Abstract: The process provides for the firing in a furnace of ceramic bodies and their coating in an incandescent state on one face with dry granular or powdered glaze when all firing reactions of the ceramic bodies have substantially reached completion; a subsequent thermal treatment fires the glaze and gradually cools the tile.The apparatus for carrying out the process provides for a furnace for firing ceramic bodies, the furnace being divided into two section between which is a device for distributing glaze over the ceramic bodies conveyed to pass through the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating a powder into a continuous fibrous web containing multiple corrugations. In the method, a fibrous web provided with multiple parallel corrugations is continuously passed over a curved surface having an arc with a radius to web thickness ratio of 0.5-3 and the corrugations are opened at their upper side, while any bonded fibers connecting adjacent corrugations together are broken apart. A powder having 50-1000 micron particle size is deposited by gravity into the opened spaces between adjacent corrugations of the web. The deposited powder is then compacted into the fibrous corrugated web by rubbing with a pad moved in an oscillating motion generally perpendicular to the corrugations. The powder filled web is bent in the opposite direction around a roller to break the fibers between the corrugations on the opposite side of the web. The second roller can be made vertically movable so as to convert the web continuous forward motion to an intermittent forward motion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing self-locking fasteners in which a resin deposit of patch is applied to a portion of the threads. A resin stream entrained in a gaseous jet is directed through a nozzle which is an axial registration with the fastener. The nozzle has an end wall and an arcuate slot therein which directs application of the entrained resin to the threads of the fastener in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A booth for applying a powdered coating to the surface of workpieces in which a clean gas zone (47) is joined to the coating zone (18) via the rear wall (14), which is connected to an extractor fan. Located in a recess (21) of the rear wall (14) is a frame-like structure (22), the outer frame (17) of which is split up into individual areas (24) by means of frame cross-members (23), each area receiving a filter element (25), which is housed in an interchangeable cassette, and consisting of a continuous zig-zig shaped or wave-shaped surface-membrane filter strip. Each area of the frame is covered in a leakproof manner by a protective hood (69) in whose hood space (25) in an oblique manner towards the coating zone (18) and detach the excess powder attached to the membrane applied thereon, which is diverted through a slat-type screen (55) down to the floor of the booth (67) and into a powder container (80).

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a foodstuff with particulate material includes a drum capable of rotating about a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, and two horizontal conveyors, one positioned above the other, adapted to travel longitudinally in opposite directions through the drum. The lower conveyor has at least three successive endless conveyor belts having horizontal upper runs and a gap between each successive pair of belts. The second belt has an inclined portion below the first belt and the gap between the second and third belts is situated within the horizontal drum. The apparatus also contains means for feeding particulate material onto the upper conveyor and means for feeding the foodstuff onto the first belt of the lower conveyor.

Abstract: To prevent a formation of aerodynamic dead zones in a coating arrangement for powder coating, such as, for example, weld seams, a surface of a supporting member is provided with a constantly increasing radius of curvature between an outlet orifice for a spray jet and an exhaust orifice, starting with the former. A feed conduit is fashioned so that a laminar flow of the coating medium does not experience a change in an arithmetic sign of its path of curvature in the orifice zone and along a subsequent surface. For a constant acceleration of the spray jet, a constant reduction of the flow cross section is provided for the spraying medium between the outlet and the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for distributing short fibrous material onto a horizontally travelling sheet. A disintegrated short fibrous material is fed into a hopper comprising a substantially hollow casing disposed above the travelling sheet and having a fiber discharge port at a lower portion with of a side wall on the downstream side. A mesh having a width equal to or larger than that of the travelling sheet and having partitions provided thereabove for suppressing the transverse movement of the fiber is provided below the hopper and with a spacing above the travelling sheet. The mesh screen is horizontally and transversely vibrated to distribute the fiber therethrough onto the travelling sheet, whereby the fiber is uniformly distributed without causing pilling even if it is fed at a considerably small rate.

Abstract: The apparatus for forming and applying a substantially strip-shaped powder layer onto a weld seam of a can body, comprises a spray head including a spray chamber. A powder supply device supplies a powder composed of powder particles transported by a carrier gas and in the form of a substantially bundled powder jet into the spray chamber of the spray head. The spray chamber is provided with a spray opening which is open towards the weld seam and is located opposite the weld seam. Structure is provided for establishing a pressure in the spray chamber which is lower than the pressure of the surrounding stmosphere to ensure retention of the bundled powder jet entering the spray chamber and to prevent formation of a spray cloud of the powder particles of the bundled powder jet composed of the powder transported by the carrier gas.

