Abstract: Overburden from surface coal mining in many regions can produce a rain runoff laden with selenium, in the selenate form. This occurs from rainwater leaching through exposed selenium-containing rocks in the overburden. The selenium-containing runoff water is caught in ponds. Remediation of the pond water to remove selenate is performed by treatment with sulfur-modified iron (SMI) in a contact bed of an upflow reactor vessel. The pond water after pretreatment is pumped through the SMI reactor, and can then be run through an oxidation tank and filtered to remove iron. For extending effectiveness and life of the SMI the contact bed is either periodically “fluffed” with a high-velocity upflow of water through the bed, or moved continuously through the column in a continuous medium filtration system. A biocide can be added to runoff water prior to the contact bed.

Abstract: An independent blood filter device depends on flow geometry to deliver blood serum or plasma free of detrimental levels of hemoglobin. It depends critically on an upstream flow rate or pressure differential limiting control element or device that limits the rate of change of pressure differential across the filter element. Pre-evacuated versions can be used to simultaneously draw blood from a living being and provide pressure differential across the filter element between an evacuated collector and a supply end open to atmosphere. A unit pressurized by hand motion employs the external shape of a partially filled blood collection tube as a piston to produce pressure in advance of the control element or device to create the pressure differential across the filter element to a collector vented to atmosphere. The control element or device is disclosed in numerous forms, including specially sized flow constrictions and compliant arrangements.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module comprising a bundling tube including a body part and head parts placed at both terminals of the body part and O-rings with which the bundling tube is fitted into a housing being attached to outer circumferential surfaces of the head parts, wherein at least one of the head parts are divided into two in a place closer to a terminal of the bundling tube than places where the O-rings are attached while maintaining a cylindrical shape of the head part, and the divided parts have a slidable structure while maintaining a coupled condition therebetween that forms the cylindrical shape. The hollow fiber membrane module is capable of preventing damage effectively on a hollow fiber membrane or the bundling tube due to expansion or contraction of the hollow fiber membrane to be caused by change of an external environment such as temperature.

Abstract: A method for use in the manufacture of a filtration article includes providing a porous, fluoropolymer membrane, and applying a force to at least a portion of a first side surface of the membrane to modify the first side surface. The applied force may have a non-normal directional component relative to the first side surface. The surface modification may increase the density of the modified surface and/or reduce the porosity of the modified surface. Particle retention capabilities are thereby enhanced across the modified surface while maintaining permeability across the volume of the membrane.

Abstract: A gas sterilization package component having (a) a gas diversion wall stock for at least a portion of a container, the wall stock having an opening therethrough; (b) a gas diversion layer; (c) a filter sheet disposed between (a) and (b), the filter sheet having a first surface and an opposing second surface circumscribed by a perimeter edge; and wherein the first surface of the filter sheet is attached to a surface of said gas diversion layer and the second surface of the filter sheet is sealed to a surface of the wall stock whereby an opening in the wall stock is covered by the filter sheet and a gas passageway is defined from the opening through a portion of the second surface of the filter sheet and extending through said filter perimeter edge.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A home use carbonation machine includes a pronged clamp to fit a non-upright bottle to a flexible seal, thereby facilitating a closed carbonation environment in the bottle and a normally open safety valve to vent the bottle when the carbonation machine is not actively carbonating. A home use carbonation machine includes a carbonation assembly to carbonate liquid with pressurized gas, a pronged clamp and a centering ring with centering ribs to guide a non-upright bottle into the pronged clamp during insertion and to constrict prongs of the clamp when a user moves the non-upright bottle towards an upright position for operation.

Abstract: Mixing, stirring or dispersing method using a corresponding apparatus (1) with a housing (2) and a container (3). The container (3) has a mixing chamber (4), into which mixing chamber (4) a rod-like element (6) projects. At the entrance into the mixing chamber (4), this rod-like element (6) is connected to a membrane (8), which membrane (8) is part of a wall (9) of the container (3). In order to process the contents of the mixing chamber (4), the rod-like element (6) is made to move, together with the membrane (8), by a drive (7). In order to avoid unintentional failure of the membrane (8), within the context of the method, the number of revolutions of the drive (7) is counted and the drive is switched off upon reaching a maximum number of revolutions permitted for the loading capability of the membrane (8) and the resulting number of load variations.

