Abstract: The disclosure relates to a voltage block system for delivering conductive coating materials continuously to electrically charged electrostatic paint spray devices from a primary paint supply system which is at ground potential. In a preferred form, the system utilizes cooperatively associated coating material transfer and inventory vessels. The inventory vessel is connected to the electrostatically charged spray devices and continuously supplies coating material thereto. The transfer vessel is alternatively coupled to the primary paint supply, in order to be replenished thereby, and with the inventory tank, in order to refill the inventory tank prior to its exhaustion. The inventory tank is maintained under a positive gas pressure both during refilling operations and at other times, so that coating material is always supplied to the spray devices under pressure. At all times, the primary paint supply is isolated from the high voltage.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a apparatus for spray painting of large, irregularly shaped articles, where the shape and size of the articles require relative movement between the article and the spray applicator in at least two axes. One, and preferably a plurality of atomizing nozzles are arranged to be rotated about a predetermined axis and are oriented at a substantial angle to such axis. The article to be coated is conveyed past the spray station along one axis, and the rotating spray unit is reciprocated along a second axis at right angles to said axis of conveyance. The orientation and positioning of the atomizing heads is such that the spray fans intercept the primary work surfaces relatively close to the intersection therewith of the axis of spray head rotation. In addition, the rate of spray head rotation is so controlled, in relation to the rate of reciprocation and the rate of conveyance that the spray fans of coating material describe a path in the nature of a tight curtate cycloid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a paint spray system and specifically to a novel part gaging apparatus and spray head positioning system. The paint spray system comprises a spray housing, conveyor means to transport a workpiece to be painted through the housing, and spray head means mounted on a movable positioner adjacent the housing and extending into the interior of the spray housing. The part gaging apparatus includes a part sensing element positioned adjacent to the conveyor means and displaceable to contact a workpiece being conveyed to the spray housing. The part sensing element is mechanically connected to a position memory apparatus and operates the position memory apparatus in accordance with the distance the part sensing element is displaced. The displacement information is appropriately related to the width of the workpiece and establishes the proper forward position to be occupied by the spray heads of the coating system.

Abstract: A positive check valve control unit is disclosed for use in the color change system of an industrial paint spray installation to insure the proper functioning of the system. The control unit of the invention comprises a plurality of check valves connected to a valve body provided with a common outlet duct. Each check valve includes a passage with a discharge opening for communication with the common outlet duct. A ball check is movably positioned in the passage and is urged by biasing means against the opening to protrude into the common outlet duct and close the passage.A unique feature of the present invention is the provision of a cam plunger in the common outlet duct, positioned to engage and displace the protruding ball checks against the biasing means, to positively open the passages thereby allowing paint or other process fluids to flow through the check valve and out the outlet duct.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for spray painting of large, irregularly shaped articles, where the shape and size of the articles require relative movement between the article and the spray applicator in at least two axes. One, and preferably a plurality of atomizing nozzles are arranged to be rotated about a predetermined axis and are oriented at a substantial angle to such axis. The article to be coated is conveyed past the spray station along one axis, and the rotating spray unit is reciprocated along a second axis at right angles to said axis of conveyance. The orientation and positioning of the atomizing heads is such that the spray fans intercept the primary work surfaces relatively close to the intersection therewith of the axis of spray head rotation. In addition, the rate of spray head rotation is so controlled, in relation to the rate of reciprocation and the rate of conveyance that the spray fans of coating material describe a path in the nature of a tight prolate cycloid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved electrostatic paint spray system adapted for the application of conductive materials while at the same time providing for isolation of the electrically charged spray heads from the source of coating material. Heretofore, electrostatic paint spray procedures have been limited to a large extent to the use of non-conductive coating materials. Where it is appropriate or desirable to utilize conductive coating materials, it has been necessary to provide for the electrical isolation of the entire paint supply system, a circumstance which imposes severe practical limitations. The present invention enables an isolating stage to be provided within the coating material supply system, near the area of discharge, so that the "upstream" portions of the supply system are free of the high voltage electrical charge impressed at the spray guns, notwithstanding the use of electrically conductive coating materials.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to automatic paint spray systems, typically but not necessarily of the electrostatic type, provided with color change means and facilities for recovery and re-use of the residual paint increment contained in the system at the start of a color change cycle. The system of the invention provides for an automatic color change cycle in a paint spray system, in which original paint is purged from the system by terminating the supply of the original paint and introducing purge fluids, including solvent and possibly also air. Principally, the original paint is purged through a discharge line, on the downstream side of the paint spray devices, and is collected in a suitable receptacle, along with the purged solvent. A unique feature of the new system resides in the ability of the discharge system to automatically separate and isolate the original paint from the new color paint, so that the purged paint may be collected in a segregated container and re-used.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to automatic paint spray systems, typically but not necessarily of the electrostatic type, provided with color change means and facilities for recovery and re-use of the residual paint increment contained in the system at the start of a color change cycle. The system of the invention provides for an automatic color change cycle in a paint spray system, in which original paint is purged from the system by terminating the supply of the original paint and introducing purge fluids, including solvent and possibly also air. Principally, the original paint is purged through a discharge line, on the downstream side of the paint spray devices, and is collected in a suitable receptacle, along with the purged solvent. A unique feature of the new system resides in the ability of the discharge system to automatically separate and isolate the original paint from the new color paint, so that the purged paint may be collected in a segregated container and re-used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for progressively charging an electrically isolated conductive workpiece from ground potential to high potential while the workpiece is supported by a moving grounded conveyor. A portion of the conveyor is selectively included in circuit with a high voltage source and a voltage divider to charge the isolated conveyed workpieces to high electrostatic potential with respect to ground. The highly charged workpieces are conveyed past a grounded spray device dispersing atomized particles (i.e., liquid or powder) which are at electrical ground potential. In accordance with well known electrostatic coating principles, the particles will be attracted to the high potential workpiece parts and will adhere thereto.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved electrostatic paint spray system adapted for the application of conductive materials while at the same time providing for isolation of the electrically charged spray heads from the source of coating material. Heretofore, electrostatic paint spray procedures have been limited to a large extent to the use of non-conductive coating materials. Where it is appropriate or desirable to utilize conductive coating materials, it has been necessary to provide for the electrical isolation of the entire paint supply system, a circumstance which imposes severe practical limitations. The present invention enables an isolating stage to be provided within the coating material supply system, near the area of discharge, so that the "upstream" portions of the supply system are free of the high voltage electrical charge impressed at the spray guns, notwithstanding the use of electrically conductive coating materials.