Abstract: A method for the application of highly absorbent material onto a moving substrate includes the steps of dispensing a melt adhesive film onto precisely defined areas of the substrate, covering such areas with the absorbent material and then removing excess absorbent material which did not adhere to the adhesive coated areas. The apparatus for practicing this method includes, in one embodiment, an adhesive applicator head operable to dispense the adhesive at timed intervals onto the moving substrate, a measuring head located downstream from the applicator head and timed to release the absorbent material over the adhesive covered areas moving past and a vacuum or mechanical cleaning device for removing excess absorbent material from the substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the measuring head is replaced with a receptacle containing absorbent material within which the substrate is immersed for coating the adhesive covered areas.

Abstract: A coating hood for applying protective coatings to glass containers, includes a pair of spaced side walls; a supply of vaporized or atomized coating chemical in a carrier gas; a conveyor for transporting the glass containers to be coated longitudinally through the coating hood; a hood ceiling with a plurality of openings positioned at the level of the container finishes for supplying coating free air across the finish of the containers; the openings on one side of the containers are offset in the longitudinal direction of the hood with respect to the openings on the other side of the containers; each opening supplying an envelope of the coating free air across the finish of the containers such that lateral boundaries of the envelope of each opening on one side of the containers are substantially coincident with lateral boundaries of the envelopes of the offset and laterally adjacent openings on the other side of the containers; and a blower for supplying the coating free air to the openings.

Abstract: A self-contained, compact and portable powder spray booth and powder recovery system includes a base unit, and a separate booth removably mounted upon the base unit which can be easily customized to accommodate articles of varying shape and size without changing the design of the base unit. When assembled, the booth and base unit form a powder coating chamber in which spray guns apply powder to moving articles. The articles enter and exit the powder coating chamber through openings which are shaped to accommodate the particular configuration of the articles to be coated. The systems for feeding powder to the spray guns, collecting oversprayed powder and filtering oversprayed powder are all contained within the base unit so that no exterior lines are required in the operation of the system except for a power line and an air line.

Abstract: A process and an installation for the continuous application of an oxidizable coating to a strip.The object of the invention is to provide an improvement in the recycle ratios and a savings of inert replenishing gas in an installation, in the enclosure which protects the draining means for controlling the coating, is recycled. To achieve this result, provision is made for the continuous purification of this gas by bringing it into contact with a reductive substance. If protective enclosure also contains the minimized flouring nozzles, zinc vapor can be introduced into the gas. This zinc vapor reacts with the oxygen and produces the nuclei by condensation.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatic spray coating of the insides of light transmissive lamp envelopes, comprising a stand, a turntable mounted on the stand for receiving pairs of the envelopes, gas burners for preheating the envelopes and burning in the sprayed coating layer and serving as an electrode to ground the envelopes, a dust generator for preparing and homogenizing, with a rotary chopper, the particles of the dust to be sprayed on the envelopes as the coating layer, spray guns with dust conduits connected to an exhaust system for collecting the particles of dust not bound in the layer and made free during spraying. The apparatus further comprises an electrostatic voltage source connected to the nozzles of the spray guns for negatively charging the dust particles so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to the envelopes, and elements to allow cleaning of the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable powder spray apparatus for use in combination with a floor supported chain-on-edge conveyor. The apparatus includes a powder spray booth, a fan plenum and a filter module, all of which are mounted upon rollers so that the assembled apparatus may be rolled on or off line relative to a horizontal span of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for depositing composite metallic coatings on a metallic strip, involves bringing in contact with a metallic coating, deposited on the strip by using a continuous dip coating method, before setting of the metallic coating, an additive metal powder in suspension in a gaseous jet. The melting point of the additive metal powder is higher than that of the base coating metal, so that the additive metal powder particles penetrate into the coating in order to obtain a composite structure imparting to the strip an increased corrosion resistance, compared to that provided by a base coating free from additive metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, in the presently preferred embodiment, for applying powdered adhesive to non-woven fabric material. The apparatus includes a novel powder spray gun wherein there is an air flow amplifier contained within the gun for accelerating the velocity of powder emitted from the gun and sprayed onto the top of a conveyorized web of the fabric material. The apparatus also includes a novel system for supplying powder to the spray gun, which system includes a first powder pump, a back-up pump and a control circuit responsive to detection of reduced powder flow to the gun to switch supply from the first pump to the back-up pump.