Abstract: A mixer drum apparatus to stir material to be stored includes a freely-rotatable drum having an opening end opened at one end to receive the material to be stored therein, a plurality of spirally-shaped blades provided inside the drum to have a phase difference, and an inlet seal provided at the opening end of the drum and connected partially to the blades. The inlet seal located between the blades forms an opening causing the material to be stored to pass through.

Abstract: Bone cement mixing and delivery device and methods are disclosed. The device includes a first tube/barrel (e.g., a syringe barrel) containing a bone cement powder and a second tube/barrel that can be filled with or that contains a liquid; the first and second tubes/barrels can be fluidly connected end-to-end such that there is fluid communication between the tubes/barrels. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the device for use, methods for forming a bone cement using the device, and methods and device design to extend the shelf life of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first fluid into a flow path (44) of a second fluid, said apparatus having a chamber (12), which encloses the flow path and exhibits a first inlet (13) for receiving the second fluid, a second inlet (15) arranged downstream of the first inlet for receiving the first fluid, as well as an outlet arranged downstream of the second inlet for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid, said flow path extending from the first inlet to the outlet and said second inlet opening into the flow path, a throttle body (29), which is pivotally arranged inside the chamber for controlling the flow area of the flow path, and pivoting means (50, 51) for pivoting the throttle body for said controlling of the flow area.

Abstract: A powder granulation method affords greater operation efficiency and working efficiency and enhanced product recovery rate by preventing powder from being adhered to a container inner wall while suppressing variability in particle size of product to the utmost. A plurality of scrapers are disposed so as to abut or come close to the inner face of a bottomed cylindrical container that accommodates powder so that the powder in the container is granulated by causing an inner bottom surface of the container to rotate on a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor including a chamber (1) and separation means (2) arranged inside the chamber (1), said separation means defining at least one reaction area (3) and at least one regeneration area (4), the reaction area (3) being supplied with a reaction flow (15, 16) and connected, at the outlet thereof, to a first gas tapping device (13), the regeneration area (4) being supplied with a regeneration flow (17) and connected, at the outlet thereof, to a second gas tapping device (10), the reactor being suitable for including a fluidized bed of catalyst particles (5) in the reaction area (3), the separation means (2) enabling the catalyst particles to pass from the reaction area (3) to the regeneration area (4), and the reactor making it possible to move catalyst particles into the regeneration area (4) so as to enable the return thereof to the reaction area (3).

Abstract: A method is provided for encapsulating products that can have lipophilic or hydrophilic, including volatile, properties in a polysiloxane membrane that is particularly impervious. A method is also provided for evaluating the imperviousness of capsules. The present method includes the following steps: a) formation of droplets by an emulsion between an oily phase containing the product to be encapsulated and an acidic aqueous phase heated to around 50° C. and in the presence of surfactants; b) addition and hydrolysis of at least one silane in order to obtain a silanol; c) increasing the pH in order to start condensation of the silanol to form a first membrane around the droplets of the product to be encapsulated; d) lowering the pH; e) increasing the pH, optionally preceded by adding a silane, in order to obtain a new condensation of silanol around the droplets of the product to be encapsulated.

Abstract: A method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.

Abstract: A cool hydrogen-propelled cyclone quench box comprises: a mixing chamber (7) arranged at the center of a lower support plate (11); swirl tubes (6) arranged above the lower support plate (11) and outside the mixing chamber (7), the tubes being in tangential communication with the body of the mixing chamber (7) along a horizontal direction; a gas-liquid downcomer (5) perpendicularly arranged outside each swirl tube (6), the bottom portions of the downcomers and the outer walls of the swirl tubes (6) being in tangential communication along a perpendicular direction, and the top portions of the gas-liquid downcomers (5) being connected to fluid inlets (4) arranged on an upper support plate (3). The bottom end of a cool hydrogen branch pipe (8) is arranged outside each swirl tube (6), and is tangentially connected to the swirl tube (6) along a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Adsorption systems providing a capacity of at least 200 g/L for oxygen-containing mixtures, or an oxygen-nitrogen selectivity of at least 1.4:1 or at least 1:2 with an adsorbed capacity of at least 0.6 mmol/g at 4 bar and 22° C.

