Abstract: Build control means is provided by which the characteristics of a cloud of electrostatically charged particles can readily be altered, so as to produce an optimal deposit upon any of a variety of workpieces. The means described offers a high degree of flexibility of application for the apparatus in which it is employed, and is particularly adapted for use in coating electrical conductors of rectangular cross section.

Abstract: Zipper chain is continuously electrostatically coated with powder to produce good coverage of the teeth, even upon its more obscured surfaces. The web is substantially uncoated, and is protected against deleterious heat effects.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the fluidized bed electrostatic coating of workpieces, especially those of continuous length, such as metal wires. The apparatus includes a control grid (normally grounded), which spans the coating chamber and establishes an electrical effect which densifies and regulates the cloud of charged particles therewithin. Objects (also normally grounded) passed through the cloud so produced may therefore readily develop a uniform deposit upon all exposed surfaces.

Abstract: Coatings of particulate materials are produced by the use of a highly ionized gas which, in turn, is employed to electrostatically charge the particles. The ionized gas is generated at location that is remote from the place at which it is passed through the particulate material, thus providing outstandingly safe operating conditions without sacrifice of the efficiency, uniformity or reliability of electrostatic charging.

Abstract: Electrostatic fluidized bed coating apparatus utilizes an electrode which provides a multiplicity of charge-concentrating portions, into contact with which an air stream is directed in a flow path conforming substantially to the form thereof and to effect ionization thereof. This ionized air is then used for simultaneous fluidization and charging of a particulate coating material.

Abstract: Objects are coated using apparatus which includes a mechanical barrier effectively interposed between a cloud of particles which is produced thereby, and the travel path for objects conveyed therethrough. The barrier means includes an upstanding baffle having an edge portion configured to progressively expose different vertical portions of the object as it is conveyed thereby. Generally, at the beginning of the travel path the lower portions of the objects will be masked by the baffle so as to promote deposition of the particles upon the upper surfaces initially. As it proceeds along the travel path, progressive exposure of the lower portions of the object will permit the complete and uniform coating thereof.

Abstract: Electrostatic fluidized bed coating apparatus utilizes an electrode which provides a multiplicity of charge-concentrating portions, into contact with which an air stream is directed in a flow path conforming substantially to the form of and to effect ionization thereof. The ionized air is then used for simultaneous fluidization and charging of a particulate coating material.

Abstract: A coating system employs a fluidized bed unit in which the porous plate is inclined to promote flow of the coating powder from the feed point to a subjacent location. Means is provided to sense the level of the coating powder at the subjacent location of the plate, and to control its discharge into the unit in response thereto. The incline of the plate minimizes the lag between the feed and sensing operations, thereby affording accurate correlation between the amount of powder introduced and the actual need.

Abstract: Objects are coated using apparatus which includes a mechanical barrier effectively interposed between a cloud of particles which is produced thereby, and the travel path for objects conveyed therethrough. The barrier means includes an upstanding baffle having an edge portion configured to progressively expose different vertical portions of the object as it is conveyed thereby. Generally, at the beginning of the travel path the lower portions of the objects will be masked by the baffle so as to promote deposition of the particles upon the upper surfaces initially. As it proceeds along the travel path, progressive exposure of the lower portions of the object will permit the complete and uniform coating thereof.