Abstract: The present invention comprises method and apparatus for substantially uniformly distributing a layer of discrete particles along a predetermined portion of the uppermost surface of a moving porous web so that the particles occupy less than 100% of the predetermined portion of the uppermost surface of said moving web.

Abstract: A thermography machine applies thermography powder to the printed surfaces of sheets. Excess powder is vacuumed from the sheets under the influence of suction generated by a cyclone separator which separates the excess powder from an air stream in which the powder is entrained. A static charge eliminator is provided for neutralizing the electrical charge on the powder particles to facilitate a smooth flow of the particles through the separator. The static charge eliminator includes a plurality of electrical charged pins across which is conducted a flow of outside air which is sucked through the static charge eliminator by the suction pressure from the separator. As the air flows across the charged pins, oxygen is converted to ozone and the ozone is conducted into contact with the powder particles within the separator. The pins have a contoured profile along their length to maximize the ozone-producing process.

Abstract: There is provided a powder spray chamber for coating the surface of workpes disposed in a coating space having a rotationally symmetrical filter carrier carrying a filter element on its mantle, the filter carrier being rotatingly mounted in an opening in a wall separating the coating space from a clean air space and having its free end sealingly projecting into said coating space, a vacuum source in said clean air space for creating a vacuum interiorly of said filter carrier, and cleaning means for cleaning said filter element.

Abstract: A detector and measuring device for determining the presence and number of lubricant particles in a flow of air directed onto the surface of a disc to coat the disc with a thin layer of the lubricant. The detector includes means for removing a portion of the air containing the lubricant particles from the coating chamber, means for diluting the air containing the lubricant particles with additional clean air and means for passing diluted air through a particle counter which detects and counts the particles of lubricant.

Abstract: An installation for the continuous coating of a strip, especially for the galvanizing of sheet steel.The object of the invention is to improve the quality of the coating and the uniformity of its crystallization, especially for thin sheets with low coating thicknesses. To achieve this result, the minimized flouring nozzle or nozzles are placed in an enclosure from which the strip leaves through a narrow slit and in which is provided means for maintaining a protective atmosphere inside this enclosure.Preferably, this enclosure is one with an enclosure surrounding the draining means, and means for recycling the protective atmosphere and for purifying it with respect to oxygen are provided.

Abstract: A powder feed system with a recirculator is provided for a plasma spray apparatus so that spraying operations may be started and stopped abruptly. The subject system utilizes a pressurized gas to direct a powdered material from a powder feed hopper to the plasma spray applicator. A diverter valve is located intermediate the powder feed hopper and the plasma spray applicator and in close proximity to the plasma spray applicator for selectively diverting the powdered material toward or away from the plasma spray applicator. Powdered material diverted away from the plasma spray applicator is directed to a powder accumulator for subsequent reuse. The powdered material is kept in continuous motion during both spraying and diverting operations thereby avoiding the need to overcome inertia each time spraying operations are commenced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying granules to continuously moving strip asphaltic material comprises discharging granules onto tacky strip asphaltic material, continuously removing the non-adhered portion of the granules, sensing the amount of removed granules, and controlling the amount of granules discharged onto the asphaltic material in response to the sensed amount of removed granules.

Abstract: A process for contacting a moving fibrous web with a powder. The process comprises the steps of:I. passing a mixture of powder and air through the moving fibrous web;II. reversing the direction of movement of the fibrous web; and thenIII. passing a mixture of powder and air through the moving fibrous web in a direction opposite to that of Step I.An apparatus comprising an air-tight enclosure; means for maintaining subatmospheric pressure within the enclosure; means for passing a fibrous web through the enclosure; and means within the enclosure for passing a mixture of powder and air through the moving fibrous web.

Abstract: This invention provides a distribution system suitable for coating articles placed in a given area with particulate material in a substantially uniform manner. The system comprises a plurality of arms which are provided with an inlet opening and a discharge opening. The arms are mounted for rotation about a central axis in conjunction with means for dividing and feeding a supply of particulate material from a source thereof into said inlet openings of the arms. The discharge opening is located on each of the arms in such manner so as to permit discharge of the particulate material from each arm over the given area, whereby when the arms rotate in conjunction with the dividing and feeding means, a supply of particulate material is divided and fed into the inlet openings of the arms and is discharged through the discharge opening. In this manner, a substantially uniform shower of the particulate material is provided over the given area.