Abstract: Absorbent containment mats are disclosed. The mats include an upper absorbent layer, a lower liquid impermeable barrier layer, and a peripheral containment edge. The peripheral containment edge may have a lower profile than the absorbent layer. A pressure sensitive adhesive may be applied to the underside of the barrier layer. A durable porous layer may be provided over the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A sponge-like polymeric adsorption material prepare by a process including: preparing a linear polymer yarn from a linear polymer via melt-blow spinning, treating the linear polymer yarn with a crosslinking agent and a porogen agent; heating the treated linear polymer yarn at 130 to 150° C. for 25 to 35 seconds to obtain a fibrous polymeric adsorption material; and weaving the fibrous polymeric adsorption material to obtain the sponge-like polymeric adsorption material. The linear polymer has a molecular weight of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol. The fibrous polymeric adsorption material includes fibers with a diameter of 4 to 6 microns. The crosslinking agent is in an amount of 1 to 3 weight % of the linear polymer. The crosslinking agent is a diacrylate ester compound having Formula J1, J2 or J3. The porogen agent is in an amount of about 1 weight % of the linear polymer. The sponge-like polymeric adsorption material has a thickness of 15-20 mm and a density of 600-720 g/L.

Abstract: Methods of making supported polyamines, supported polyamines, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an oxide catalyst for use in the gas-phase catalytic oxidation reaction or the like of propane or the like, the process comprising the steps of: (I) obtaining a preparation containing compounds of Mo, V, Nb, and Sb or Te at the predetermined atomic ratios; (II) drying the preparation to obtain a dry powder; and (III) calcining the dry powder, wherein the step (III) comprises the step of calcining the dry powder in the presence of a compound containing W in the form of a solid to obtain a pre-stage calcined powder or a mainly calcined powder, or the step of calcining the dry powder and calcining the obtained pre-stage calcined powder in the presence of the solid to obtain a mainly calcined powder, the solid satisfies the predetermined conditions, and the oxide catalyst comprises a catalytic component having the predetermined composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for reducing a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of a gas comprising a manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst. The manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst is capable of catalyzing formaldehyde at room temperature, with complete conversion, to CO2 and water vapor. The manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst itself is not consumed by the reaction of formaldehyde into CO2 and water vapor. The present invention also provides for a device for reducing or removing a particle, a VOC and/or ozone from a gas comprising an activated carbon filter (ACF) on a media that is capable of being periodically regenerated.

Abstract: A silver-based ethylene oxide catalyst that can be used in the vapor phase conversion of ethylene to ethylene oxide in the presence of oxygen is provided that includes a carrier; a catalytic effective amount of silver; and a promoting amount of at least one promoter, wherein the catalyst has a surface sodium content of 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: Bimetallic Synergized Platinum Group Metals (SPGM) catalyst systems for TWC application are disclosed. Disclosed bimetallic SPGM catalyst systems may include a washcoat with a Cu—Mn spinel structure and an overcoat that includes PGMs, such as Pd/Rh or Pt/Rh supported on carrier material oxides, such as alumina. Bimetallic SPGM catalyst systems show significant improvement in nitrogen oxide reduction performance under lean operating conditions, which allows a reduced consumption of fuel. Additionally, disclosed bimetallic SPGM catalyst systems exhibit enhanced catalytic activity for carbon monoxide conversion. Furthermore, bimetallic SPGM catalyst systems are found to have enhanced catalytic activity for fresh, hydrothermally aged and fuel cut aged conditions compared to PGM catalyst system, showing that there is a synergistic effect between PGM catalyst and Cu—Mn spinel within the disclosed SPGM catalyst system which help in performance and thermal stability of disclosed SPGM catalyst systems.

Abstract: Supported olefin metathesis catalysts are disclosed, and more particularly, a supported catalyst complex comprising a catalyst composed of a Group 8 transition metal complex comprising a labile ligand and a non-labile ligand and a support, wherein the metal complex and the support are linked together by one or more linkers, in which one of the linkers connects the labile ligand of the complex to the support and the same or a different linker connects the non-labile ligand of the complex to the support. A method for preparing a supported catalyst complex is further disclosed. The invention further relates to the use of the supported olefin metathesis catalyst in performing metathesis reactions. The invention has utility in the fields of catalysis, organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and industrial and fine chemicals chemistry.

