Abstract: An apparatus for spraying powder coating material includes a rotatable turret which moves articles to and from a work station. A powder spray gun is operable to spray a pattern onto each of the articles in turn while the article is at the work station. The powder flows through the spray gun as a series of pulses. A diverter assembly is operable to divert a portion of each pulse of powder away from the nozzle to more sharply define the pulse. An excess powder collector draws a flow of powder away from the work station. A virgin powder container supplies powder to a powder collector container which supplies powder to a powder feed container which supplies powder to the spray gun. Sensors associated with the virgin, collector and feed containers ensure that a predetermined quantity of powder is maintained in each container. During transport of powder from the virgin and collector containers, the containers and their associated pumps are vibrated to facilitate the flow of powder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously coating particulate such as rubber with liquid binder and applying the same to a substrate to form resilient athletic surfaces. Total encapsulation of the particulate with the liquid binder is accomplished prior to applying the mix to the substrate. In addition, the method of delivery of the particulate and binder maintains the ratios thereof uniform. In its method aspects, the instant invention involves separately introducing a stream of particulate and a stream of binder into a spray nozzle, where they are combined and delivered to the substrate. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a central lumen and an elongated tip, the lumen being formed so as to force the particulate introduced therein to follow a circuitous or indirect path therethrough and thereby decrease its velocity prior to being ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: A system for cutting and spraying a plurality of resin strands with an emulsion. The system includes a spray gun that has a cutter assembly that cuts a single resin thread into a plurality of individual strands. The cutter assembly is constructed to cut the strands into varying lengths. The strands are blown from the gun by a housing that is connected to a source of pressurized air. The housing has a pair of openings that are adapted to blow the strands parallel with the gun, so that the resin lies flat on the working surface. The gun also has a pair of nozzles attached to the housing and coupled to a progressive cavity pump that supplies an emulsion. The nozzles are adapted to spray the emulsion into the path of the resin spray, so that the resin and emulsion are mixed onto the working surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing and controlling finer particles in a powder coating system returns the finer particles to the spraying apparatus to be sprayed on parts by the system. Finer particles are continuously removed from the system by application onto parts, and the accumulation of fines is thereby prevented. The finer particles may be sprayed through specially adapted spray guns, which also permits the utilization of the special advantages of spraying fine powder materials. By removing fine powder particles from the system before they build up, the present invention improves the powder coating operation in various respects.

Abstract: Plant for the powdered-paint spraying of pieces to be painted, comprising a spraying booth with replaceable walls of the disposable type and a unit for feeding and recovering the paint that has not deposited on the pieces to be painted. The booth comprises a supporting frame which delimits a spraying chamber having at least two walls or half-booths which are arranged mutually opposite, have replaceable sheets and are movably mounted with respect to one another for moving mutually closer and further apart to vary the section of the spraying chamber according to the width of the pieces to be painted.

Abstract: An arrangement for depositing particles onto a moving material web includes a particle dispenser and a perforated belt which moves over the material web. According to the invention, the particle dispenser is intended to dispense particles continuously in a uniform and wide flow whose width is equal to or somewhat greater than the width of the hole-pattern of the belt and the belt is spaced at a distance from the material web which is at least sufficiently large for the particles deposited on the material web to be accommodated between the belt and the web. The arrangement also includes means which function to remove particles caught by the belt without the particles falling down onto the underlying material web. These means are located downstream of the particle dispenser. The invention also relates to a method for depositing particles to a moving material web.

Abstract: Apparatus for internally coating a pipe, comprising a device for heating a pipe as it is internally spray coated and a plurality of inlet rollers and a plurality of outlet rollers for supporting the pipe while it is being heated and longitudinally advanced through the heating device. Each roller is spaced from and adjacent to a corresponding roller in a paired relationship to thereby define a nesting groove located above a gap between each set of paired rollers. A motive device rotates the rollers to rotate the pipe within the nesting grooves of adjacent pairs of rollers. An advancing device longitudinally advances the pipe through the heating device and sequentially along the nesting grooves of adjacent pairs of rollers. The pipe leaving the heating device is heated to a high temperature and has an increased diameter.

