Applying Solid Particulate Material Patents (Class 118/308)
  • Patent number: 8677932
    Abstract: A metering mechanism is configured for transferring measured doses of a granular material from a first location to a second location, and is particularly suited for metering source material in a vapor deposition apparatus. A receiver is disposed to receive the granular material from the first location. A discharge port is axially offset from an outlet of the receiver. A reciprocating delivery member having a passage defined therethrough is moved in a reciprocating path by a controllable drive device between a load position wherein the passage is aligned with the receiver outlet and a discharge position wherein the passage is aligned with the discharge port. The amount of granular material transferred from the first location to the second location is a function of the volume of the passage and the reciprocating rate of the delivery member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin Jackson Little
  • Patent number: 8662008
    Abstract: A non-contact edge coating apparatus applies coating material to an edge of a non-circular solar cell substrate without physical contact. The apparatus may include a rotatable substrate support configured to hold the substrate. The apparatus may further include an applicator configured to receive a coating material and apply the coating material to an edge of the substrate while the substrate is rotated without any portion of the applicator physically touching the edge of the substrate. The substrate support may be mechanically coupled to a cam, which contacts a follower mechanically coupled to the applicator. A variety of coating materials may be employed with the apparatus including hot melt ink and UV curable plating resist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Abas, Luca Pavani
  • Publication number: 20140044871
    Abstract: A high speed granule delivery system and method is disclosed for dispensing granules in intermittent patterns onto a moving asphalt coated strip in the manufacture of roofing shingles. The system includes a granule hopper and a rotationally indexable pocket wheel in the bottom of the hopper. A series of pockets are formed in the circumference of the wheel and the pockets are separated by raised lands. A seal on the bottom of the hopper seals against the raised lands as the wheel is indexed. In use, the pockets of the pocket wheel drive through and are filled with granules in the bottom of the hopper. As each pocket is indexed beyond the seal, it is exposed to the moving asphalt coated strip below and its granules fall onto the strip to be embedded in the hot tacky asphalt. Well defined patterns of granules are possible at high production rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Svec
  • Publication number: 20140044886
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing a nanostructured composite material and to an implementation device associated with this process. The device (100) comprises a chamber (3) for synthesizing said material comprising a system (13, 13a, 13b) for depositing the matrix on a target surface (15); a system (1, 4, 5, 9) for generating a jet of nanoparticles in a carrier gas comprising an expansion chamber (1) equipped with an outlet orifice (7) for the nanoparticles toward the synthesis chamber (3, 3?) and, in addition, means (21, 22, 23) for adjusting the distance L between the outlet orifice (7) of the expansion chamber and the target surface (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Olivier Sublemontier, Harold Kintz, Yann Leconte
  • Patent number: 8640644
    Abstract: A powder spraycoating method and powder spraycoating equipment. A dense phase powder pump is used. According to a predetermined conveying-air function in a control unit, different rates of compressed conveying air can be defined for different powder rates. In one predetermined total-air function in the control unit, the sum of total-air rate composed of the rate of compressed conveying air and of the rate of supplemental compressed air can be kept constant even if the rate of compressed conveying air changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Gema Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Mauchle, Christian Marxer, Hanspeter Vieli
  • Patent number: 8607728
    Abstract: Air is continuously supplied into upper spaces via an air supply duct, during coating of an object to be coated in a paint booth, whereby the air is jetted through jetting holes and flows downwards along side walls. The air flowing downwards along the side walls is sucked into lower spaces, via clearances, and is discharged out of the paint booth via air exhaust ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Kouzoe
  • Patent number: 8601977
    Abstract: An electronic spraycoating control device for implementing spraycoating methods includes at least one manually driven program selecting element for selecting programs from two different groups of programs. The electronic spraycoating control device further includes a plurality of manually driven parameter setting elements and display units to automatically display the adjusted parameter references values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: ITW Gema GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Mauchle, Christian Marxer
  • Patent number: 8590804