Abstract: Disclosed are washcoats, coated substrates formed from such washcoats, and catalytic converters for use in diesel applications, such as heavy duty diesel applications. Methods of preparing the coated substrates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for regenerating catalysts that have been deactivated or poisoned during hydrogenation of biomass, sugars and polysaccharides is described, in which polymerized species that have agglomerated to catalyst surfaces can be removed by means of washing the catalyst with hot water at subcritical temperatures. A feature of the process can regenerate the catalysts in situ, which allows the process to be adapted for used in continuous throughput reactor systems. Also described is a continuous hydrogenation process that incorporated the present regeneration process.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a method for precisely dispensing fluid, including treating an orifice of a fluid dispensing apparatus during a fabrication process by applying a low surface energy material layer onto the orifice, adjusting a thickness of the low surface energy material coating to a predetermined threshold and limiting backpressure of a low dead volume fluid delivery system coupled to the orifice to reduce interference or interruptions for precisely dispensing the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a welding method for substrate and membrane of membrane mobile polymer microfluidic chip, which relates to the manufacturing technology of membrane mobile polymer microfluidic chip and comprises the following steps: before the welding, the substrate is fixed, the surface of the substrate is covered with the membrane; the membrane is pressed against the surface of the substrate, and in the course of welding, the laser irradiates the welding area on the substrate through the membrane, and the welding area fuses and then welds the substrate and membrane together. The present invention realizes the firm welding between membrane and substrate of membrane mobile polymer microfluidic chip, and ensures that the weld face is flat and uniform.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid flow within a microchannel includes a fluid circuit comprising a fluid outlet well and one or more fluid inlet wells, all in communication with a microchannel. A negative pressure differential is applied to the outlet well and fluid flow from an inlet well into the microchannel is controlled by opening or closing the inlet well to atmospheric pressure. To stop fluid flow from the inlet well, a negative pressure differential may be applied to the inlet well to equalize pressure between the inlet and outlet wells. By sequentially opening and closing different inlet wells to atmosphere, controlled amounts of different reagents can be serially introduced into the microchannel.

Abstract: Oil compositions and methods for use in droplet formation or in spacing of droplets are disclosed. The oil compositions may include a combination, such as a silicone oil and a fluorine-containing compound. The droplets can contain analytes (e.g., nucleic acids) and may be used for molecular reactions (e.g., digital PCR) and detection.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes an attachment unit having an insertion opening for insertion of a reaction container including a channel filled with a reaction solution containing reverse transcriptase enzyme and a liquid having a lower specific gravity than that of the reaction solution and being immiscible with the reaction solution, a first heating unit that heats a first region of the channel, a second heating unit that heats a second region of the channel nearer the insertion opening than the first region, a drive mechanism that switches arrangement of the attachment unit, the first heating unit, and the second heating unit between a first arrangement and a second arrangement, and a control unit that controls the first heating unit to be at a temperature at which reverse transcription reaction progresses and the second heating unit to be at a temperature at which the reverse transcriptase enzyme is not deactivated.

Abstract: A system for fast, accurate and inexpensive thermal cycling is disclosed including a set of thermally conductive plates that are maintained in a fixed spatial relationship to each other, and separated from each other by a thermal insulating space. A hole having a size approximately equal to a size of a desired test sample is formed through the set of thermally conductive plates. The test sample is placed in the hole and moved back and forth between the different temperature plates, to the desired temperature locations for desired time periods, in a pattern that is determined by the user, and repeated as many times as needed for the specific process.

Abstract: A top-fed vertical grain mill which causes intermittent compression of grains while reducing potential overmilling. The top-fed vertical grain mill includes a resistor bar, a plurality of rolls having a smooth, metal vertical outer periphery on which a vertically-aligned stirring bar is positioned, and a bran removal cylinder having a plurality of perforations therethrough, which may be throughout or which may be below the bottom surface of the top-most of the plurality of rolls.

