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the electrostatic charge developed on a resin powder composition for electrostatic coating of solid objects and the method of application thereof. The apparatus comprises a device for charging the powder by electrical induction/conduction such that the powder particles have a resistivity of from about 10.sup.9 to about 10.sup.13 ohm.meters at 20 percent relative humidity and spraying the charged powder onto an grounded solid object to which it adheres prior to the thermal fusing to produce a permanent finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: eNexus Corporation
    Inventors: Barbara E. Williams, Ian Harpur, Graham Hearn, John F. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5514423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatically coating a non-conductive article. The article is passed through multiple stations where electrostatically charged liquid coatings are applied to the article. Adjacent stations have opposite polarity and neutralize the residual electric charge buildup from the preceding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Vijay Krish, Aris Nikolaidis, Jerry Boeck
  • Patent number: 5466490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to precursor coating compositions containing water and at least one organic solvent which are particularly suitable for being admixed with at least one supercritical fluid used as a viscosity reduction diluent and then spraying this resultant liquid mixture of supercritical fluid and precursor coating composition onto a substrate to be coated. Processes for spraying this precursor mixture are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chasrles W. Glancy, David C. Busby
  • Patent number: 5453304
    Abstract: In a system and method for forming a metal oxide coating on glassware, heated glassware is provided in a coating zone, preferably by a grounded conveyor. An electrostatic charging and depositing field is established to a surface of the glassware in the coating zone, and a flow of metallic vapor is generated and introduced into the electrostatic charging and depositing field. The metallic vapor is electrostatically deposited on the surface of the heated glassware, and reacts with oxygen at the surface of the heated glassware to form a metal oxide coating on the surface of the glassware. The system and method can be used in either cold end coating or hot end coating, and can provide a dual cold end coating with an initial metal oxide cold end coating and a subsequent conventional cold end coating, providing improved surface lubricity at reduced costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Addison B. Scholes
  • Patent number: 5344676
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing nanodrops which are liquid drops with diameters less than one micron and producing therefrom solid nanoparticles and uniform and patterned film deposits. A liquid precursor is placed in an open ended tube within which is a solid electrically conductive needle which protrudes beyond the open end of the tube. Surface tension of the liquid at the tube end prevents the liquid from flowing from the tube. Mutually repulsive electric charges are injected into the liquid through the needle, causing the surface tension to be overcome to produce a plurality of liquid jets which break up into nanodrops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kyekyoon Kim, Choon K. Ryu
  • Patent number: 5284684
    Abstract: Electrostatic coating methods and apparatus are used to coat the exterior surface of glassware and preclude deposition on the interior surface and mouth of the glassware. A preferred stearic acid coating electrostatically applied over glassware with a hot end coating provides a more durable coating, improves scratch resistance and can reduce the amount of hot end coating for improved scratch resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Alltrista Corporation
    Inventor: Addison B. Scholes