Abstract: A thermo-engraving machine has safety, energy conserving and convenience features. The thermo-engraving machine receives a freshly printed sheet, passes it through a device for depositing powder. It heats the powder to cause the powder to melt, then cools the sheet to create raised printed material. The deposition device in one case is a tank with a vertical partition that provides separate containers for powders of different types. The other deposition device is a cyclone type that is pivotal to allow easy cleaning and has toothed wheels in its suction manifold to retain the sheets. The oven has sidewalls that will laterally move to vary the width of the oven. Heater elements in the oven can be selectively turned off for smaller widths. The oven is held by a latch that releases the oven to spring upward should electricity be cut off to the solenoid that holds the latch in position.

Abstract: A device is described for filtering zinc powder from an airstream which is exhausted from a galvanizing process. The device comprises an enclosed chamber to which the airstream is circulated for removal of zinc powder. The chamber has a horizontally disposed bottom surface in which there is a plurality of circular openings which are equally spaced about a vertical center axis and which lead to vertically disposed bag-type filters. An arm is coupled to a vertical drive shaft which is rotatable about the center axis. The arm is designed to move a circular cover from opening-to-opening to individually seal the openings from the chamber, so that the filters can be cleaned of zinc powder. The cover is freely mounted on the distal end of the arm such that the cover is supported on the bottom surface of the chamber as it moves in an arcuate pathway between the filter openings.

Abstract: A powder spray chamber balances the downward forces of gravity on the coating particles with upward exhaust forces to suspend the coating materials adjacent the work piece for a longer period of time than would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: A technique for coating a longitudinally extending member feeds particulate plastics coating material onto a horizontal support to form a mound. The mound is pendulously swung back and forth along a path of movement of the member. The member is heated and passed through the pendulously swinging mound of plastics material to coat the member with the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to fill out uneven surfaces, whereby a fine grain, fusible powder is excessively applied to the surface to be treated, the excess is removed, and the remaining powder which fills cracks and cavities is temporarily heated to melt. The invention further reveals a means to carry out the method.

Abstract: A process for contacting a moving fibrous web with a powder. The process comprises the steps of:I. passing a mixture of powder and air through the moving fibrous web;II. reversing the direction of movement of the fibrous web; and thenIII. passing a mixture of powder and air through the moving fibrous web in a direction opposite to that of Step I.An apparatus comprising an air-tight enclosure; means for maintaining subatmospheric pressure within the enclosure; means for passing a fibrous web through the enclosure; and means within the enclosure for passing a mixture of powder and air through the moving fibrous web.

Abstract: Apparatus for dusting articles such as electrical cables with a powder such as talc, to prevent the articles sticking together, comprises means for agitating powder in a chamber and means for conveying powder-laden air from the chamber to a dusting nozzle.For efficient dusting of an article, it is important that a constant uniform flow of powder-laden air is conveyed to the dusting nozzle.A fluidized bed of dusting powder is created by a fan creating an air flow up through a permeable screen. A conveying nozzle receives some of the air flow, being positioned close to the screen, and comprises a convergent portion which accelerates the flow of powder-laden air to transport it to a discharge portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A blast room floor construction is disclosed, and the preferred and illustrated embodiment incorporates an overhead grate of substantial strength to enable a workman and work materials to be located thereon. The blast cleaning procedure forms a cloud of dust and residue which falls through the grate. Therebelow, multiple pieces are utilized to construct sloping, parallel sidewalls which form valleys. In each valley, there is located a hollow, rectangular vacuum tube. Vacuum is pulled through the tube. It has a number of holes formed in the tube which enable the sand and blast residue to flow through the holes into the tube, which are carried away for reuse. The valley is defined by adjacent sides of angle plate material. In addition, a diamond shaped sheet is folded across a diameter to define a pair of funnel surfaces where the diamond shape having notches formed in opposite corners to fit over the tube to carry the granular materials toward the hole in the tube.