    Abstract: A two stage kinetic energy spray device has a first stage first nozzle having a receiving end that receives a particulate stream, an injection end located axially to the first nozzle receiving end, the injection end receiving the particulate stream from the receiving end. A second stage has a second nozzle, the second nozzle having a gas receiving portion that receives an effluent gas, a convergent portion that is downstream from the gas receiving portion and a divergent portion that is downstream from the convergent portion, the convergent portion and the divergent portion meeting at a throat. The particle stream is accelerated to a first velocity in the first nozzle located within the second nozzle divergent portion The effluent gas is accelerated to a second velocity in the second nozzle. First nozzle injection end chevrons allow mixing of particulate and supersonic effluent streams prior to exiting the spray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sulzer Metco (US) Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Muggli, Marc Heggemann, Ronald J. Molz
  • Patent number: 8584616
    Abstract: In order to separate an overspray of a liquid coating material from an air current flowing through the application region of a coating system, an overspray present in the air current may be charged with a particulate auxiliary material introduced in the air current. The new or fresh auxiliary material may be delivered from a feed container via a line arrangement into a container arrangement located in a region of the fluid flow outlet, e.g., beneath the application region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Fritz, Jens Holzheimer, Dietmar Wieland
  • Patent number: 8544408
    Abstract: A system for applying a metal particulate onto an object is disclosed herein. The system can include sources for a metal particulate and a hot pressurized air in communication with a spraying device having a nozzle assembly configured to: receive, mix, and expel the metal particulate and the hot pressurized air. The hot pressurized air can form a venturi effect within the nozzle assembly to draw in the metal particulate. The nozzle assembly can include a nozzle cap with a tapered nozzle having a helical channel, and an outer tip connected to the nozzle cap having a venturi effect chamber, a mixing conduit, and rifling. The helical channel can form a vortex flow of the metal particulate, and the mixing conduit can form a vortex flow of the air metal mixture. A nozzle orifice can expel the air metal mixture to onto the object to form a coating thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Wayne Ewers
  • Patent number: 8534221
    Abstract: A honeycomb filter production apparatus used for producing a honeycomb filter, the apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base (workpiece) of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section that is provided between the powder transfer section and the workpiece securing section, the powder transferred from the powder transfer section together with the air current being mixed with another gas in the introduction section, and introduced into the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section; and a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section by reducing pressure on the other side of the workpiece securing section as compared with the one side of the workpiece securing section using suction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Takayoshi Akao, Shuhei Fujita, Kazuhi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8529987
    Abstract: A system for in-process orientation of particles used in direct-write inks for fabricating a component may include a device for polarizing direct-write particles in an aerosol. An outlet may direct the aerosol including the polarized direct-write particles on a substrate to form a component. An apparatus may cause the polarized direct-write particles to be aligned in a selected orientation to form the component with predetermined characteristics when deposited on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Vance, Scott R. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8517285
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher comprises a conduit having an air inlet and outlet. A blower unit is used for delivering a stream of air from said inlet to said outlet for extinguishing a fire. The extinguisher includes a cooling device using water to cool the stream of air entering said inlet prior to it being delivered to said fire via said outlet, and a powder delivery system for injecting and mixing a powder into said cooled stream of air prior to it leaving said outlet. The cooling device utilizing a tiny fraction of water to cool air as it passes there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Geoffrey Paul Sandford
  • Patent number: 8511251
    Abstract: A film deposition device includes a nozzle configured to inject a plurality of particles to a target; and a suction unit provided around the nozzle and configured to suck particles that are rebounded from the target among the plurality of particles injected from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Shintaro Sato
  • Patent number: 8505477
    Abstract: A system for applying hot melt adhesive powder onto a non-metallic object surface comprises a convey belt, a radiation chamber, a spraying chamber and a heating chamber. The convey belt is used to deliver a non-metallic object treated by a cleaning agent and a conductive liquid through the radiation chamber where the surface of the non-metallic objected is irradiated by ultraviolet rays and ozone and then through the spraying chamber where the surface of the non-metallic object is sprayed with charged hot melt adhesive powder, and finally into the heating chamber where the hot melt adhesive powder attached onto the non-metallic object will be melted into a liquid adhesive film ready to be bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Orisol Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: Jakov Makover, Bar Cochva Mardix, Yaacov Sadeh
