Abstract: A spray nozzle for directing a wide lateral spray curtain with substantially uniform liquid distribution throughout the length of the spray curtain is provided. The nozzle includes a nozzle body defining an elongated internal flow passage. The nozzle body includes an inlet end for connection to a pressurized liquid supply, a downstream end wall and a side wall. A discharge orifice is provided in the side wall of the nozzle body between the inlet end and the downstream end wall. The discharge orifice communicates with the internal flow passage of the nozzle body. The discharge orifice has a generally inverted teardrop configuration comprising a relatively larger area upper portion and a relatively smaller area lower portion arranged below the upper portion.

Abstract: A turret-type spray nozzle assembly having a rotatable turret which carries a plurality of spray nozzles and which is rotatable on the nozzle body for locating a selected one of the turret nozzles in an operative spray position. The spray nozzle assembly further includes an auxiliary spray nozzle adapted for directing a higher volume liquid spray than any one of the turret spray nozzles. The spray nozzle assembly includes a body which defines a more direct liquid flow passage, with fewer turns and lesser pressure losses, to the auxiliary nozzle than to a turret spray nozzle. An adaptor also is disclosed for convenient field conversion of a conventional turret spray nozzle into a nozzle assembly according to the invention.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for producing an asymmetrically distributed fluid discharge pattern such as for use in a container coating application is provided. The spray nozzles includes a body portion having an internal fluid passageway which terminates in a substantially hemispherical dome shaped end wall. A discharge orifice is provided in the end wall which is produced by superimposing on each other an approximately round opening and an elongated opening having opposed rounded ends. The round opening and the elongated opening defining respective edges of the discharge orifice which extend at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the fluid passageway. The resulting orifice produces a fluid discharge pattern wherein the amount of fluid discharged tapers in a continuous, non-linear manner from the location of maximum discharge to points of minimum flow at either end of the discharge pattern.

Abstract: An air assisted spray nozzle assembly, having particular utility in spraying liquid coolants in continuous metal casting systems, which is adapted for operation with substantially reduced air consumption. The nozzle body includes a pre-atomizing unit that has a relatively small sized pressurized air inlet, a liquid impingement post with a uniquely configured impingement face for enhancing liquid breakdown and intermixing with a pressurized air stream from the air inlet, and an expansion chamber configured to reduce eddy currents that detract from efficient pre-atomization of the liquid. The spray nozzle further includes an elongated spray tip supporting barrel adapted for releasable mounting in the pre-atomizing head in predetermined rotational orientation relative to its longitudinal axis for properly receiving and supporting a removable spray tip.

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

Abstract: A power augmenting spray nozzle assembly for directing a fine liquid spray into an air inlet of a gas turbine. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body, and an orifice member supported within the body and having an upstream whirl chamber and a downstream discharge orifice for directing liquid into a predetermined conical spray pattern. The orifice member is made of a corundum, preferably a synthetic ruby or sapphire material, having surfaces of a hardness of 9 MOHS such that the discharge orifice is effective for discharging a fine liquid spray with substantially uniform, fine liquid particles.

Abstract: A low pressure blower operated airknife having a housing with an elongated primary air discharge orifice for directing a narrow width curtain of air. The airknife includes an air-augmenting shroud which defines auxiliary discharge orifices on opposite longitudinal sides of the primary air discharge orifice such that air discharging from the primary discharge orifice creates a low pressure condition adjacent the auxiliary air discharge orifices for drawing additional air through the auxiliary discharge orifices which augments the velocity and volume of the discharging air current without the necessity for increasing the air inlet pressure or blower size. The shroud may take alternative forms, including pairs of wings disposed on opposite sides of the primary discharge orifice or hollow structures that surround the airknife housing. The airknife further is adapted for low pressure direction and application of air laden particles, such as preatomized liquid particles.