Abstract: Electrostatic powder coating apparatus comprising a spray module located within a bight of a conveyor having suspended from it a plurality of articles to be coated with powder prior to heat treatment to convert the powder into an adherent coat of paint or the like.The spray module comprises a veined impeller able to rotate about a vertical axis and having charged powder projected towards its center from a stationary nozzle so that vanes on the impeller impart centrifugal force to the powder particles.The impeller and nozzle assembly may be reciprocated vertically so that the sprayed powder traverses the length of the suspended and moving articles.

Abstract: A powdery mold release agent spray device including a nozzle having spray ports on its tip end side wall, a nozzle having spray ports on its tip end surface and shut pins, all of which are assembled in through holes made on both metal molds. The spray ports of the former and latter nozzles are exposed to cavity inside at time of spraying work, the spray ports of the former and latter nozzles are located in the through holes and the cavity is isolated from the spray ports of the latter nozzle by the shut pin. By using this spray device, a powdery mold release agent can be sprayed onto inside surfaces of the metal molds without exception, economically and without worsening a work environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of coating an article by the use of electro-static attraction of ionized particles which are subsequently cured. The apparatus includes a first foraminous conveyor for carrying the article through a powder coating zone and a second conveyor for carrying the article through a curing zone. The surface of the article which rests on the foraminous conveyor is cleaned of particles as the article is transferred from the first foraminous conveyor to the second conveyor. The first foraminous conveyor is also cleaned of particles after the article has been transferred. After the articles have been cured to form a coating on the article, the article is put through the coating system again except that the article is supported on the conveyor so that the surface which was not coated in the first pass through the system is out of contact with the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an internally threaded fastener includes a support having a support aperture in axial alignment with an aperture in the fastener, a nozzle for applying a coating onto the internal threads located on the fastener aperture, means for reciprocally moving the nozzle through said support aperture and into said fastener aperture to align with the fastener threads, and means for maintaining the spray head in a stationary position within the fastener aperture while said reciprocally moving means continues through its reciprocal cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming corrosion protection coatings on prestressing strands. It comprises the steps of untwisting sequential lengths of a prestressing strand; keeping the surrounding steel wires apart from the core steel wire to coat these steel wires with a synthetic resin; and twisting the coated steel wires to provide a prestressing strand of the original shape, thus permitting the separate coating of each steel wire, leaving, on the prestressing strand surface, the helical dent as deep and wide as the noncoated prestressing strand to assure the bond of the twisted wire to the surrounding concrete as firm as the noncoated prestressing strand. Also, an apparatus for carrying out such coating method is disclosed.

Abstract: Ferrocement lining units are made by spraying aqueous cementitious compositions onto a wire mesh. Such lining units can be used for lining water courses, particularly underground sewers. Preferred cementitious compositions are based on cement powder, silica sand, water, optionally fly ash and possibly other minor additives. In making the lining units, steel wire mesh is supported in a mold and sprayed with the composition preferably by a particular form of gun (5) which is supplied with mortar and compressed air, as part of an overall apparatus that includes a pump (3) and an air compressor (6) which enable spray applications to be effected remotely from the mortar supply and preferably underground for the in-situ lining of sewers. The spray pattern of the gun is adjustable. Controlling the mortar supply and air pressure helps to reduce the problems associated with excessive spray formation and rebound of the applied mortar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powder spraying a automotive or other vehicle body in a powder spray booth includes a cabin purge zone in which a pair of inlet hood assemblies are positioned to the side window openings on each side of the body and the cavity is purged of excess powder by extracting the powder from the cavity through the inlet hood assemblies. The effective and efficient removal of suspended oversprayed powder from the interior of the vehicle cabin is accomplished through the production of a symmetrical air flow through the vehicle cabin in which air is exhausted through the two side window openings while the interior of the vehicle cabin is replenished with air through the front windshield opening and the rear window opening.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for introducing fibrous material into a continuous flow of concrete. Fibrous material is pushed through an aperture located in the bottom of a container. As the fiber falls from the aperture, it is agitated and spread evenly onto the mixture of concrete. The resulting distribution of fiber within the concrete mixture increases the strength of the concrete while preventing undo grouping of the fibers.