  • Patent number: 8499714
    Abstract: A powder painting cabin (10) of the type which comprises: a mantle (11) closed above by a roof (12) and below by a base (13), in said mantle (11) there being a passage (14) through which the pieces to be painted (15) pass and passages (19) for retractable powder supplier elements (18), and an air suction duct (30) of the cabin (10). Inside said mantle (11) there is a movable septum (22) between a lowered position close to said base (13) and a raised position close to said roof (12), said two lowered and raised positions defining, with the mantle (11), roof (12) and bottom (13), peripheral passages (26) for the air sucked through the duct (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Lasa Impianti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Bortolato
  • Patent number: 8495968
    Abstract: A honeycomb filter production apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section for introducing the powder that has transferred from the powder transfer section into the base secured by the workpiece securing section when the apparatus is used; a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base secured by the workpiece securing section using suction means; a cleaning section for removing a surplus powder adhering to an end face of the base after the introduction of the powder; a judgment section for judging an amount of the powder adhering to the base; and a workpiece transfer section for transferring the base among the workpiece securing section, the cleaning section, and the judgment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Takayoshi Akao, Shuhei Fujita, Kazuhi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8474399
    Abstract: A strand is coated with a powdered material by first applying a layer of hot polymer resin to the strand, and spraying the powdered material onto the resin-coated strand from at least three nozzles disposed along the processing path and spaced radially therearound. The spray apparatus is disposed within nested containers so as to limit the escape of overspray powder. The powder-coated strand may be heat-set to increase the adhesion of the powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Pascale Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Willorage Rathna Perera, Gerald J. Mauretti
  • Patent number: 8474398
    Abstract: A patch application system is provided comprising a powder application booth. The powder application booth comprises a powder block to temporarily house the powder prior to ejection, a nozzle insert to guide the powder onto the screw, a support stand to adjust the powder block to the appropriate position relative to the screw for a desired patch location and size, a powder cup to deliver the powder to the powder block. A programmable logic controller electronically coupled to the micro air-switch valve controls the duration the air-switch valve remains open. The entire process may be automated by including a screw hopper to temporarily store a plurality of screws, a bowl feeder receiving the screws and delivering the screws to a rotating disk, wherein the rotating disk passes the screws through a heating element and presents the heated screws to the powder application booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Long-Lok Fasteners Corporation
    Inventor: Terry J. Rowley
  • Patent number: 8440018
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supplying a source and an apparatus for depositing a thin film having the same. The apparatus for supplying a source includes a horizontal channel extending in one direction; pumping and transfer ports extending to pass through the horizontal channel, the pumping and transfer ports being spaced apart from each other; a transfer shaft inserted into the horizontal channel to reciprocate therein; and a storage room connected to one side of the pumping port, the storage room storing and supplying a powder source, wherein the transfer shaft comprises at least one transfer hole for allowing the powder source supplied through the pumping port to be filled therein and to be transferred to an external apparatus through the transfer port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoo Hwan Lee, Hyung Sup Lee
  • Publication number: 20130115378
    Abstract: Provided are a pre-treatment apparatus and method for improving an adhesion of a thin film The pre-treatment apparatus includes: a gas compressor that compresses gas supplied from the outside and contained, and supplies a process gas that is compressed; a powder feeder for supplying a coating powder including a single metal or alloy supplied from the outside and contained; and a spray nozzle through which the process gas supplied from the gas compressor and the coating powder supplied from the powder feeder are cold sprayed on a surface of a base metal on which a thin film is to be deposited so as to form a porous metal coating layer on the surface of the base metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: AJOU UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Kyung Hyun Ko, Hyuk Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20130112138
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a particle source, comprising: placing a metal wire in vacuum, introducing active gas and catalyst gas, adjusting a temperature of the metal wire, and applying a positive high voltage V to the metal wire to dissociate the active gas at the surface of the metal wire, in order to generate at a peripheral surface of the head of the metal wire an etching zone in which field induced chemical etching (FICE) is performed; increasing by the FICE a surface electric field at the top of the metal wire head to be greater than the to evaporation field of the material for the metal wire, so that metal atoms at the wire apex are evaporated off; after the field evaporation is activated by the FICE, causing mutual adjustment between the FICE and the field evaporation, until the head of the metal wire has a shape of combination of a base and a tip on the base; and stopping the FICE and the field evaporation when the head of the metal wire takes a predetermine shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: 38th Research Institute, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation
