Abstract: An automated drone-based surface treatment material delivery system includes a drone having a body, at least one propeller rotatably supported by the body, at least one propeller motor supported by the body and configured to selectively apply motive power to the at least one propeller, and a controller supported by the body and configured to control a flight path of the drone at least by manipulating a speed of the at least one propeller. The drone also has a rotary atomizer supported by the body for movement therewith. The rotary atomizer includes a rotating dispersion structure configured to disperse a surface treatment material from a material supply.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for spray coating of substrates using a rotary bell cup atomizer equipped with an air-driven main turbine and a supply of pressurized primary shaping air conveyed through primary shaping air channels and nozzles for controlling the shape of the atomized spray pattern exiting the bell cup edge, the apparatus further including an auxiliary, independently air-driven turbine equipped with a rotatable vortex generator, and including a separate air supply of secondary shaping air for supplying secondary shaping air through secondary air channels and nozzles to further control the shape of the atomized spray pattern exiting the bell cup, which secondary shaping air, on passing through the vortex generator, produces a curtain of shaping air in a vortex-like pattern, which, in conjunction with and mixing with the primary shaping air from the primary air nozzles, produces improved pattern control, transfer efficiency and quality of coating on the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-locking threaded fastening assembly that comprises malleable thread tightening pins within the threads of an externally-threaded male component or an internally-threaded female component, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the self-locking threaded fastening assembly is used in connection with a rotary paint atomizer system, for example to ensure secure connection between a bell cup and the drive shaft of a turbine apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for spray coating of substrates using a rotary bell cup atomizer equipped with an air-driven main turbine and a supply of pressurized primary shaping air conveyed through primary shaping air channels and nozzles for controlling the shape of the atomized spray pattern exiting the bell cup edge, the apparatus further including an auxiliary, independently air-driven turbine equipped with a rotatable vortex generator, and including a separate air supply of secondary shaping air for supplying secondary shaping air through secondary air channels and nozzles to further control the shape of the atomized spray pattern exiting the bell cup, which secondary shaping air, on passing through the vortex generator, produces a curtain of shaping air in a vortex-like pattern, which, in conjunction with and mixing with the primary shaping air from the primary air nozzles, produces improved pattern control, transfer efficiency and quality of coating on the substrate.

Abstract: Rotary bell cup atomizing apparatus driven by a turbine mounted on a rotatable motor shaft supported within an air bearing assembly is provided. The air bearing assembly includes a cylindrical main air bearing supporting the motor shaft, a proximal, annular, disk-shaped thrust bearing and a distal, annular, disk-shaped thrust bearing supporting the turbine, and including vibration-damping “O”-rings positioned adjacent the bearings. In operation, air supplied to the apparatus drives the turbine and supports the turbine and motor shaft such that all rotating surfaces of the atomizing apparatus are supported in air, and universal, 3-dimensional vibration damping, both axial and radial, of all rotating components is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to rotary bell cup atomizers used in the coating of substrates; more particularly, the invention provides a protective cover for the outer atomizing edge of such devices during idle periods in the coating process, which cover is retractable to expose the atomizing edge and permit unimpeded conventional coating to proceed upon initiation of coating.

Abstract: In rotary coating apparatus for coating a substrate, the apparatus includes a rotatable bell cup coating applicator affixed to the distal end of a rotatable drive shaft driven by a turbine, and including a source of supply of suitable coating material, a source of pressurized air for driving the turbine, a second source of pressurized air for creating and directing a curtain of air circumferentially and externally about the bell cup to shape and control the diameter and pattern of the coating material applied to the substrate. More specifically, the apparatus includes multiple air channels formed therein and through the apparatus through which the drive air and the shaping air are conveyed to and through the turbine to (1) drive the turbine and (2) to control the shape and pattern of the applied coating.

Abstract: A GNSS system in combination with a hydraulically-actuated, airborne dispenser for a dry material crop dusting system to optimize the distribution of dry materials over a particular tract of land. A GNSS subsystem is included using at least one GNSS antenna and one GNSS receiver located on the aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with an electronic/hydraulic crop dusting subsystem connected to a GNSS CPU. The GNSS ranging signals received by the antennas are processed by a receiver and processor system for determining the vehicle's position and dynamic attitude in three dimensions (3D). The system is adapted for operation in a differential GNSS (DGNSS) mode utilizing a base station at a fixed location.