Abstract: A method for spraying a powdered to granular bulk material is disclosed in which a stream of propellant gas is mixed with the bulk material and the mixture is sprayed by a suitable known spraying device. Unwanted clogging of conduits and wastage of the bulk material are prevented by rerouting the flow of the bulk-material/gas mixture at a point upstream from the spray device whenever it is desired to interrupt spraying. A device for effecting this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for spraying fluidized powder circumferentially around a pipe comprising a powder applicator ring engageable with a pipe and having a pair of powder dispensers mounted thereon, a powder fluidization chamber containing a quantity of powder therein, a hose for introducing a stream of air into the chamber to fluidize the powder therein, a powder recovery canister having a pair of axially opposed powder blowers mounted thereon which have their intakes in communication with the interior of the recovery canister, each powder blower having an outlet from which a stream of air is allowed to pass, a pair of tangential inlet pipes circumferentially spaced and connecting with the interior of the canister, a pair of powder control valves connected to the chamber and in communication with the fluidized powder therein, a rod for actuating the powder control valves wherein a quantity of fluidized powder is exhausted into an orifice in each powder control valve, a hose for introducing the fluidized powder from each

Abstract: An installation for electrostatic deposition of powder on objects travelling continuously, by means of a conveyor, through a treatment cage with a side entrance and exit comprises a filtering system, a system for supplying powder and compressed air and a tank for recovery of powder. The cage comprises at least two modules, namely, a first module for storing, projecting and recovering powder, which contains elements for projection of powder onto the objects to be processed, and a second module for filtering and recycling the air in which the air loaded with powder originating from the first module is filtered and recycled to the first module. The cage includes at least one air lock to prevent escape of powder laden air to the exterior of the cage.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of dispensing a powderlike material by gravity with substantial uniformity and a minimum contamination of the immediate environment is provided wherein the apparatus comprises a substantially horizontally disposed tubular body having opening means through a bottom portion thereof and conveying means moveable within the body for moving the powder-like material over the opening means enabling gravity flow therethrough and wherein the conveying means comprises a flexible conveying device which is moveable through the tubular body and a plurality of flights fastened in spaced relation on the device for engaging and moving the powder-like material along the tubular body and over the opening means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the internal coating of a two-piece can body with a powder. Two-piece can bodies include a body and an end. A stream of powder is directed towards the corner between the end and the body in a circular path by rotating either the can body or the powder dispenser so as to coat the end of the can body. A recovery tube is provided to draw the powder rearwardly out of the can body away from the end in a generally cylindrical path adjacent the interior wall of the body so as to coat the body with the powder. The powder is electrostatically charged so as to adhere to the can body until such time as the powder may be suitably cured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the fusion processing of synthetic thermoplastic resinous materials, utilizing a first high-velocity stream of gas to transport the resinous material through an elongated passageway which directs the stream of gas and transported material onto a workpiece, thereby fusing the resinous material. The elongated passageway is defined by at least one wall having a plurality of foramina or pores through which a second stream of gas is directed to heat the resinous material to a fusion temperature and to provide a slip stream on the inner surface of the wall thereby preventing the resinous material from sticking to the surface. The first stream of gas may be heated to initiate or supplement the heating of the resinous material.

Abstract: A method of automatic underwater painting over metal surfaces of ships and offshore constructions is disclosed, which broadly comprises the steps of freely running a painting machine along the metal surface, sealably attaching the machine onto the metal surface of a location as desired and thereby forming a painting chamber over the metal surface for painting, transferring the water within the painting chamber to a ballast tank of the machine, and while paint jetting nozzles of the machine being reciprocated within the painting chamber, jetting a paint to effect an even painting over a wide area of the metal surface. The painting machine, which is also disclosed, includes an improved maneuvering mechanism, improved buoyancy adjusting mechanism, improved waterproof electromagnet, nozzle driving mechanism and paint circulation system.

Abstract: Investment casting mold forming apparatus including a vertically extending housing (10) having a top (22), a bottom (28) and an access opening (20) intermediate the top and the bottom, a diffuser (26) within the housing below the opening and above the bottom, a pressure fluid inlet (32) in the housing between the bottom and the diffuser for providing fluid so that a fluidized bed and particulate material may be generated above the diffuser, and a distributor (50,52,60) introducing particulate material into the housing at its top and above a fluidized bed therein such that the particulate material so introduced may descend, by gravity, within the housing towards the fluidized bed.

Abstract: Elongated members to be plastic coated are cleaned, preheated to a temperature above the melting point of powdered plastic, and axially rotated while moved through a special coating chamber. Air locks located on opposed walls of the chamber freely receive the heated rotating member therethrough. An isolated, dry fluidized bed of plastic particles is formed below the airlocks and in underlying relationship to the moving member. A conduit has an inlet thereof located within the bed and an outlet thereof is directed downwardly towards the rotating member. An air lift moves the fluidized plastic from the bed, through the conduit, and into contact with the outer surface of the heated, rotating member, whereupon some of the powdered plastic fuses into a uniform coating which adheres to the outer surface of the member. A wet quench chamber is located immediately adjacent to the dry coating chamber.