    Inventor: 38th Research Institute, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130061886
    Abstract: A powder spray for lengthy parts includes a booth wall structure comprised primarily of doors. A moveable roof may be raised and lowered to clean powder overspray from the interior surfaces of the booth. A cleaning process may be performed with a sideways extraction mode and a downward extraction mode. The mode change occurs when a bulkhead that travels with the moveable roof blocks the inlet duct to the recovery system. The recovery system may be a cyclone system for example. The doors of the booth are hinged so that they can be positioned for spraying operations and cleaning operations. Live hinge designs are provided and hose stress relief designs are also provided. The roof may carry accumulators for pressurized air that feed cleaning nozzles as the roof descends. In addition, exhaust air may be used to assist cleaning the interior surfaces as the roof descends. All of the energy provided for cleaning and color change may be provided by accumulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nordson Corporation
  • Patent number: 8393290
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and associated methods for applying a surface treatment to a part and curing the surface treatment without reorienting the part in the process. The systems include a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a system for applying a surface treatment, such as a powder coating application system, and a system for curing the surface treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlon E. Homquist
  • Publication number: 20130042805
    Abstract: A powder spray booth includes a floor having a longitudinal opening, preferably centered about a central longitudinal axis of the booth. Below the floor surface is an exhaust duct having a tangential entry. Powder overspray is extracted from the booth through the exhaust duct by passing through the floor opening and into the tangential entry to the exhaust duct. A suction device is used to draw powder entrained air through the exhaust duct. The tangential entry produces a swirling powder flow in the nature of a vortex within the exhaust duct to keep the powder in process and not remaining in the exhaust duct. The exhaust duct may include movable plates that form part of the exhaust duct, and also a baffle arrangement for varying the size of the opening in the floor. The exhaust duct may be, for example, cylindrically shaped. The frame that is used to support the exhaust duct may be modular in design to facilitate designing the length of a spray booth for a particular application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Shutic
  • Publication number: 20130017338
    Abstract: A plasma spray gun comprises a nozzle, an upstream powder injector, and a downstream powder injector. The upstream powder injector is disposed outside the nozzle and axially adjacent a nozzle outlet. The downstream powder injector is disposed axially downstream of the first upstream powder injector. The downstream powder injector is operative in a first coating mode, and the upstream powder injector is operative in a second coating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher W. Strock, Robert D. Richard, Steven Lemay
  • Publication number: 20130008374
    Abstract: A dye applying apparatus for a plastic lens according to this invention includes a conveyance device which conveys a plastic lens while a surface to be dyed is exposed, and a modifying device which is opposed to the surface to be dyed, and performs a modification treatment that improves the wettability on the surface to be dyed. This apparatus also includes a dye spraying device which is opposed to the surface to be dyed on the downstream side of the modifying device along the conveyance path of the conveyance device, and sprays and adheres dye particles to the surface to be dyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeki Ookubo, Osamu Shimada
  • Patent number: 8347808
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying solid edible particulates to an exposed surface of an edible substrate. The apparatus includes a particulate supply, a metered dosing system, a conduit through which the measured particulates are to the edible substrate, an applicator nozzle to direct the measured particulates from the conduit onto the exposed surface of the substrate, and a vacuum system that supplies a directed stream of air to transfer the particulates from the dosing system through the conduit and the nozzle. The particulates are ejected at a velocity sufficient to cut through air currents between the nozzle and substrate, but insufficient to fully penetrate the exposed surface of the substrate, to deposit and adhere a substantial amount of the particulates in a desired pattern onto the exposed surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Marla D. Belzowski, Richard E. Ludwick
  • Patent number: 8349398
