Abstract: Objects which have been abraded are coated with a coating material which is normally solid at room temperatures. The material is liquified at elevated temperatures and sprayed onto the cooler objects in a heated cabinet, whereupon the material at least partially solidifies on the object. Thereafter, heat is applied to the coating material to cause it to flow out over the coat surface. A cooled conveyor system prevents disruption of the coating material. Overspray is maintained in liquified form within the cabinet where it is reclaimed and flows to a heated sump for direct recirculation to the spray apparatus. There are no deleterious solvent emissions. Apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and dispensing a liquid coating material formulation or solution containing a nitrocellulose liquid coating composition and a supercritical fluid as a fluid diluent includes structure for combining the two components within a circuitous flow path or loop to form the coating material solution or formulation, while ensuring that the dissolved solids within the liquid coating composition do not precipitate and clog the supply of fluid diluent into the loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating materials such as water-based paint from a source to an electrostatically charged dispenser includes first and second shuttle devices and two large reservoir, piston pumps each having structure for preventing contamination of the coating material and pressure build-up at their piston heads. The first shuttle device is movable between a neutral position wherein it is electrically isolated from a filling station connected to the coating material source, and a transfer position wherein coating material is transmitted to one of the piston pumps through a coupling device which connects the filling station and first shuttle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring electrically conductive coating materials, such as water-based paint, from at least one source to one or more coating dispensers for discharge onto a substrate. One voltage block is provided to avoid the creation of an electrical path between one or more sources of coating material and the coating material which is electrostatically charged during a coating operation, and a secondary voltage block is provided between each of a number of individual spray guns and the charged coating material so that each spray gun can be electrically isolated from the charged coating material when not in use. The apparatus is optionally provided with a color changer, and/or a heater which is electrically isolated from the charged coating material and is effective to elevate the temperature of the coating material prior to discharge from the spray guns.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating materials such as water-based paint from a source to an electrostatically charged dispenser includes first and second shuttle devices and two large reservoir, piston pumps each having structure for preventing contamination of the coating material and pressure build-up at their piston heads. The first shuttle device is movable between a neutral position wherein it is electrically isolated from a filling station connected to the coating material source, and a transfer position wherein coating material is transmitted to one of the piston pumps through a coupling device which connects the filling station and first shuttle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring electrically conductive coating materials, such as water-based paint, from at least one source to one or more coating dispensers for discharge onto a substrate. One voltage block is provided to avoid the creation of an electrical path between one or more sources of coating material and the coating material which is electrostatically charged during a coating operation, and a secondary voltage block is provided between each of a number of individual spray guns and the charged coating material so that each spray gun can be electrically isolated from the charged coating material when not is use. The apparatus is optionally provided with a color changer, and/or a heater which is electrically isolated from the charged coating material and is effective to elevate the temperature of the coating material prior to discharge from the spray guns.

Abstract: Electrostatic coating apparatus including apparatus for establishing an electrostatic field for indirectly charging atomized droplets of paint or other coating material discharged from an atomizer. A flexible tube is formed into an annulus and is positioned coaxially with the atomizer. Pins extend through the tube and have short ends which project towards a workpiece to be coated. The tube is formed from an insulating outer layer and a semi-conducting inner layer having a high distributed resistance. The pins extend through the inner layer which is connected through a large resistance to a high voltage power supply. The apparatus is particularly useful for charging electrically conductive and semi-conductive materials delivered to the atomizer from a grounded source.

Abstract: A high speed non-incendive rotary painting assembly including a high voltage power supply, an air supply means and a paint supply means is disclosed. The rotary painting assembly comprises a non-conductive body. A high speed, non-conductive turbine is connected to a non-conductive atomizer bell. In one embodiment, the non-conductive turbine is connected to a non-conductive rotatable shaft which mounts the non-conductive atomizer bell. In another embodiment, the non-conductive shaft is fixed. The non-conductive shaft rotatably mounts a non-conductive turbine and rotary atomizer bell assembly.

Abstract: An improved rotary atomizer bell is disclosed for use in an electrostatic rotary atomizer liquid paint applicator. The bell has a paint discharge edge at a front end and has a predetermined wall thickness at the front end. In one embodiment, a radius of from 0.040 inch up to the front end wall thickness is provided between an exterior surface and a flat front end surface. In a modified embodiment, the front end surface on the bell lies on a right conical surface of revolution having an apex located on the axis of revolution of the bell and spaced outwardly from the bell and having a base angle of between about 7.degree. to 20.degree..