Abstract: A liquid spraying system having a spray head and a recirculating liquid supply system for directing pressurized supply liquid to the spray head with a portion of the liquid being directed from the spray head as a discharging spray and a portion of the supply liquid exiting the spray head as a return liquid. The liquid supply system includes two separate selectively pressurizable liquid containable tanks each having a respective fluid conduit coupled to the spray head. The liquid supply system has (1) a first cycle of operation in which the first tank is pressurized and the second tank is depressurized so that pressurized liquid is supplied from the first tank to the spray head and return liquid is directed to the second tank, and (2) a second cycle of operation in which the second tank is pressurized and the first tank depressurized so that liquid is supplied to the spray head from the second tank and return liquid is directed to the first tank.

Abstract: A spray bar having a plurality of laterally spaced nozzles mounted in a row on a header block for discharging a row of liquid spray patterns, and a method of manufacture. The spray bar header includes a plurality of separate plates, each formed with a plurality of nozzle-receiving apertures and with one or more faces of adjacent interfacing plates being formed with grooves which define fluid passages for the supply liquid, atomizing and nozzle-actuating air, and heating fluid. The plates preferably are electroplated/electropolished for thorough and efficient cleaning upon disassembly.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for producing an asymmetrically distributed fluid discharge pattern such as for use in a container coating application is provided. The spray nozzles includes a body portion having an internal fluid passageway which terminates in a substantially hemispherical dome shaped end wall. A discharge orifice is provided in the end wall which is produced by superimposing on each other an approximately round opening and an elongated opening having opposed rounded ends. The elongated opening having a length greater than a diameter of the round opening and the round opening and the elongated opening defining respective edges of the discharge orifice which extend at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the fluid passageway. The resulting orifice produces a fluid discharge pattern wherein the amount of fluid discharged tapers in a continuous, non-linear manner from the location of maximum discharge to points of minimum flow at either end of the discharge pattern.

Abstract: A low pressure blower operated airknife having a housing with an elongated primary air discharge orifice for directing a narrow width curtain of air. The airknife includes an air-augmenting shroud which defines auxiliary discharge orifices on opposite longitudinal sides of the primary air discharge orifice such that air discharging from the primary discharge orifice creates a low pressure condition adjacent the auxiliary air discharge orifices for drawing additional air through the auxiliary discharge orifices which augments the velocity and volume of the discharging air current without the necessity for increasing the air inlet pressure or blower size. The shroud may take alternative forms, including pairs of wings disposed on opposite sides of the primary discharge orifice or hollow structures that surround the airknife housing. The airknife further is adapted for low pressure direction and application of air laden particles, such as preatomized liquid particles.

Abstract: A spray nozzle particularly useful for directing a liquid coolant onto continuously cast metal shapes. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body having a liquid flow passageway communicating with a discharge orifice and a vane disposed within the passageway upstream of the discharge orifice. The vane has a central orifice for creating an axial flow stream and a plurality of circumferentially spaced angled passages for tangentially directing a plurality of liquid flow streams which create liquid turbulence, breakdown and intermixing with the axial flow stream such that liquid emitted from the discharge orifice is adapted for more uniform cooling of a cast metal notwithstanding changes in liquid pressure commensurate with changes in the rate at which the metal is cast.

Abstract: An air assisted spray nozzle assembly, having particular utility in spraying liquid coolants in continuous metal casting systems, which is adapted for operation with substantially reduced air consumption. The nozzle body includes a pre-atomizing unit that has a relatively small sized pressurized air inlet, a liquid impingement post with a uniquely configured impingement face for enhancing liquid breakdown and intermixing with a pressurized air stream from the air inlet, and an expansion chamber configured to reduce eddy currents that detract from efficient pre-atomization of the liquid. The spray nozzle further includes an elongated spray tip supporting barrel adapted for releasable mounting in the pre-atomizing head in predetermined rotational orientation relative to its longitudinal axis for properly receiving and supporting a removable spray tip.