    Abstract: An aerosol spray apparatus and a method of forming a film using the aerosol spray apparatus are disclosed. The aerosol spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a carrier gas injection unit, which forms carrier gas by vaporizing liquefied gas and increases the pressure of the carrier gas; an aerosol forming unit, which forms an aerosol by mixing the carrier gas with powder; and a film forming unit, which sprays the aerosol in a normal pressure environment such that the film is formed on the surface of the board. The apparatus can perform a coating process with no restriction of the type and size of powder, simplify the process because the film can be formed in a normal temperature and pressure environment, and control a wide range of film thickness in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Sung Choi, Kwang-Su Kim, Hoo-Mi Choi, Tae-Sung Kim, Mi-Yang Kim, Hyun-Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 8333165
    Abstract: A powder spraycoating control system and its combination with a powder pump or with a powder spraycoating unit. The control system contains an controller programmed to alternatingly operate a powder spraycoating unit in turn containing an injector serving as the powder pump or a powder spraycoating unit containing a dense phase powder pump serving as the powder pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: ITW Gema GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Mauchle, Christian Marxer
  • Patent number: 8322300
    Abstract: A non-contact edge coating apparatus includes an applicator for applying a coating material on an edge of a solar cell substrate and a control system configured to drive the applicator. The control system may drive the applicator along an axis to maintain a distance with an edge of the substrate as the substrate is rotated to have the edge coated with a coating material. The applicator may include a recessed portion into which the edge of the substrate is received for edge coating. For example, the applicator may be a roller with a groove. Coating material may be introduced into the groove for application onto the edge of the substrate. A variety of coating materials may be employed with the apparatus including hot melt ink and UV curable plating resist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Pavani, Emmanuel Abas
  • Publication number: 20120295021
    Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. Embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses and methods for the deposition of fibers onto substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ed Peno, Roger Lipton, Stephen Kay
  • Patent number: 8312835
    Abstract: A powder spray for lengthy parts includes a booth wall structure comprised primarily of doors. A moveable roof may be raised and lowered to clean powder overspray from the interior surfaces of the booth. A cleaning process may be performed with a sideways extraction mode and a downward extraction mode. The mode change occurs when a bulkhead that travels with the moveable roof blocks the inlet duct to the recovery system. The recovery system may be a cyclone system for example. The doors of the booth are hinged so that they can be positioned for spraying operations and cleaning operations. Live hinge designs are provided and hose stress relief designs are also provided. The roof may carry accumulators for pressurized air that feed cleaning nozzles as the roof descends. In addition, exhaust air may be used to assist cleaning the interior surfaces as the roof descends. All of the energy provided for cleaning and color change may be provided by accumulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Shutic, Joseph G. Schroeder, Jeffery E. Dailidas, Kenneth Kreeger
  • Publication number: 20120282840
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods and apparatus for depositing one or more materials (e.g., one or more films, such as one or more solids) on one or more substrates, which may form part of an OLED or other type(s) of display. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for depositing ink on one or more substrates. The apparatus can include, for example, one or more chambers for receiving ink, and plural orifices configured for ejecting droplets of the ink. The ejected droplets of ink can be received at unique, spaced-apart locations. In some embodiments, a single liquid ink-holding chamber, which includes plural orifices (e.g., three), receives ink in liquid form having a plurality of dissolved or suspended particles, and droplets of the ink are ejected substantially simultaneously to respective, spaced-apart locations on one or more substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: KATEEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Conor F. MADIGAN, Eliyahu VRONSKY
  • Patent number: 8291853
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a composite material consisting of a flexible substrate and a multilayer nanostructured PV-active film supported by the substrate. The apparatus comprises a sealable chamber, the cylindrical inner wall of which is used as a support for a flexible substrate. The chamber contains a rotating crucible having a recess in its center and flat margins. The apparatus is provided with a power laser capable of generating an annular beam focused on the aforementioned flat surface. In operation, a nanoparticle-containing colloidal solution is supplied to the crucible. During rotation, the solution moves to the flat margins where it forms a thin layer that is evaporated by means of the annular laser beam. As the solution evaporates, the nanoparticles, which remain on the surface, fly out by inertia from the edges of the crucible to the flexible substrate. The deposition process can be controlled so that the deposited layers form a PV-active film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Boris Gilman
  • Publication number: 20120246923