Abstract: An air bearing assembly supporting a turbine driven rotatable motor shaft is provided. The assembly includes a composite cylindrical air bearing having alternating, bonded segmented porous carbon sections and nonporous carbon sections. The composite bearing has a sleeve installed circumferentially therearound. The sleeve has openings therein, therethrough and therearound such that the openings are adjacent the porous carbon sections and are oriented so as to be in longitudinal and circumferential registry with the porous carbon sections. Air passageways deliver supplied air into and through the sleeve openings, thence into and through the porous sections, thereby providing frictionless support for the rotating shaft. The assembly includes “O”-rings installed circumferentially therearound, one at each end of the assembly. A specific embodiment, namely a rotary bell cup atomizer driven by a turbine mounted on a rotatable motor shaft supported by the air bearing assembly, is disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Rotary bell cup atomizing apparatus is provided having a rotatable bell cup driven by a motor shaft dimensioned so as to provide an annular gap between the outer, rear surface of the cup and the shaft extending an effective distance axially adjacent the shaft. Solvent channels extend within the assembly circumventing the gap and discharge into the gap. During cleaning of the atomizer, solvent passes partially through the paint nozzle and partially through the solvent channels impinging directly upon the shaft, then migrating over the outer surface of the cup. The inner and outer surfaces of the bell cup and the motor shaft are simultaneously cleaned. A replaceable sleeve placed inside the cup adjacent the front surface thereof absorbs the force of paint impinging thereon. The cup may have at least one balancing indentation immediately adjacent the sleeve.

Abstract: A powder paint recirculation block assembly for use in a powder paint transfer assembly, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The recirculation block assembly includes a powder paint recirculation block body having an intake flow passage directing flow to an applicator flow passage leading to an application flow control assembly and a return flow passage leading to a return flow control assembly. The angles (change in direction) through which powder paint flows may be minimized to minimize potential impact fusion. The pinch rubbers in pneumatic pinch valves of the application flow control assembly and return flow control assembly may be removable to allow for valve repair.

Abstract: A powder barrier coupling for a pneumatic line of a powder spray system which is air passable but powder impassable. An exterior shell forms a passage. Disposed sealingly within the passage is a porous filter media having an average pore size and thickness which are predetermined to permit passage therethrough of air, but prevent the passage therethrough of powder of a selected average cross-sectional size.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for isolating an electrostatic sprayer from an electrically grounded coating product distribution circuit connected thereto. The apparatus includes an electrostatic sprayer carried by a maneuverable robot arm, the sprayer capable of spraying an electrically conductive coating product such as water-based paint onto a workpiece passing in adjacent proximity thereby, on command. The coating product is supplied from a remote source of supply through at least one distribution circuit connected to the sprayer. The apparatus includes therein, carried by the robot arm, an electrically insulative storage tank for the coating product in valved fluid communication with the sprayer. The insulated storage tank is connected to and positioned downstream from a length of electrically insulative supply conduit connected to the distribution circuit and also carried by the robot arm.

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: 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 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: A manifold block for controlling the flow of liquids and useful in the application of paint to automotive vehicles and in other, similar, applications is provided. The manifold block houses at least one liquid inlet supply channel, at least one liquid outlet return channel, and an applicator channel in microvalved connection with the inlet channel and the outlet channel, which channels meet at a common intersection in adjacent proximity to the microvalve. Stagnation in any of the channels in either the “open” or “closed” mode of operation of the microvalve is substantially eliminated. A stacked array of a plurality of these manifold blocks may be interconnected through a common applicator channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing power to an electrostatic device includes a monitor and control system that prevents inadvertent and damaging electrical arcing. When the electrostatic device is first energized, voltage is gradually increased and the flow of electrical current is closely monitored. In the event the device is too close to ground or a grounded object, current flow exceeds a predetermined threshold and power is disconnected from the electrostatic device. Later, as the device voltage is increased to operating voltage, electrical current delivered to the electrostatic device is monitored for excessive current and excessive rate of change. If either fault condition is detected, power supply voltage may be reduced or disconnected, depending upon the severity of the fault. A microprocessor control system is illustrated for implementing the invention, including hardware and various software algorithms that provide the requisite gathering of information, analysis and responsive actions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling components used in the application of a coating incorporates digital communications and improved signal verification into the coating process. The method consist of sending data from one or more controllers to a controlled device, such as an electrostatic power supply, turbine speed controller or other coating device, and receiving data therefrom over a digital data link. The data sent to the controlled device may include any control parameters, including activating the controlled device to perform an intended function or instructions that tell the controlled device what to do. The data which may be returned from the controlled device includes various status information. Where the controlled device is a power supply, the method further incorporates a cross-checking function, to prevent accidental activation. The coating apparatus includes a device for spraying a paint, powder, or other type of coating in a controlled manner onto a receiving surface.

Abstract: A device for supplying a mixture of fluids (cleaning agent and air) to a color bank in a paint finishing system for the purpose of removing paint residue, thereby flushing out the system. The device, may be supplied with any number and types of fluids. The device comprises valves for the purpose of activating fluid flow, an overall shape that allows for easing mounting in an existing color changer rack system or as an independent device, and a screen plate located in the path of the fluids, for the purpose of mixing the fluids. A screen plate and discharge port is configured into the body of the device to deliver the cleaning fluid mixture in a turbulent swirling movement to the next section of the color bank or to the next item to be cleaned. A method of cleaning a color bank using the device is disclosed.