Abstract: A deposition chamber for forming a deposited layer on a wafer having a mixing chamber is disclosed having a wafer support device for supporting the wafers in the mixing chamber, a nozzle located above the wafer support device which can eject the gas/particle mixture into the mixing chamber toward the wafer, a gas outlet device at the bottom end of the chamber from the gas nozzle which allows the gas to exit the chamber and a deionizing device located above the wafer support device and below the nozzle to deionize the gas/particle mixture thereby encouraging uniform deposition of the particles on the wafer. This deposition chamber may also comprise an exhaust fan below the gas outlet device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, where fasteners are centered by a rotating wheel, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually.

Abstract: A plasma torch for the treatment of gases of particles, or for the deposition of particles onto a substrate, which has two concentrical electrodes coaxially mounted onto a support. The gases or particles to be treated or deposited are injected through an injection passage that is coaxial with the central electrode and opens centrally into an outlet nozzle so as to inject the gases or particles centrally and coaxially within the center of the flame torch without unduly affecting the characteristics of the plasma. In use, the central electrode extends well downstream of the peripheral electrode, whereby the electric arc may not block the injection passage. Moreover, a magnetic field is generated externally to the electrodes in the direction parallel to the annular passage defined between the electrodes in order to rotate the electric arc within the passage and thus reduces the erosion of the electrodes while ensuring better heating of the plasma gas.

Abstract: A method and system for significantly increasing the density of particulates on a substrate includes disposing a particulate material, such as fibers or abrasive material, onto a surface of the substrate, whereby the particles adhere to the substrate. The substrate is then exposed to conditions sufficient to cause the surface area, on which the particulate material is disposed, to diminish, thereby significantly increasing the density of the particulate material. The system includes a support on which the substrate is disposed, apparatus for disposing the particulate material in the substrate and apparatus for causing the surface on which the particulate material is disposed to significantly diminish.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and process for making foods coated in bread crumbs.The apparatus has a crumbing apparatus for converting loaves, of bread into breadcrumbs; a coating location whereto fresh crumbs are delivered from the crumbing apparatus; and a conveyor for transporting substrate food to the coating location for coating with the crumbs and for transporting coated food away from the coating location.The process involves the steps of obtaining baked and staled bread; inserting the bread into an apparatus which converts the bread into crumbs and substantially immediately coats the crumbs onto a substrate food. For conversion into crumbs, bread is supported on rods over a rotating drum having teeth which project between the rods to engage the bread. Thus bread too moist for grinding can be crumbed.

Abstract: A method of making granule-covered roofing material comprises discharging granules onto continuously moving asphaltic material, pressing the granules into the asphaltic material, directing light toward the granule-covered asphaltic material, measuring the reflected light from the granule-covered asphaltic material, and responding to the measured reflected light by modifying a process parameter to effect a change in the reflectance of light from the granule-covered asphaltic material.

