Abstract: A spray applicator system is provided with a reservoir manifold assembly having a separate reservoir for each different coating to be applied. Reservoirs are filled from a coating supply system and isolated electrically from the supply system when coating is dispensed from a reservoir to the applicator. Multiple sets of reservoirs can be used, so that an empty reservoir in one set can be filled while coating is dispensed from a reservoir in the other set. The set of reservoirs in which a reservoir is being filled is isolated electrically from the applicator, and of the set of reservoirs in which a reservoir is dispensing coating to the applicator is isolated electrically from the supply system.

Abstract: A motion control system configured to control motion of a load object independent of the load object, includes a main housing having an internal nut secured with respect to a longitudinal axis of the main housing, and a threaded helical gear movably secured within the main housing. The threaded helical gear includes an end configured to be operatively secured to the load object. The helical gear threadably engages the internal nut. One or both of a first frictional force between the helical gear and the nut or a second frictional force between the nut and at least a portion of the main housing provides a resistive force that controls motion of the load object.

Abstract: A hybrid spiroid and worm gear is formed as a gear body having an axis of rotation. The gear body has a plurality of spiroid gear teeth formed in opposing surfaces of the body formed generally radially relative to the axis of rotation. The gear body further has a plurality of worm gear teeth formed in a hub portion, between, separate and apart from the spiroid teeth. The worm gear teeth are formed generally longitudinally relative to the axis of rotation. A method for making the hybrid spiroid and worm gear is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geared, irreversible motion transmitting device comprising a massive casing supporting an input means and an output means, one end of the input means being fitted with a pinion whereas one end of the output means is fitted with a gear wheel, said pinion and said gear wheel constituting a gear system. Said gearwheel and pinion are designed in a manner that, in operation, pinion rotation generates an effective force acting a distance off the center (C2) of the gear wheel, thereby implementing a corresponding gear wheel rotation, whereas gear wheel rotation generates an effective force (F?2) acting near the pinion center in a way to avert generating a corresponding pinion rotation.

Abstract: A spray applicator system is provided with a reservoir manifold assembly having a separate reservoir for each different coating to be applied. Reservoirs are filled from a coating supply system and isolated electrically from the supply system when coating is dispensed from a reservoir to the applicator. Multiple sets of reservoirs can be used, so that an empty reservoir in one set can be filled while coating is dispensed from a reservoir in the other set. The set of reservoirs in which a reservoir is being filled is isolated electrically from the applicator, and of the set of reservoirs in which a reservoir is dispensing coating to the applicator is isolated electrically from the supply system.

Abstract: A canister for a coating applicator system has a flexible barrier separating a coating-containing region in the canister from a region containing a force applicator for moving the barrier to dispense the coating. While the volumes of each region change upon movement of the barrier, surfaces defining the regions remain in that region.

Abstract: A canister (12) for a coating applicator system has a flexible barrier separating a coating-containing region in the canister (12) from a region containing a force applicator for moving the barrier to dispense the coating. While the volumes of each region change upon movement of the barrier, surfaces defining the regions remain in the same region through out all movement of the barrier.

Abstract: A shuttle push system (10) is provided with a displacing object (36) for insertion into a supply tube (26) and removal from the supply at spaced locations. A return tube moves (34) the displacing object between the position at which it is removed (32) from the supply tube and the position (30) at which it is inserted into the supply tube.

Abstract: A composite coating material delivery conduit includes a first conduit providing a first passageway for coating material to be conveyed through the conduit, a second conduit including a second passageway adapted loosely to receive the first conduit, and an electrically non-insulative layer surrounding the second conduit.

Abstract: Disposable containers are provided for containing different types, for example, different colors, of coating material to be dispensed onto one or more articles. A method of coating articles includes providing a dispensing device for dispensing coating onto the articles. A high-magnitude potential supply is selectively coupled to the dispensing device for supplying electrostatic charge to the coating as the coating is being dispensed. A first disposable container containing a first coating material to be dispensed onto a first one of the articles is coupled to the dispensing device as the first article is presented for coating, and the first coating material is dispensed onto the first article. A second disposable container is filled with a second coating material to be dispensed onto a second one of the articles, for example, while the first coating material is being dispensed onto the first article.

Abstract: A centrifugal operated switch particularly suitable for operating a circuit for starter windings of a motor. A spindle is connected to and rotated by the motor shaft. Swing arms connected to the spindle move upwardly and outwardly in response to rotational speed of the spindle. A plunger is movable in the spindle, and moves together with movement of the swing arms. The plunger is operationally connected to a contactor having one end electrically connected to a first terminal, and a second end alternatively connected to and disconnected from a second terminal. Movement of the plunger causes movement of the contactor.

