Abstract: A mixing and dispensing head is designed for use in a two component foam system. The head includes a body having a mixing chamber formed therein along a longitudinal axis and having a dispensing channel downstream of the mixing chamber. At least two supply portions are connected to the body, with each of the supply portions for supplying one of the components to the mixing chamber at a component entry location. Each of the component entry locations is longitudinally offset from each other. A rotating mixing member within the mixing chamber for mixing the components together to form the foam product. The mixing member includes a cylindrical core having indentations in the core and having angled vanes extending from the core. A shutoff portion is provided for stopping the flow of product from the dispensing channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a polymer foam includes apparatus for forming a pressurized solution of intermixed polymeric material and gas. The polymeric material remains intermixed with the gas while the solution is maintained above a critical pressure. The pressurized solution is dispensed in wide band through an elongated slot. The dispensing apparatus includes an exit slot section in which the pressure of the solution drops below the critical pressure and the foam begins to form. The solution is maintained above the critical pressure until the solution enters the exit slot section so that premature foaming of the material is prevented.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer for spray coating objects includes an onboard color changer valve manifold as well as an optional onboard fluid pressure regulator. The manifold facilitates rapid and efficient color changing while reducing coating material wastage and solvent usage. The invention also contemplates mounting the color changer repositionally along an axis which preferably coincides with the rotary axis of the atomizer. This facilitates installation and removal of the regulator and permits the coating material flow path between the discharge port of the color changer and the atomizing head to be kept short and straight which improves flow control and facilitates thorough flushing of the flow path with solvent. Other improvements including a particular color changer manifold and atomizer head structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly includes a pair of superposed flexible diaphragms adhesively secured to an annular spacer ring. The space between the diaphragms and the interior of the rings is filled preferably with de-ionized water. The resistivity of the water is monitored to detect conductivity changes upon leakage or diaphragm rupture when pumped materials or pump lubricant mix with the water. Diaphragm assembly and rupture detection methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Electrostatic liquid spray coating apparatus including a rotary atomizing cup of insulative material driven by an air turbine, is provided with a semi-conductive charging device extending through the cup, the inner portion of which is proximate the inner surface of the cup for contact charging liquid coating material supplied to the rear of the cup as it flows forwardly and outwardly over the rotating cup interior and contacts the charging device prior to atomization at the forward edge of the cup. A generally cylindrical insulative support body, housing a turbine and its associated air bearing and cup drive shaft, has a reduced diameter intermediate section which provides an annular cavity in which are located liquid coating and solvent valves for controlling the flow of liquid coating and solvent to the cup.

Abstract: A weigh block assembly is disclosed which utilizes compression load-measuring means interposed between a lower plate attached to and supported by a supporting housing and an upper plate attached to the load to be carried and weighed. The upper plate is freely supported on top of the load-measuring means without lateral restraint so that horizontal forces are not absorbed and the pure vertical force is sensed by the load-measuring means and the weighing inaccuracies and other undesirable and unpredictable effects caused by horizontal restraints on the upper plate are eliminated.