Abstract: A method of producing a particulate-solid-bearing air-permeable sheet of material of other than woven and knitted material selected from non-woven fabrics and open cell foam materials includes the following steps: entraining a particulate solid in a gaseous carrier in the substantial absence of fibrous material; disposing one face of a preformed air-permeable sheet material, which material has a density at or below 0.25 g/cm.sup.3, in the path of a stream of the gaseous carrier and entrained particulate solid, whilst maintaining a pressure drop across the thickness of the preformed air-permeable sheet material from the one face to the other face of the air-permeable sheet material, whereby to entrap some or all of the entrained particulate solid on or on and in the air-permeable material; and fixing the retained particulate solid on or on and in the air-permeable material with a binder. The mean pore size of the preformed sheet material is greater than the mean particle size of the particulate solid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming absorbent articles having superabsorbent particles. Air-entrained absorbent particles are directed through a diverter valve which alternately directs the particles to first and second dispensing nozzles. The nozzles are positioned for dispensing the particles into a moving web of fibrous material, such as wood pulp fluff. Selective operation of the valve in synchronization with the conveying arrangement for the wood pulp fibrous material permits deposition of the absorbent particles in desired patterns within selected portions of the fibrous material.

Abstract: The device for the dosed conveying of powder to a powder processing unit, particularly to a plasma spray device, comprises a volumetric dosing unit and a weighing unit which together allow a gravimetric powder dosing. The dosing unit includes: a rotatable dosing disc having a vertical axis of rotation; a drive unit mounted below said rotatable dosing disc; and powder feeding and withdrawal means mounted above said dosing disc. This dosing unit, having first and foremost a vertical extension, is fixed to a weighing platform which rests on a plurality of weighing cells. The drive unit is arranged below said weighing platform, in order to situate the center of gravity of said dosing unit at least approximately at the level of said weighing platform. This considerably reduces the liking of the dosing unit, as compared with a weighing platform arranged entirely above the dosing unit, thus allowing a gravimetric powder dosing with high accuracy and uniformity.

Abstract: Finely pulverized facing sand particles are provided for the production of casting molds in metal foundries. A feed device passes a bed of molding sand containing lumps to a refining device. The refining device includes a plurality of refining elements on a carrier. The refining elements are movable along an orbital path to remove lump-free facing sand particles from the bed of sand and deliver these in a free falling stream of finely pulverized facing sand particles. The refining elements are spaced on the carrier and the carrier is moved at a speed to maintain the spaces free of lumps.

Abstract: A filter unit (12) or a cyclone unit (22) can alternately be attached to a cabin (2) to draw powder out of the cabin. The units move on wheels. In an operating position adjacent to the cabin (2), they are automatically aligned with flow connections and can be connected. A common fan (52) for both units is connected with the filter unit (12) via a compressed air cleaning device (42) in terms of flow, if the former is in the operating position, and at the same time it closes off the inlet to a post-filter unit (32), while when the filter unit (12) is removed and the cyclone unit (22) is in the operating position, this cyclone unit (22) is connected with the fan (52) via the post-filter (32), and the cyclone unit (22) closes off a flow inlet of the compressed air cleaning unit (42). In this way, color changes can be carried out in a short period of time, and good exhaust cleaning is achieved by the filter unit (12) during extended operation with the same color, without a color change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting zoned deposition of superabsorbent particles in a fibrous web includes the use of dual dispensing nozzles for forming selected deposition patterns. Fluidized streams of the superabsorbent particles are formed, with rotary valve assemblies employed for creating pulsed flow to each of the dispensing nozzles. The length, width, and relative positioning of the deposition patterns can be selectively varied in accordance with desired performance characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides a cost effective, simple and sanitary breading machine suitable for coating a variety of food products, such as poultry, with different types of breading materials. After coating of upper and lower surfaces of food products introduced into the breading machine, a significant dwell time within the breading machine is achieved in the construction to allow breading material to more effectively set up on the coated food products. The coating machine further includes structure to enable the food products introduced therein to be flipped a plurality of times, wherein additional coating material is continuously applied to alternate sides of the food products and desirable coating characteristics are achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a foodstuff with a particulate material has an endless meshed conveyor belt which is trained about a hollowed roller which has a longitudinally extending wall having apertures therethrough and about which the belt travels from a lower return run to an upper forward run. A baffle is positioned beneath at least a portion of the lower return run of the belt and is arced from the lower return belt run towards the upper forward belt run. A rotatable shaft from which radial wings protrude is positioned within the hollowed roller interior.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying particulate powder material to a moving fibrous substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a volumetric dry material feeder for forming a continuous stream of particulate powder material. The continuous stream is then transmitted through a nozzle and exits at an outlet thereof. The nozzle is movable between a first and second position by a motion control. The motion control includes an adjustable differential gear box and an encoder for synchronizing the dispensing of powder at a predetermined location of the substrate. A flow separator is disposed beyond the outlet of the nozzle and intermediate of the first and second positions. In operation, the motion input drives the nozzle to oscillate between the first and second positions at a variable speed over each product cycle. As the nozzle crosses a plane of the flow separator, the continuous stream of particulate powder material exiting the nozzle is split into two intermittent streams of particulate powder material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus uniformly impregnate stranded material with dry powder such as low solubility, high melt flow polymer powder to produce, for example, composite prepregs. The stranded material is expanded in an impregnation chamber by an influx of air so that the powder, which may enter through the same inlet as the air, penetrates to the center of the stranded material. The stranded material then is contracted for holding the powder therein. The stranded material and powder may be pulled through the impregnation chamber in the same direction by vacuum. Larger particles of powder which do not fully penetrate the stranded material may be combed into the stranded material and powder which does not impregnate the stranded material may be collected and reused.