Abstract: A counterweight for use in a cone crusher that includes an inner oil chamber and an outer oil chamber to collect lubricating oil during operation of the cone crusher. The counterweight includes a vertical separating wall that receives a splash shield. The vertical separating wall and splash shield define an inner oil chamber while an outer oil chamber is defined by the splash shield, the vertical separating wall and an inner wall of the counterweight. Both the inner and outer oil chambers include drain holes that allow lubricating oil to pass through a generally horizontal floor of the counterweight. The combination of the inner and outer oil chambers allows oil to quickly exit the counterweight into the main oil sump and reduces the amount of oil that gets exposed to the upper seal assembly which reduces the passage of oil past seal assemblies formed in the cone crusher.

Abstract: To provide a mill that can greatly reduce noise during operation and can also contribute to greater device compactness. The mill is provided with: a tubular drum body configured in a manner so that a material to be milled introduced from one section can be discharged from another section; a central shaft that penetrates within the drum body in the direction of tube length thereof; and a plurality of milling plates that are attached at a predetermined interval in the axial direction of the central shaft, and that compartmentalize the interior space of the drum body in to a plurality of milling chambers. The drum body and/or the milling plates rotate, and the mill does not have a milling medium that mills the material to be milled by contacting the material to be milled while rolling within the drum body.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for the micronisation of a powdered material (P) containing particles, comprising: a container (11), containing a reserve of the powdered product (P) to be micronised; a high-energy gaseous spiral fluid-jet micronising mill (12) with which powdered product (P) is micronised; and a feed system (13) to feed powdered product (P) from container (11) to the spiral jet mill (12), wherein feed system (13) comprises a special microdispenser device (20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29) that micrometrically dispenses and directly feeds the powdered material (P), in a dense state, to the spiral jet mill (12), and wherein said microdispenser device (20) comprises one or more dispensing sections (21) which are cyclically filled with material originating from container (11) and then emptied to feed the material to the spiral jet mill (12), opening and closing at high frequency a plurality of control valves (26, 27, 28 and 29) associated with the dispensing sections (21) of the microdispenser device (20).

Abstract: Methods for processing carbonaceous materials to produce on-sized granulated materials. Such methods provide improved starting materials for production of, for example, activated carbon.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus comprising: a base; a first material processing unit, for example a crusher and; a feed conveyor. The feed conveyor and the second material processing unit are both movable with respect to the first material processing unit and with respect to each other so that material can be fed into the first material processing unit directly from the feed coneyor, or indirectly from the feed conveyor via the second material processing unit. The second material processing unit can be stored beneath the feed conveyor when not in use.

Abstract: An Environmental Control System may use an electronic particle separation system to control humidity in an aircraft. The electronic particle separation system may include a particle separator, a sensor module, and a controller configured to receive signals from the sensor module, and operate the particle separator based on the received sensor signals. In some embodiments, the controller may include a processor which may determine whether the particle separator is being operated under an ozone related condition exceeding a threshold operating condition. If one of the threshold operating conditions is exceeded, the particle separator may be turned off which may control the amount of ozone present in the aircraft.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a frame, a spindle and centrifuge rotor on the spindle. The centrifuge rotor comprises a rotor casing, which forms an inner separation space, an inlet for supply of a fluid and an outlet for discharge of a separated component. An electrical drive motor having a stator and a rotor drives the spindle and the centrifuge rotor. The rotor of the drive motor is supported by a first bearing and second bearing. A coupling member connects the rotor of the drive motor and the spindle for transmitting a rotary movement. A third bearing supports the spindle so that it is radially elastic in relation to the frame for transmitting a first part of radial forces between the spindle and the frame. The coupling member comprises a lamella coupling or a universal coupling, and transmits a second part of the radial forces, which exists between the spindle and the frame, to the frame via the rotor of the drive motor and at least one of the first and the second bearing.

Abstract: A centrifuge may include a bowl operative to rotate with respect to a stationary portion. The centrifuge may include at least one vibration sensor operative to generate vibration data representative of vibrational movement of portions of the centrifuge. The processor may monitor the vibration data as the bowl is being filled with a fluid. The processor may cause a drive device to increase the rotational speed of the bowl responsive to determining from the vibration data that the bowl has becoming substantially filled with a fluid.