Abstract: A fluid level sensing systems including a resistive element having an upper end portion disposed in an upper portion of a container and a lower end portion disposed in a lower portion of the container. The resistance of the resistive element varies between the upper and the lower portions of the container. An at least partially conductive strip having substantially the same length as the resistive element is disposed in the container generally parallel thereto and at approximately the same level in the container as the resistive element. An input signal source is coupled to the resistive element by a series resistor.

Abstract: Disposable containers are provided for containing different types, for example, different colors, of coating material to be dispensed onto one or more articles. A method of coating articles includes providing a dispensing device for dispensing coating onto the articles. A high-magnitude potential supply is selectively coupled to the dispensing device for supplying electrostatic charge to the coating as the coating is being dispensed. A first disposable container containing a first coating material to be dispensed onto a first one of the articles is coupled to the dispensing device as the first article is presented for coating, and the first coating material is dispensed onto the first article. A second disposable container is filled with a second coating material to be dispensed onto a second one of the articles, for example, while the first coating material is being dispensed onto the first article.

Abstract: A centrifugal operated switch particularly suitable for operating a circuit for starter windings of a motor. A spindle is connected to and rotated by the motor shaft. Swing arms connected to the spindle move upwardly and outwardly in response to rotational speed of the spindle. A plunger is movable in the spindle, and moves together with movement of the swing arms. The plunger is operationally connected to a contactor having one end electrically connected to a first terminal, and a second end alternatively connected to and disconnected from a second terminal. Movement of the plunger causes movement of the contactor.

Abstract: A valve has a housing and a component movable within the housing. The housing has first, second and third ports formed in it. The movable component has a first passageway formed in it. Movement of the movable component within the housing selectively connects the first port through the first passageway to the second port, or the second port through the first passageway to the third port. At least one of the first and second ports includes a first member for contacting the movable valve component and a second member for retaining the first member. The second member may be constructed from a semiconductive material. At least a region of the movable component around a first end of the first passageway may be semiconductive.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for the circulation of solvent to and from a valve having a movable component and a housing for movably housing the movable component. The movable component has a first orientation with respect to the housing in which it permits the flow of a valved fluid from the valve through a first port provided on the valve and a second orientation with respect to the housing in which it permits the flow of the valved fluid from the valve through a second port provided on the valve. The circuit includes a first passageway provided between the movable component and the housing. A third port is provided on the housing for the introduction of the solvent into the housing and a fourth port is provided on the housing for removal of the solvent from the housing. The first passageway couples the fourth port to the third port. The solvent is a solvent for the valved fluid. A reservoir is provided for the solvent, along with conduits for coupling the third and fourth ports to the reservoir.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing and charging system comprises first electrical conductors extending between first electrically non-conductive supporting members, a power supply coupled across the first conductors and articles to be coated to maintain a high magnitude electrostatic potential difference across a space defined between the first conductors and the articles, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material into the space, and a supply of coating material for the dispenser. The first electrical conductors comprise electrically conductive filaments surrounded by electrically non-conductive sheaths.

Abstract: A valve has a housing and a component movable within the housing. The housing has first, second, third and fourth ports formed in it. The movable component has a first passageway formed in it. Movement of the movable component within the housing selectively connects the first port through the first passageway to the second port. The movable component is selectively movable to disconnect the first port and second port and to connect the second port through the first passageway to the third port. A second passageway is defined between the housing and the movable component. The fourth port is connected to the second passageway.

Abstract: A coating system comprises a source of electrically non-insulative coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material toward an article to be coated thereby, an electrostatic high potential supply for supplying charge to the coating material, means for coupling the high potential supply across the dispenser and the article, a first reservoir, and a first valve. The first valve has a first housing providing first, second, third, fourth and fifth ports, and a first component movable within the first housing and having a first passageway selectively to connect the first port to the second port to permit the flow of coating material from the first port to the second port. The first port is coupled to the coating material source, the second port to the first reservoir, and the third port to the dispenser. The second port is coupled to the third port to permit the flow of coating material from the first reservoir to the dispenser. A source is provided for an electrically non-conductive fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying electrically conductive coating materials to an electrostatic dispenser with a parallel arrangement of subsystems selectably coupled to the dispenser by a four-port system voltage blocking valve, which electrically isolates the subsystems. The subsystems each include first and second piston cylinders that alternatingly receive a selected coating material from a corresponding manifold and supply the coating material to the dispenser by a subsystem voltage blocking valve, which isolates the dispenser from the manifold, when coupled to the dispenser. The first and second piston cylinders of each subsystem also alternatingly receive a solvent from the corresponding manifold and direct the solvent to a waste receptacle by a corresponding subsystem voltage blocking valve when the subsystem is not coupled to the dispenser.