Abstract: A particle deposition system having an atomizer, wafer transport, sheath flow means, particle counter and computer control for accurately depositing a desired density of particles onto a surface. The sheath flow keeps an article clean, while the particle flux in the deposition chamber is rising from zero to an equilibrium state. The particle counter measures particle flux by sampling the atmosphere in the deposition chamber. The computer determines when the rate of change of particle flux is substantially zero and then actuates transport of the article completely or partially out of the sheath flow into the mist of falling particles. The computer also calculates the required deposition time for providing the article's surface with a desired particle density, actuating transport of the article back into the sheath flow after the desired density is reached. The operator of the system can specify particle size, desired density and full or partial coverage of the surface with particles.

Abstract: A dispensing device for automatically dispensing measured amounts of particulate material which includes supply means for supplying a quantity of the particulate material and a chute for receiving the particulate material from the supply means. A reciprocating pusher means is positioned in the chute for controlling the amount of particulate material dispensed from the supply means and for discharging the dispense particulate material from the chute. A distribution hopper receives the particulate material from the chute and discharges it to a reciprocating measuring plate having a plurality of removable measuring inserts therein whereby the particulate material is received in cavities in the inserts. As the measuring plate is moved forwardly, the particulate material passes through a control plate having a plurality of slots therein and is deposited in a plurality of mask hoppers for ultimate dispensing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their head portions, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually. The fastener carriers have teeth that engage a rack to rotate the fasteners.

Abstract: Apparatus 200 for applying particulate flowable super-absorbent or anti-odourant substance to an article comprises a metering component 202 rotatable about an axis. A plurality of circumferentially spaced metering chambers are provided in this component. The apparatus includes a feed device 18 for depositing the flowable substance successively in the chambers in a loading zone as the chambers move through the loading zone on rotation of the metering component so that each chamber contains a fixed quantity of the substance as it passes from the loading zone. The apparatus also includes a vacuum extraction device 50 for extracting the quantities of the substance successively from the chambers in a discharge zone spaced from the loading zone and an application device for applying the extracted quantities of substance to an article.

Abstract: A system for applying one or more coats to the top and/or bottom of strips of backing and for manufacturing strip without any strips of backing. The system is has a water-cooled belt (17), at least one separate coater (9, 22, 23, and 35) for the upper and lower surfaces, separate sprinklers (12 and 25) for sprinkling the coated upper and lower surfaces of the strips of backing, featuring suction devices (13 and 26) for suctioning up any dust from the water-cooled belt and at least one additional coater (42) and water-cooled roller (67) is provided for coating strips of backing or for manufacturing a strip without the strips of backing.