Abstract: A method of powder coating the inside of tubular goods, such as oil field pipe and the like, by connecting one end of the pipe to a means for producing a flow of compressible gases therethrough. The other end of the pipe is open to atmospheric pressure. A valve means is connected upstream of the pipe between the inlet end thereof and a container for holding a single charge of plastic powder. The charge of powdered plastic is isolated upstream of the pipe inlet. The charge is of sufficient size to coat the entire inside peripheral wall surface of the pipe with a substantial uniform coating of plastic.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying a powder circumferentially around a pipe joint on a pipe comprising a yoke engagable with the pipe, one or more powder dispensers mounted on the yoke and disposed over the pipe joint, means for driving the yoke circumferentially about the pipe, each powder dispenser having an inner housing provided with an opening positioned adjacent the surface of the pipe for supplying a quantity of air-powder suspension to the surface of the pipe over the pipe joint, each powder dispensing device also having an outer housing surrounding the inner housing and being provided with an opening positioned adjacent the pipe and surrounding the opening of the inner housing, the inner and outer housings of each powder dispenser defining a space therebetween. A powder suspension device is provided having a hollow container adapted to contain a quantity of powder therein and a means for introducing air under pressure adjacent the bottom of the container to place the powder in suspension in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing preforms for the production of optical fibers by plasma coating and drawing. A plasma stream produced with the aid of a radio frequency generator is caused to successively pass through three zones in the first of which a mixture of fluidized powders of two materials of appropriate composition is injected and completely vaporized. In the second zone an oxidizing gas having a mixing action is introduced into the deeply cooled stream. The materials and gas react with each other to form microseeds. The powders contain high purity silicon and at least one doping element of the group comprising Al, Ge, B. Ti and Zr. In the third zone an inert gas is introduced and deposition of substance is effected on substrates suitably arranged with respect to the path followed by the plasma stream.

Abstract: The specification discloses a means and method for electrostatic coating of objects with synthetic resinous powdered material in which increased electrostatic charges are placed upon the powdered coating material before they are moved through the vicinity of the article to be coated by subjecting them to acceleration in a closed circuitous path from which they are tapped for movement to the coating area.

Abstract: A printing device in which solvent dissolved toner is applied to a recording carrier to produce a symbol or image wherein a printing head is received interior of a housing with toner particles circulated in the housing in a gas stream. Solvent ejectors within the print head are positioned adjacent a slot opening of the housing and direct a toner-solvent stream against a recording carrier exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A mechanical powder flow diverting device for use in conjunction with an apparatus for the electrostatic coating of can bodies which are sequentially positioned for receiving the powder coating. A switching device is provided so that powder is directed to the position of a can body to be coated only when a can body is located in that position. A return line returns the powder flow to the powder source during the time between can bodies. The switching device utilizes a readily bendable deflectable tube for diverting the powder flow between the coating apparatus and the return line and in order to prevent a backflow of powder during the switching, each of the lines receiving powder from the tube includes a vacuum flow transducer whereby the customary dead air resistance to flow of the powder-gas admixture is eliminated and, therefore, there is no blow back of powder during the switching operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying powdered coating materials to the outer periphery of objects, and particularly tubular objects, and which comprises a support frame structure for receiving the object therethrough and partially surrounding the object in spaced relation thereto, a supply chamber for receiving a supply of new powdered coating materials therein and in communication with fluidizer apparatus for directing the new powder thereto, gun batteries in communication with the fluidizer apparatus for directing the fluidized powder onto the outer periphery of the object simultaneously from opposite sides thereof, filtered chambers for collecting powder overspray and directing any accumulation of overspray into a reclaimed powder reservoir, said reclaimed powder reservoir being in communication with the fluidizer apparatus for adding the reclaimed powder thereto whereby reclaimed powder is directed to the outer periphery of the object.

Abstract: A toner powder reclaiming apparatus for use with the developing system of an electrostatic reproduction machine including a rotating drum in the path of movement of an airflow containing electrically charged toner particles which become attracted to the drum. A scraper blade is in contact with the drum for cleaning the toner of the collecting surface thereon. The toner particles thereby removed are directed automatically into the toner supply contained for the developing system.