Abstract: An electrostatic nozzle assembly for dispensing flowable material to a predetermined target. The nozzle assembly comprises an insulative cap, an insulative base and an electrically chargeable metallic, plate-like shim therebetween. The cap and base of the nozzle assembly have sharp continuous unbroken forward edges, the cap forward edge and the adjacent portion of the base defining a continuous dispensing slot. The nozzle assembly has at least one inlet for flowable material leading to at least one distribution chamber formed in the shim. The at least one distribution chamber comprises a plurality of distribution channels defining discrete pathways having a depth of about one half the thickness of the shim and configured to distribute the flowable material from the inlet to predetermined points along the dispensing nozzle assembly. The spacing between the forward edges of the base and cap and the spacing of the cap forward edge and the forward edge of the shim are critical.

Abstract: A uniform distribution nozzle for electrostatic dispensing of conductive fluids, wherein the nozzle includes a nozzle body having a base and an attached cap, and an inlet for receiving fluid at a relatively low pressure. A substantially elongated outlet opening is provided on the nozzle for enabling distribution of the fluid, and a conductive shim is preferably included for providing an electrical charge to the fluid to enable electrostatic distribution from the nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of distribution channels are provided to define discrete pathways within the nozzle for distributing and directing the fluid from the inlet to predetermine dispensing points along the outlet opening. The pathways have substantially equal flow characteristics, so that fluid travels with substantially equivalent volume, speed and pressure between the inlet and the outlet opening, regardless of which particular pathway and dispensing point are involved.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for electrostatically dispensing a flowable material at a controllable rate and in a reliable and uniform manner includes a housing with a dispensing edge and front and rear members joined together to provide a continuous dispensing slot along the dispensing edge. The nozzle is a unitary device having a plurality of substantially hydraulically independent chambers therewithin in fluid communication with the substantially continuous and uninterrupted dispensing slot, whereby flowable material can be selectively supplied to the individual chambers to control the width of material application without structurally modifying the nozzle itself. Field gates are provided at each end of the nozzle to further control the deposition of the charged material, and the nozzles can be oriented to dispense flowable material in substantially any orientation, including vertically upwardly.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing source capture of fumes produced at a work station including a molded aerodynamically designed fume capture hood positionable above the work station, a mounting mechanism for providing vertical movement of the hood such that the orientation of the hood opening remains constant, a fume collection system for removing material contained in air captured by the hood, and a flexible conduit connecting the collection system to the hood. The contours associated with the forward parts of the upper and side wall portions of the hood minimize entrance loss and turbulence to provide a coefficient of entry of at least about 0.93, while the contour associated with the forward part of the upper wall portion permits a higher velocity near the top of the hood for insuring suction of fumes, vapors or smoke near an operator's breathing zone.