Abstract: A spray nozzle particularly useful for directing a liquid coolant onto continuously cast metal shapes. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body having a liquid flow passageway communicating with a discharge orifice and a vane disposed within the passageway upstream of the discharge orifice. The vane has a central orifice for creating an axial flow stream and a plurality of circumferentially spaced angled passages for tangentially directing a plurality of liquid flow streams which create liquid turbulence, breakdown and intermixing with the axial flow stream such that liquid emitted from the discharge orifice is adapted for more uniform cooling of a cast metal notwithstanding changes in liquid pressure commensurate with changes in the rate at which the metal is cast.

Abstract: A spray gun having a relatively simple outer heat jacket designed to accommodate a multiplicity of fluid supply lines connected to the spray gun while effectively heating and maintaining the supply fluids directed through the gun to the desired temperature for optimum spraying. The heat jacket is mountable and removable from the spray gun without disconnecting the fluid supply lines to the spray gun or the heating fluid supply line to the heat jacket. The illustrated heat jacket is formed with a plurality of external, longitudinally extending open-ended slot each for receiving a respective fluid supply line connected to the spray gun and an internal heating fluid passageway composed of a plurality of interconnected, longitudinally extending heat transfer chambers through which heating fluid is directed in swirling fashion.

Abstract: A liquid spraying system having a spray head and a recirculating liquid supply system for directing pressurized supply liquid to the spray head with a portion of the liquid being directed from the spray head as a discharging spray and a portion of the supply liquid exiting the spray head as a return liquid. The liquid supply system includes two separate selectively pressurizable liquid containable tanks each having a respective fluid conduit coupled to the spray head. The liquid supply system has (1) a first cycle of operation in which the first tank is pressurized and the second tank is depressurized so that pressurized liquid is supplied from the first tank to the spray head and return liquid is directed to the second tank, and (2) a second cycle of operation in which the second tank is pressurized and the first tank depressurized so that liquid is supplied to the spray head from the second tank and return liquid is directed to the first tank.

Abstract: An automatic spray gun incorporates threadless, sanitary couplings for all air and fluid flow path connections for less contamination and lower maintenance. The spray gun nozzle body has threadless connection inlet couplings for air and fluid supply lines. There are threadless connections between the fluid tip and the nozzle body and between the air cap and the fluid tip. The nozzle body/fluid tip connection may incorporate multiple passageways for air and fluid flow; for example a center passageway for fluid flow plus annular middle and outer passageways for atomizing air and fan air respectively, for which seals such as O-rings or a full face gasket may be incorporated at this interface. The nozzle body may also have a threadless connection coupling for the actuator.

Abstract: A gun-like spray device having a spray nozzle assembly at the discharge end and a reciprocatably movable valve needle for controlling the liquid flow through the discharge nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an orifice member which defines a liquid discharge orifice and a rigid valve seat for centering and precisely locating the valve needle in a closed position. An annular resilient sealing member is secured within the orifice member for engaging and creating a liquid seal about the valve needle separate and apart from the rigid seat when the valve needle is in a closed position. The spray nozzle assembly may be used with spray devices having different sized valve needles and includes a first rigid valve seat downstream of the resilient sealing member for receiving a relatively small diameter valve needle and a second rigid valve seat upstream of the resilient sealing member for receiving a relatively large diameter valve needle.

Abstract: A turret-type spray nozzle assembly having a rotatable turret which carries a plurality of spray nozzles and which is rotatable on the nozzle body for locating a selected one of the turret nozzles in an operative spray position. The spray nozzle assembly further includes an auxiliary spray nozzle adapted for directing a higher volume liquid spray than any one of the turret spray nozzles. The spray nozzle assembly includes a body which defines a more direct liquid flow passage, with fewer turns and lesser pressure losses, to the auxiliary nozzle than to a turret spray nozzle. An adaptor also is disclosed for convenient field conversion of a conventional turret spray nozzle into a nozzle assembly according to the invention.