Abstract: A pair of concentric tubes having an inlet and an outlet with the outer tube being closed at either end and the inner tube having a plurality of holes with compound angles designed to impart a swirling motion of the air admitted into the interior of the inner mixing tube. The holes are judiciously located around the inner tube for creating a swirling pattern. The inlet of the tubes leads the dry particles of two different compositions intended to be mixed into the mixer and the outlet leads the mixture to the next station utilizing the mixture. Air admitted internally of the outer tube feed the plurality of holes and the force of the air can be controlled to control the transport of the mixed particles.

Abstract: Coating a substrate with a reinforced resin matrix comprised of liquid resin and reinforcing material can be accomplished with an apparatus where the liquid resin and the reinforcing material are mixed external to the apparatus prior to impacting the substrate. The liquid resin is directed through a cylinder 12 and then through an orifice 7 in nozzle 1, while the reinforcing material is carried in a gas stream through cavity 13, around cylinder 12, and past the nozzle 1. As the reinforcing material passes the nozzle 1, it is drawn into the liquid resin. Due to the distribution of the reinforcing material around the liquid resin flow, the reinforcing material is substantially homogeneously wetted by the liquid resin prior to impacting the substrate.

Abstract: A convergent end-effector which combines a liquid and dry flow external to a spray nozzle eliminates clogging problems common in the prior art spray coating systems. The end-effector utilizes a nozzle with an orifice and at least one atomizing hole, a conduit for directing a liquid resin through the nozzle and an outer housing disposed around said conduit to form a cavity. Reinforcing material enters the cavity on an gas stream supplied and controlled by an eductor located prior to the outer housing, in the direction of the nozzle, and at an angle of less than about 90.degree. with respect to the conduit. The end of the conduit near the nozzle is preferably angled toward the nozzle to further direct the reinforcing material into the liquid resin.

Abstract: Coating a substrate with a reinforced resin matrix comprised of liquid resin and reinforcing material can be accomplished with an apparatus where the liquid resin and the reinforcing material are mixed external to the apparatus prior to impacting the substrate. The liquid resin is directed through a cylinder 12 and then through an orifice 7 in nozzle 1, while the reinforcing material is carried in a gas stream through cavity 13, around cylinder 12, and past the nozzle 1. As the reinforcing material passes the nozzle 1, it is drawn into the liquid resin. Due to the distribution of the reinforcing material around the liquid resin flow, the reinforcing material is substantially homogeneously wetted by the liquid resin prior to impacting the substrate.