Abstract: A rotating powder bell cup electrostatic spray assembly is provided. This assembly includes a bell cup body removably mated coaxially by screw threads to a first deflector, the assembly rotatably affixed to an air/powder supply. Preferably, the bell cup and first deflector are constructed from an insulative, non-stick material. The assembly includes unique, streamlined, preferably teardrop shaped, paddle deflectors. All corners around which powder passes are rounded, thereby achieving streamlined flow and little or no powder accumulation, as well as improved efficiency, ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of cleaning for such devices. A preferred non-stick material of construction of the bell cup and first deflector is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A manifold block for controlling the flow of liquids and useful in the application of paint to automotive vehicles and in other, similar, applications is provided. The manifold block houses at least one liquid inlet supply channel, at least one liquid outlet return channel, and an applicator channel in microvalved connection with the inlet channel and the outlet channel, which channels meet at a common intersection in adjacent proximity to the microvalve. Stagnation in any of the channels in either the “open” or “closed” mode of operation of the microvalve is substantially eliminated. A stacked array of a plurality of these manifold blocks may be interconnected through a common applicator channel.

Abstract: A rotating powder bell cup electrostatic spray assembly is provided. This assembly includes a bell cup body removably mated coaxially by screw threads to a first deflector, the assembly rotatably affixed to an air powder supply. Preferably, the bell cup and first deflector are constructed from an insulative, non-stick material. The assembly includes unique, streamlined, preferably teardrop shaped, paddle deflectors. All corners around which powder passes are rounded, thereby achieving streamlined flow and little or no powder accumulation, as well as improved efficiency, ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of cleaning for such devices. A preferred non-stick material of construction of the bell cup and first deflector is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A manifold block for controlling the flow of liquids and useful in the application of paint to automotive vehicles and in other, similar, applications is provided. The manifold block houses at least one liquid inlet supply channel, at least one liquid outlet return channel, and an applicator channel in microvalved connection with the inlet channel and the outlet channel, which channels meet at a common intersection in adjacent proximity to the microvalve. Stagnation in any of the channels in either the “open” or “closed” mode of operation of the microvalve is substantially eliminated. A stacked array of a plurality of these manifold blocks may be interconnected through a common applicator channel.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer for a coating apparatus has a bell shaped body, e.g., a bell cup, having a cavity and a detachable flow control device, e.g., face cover, that substantially closes a portion of the cavity. The two-piece construction eases maintenance, such as cleaning, and the manufacturability since the inside the bell cup is easily accessible from the mouth (wider opening) of the bell cup. After the face cover is detached, it can be reused or discarded for a new one. The bell cup further has cleaning channels that can direct cleaning agent directly onto the outer surface of the bell cup, without any reservoir or the like that can accumulate coating material.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer has shaping members to generate shaping air without the need for independent sources of shaping air. The distribution and shape of the shaping members and the selection of rotating speed allows for the selection of virtually any pattern of distribution of atomized material. The shaping members are positioned to produce an outward flow of air from the rotary atomizer thereby eliminating the need for external sources of shaping air.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer has an internal chamber for mixing of coating material. The chamber may contain ridges and grooves, as well as a series of shearing posts to mix the coating material flowing therethrough. As a result of centrifugal forces due to the spinning of the atomizer, the chamber is maintained at a negative pressure, which prevents air from being pumped into the coating material. The coating material enters the chamber through an entry passage and is forced toward the outer edge of the chamber over radiating grooves and ridges, which mix and shear the coating material while guiding the coating material toward rows of shearing posts. The shearing posts further shear and condition the coating material. The series of mixing and shearing of the coating material results in a well-mixed coating material at improved viscosity for proper atomization.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer has an internal chamber for mixing of coating material. The chamber may contain ridges and grooves, as well as a series of shearing posts to mix the coating material flowing therethrough. As a result of centrifugal forces due to the spinning of the atomizer, the chamber is maintained at a negative pressure, which prevents air from being pumped into the coating material. The coating material enters the chamber through an entry passage and is forced toward the outer edge of the chamber over radiating grooves and ridges, which mix and shear the coating material while guiding the coating material toward rows of shearing posts. The shearing posts further shear and condition the coating material. The series of mixing and shearing of the coating material results in a well-mixed coating material at improved viscosity for proper atomization.

Abstract: A sprayer, such as an electrostatic rotary bell-shaped sprayer is made from a material comprising carbon fiber, teflon and polypropylene. An exemplary material comprises about 30% carbon fiber, about 5% teflon, and about 65% polypropylene. When used for electrostatic spraying, the sprayer provides a mist containing an electrical charge equal to at least 20% of the charge applied to the sprayer. For example, when 100,000 volts are applied to the sprayer, the downstream mist contains a charge of at least 20,000 volts. The sprayer can also include a plurality of pits arranged near its outer edge in an offset matrix pattern producing therebetween two sets of intersecting surface lines. The sprayer can further include a deflection part with a pointed rear center section positioned opposite an opening in a base part. A plurality of axial passages positioned around the pointed section and extending toward a front surface of the deflection part allow for the passage of cleaning fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A coating apparatus has a two-piece shroud connected to a manifold, a rotatable shaft extending concentrically through the manifold, and a bell-cup atomizer attached to an end of the shaft. The shroud includes an annular inner member and an annular outer member concentrically shrouded over the inner member. The inner and outer members are removably held together and either the inner or outer member is detachably connected to the manifold. The inner member is held abuttingly against the manifold and positioned substantially between the bell-cup atomizer and the manifold. Shaping air nozzles or passageways are formed between the inner and outer members at their distal ends. The passageways are defined by a plurality of grooves formed at the distal end of either the inner or outer member, or both. The grooves extend to the distal terminal edge thereof. When the outer member is separated from the inner member, the passageways are exposed.

Abstract: A stop particularly adapted to keep a pivoting member of an automobile, such as a door, ajar so that it is out of contact with the automobile frame during painting, is made of a unitary piece of a thermoplastic material, such as polyphenylene sulfide. The stop can be formed through an injection molding. The stop has a generally elongated body with at least one brace portion adapted to engage a post section of the frame. The stop further has at least one hem flange slot extending generally in the direction of the elongated body, which slot is adapted to receive a hem flange section of the frame. At least one locator extends laterally from the elongated body and is adapted for insertion to a locator opening adjacent the post section. At least one abutting portion extends laterally from the elongated body and is adapted to abut against a portion of the pivoting member to keep the pivoting member from engaging the hem flange.

Abstract: A hem flange door stop for use in painting an automobile includes a body, a protruding member contiguous with the body and forming a hem flange groove with the body, a brace contiguous with the body and forming a post slot with the body, and a locator proximate to the brace. The hem flange door stop can further include a stabilizer bar attaching hole formed in the body and can be part of a hem flange door securing system, which includes the stabilizer bar. Also provided is a method of stopping a door including the steps of positioning a hem flange within a hem flange groove such that a post is secured within a post slot and positioning a locator into a post hole. As a result, a stop is fixedly positioned such that a door is prevented from moving beyond a predetermined position relative to the hem flange.