Abstract: In a color changing apparatus for multiple color electrostatic coating of conductive coating material, a pipe joint (a) provided to be movable and an electrostatic spray gun connected to the pipe joint (a) through a pipeline are provided. A plurality of coating material supply circulation circuits, including a liquid tank, a pump and a pipe joint (b) disengageably engageable with the pipe joint (a) are provided. The liquid tank, the pump and the pipe joint (b) are connected through a pipeline. The pipe joint (a) and the pipe joint (b) in the plurality of coating material supply circulation circuits can be selectively engaged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for powder coating three dimensional articles (12) carried on a conveyor (14) includes a controller (36) for controlling the rate at which coating material is discharged from a gun (16), so that the rate is proportional to the surface area of the surface portions of the article (12) as they pass the gun (16). Some surface portions topographically have a greater surface area which must be covered, while others are flat or have cut-out regions, requiring less coverage or no coverage at all. In powder coating operations, the discharge rate is controlled via automatic or programmed control of an electro-pneumatic air regulator (42) which regulates the supply of pressurized air to a powder pump (24) connected to the spray gun (16). The apparatus (10) assures uniformity in coating for a three dimensional article (12) with multiple surface portions of varying topography such as curves, angles, cut outs, etc., while minimizing the amount of wasted coating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a powder coating booth used to coat elongated articles while oriented vertically includes a pair of opposing vertical walls forming a coating booth, powder spray guns extending through the walls to powder coat articles located therebetween and an overhead conveyor for carrying the elongated articles along a coating line between the walls. A platform mounted to an elevator is vertically movable to any desired elevation in the booth, thereby to enable a cleaning person to clean accumulated powder from the inner surfaces of the walls after a job is finished or when a new color is used. The platform and elevator may be located below the booth, along the coating line. Alternatively, the platform and elevator may be located at a cleaning station away from the coating line and the booth moved to the cleaning station on a wheel-supported rack.