Abstract: A fluidization and conveyor arrangement for electrostatic powder coating devices. The arrangement includes a container pivotable by 180.degree. on a carrying frame, and a cover, having a fluidization plate. A powder discharge tube and a compressed air tube pass through the cover and into the container. A transport package, for example a sack filled with powder, is introduced into the container. The container is then closed with the cover, and is pivoted by 180.degree. to an operating position, in which fluidization and discharge of the powder may be affected.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating samples or small quantities of internally and externally threaded fasteners includes a powder feed, an induction heater, and dust collection system. A reciprocating, magnetized holder engages a friction drive to rotate a stud in front of a spray nozzle. In another embodiment, a nut sample machine includes a reciprocating powder spray nozzle mounted on an air cylinder and a water cooled support block for the nut. In a third embodiment a hydraulically controlled gate is sequenced with the reciprocating powder feed, providing a continuous coating operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating of solid particulate powder to the interior surface of tubular, cylindrical articles includes a conveyor for transporting the articles to and from a powder spray station whereat powder is sprayed into one open end of the articles. The conveyor includes an endless belt conveyor movable in a direction perpendicular to the spray from the nozzle and the axes of articles supported on the conveyor. The articles are supported on the conveyor by lugs in the form of rollers which support the articles in grooves defined between adjacent pairs of lugs.

Abstract: A process for forming a thermoplastic resin coating on glass fibers comprises heating a thermoplastic resin powder until molten and applying it to the glass fibers. The coated fibers can then be heated and drawn into a desired shape which also removes resin. Then the coated fibers are cooled to make a preform. The coated fiber preform can then be molded. Several resin layers with glass fibers of varying lengths can be deposited to make a graded preform. Apparatus for forming a thermoplastic resin on glass fibers sprays hot thermoplastic powder on the glass fibers. The coated fibers can then be heated such as by IR lamps and then drawn through a die which has a spigot to remove excess plastic. Alternately, a plurality of plastic and glass fiber layers can be deposited on a veil.

Abstract: Contained in the feed gas line (4) and in the dosing gas line (24) of an injector (2) is a pressure setting instrument (6, 26) each which is adjustable with regard to its outlet pressure. A gas flow instrument (46) displays the entire amount of feed air and dosing air flowing per unit of time. This makes it possible to change the pressures of the feed air and the dosing air while nonetheless keeping the entire gas quantity in the powder/gas flow in a simple way at a desired value.

Abstract: An apparatus for layering powder onto particles has a vessel in which a rotor is mounted rotatable therein around a vertical axis. The rotor is a disc with a supporting surface for supporting particles. The apparatus also has a feeder with a substantially horizontal introducing member protruding slightly into the vessel above the disc. The introducing member limits a liquid outlet and an annular powder outlet encompassing the liquid outlet. During a layering operation, the introducing member protrudes into a bed of particles lying on the rotating disc and moved by the latter. There can then be sprayed liquid and powder simultaneously onto the particles passing in proximity of the outlets. This enables layering powder onto particles to produce thereby pellets having sizes lying in a narrow range.

Abstract: A fluidizing and suction withdrawal unit (14) which can be lowered into a container (20) holding a powder (22), in order to fluidize the powder and withdraw the fluidized powder (92) by suction. The fluidizing and suction withdrawal unit (14) is provided with a level sensor (88) which generates a signal, in contingence on the immersion depth (80, 82) to which the fluidizing and suction withdrawal unit (14) is immersed in a powder layer (92) fluidized by it. This assures a consistent feed capacity which also in the case of direct connection of a spray device (76) results in the coating of articles at good coating qualities.

