Abstract: A powder atomizer comprises a pan, and an element journaled for rotation about an axis. The pan partially surrounds the element, and therewith defines a venturi into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and a spaced outlet. A motor rotates the element within the pan in excess of the speed required to throw powder from the element by centrifugal force and draws gas through the venturi, so that powder fed into the element is atomized and produces a uniform cloud of particulate material. A nonconductive element minimizes the electrical charge on the pan, and thereby the resulting agglomerization of particulate material at the outlet.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining a uniform volume of powder in a powder feeder provided. The system includes a supply hopper that is spared from a powder feeder. The powder includes a receiving opening and a discharge opening. A rotatable brush is in communication with the supply hopper for causing powder withdrawn from the supply hopper to be transported to the powder feeder and disposed uniformly across the receiving opening of the powder feeder. The brush is immersed within the powder and extends across the receiving opening of the powder feeder, and maintains a filled level powder feeder.

Abstract: An improved powder atomizer comprising a cylindrical pan, a cylindrical resiliently deformable element, which is journaled for rotation about an axis within the pan. The pan is mounted coaxially of the element. The element and pan define a cylindrically shaped venturi therebetween into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and outlet radially spaced apart. Structure is provided for rotating the element within the pan at speeds in excess of that required to throw the powder from the element by centrifugal force. The element draws ambient air through the venturi and atomizes and deagglomerates powder fed into the venturi inlet thereby forming a uniformly flowing cloud of particulate material which is uniform both longitudinally and laterally of said axis. The invention also provides an atomizer feeder and an atomizer feeder combination deagglomerator combination with a feeder such a disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: An improved powder feeder having a hopper with an opening in its bottom. A resiliently deformable element is positioned in the opening of the hopper. The element has a flexible exterior dimension and is suitably positioned in relation to the opening to prevent the free flow of material through the opening. The element is mounted on an axle having an axis of rotation. The element is capable of carrying a metered volume of material through the opening as it is rotated. The axle is connected to a variable speed motor. As the element turns, the material flows into the element and moves through the hopper opening in precisely metered amounts relative to the volume and the speed of rotation of the element.

Abstract: A conveyor system that moves closely spaced carrier members around small radius curves and in right-hand and left-hand turns without releasing or respacing the carrier members.