Abstract: A quick disconnect for a coating material dispensing device includes a passageway through which coating material is supplied from a supply conduit for dispensing. The supply conduit includes a first region along its length provided with a surrounding O-ring. The passageway includes a sidewall providing a second region along its length in which the first region resides when the supply conduit is positioned in a use orientation in the dispensing device. The second region compresses the O-ring into fluid-tight sealing orientation against the passageway sidewall in the second region when the supply conduit is inserted into the passageway into its use orientation.

Abstract: A device for atomizing and dispensing a first liquid coating material onto a first group of one or more articles to be coated by the first coating material and then for dispensing a second liquid coating material onto a second group of one or more articles to be coated by the second coating material. The device includes at least one atomizer providing a first flow rate of the first and second coating materials required for high quality atomization of the first and second coating materials, and a second outlet providing a second and substantially greater flow rate of the first and second coating materials and lower quality atomization than the first atomizer, or no atomization. A first conduit couples the second outlet to the first atomizer. A second conduit couples the first atomizer to a source of fluid to be dispensed. A valve controls the flow of liquid to the second outlet.

Abstract: A paint hose extension to facilitate safe application of metallic paints with a hand held electrostatic spray gun. The hose extension extends between the spray gun and a hose connected to a grounded paint supply. The hose extension provides a predetermined long electrically insulated paint flow path between a high voltage paint charging electrode in the spray gun and the paint supply hose. An electrically conductive layer shields the hose between an electrically grounded handle on the spray gun and a remote metallic connector which attaches to the paint supply hose. The connector electrically connects the conductive layer with the grounded paint column at the connector.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for indirectly charging atomized electrically conductive fluids discharged from a spray gun. One or more high voltage electrodes are located outside of the atomized fluid envelope for imparting a charge to the fluid droplets. Air curtains are established to surround insulated electrode holders for preventing a buildup of electrically conductive deposits on the holders. The air curtain is strongest at the end of the holder closest to the atomized paint envelope. The electrodes may be supported from an adapter which permits retrofitting on existing direct charge electrostatic spray guns.

Abstract: An improved spray gun for mounting on a programmable industrial robot. A housing and manifold are attached to the robot and a spray head is removably attached to the manifold. The manifold includes fluid passages for supplying liquid, atomization air, fan air and pilot air to the spray head and for returning fluid from the spray head. A remotely controlled regulator is located in the manifold liquid passage and a remotely controlled valve is located in the manifold fluid return passage. One or two electrically actuated pilot valves supply pilot air to simultaneously operate atomization air and pattern shaping air control valves in the manifold passages and to operate a trigger valve in the spray head. A power supply module may be located in the housing for applying an electrostatic voltage through the manifold to the spray head for charging the coating liquid.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic spraying apparatus for robot mounting is disclosed. The electrostatic spraying apparatus has a drive assembly connected to a spray gun assembly. The spray gun assembly has a base and a detachable barrel. The drive assembly acts to rotate the spray gun assembly through a plurality of preselected paths of movement. In addition, all coating contaminated parts can be removed from the apparatus by removing the detachable barrel.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic spray gun for the deposition of powdered coating material on a workpiece is disclosed. The spray gun includes a housing having a barrel to which a nozzle is attached for directing the powdered material to the workpiece. A charging electrode, which is connected to a high voltage power supply, is mounted on a diffuser assembly which is clamped between the nozzle and the housing, on which the nozzle is threaded. A regulated gas flow supplied through the housing and the diffuser assembly provides a gas shield around the charging electrode to prevent a buildup of the coating material on the electrode. A novel pneumatic safety interlock continuously monitors the pressure of the gas supplied to the diffuser assembly. The interlock turns off the high voltage power supply and a pump for the coating material in response to a drop in such pressure resulting from a loose nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic spray gun for the deposition of powdered coating material characterized by an improved deposition efficiency and provided with a multi-stage, trigger operated control that permits spraying at a plurality of conditions that may be preselected by the operator. An axially disposed needle charging electrode is used and an axial air flow passage surrounds the same to reduce any troublesome accumulation of powder on the needle under all spraying conditions.