    Abstract: The process involves pouring a smothering powder onto a spent anode placed on a support to cover it, with the aim of limiting fluorinated gas emission by the anode. The support may include a temporary tank, pre-filled with powder and provided with an opening for discharging the powder towards the anode on the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: RIO TINTO ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Maxime Faure, Christian Cloue, John Macleod
  • Publication number: 20120251716
    Abstract: A method for applying a coating to a surface comprising providing a sprayable liquid binding agent formed of first and second components, pumping the first and second components of the binding agent to a first dispensing device (13) and combining the first and second components in the first dispensing device (13) to form the binding agent. The method further comprises spraying the binding agent from the first dispensing device (13) on to a surface to be coated (32), providing a particulate medium, and spraying the particulate medium from a second dispensing device (37) into the liquid spray of binding agent produced by the first dispensing device (13). The binding agent coating the particulate medium and adhering it to the surface (32) to form a coating thereon. An apparatus for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Hamish Scott
  • Patent number: 8267683
    Abstract: A layered-object forming apparatus (1) includes a holding mechanism (10) that holds a base (12), a liquid applying device (20) that applies a liquid to a predetermined position from above the base, a powder applying device (30) that allows a powder to fall from above the base, and a powder removing device that removes an unconsolidated powder on the base. Then, a process of applying the liquid by the liquid applying device, subsequently applying the powder by the powder applying device, subsequently consolidating the liquid and the powder applied onto the liquid and then removing the powder that has not been consolidated with the liquid by the powder removing device is repeated, thereby forming a three-dimensional structure on the base. Thus, it is possible to produce a three-dimensional structure that at least partially has a smooth surface, thus allowing omission or simplification of a surface smoothing treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shofu Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 8252117
    Abstract: A feed system and related process are configured to continuously feed measured doses of source material to a vapor deposition apparatus wherein the source material is sublimated and deposited as a thin film on a substrate. The system includes a bulk material hopper, and an upper dose cup disposed to receive source material from the hopper. A lower dose cup is disposed in a vacuum lock chamber to receive a measured dose of source material from the upper dose cup. A transfer mechanism is disposed below the vacuum lock chamber to receive the measured dose of source material from the lower dose cup and to transfer the source material to a downstream deposition head while isolating the deposition conditions and sublimated source material within the deposition head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: PrimeStar Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Jackson Little, Max William Reed, Christopher Rathweg, Mark Jeffrey Pavol
  • Patent number: 8245661
    Abstract: A system for coating a surface comprising providing a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface; and separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface. Also an apparatus for coating a surface comprising a source of iron-based amorphous metal, the iron-based amorphous metal including devitrified ferrite; an application system for directing the iron-based amorphous metal toward the surface by a spray for coating the surface, and a system for separating at least a portion of the devitrified ferrite from the spray before the spray reaches the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Phillip D. Hailey, Sumner D. Day, Joseph C. Farmer, Nancy Yang, Thomas M. Devine, Jr., Larry Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8234997
    Abstract: A distribution apparatus for a breading machine comprising a hopper having a number of hopper sections includes a downspout for conveying the breading material to the hopper and a spreader plate which is adjustably supported between the downspout and the hopper. By adjusting the position of the spreader plate relative to the hopper, the flow of breading material from the downspout may be distributed as desired between the hopper sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Paschoalini, Jacob Deehr
  • Patent number: 8236377
    Abstract: Method and system for moving a frozen adhesive particle towards a target body, comprising launching means (13) which are arranged to launch the particle (2) in its frozen form towards the target body (3, 4) via a movement path (14) through a gap (15) between the launching means and the target body. The medium in the gap may have a temperature above the adhesive particle's melting temperature. The launching means may be arranged to launch the particle at a high speed. The launching means and the target body may have a geometry causing that the movement path is substantially vertical or substantially horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Erik Christian Nicolaas Puik, Edwin Johannes Theodorus Smulders
  • Publication number: 20120183684