Abstract: A plurality of injector elements are mounted on a frame and within a nozzle above a subjacent support for depositing a layer of pulverulent product on the support. In order to change the predetermined spacing of the injectors, they are selectively connected to a shuttle which is moved by a digitally controlled stepping motor to a predetermined position, after which they are separated from the shuttle. A solenoid mounted on each of the injectors can be activated to frictionally hold the injector at its predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating samples or small quantities of internally and externally threaded fasteners includes a powder feed, an induction heater, and dust collection system. A reciprocating, magnetized holder engages a friction drive to rotate a stud in front of a spray nozzle. In another embodiment, a nut sample machine includes a reciprocating powder spray nozzle mounted on an air cylinder and a water cooled support block for the nut. In a third embodiment a hydraulically controlled gate is sequenced with the reciprocating powder feed, providing a continuous coating operation. Methods for applying coating to the samples include steps that employ these embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a fastener with head and shank portions is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of and apparatus for transferring the fasteners from a feed mechanism such that the fasteners are positioned for coating. The fasteners are then conveyed through a plurality of operating stations, beginning with a heating station where the shank portions of the fasteners are heated. Subsequently, at a material applying station, a coating material is applied to the heated shank portions. A preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention includes using a magnetic holder to carry the fasteners horizontally by their portions, heating the shank portion to a temperature above the melting point of the applied material and applying the material to the heated shank portion to form a coating thereon. The magnetic holders are part of an endless traveling belt that rotates continually. The fastener carriers have teeth that engage a rack to rotate the fasteners.

Abstract: A housing forming an internal powdering chamber in which an article support tray is removably supported. A hopper located on the exterior top of the housing is structured to dispense a metered amount of powder onto a powder distributor and sifting screen located in the top interior of the housing. An electric motor powering a wheel with an eccentrically connected actuator arm and linkage are connected to the powder distributor and sifting screen in order to supply an oscillatory movement thereto. The powder distributor also includes powered shuttered apertures to allow the powder to be distributed evenly on the powder distributor before being opened to allow the powder onto the sifting screen. The powder distributor and sifting screen are structured to evenly distribute a fine coating of powder vertically downward toward the article support tray. Power actuated lifting arms are located one on each interior corner of the housing slightly below the article support tray.

Abstract: A device for mixing particulate matter and liquids comprises a rotatable central shaft passing through a stationary particle feed hopper and supporting a perforated rotatable plate and incorporating a liquid feed conduit terminating at an atomizer, a spray chamber, a rotating assembly linked to the rotating plate and made up by an agitator located below said spray chamber and by a conically-shaped particle catching and spreading tray which discharges the coated particles into a mixing chamber fitted with blades and rotating in the opposite direction to the said rotating assembly, whereby excellent bulk impregnation of said particulate matter is obtained.

Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus for producing disposable absorbent personal articles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for depositing superabsorbent polymer powder on a portion of a fluff mat in a given concentration greater than zero and a second, different concentration of superabsorbent polymer powder on another portion of a fluff layer, so that there is a heavier concentration of super absorbent polymer in a target area than in areas adjacent the target area. Such apparatus has a dosing cylinder with a discontinuous outer cylindrical surface which has a pattern of first dosing depressions adjacent to a pattern of second dosing depressions. The dosing cylinder is rotated through a polymer powder hopper and powder received in the first and second depressions is sequentially discharged from the hopper and deposited on a fluff substrate in alternating areas of high powder concentration and low powder concentration.

Abstract: A fastener, and a process and apparatus for coating fasteners, in which a resin type material is applied to the fastener is disclosed. A stream of resin type material is directed to each fastener and the threads of each of the fasteners, the threads may be covered over an arcuate variable length including complete 360.degree. coverage. The resin type material applied may be a masking material, a lubricating material and/or an insulating material enabling an accurate and consistent torque-tension characteristic to be maintained during coupling of the fastener in a variety of post-processing environments. Furthermore, the resin type material applied to the fastener is substantially resistant to the deposition of corrosion resistant or preventative materials.