Abstract: A switching method of a button switching shower includes: step 1, pressing a button slidingly connected to the shower, and then the button slides; step 2, the button acts on the linking seat of the pawl for rotating the pawl; step 3, the pawl rotates the ratchet wheel through the control end of the pawl, and the shape of the elastic claw of the pawl is changed for restoring energy; step 4, the rotation of the ratchet wheel rotates the water diversion disc, and then the water diversion disc is in place, and then the water diversion disc switches the outlet functions, the stopping claw of the pawl is against the ratch of the ratchet wheel for stopping the ratchet wheel inversion; step 5, the pressing is loosened for resetting the button, and the elastic energy of the elastic claw is released for resetting the pawl.

Abstract: A device for distributing a fluid in a controlled manner, in particular for distributing a gas loaded with particles, the device comprising a pipe (1) provided with at least one inlet orifice (2) and with a series of outlet orifices (3) spread along the pipe (1) and cut in a side wall of this pipe, wherein at least one section (4) of the side wall, located downstream of at least one outlet orifice and limited by a section (5) of the edge of the outlet orifice (3), has a concave shape such that this section (5) of the edge of such outlet orifice (3) is positioned inside the pipe so that, when the device is in service, the flow direction of a fluid exiting such outlet orifice (3) and travelling along such deformed concave wall section (4) of the edge of this outlet orifice (3) is controlled by the shape of such section (5) of the edge.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for an irrigation sprinkler is provided, where the nozzle has a deflector that is configured with depending ribs. Each of the ribs has micro-structures that cooperate with other geometry of the rib and deflector to define a plurality of different micro-ramps for dividing the discharged water into different sprays having different characteristics that can be combined to achieve a spray pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to fluid dispensing heads. A dispense head is formed to define a plurality of fluid jetting nozzles and a surface pattern. The surface pattern is characterized by one or more voids extending inward from an outer surface of the dispense head. Fluid puddle formation during operation of the dispense head is limited in volume by way of the surface pattern. Fluid puddle limiting reduces or eliminates dispensing errors to an entity, undesirable artifacts from resulting on a printed media, or similar problems.

Abstract: In a rotary atomizer (10) including a rotating bell (92) secured to a rotating shaft (20a) of an air motor (20) held in an atomizer body, the rotating bell having a plurality of orifices (92a) for supplying paint to an object to be painted, the rotating bell being rotated to spray the paint toward the object to be painted, the rotary atomizer comprises a paint passage (102a) with a paint port (112c) at an end thereof fluidly communicating with the orifices of the rotating bell, and a water passage (108) arranged outside of the paint passage and having a water port at an end of the water passage leading to the orifices of the rotating bell. A needle (94) for opening and closing the paint port may be provided.

Abstract: In a rotary atomizer (10) including a rotating bell (92) secured to a rotating shaft (20a) of an air motor (20) held in an atomizer body, the rotating bell having a plurality of orifices (92a) for supplying paint to an object to be painted, the rotating bell being rotated to spray the paint toward the object to be painted, the rotary atomizer comprises a paint passage (102a) with a paint port (112c) at an end thereof fluidly communicating with the orifices of the rotating bell, and a water passage (108) arranged outside of the paint passage and having a water port at an end of the water passage leading to the orifices of the rotating bell. A needle (94) for opening and closing the paint port may be provided.

Abstract: A spraying device is provided that includes a cartridge containing a first fluid, the cartridge being removably connected to a sprayer body. The cartridge is oriented such that gravity exerts a downward force on the first fluid. The sprayer body includes a conduit for receiving a second fluid. A valve is coupled to the conduit. The valve allows the second fluid to flow through the valve, thus creating a Venturi vacuum that draws the first fluid out of the cartridge and into the valve to enable the first and second fluids to mix and form an outlet stream. An orifice meters a predetermined amount of the first fluid into the valve to achieve a predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid. The outlet stream is then dispensed from a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A powder feed assembly comprises a powder hopper and a selectively rotating blade. The powder hopper has a wall and a floor together forming a chamber. A circumferential horizontal gap is defined between the wall and the floor to enable powder to exit the chamber. The selectively rotating blade has a body portion positioned within the chamber and one or more blade portions at least partially extending into the gap.