    Abstract: A granule applicator for an apparatus and method for applying granules onto an asphalt-coated sheet moving in a machine direction with improved resolution and edge definition of the applied granule patches and blends. In one embodiment a blend drop conveyor has an upper flight urged into a concavity by an outside, third roller. The conveyor is configured to receive granules at a first speed in an area near the convergence of the upper flight and the third roller, and to traject them on a second path at a second speed near the sheet speed of the substrate below. The applicator thus changes the speed and direction of the granules, to cause them to land on the substrate with good edge definition and minimal splatter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Aschenbeck
  • Publication number: 20120183685
    Abstract: A granule applicator for an apparatus and method for applying granules onto an asphalt-coated sheet moving in a machine direction with improved resolution and edge definition of the applied granule patches and blends. One embodiment includes a rotating drum having openings that connect the interior space and an exterior of the rotating member. A granule dispenser is mounted within the interior space of the drum for dispensing granules there. A belt wraps around a major portion of the outside of the drum leaving an uncovered area. As the drum rotates within the belt, the granule openings move between a position closed by the belt and retaining granules by centripetal force and an open position wherein the granules are flung from the drum to a substrate. Doors may be used instead of a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Aschenbeck
  • Patent number: 8210118
    Abstract: A breading machine for dispensing a coating material onto a food product includes a breading chamber, a continuous conveyor for transporting food products through the breading chamber, a hopper including at least one downspout and a sloped bottom for dispensing coating material onto the food products, a hopper conveyor positioned within the hopper. At least one of an angular position or a vertical position of the hopper conveyor is adjustable to accommodate a variety of free flowing and non-free flowing coating materials. One or more air knives may be positioned in the downspouts to fluidize the coating material to alleviate bridging and/or build-up of the coating material within the downspout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Stacy, Jeffery L. Schoewe, Michael E. Miller, John Joseph Bauer, Jogesh Chandran, Roy Allen Schippel
  • Publication number: 20120141657
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the track of a granule-coated sheet includes moving a granule-coated sheet around a drum. The granule-coated sheet includes first granules. A track of the granule-coated sheet is sensed at the drum. A first signal is generated when the granule-coated sheet has moved off a pre-designated track. Second granules are applied to a lane portion of the granule-coated sheet prior to the drum in response to the first signal. The second granules make the granule-coated sheet thicker in the lane portion relative to a thickness of the granule-coated sheet outside the lane portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Aschenbeck
  • Publication number: 20120137969
    Abstract: A nozzle for a powder spray gun optionally includes an internal filter that allows air to be added to the powder flow within the nozzle shell. The nozzle may optionally include an off-axis outlet slot relative to a main flow axis of the powder into the nozzle shell so that powder encounters an obstruction before exiting through the outlet slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Michael R. Sanner, Brian D. Mather, Joseph G. Schroeder, Jeffery Edward Dailidas
  • Patent number: 8176869
    Abstract: A production assembly and associated process for mass producing such as a thermoplastic pallet and which utilizes a multiple insert supporting and continuously moving carousels inter-faceable with an input line upon which is transported a plurality of rigid and planar shaped inserts, as well as an output line a spaced relationship from the input line for removing, from the carousel, the resin coated articles. The invention further teaches a series of subset variants for spray applying a two part resin and hardener upon the insert according to a selected thickness, following which the inserts are cured and dried prior to transferring to the output line and in order to create a finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8173207
    Abstract: An arrangement for depositing coating powder on a rotational symmetric body is provided. The arrangement includes a rotation device for rotating the rotational symmetric body around a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the horizontal axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the rotational symmetry of the body, a nozzle arranged vertically above a surface of the rotational symmetric body for providing the coating powder to the surface and a horizontal barrier at a specified distance defining a coating thickness above the surface, wherein the barrier is arranged next to the nozzle in the direction of a rotational movement of the surface at the nozzle. At this point, the nozzle includes a cross section elongated in one direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulf Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120103351
    Abstract: An applicator operable to apply an additive to a smoking article wrapping material comprises a conveyance mechanism for conveying the wrapping material along a path and an inlet to receive a gaseous flow for entraining additive, the applicator being configured such that in use, additive entrained in the gaseous flow is caused to be diverted towards the wrapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Gary Fallon, Gerhard Le Roux