Abstract: A rotary atomizer includes a passageway extending between, and coupling, the coating material cup and the interior of the atomizer, from an edge of which atomization occurs. The passageway initiates in the paint cup at a selected non-zero radius and terminates in the interior radially inwardly from the preselected radius. The passageway is angled both in the radial direction and tangentially. The tangential inclination is in a direction opposite the direction of revolution of the rotary atomizer.

Abstract: In variable fill-type fluid couplings, a driving impeller and a driven runner are coupled for joint rotation by means of a liquid medium in an active liquid chamber formed by the rotating members. The active liquid chamber is continuously bled at a selected constant rate and continuously fed at a rate that can be changed to control the volume of fill of the liquid therein. Charging liquid is fed from a source to enter a mouth of the active liquid chamber. To insure that all of the charging liquid enters the active liquid chamber, the mouth is provided with a charging liquid collector that forces charging liquid past the mouth and into the active liquid chamber. The liquid collector can comprise an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of pitched blades between the two rings. The collector rotates with the driving impeller, thereby forcing charging liquid past the mouth and into the active liquid chamber.