Patents by Inventor Rainer Melcher

Rainer Melcher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12269055
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rinsing apparatus for connection to an application-agent main channel of an application-agent changeover unit and preferably for the continuous inflow of a rinsing agent into a flow of rinsing air, having a main line for transporting rinsing air and having a rinsing-agent line for transporting a rinsing agent. The rinsing apparatus is distinguished in particular in that the rinsing-agent line opens out into the main line by way of a mouth opening in order to generate a preferable y continuous flow of a rinsing-air/rinsing-agent mixture for introduction into the application-agent main channel. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding rinsing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Thomas Appel, Markus Erhardt, Manfred Michelfelder, Frank Herre
  • Publication number: 20250018416
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating device for coating components with a coating agent. The coating device according to the disclosure comprises a coating booth and at least one separate maintenance cabin for carrying out maintenance measures within the maintenance cabin. The disclosure provides special access protection for the maintenance cabin. The disclosure further includes a corresponding operating method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Frank Tietze, Susanne Beeh, Heiko Friese, Tobias Conte, Sven Bitzer, Emrah Yilmaz, Andreas Dürr, Rainer Melcher, Sandra Berndt, Sören Wehler, Michael Just, Daniel Tino Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20240390923
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrode arrangement for the electrostatic external charging of paint on a rotary atomizer, which has an atomizer housing with an end-face tu-bus which preferably extends coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotary atomizer towards a bell cup. The electrode arrangement has a mounting ring for mounting the electrode arrangement on the atomizer housing of the rotary atomizer, as well as at least one charging electrode for the electrostatic external charging of the paint sprayed off by the rotary atomizer, the at least one charging electrode preferably projecting from the electrode arrangement. The disclosure additionally provides a closed tube shield projecting from the end face of the mounting ring, which in the mounted state extends along the rotation axis of the rotary atomizer as far as the tube of the rotary atomizer in order to shield at least part of the tube of the rotary atomizer on its outside from overspray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Georg M. Sommer, Rainer Melcher, Sandra Berndt, Patrick Häussermann
  • Publication number: 20240342734
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an operating method for an atomizer for painting components (e.g. motor vehicle body components) with a paint, with the following a) Painting with the atomizer with an attachment component mounted on it (e.g. charging ring for exterior painting, protective cover, handling tool), b) replacing the attachment component on the atomizer with another attachment component (e.g. charging ring for the interior painting, protective cover, handling tool). The disclosure further comprises a painting system for carrying out the operating method according to the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck, Manfred Michelfelder, Sören Wehler, Sandra Berndt, Sascha Hermann, Rainer Melcher, Daniel Tino Ackermann, Patrick Häussermann, Johannes Höchsmann
  • Publication number: 20240173729
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating device, in particular a rotary atomizer, for coating components, in particular motor vehicle body components, with an electrostatic coating agent charging system, so that the coating device comprises a high-voltage area and an electrically grounded area. Furthermore, the coating device comprises a sensor in the high-voltage area, in particular as a rotational speed sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the rotary atomizer, and an optical waveguide for transmitting a measurement signal of the sensor from the high-voltage area to the electrically grounded area, wherein the optical waveguide enables a potential separation between the high-voltage area and the electrically grounded area. The disclosure provides that the sensor is a magnetic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Siegfried Poppe, Johannes Höchsmann, Martin Keilbach, Rainer Melcher
  • Publication number: 20230118476
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rinsing apparatus for connection to an application-agent main channel of an application-agent changeover unit and preferably for the continuous inflow of a rinsing agent into a flow of rinsing air, having a main line for transporting rinsing air and having a rinsing-agent line for transporting a rinsing agent. The rinsing apparatus is distinguished in particular in that the rinsing-agent line opens out into the main line by way of a mouth opening in order to generate a preferable y continuous flow of a rinsing-air/rinsing-agent mixture for introduction into the application-agent main channel. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding rinsing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Thomas Appel, Markus Erhardt, Manfred Michelfelder, Frank Herre
  • Patent number: 10870117
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a needle valve for controlling a fluid flow of a coating agent (H, SL) in a painting system, particularly for controlling a fluid flow of a two-component mixture consisting of two coating agent components (H, SL), particularly a two-component paint made from a master batch (SL) and a curing agent (H), comprising a valve seat (7) and a displaceable valve needle (7) with a needle stem and a valve head (5), wherein the valve head (5) closes the valve seat (7) in a closed position of the valve needle (7), while the valve head (5) opens the valve seat (7) in an opened position of the valve needle (7). The disclosure provides a flexible membrane (18) which surrounds the valve needle (7) annularly and in a sealing manner upstream before the needle head (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Manfred Michelfelder, Michael Baumann, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 10605291
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: DÜRR SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 10605292
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: DÜRR SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 10302215
    Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 10047781
    Abstract: A coating system applicator component, e.g. a valve or bell cup, which may be used to be wetted and/or flown through at least in some sections by a coating agent, is provided. The applicator component includes a cylindrical holding part configured to releasably couple a mount of the coating system, as well as an applicator thread on the holding part. The applicator thread includes first and second applicator flank surfaces each obliquely oriented to a radial direction of the holding part, the first and second applicator flank surfaces being asymmetric about the radial direction of the holding part. The first and second applicator flank surfaces are configured to be parallel to and interface with first and second mount flank surfaces of a thread of the mount, respectively, upon a coaxial, threaded engagement between the holding part and the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Publication number: 20180185861
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a needle valve for controlling a fluid flow of a coating agent (H, SL) in a painting system, particularly for controlling a fluid flow of a two-component mixture consisting of two coating agent components (H, SL), particularly a two-component paint made from a master batch (SL) and a curing agent (H), comprising a valve seat (7) and a displaceable valve needle (7) with a needle stem and a valve head (5), wherein the valve head (5) closes the valve seat (7) in a closed position of the valve needle (7), while the valve head (5) opens the valve seat (7) in an opened position of the valve needle (7). The disclosure provides a flexible membrane (18) which surrounds the valve needle (7) annularly and in a sealing manner upstream before the needle head (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Manfred Michelfelder, Michael Baumann, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck
  • Publication number: 20180071770
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Publication number: 20180065138
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Publication number: 20180029062
    Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 9839933
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 9782786
    Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 9662672
    Abstract: A color changer system for a painting robot comprises a color changer. A plurality of color feed lines are included on an inlet side of the color changer. A common color line is included on an outlet side of the color changer, and is configured to forward paint selected by the color changer to an atomizer. A color bar comprises a plurality of docking points supplied by the color feed lines. A color extractor is configured to selectively dock onto one of the docking points of the color bar and, while docked to the color bar, extract paint from an associated color feed line and supply the extracted paint to the common color line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Duerr Systems, GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Manfred Michelfelder, Markus Erhardt, Michael Baumann, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck
  • Publication number: 20170128975
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Joachim Hering, Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Bernhard Seiz, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: D904568
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Rainer Melcher, Thomas Buck, Manfred Michelfelder