Abstract: A plant and a process for coating a multi-sided mineral fiber base layer with a surface coating in the form of a fibrous non-woven fabric formed of a thermoplastic polymer material on at least part of at least two sides of the base layer to form a mineral fiber element, wherein the plant comprises two or more coating devices, means for melting a thermoplastic polymer material, means for supplying the polymer melt obtained to the coating devices, wherein each coating device comprises a number of dispensing units comprising a number of orifices, means for extruding the polymer melt obtained through the orifices and distributing the extruded polymer material on the surface of the mineral fiber base layer, and means for directing one or more high pressure gas streams closely past the orifices in order to elongate the extruded polymer material so as to form thin filaments and/or fibers, and wherein the coating devices are arranged in separate successive coating stations in such a manner that the coating of individ

Abstract: A device for application of a gluing system of at least two components, such as a resin component and a hardener component comprising a unit of at least two hollow members, at least one member for each component, provided with a number of orifices in each member designed to apply the respective component onto a substrate below the hollow members to form strands, the hollow members being positioned above the plane of application, wherein the unit comprises means for adjusting the position of the orifices in at least one of the hollow members in relation to the position of the orifices in the other hollow members. The invention also relates to a method for applying a gluing system of at least two components, such as a resin component and a hardener component, in the form of strands, using the device.

Abstract: A liquid output portion is arranged above a substrate. In the substrate, a film formation region and a non-film-formation region are determined. The liquid output portion is responsible for continuously outputting a liquid in a constant amount to the substrate. The substrate and the liquid output portion are relatively moved by a moving portion. Below the liquid output portion, a liquid shut-out portion is arranged. At least one of the substrate and the liquid output portion is moved and ready to supply of the liquid from the liquid output portion to the non-film-formation region, the supply is shut out by the liquid shut-out portion. A liquid, which has been controlled so as to spread in a constant amount, is continuously output from the liquid output nozzle to the substrate. While the nozzle and the substrate are relatively moved, the liquid is supplied to a first region on the substrate.

Abstract: A supporting structure (10) moves along panel joints (J), (J) of a roof panel (R) and a roof side panel (S) of an automobile body (B). Two sealant coating devices (20, 30), which each have a coating head, are provided on the left and right sides of the supporting structure (10). The sealant coating devices (20, 30) are mounted on the supporting structure 10 in such a manner that the coating heads can move in the width direction as well as in the vertical direction of the automobile body. According to this arrangement, the sealant coating devices (20, 30) move in such a manner that the coating head follows the panel joints (J), (J) while the supporting structure (10) along the longitudinal direction of the automobile body (B).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member capable of obtaining high-quality uniform images without image defects and nonuniformity in image density. The method of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a step forming a functional film on a substrate, and a washing step of spraying water on the substrate surface from concentrically arranged nozzle groups positioned in a twisted relationship before the step of forming the functional film.

Abstract: A resist coating and developing processing apparatus comprises an airflow forming mechanism for forming airflows from the tops of a cassette station, a processing station, and an interface section toward the bottoms and a controller for controlling the airflow forming mechanism, in which the processing station includes draft openings communicating with the cassette station and the interface section respectively. The controller controls the airflow forming mechanism so that the pressure in the processing station becomes higher than the pressures in the cassette station and the interface section to form flows of air from the processing station into the cassette station and the interface section. Thereby, influence of impurity components such as particles, alkaline components, and the like and changes in atmosphere such as temperature, humidity, and the like exerted on processing can be effectively precluded.

Abstract: An applicator includes a slot and a reservoir which extends from the slot and has a shape which generally conforms to the slot. The reservoir is configured to contain a liquid therein. A piston which conforms to the reservoir is configured to move in the reservoir to thereby urge the liquid in the reservoir toward the slot.

Abstract: A method is described that combines the advantages of the dip-coating method with those of the spin-coating method, whereby at least one liquid coating composition is deposited on a substrate by means of at least one spray nozzle, and wherein said substrate is rotated (spinned) for some time at least after said liquid coating composition has been deposited. This method is particularly suited for the coating of ophthalmic substrates. Furthermore a device suitable for performing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: At the interior of a working booth (1) of a painting machine with a robotized head (13), on the same guide (5) for the longitudinal and vertical movements of the said head, there is mounted a second ancillary painting head (19) similar to the one robotized, but constructively simplified in order to perform only oscillation movements for works of simple type. The ancillary spraying head is fixed at one extremity of the booth when the machine has to operate with the robotized head (13) upon panels stationary inside the same booth. Otherwise, when it has to operate upon travelling panels, the ancillary head (19) is moved to an intermediate and pre-established point of the same booth, while the robotized head (13) is placed and stopped at a distance from the ancillary head variable and correlated to the speed of travel of the panels and to the oscillating speed transversely to the same panels of both the heads, the guns of which are now actuated for performing works of simple painting.

Abstract: A utility rack for a motor vehicle is provided comprising a stationary mounting frame mountable to a vehicle, a cargo frame movable between an access position and a storage position and capable of carrying substantially elongated cargo, a carriage to move said cargo frame between said access position and said storage position, said carriage movably attaching said cargo frame to said mounting frame, said carriage being manually actuated to move said cargo frame between said access position and said storage position, said carriage comprising an assist capable of assisting manual movement of said cargo frame between said storage position and said access position.

Abstract: A coating system is provided having at least one first basecoat applicator for applying a first basecoat layer over at least a portion of a surface of a substrate, at least one second basecoat applicator for applying a second basecoat layer over the first basecoat layer, and a first drying chamber located between the first and second basecoat applicators, the first drying chamber providing a temperature of about 50° F. to about 90° F. (10-32.5° C.), a relative humidity of about 40% to about 80% and an air velocity of about 20 FPM to about 150 FPM (0.10-0.76 m/s) at the surface of the first basecoat layer. A method of coating a substrate is provided in which a first liquid basecoat material is applied over the substrate. The first basecoat material is exposed to air having a temperature of about 50° F. to about 90° F. (10-32.5° C.), a relative humidity of about 40% to about 80% and an air velocity of about 20 FPM to about 150 FPM (0.10-0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for moistening a web-shaped material, wherein the moistening device is designed as a device for mobile use, and wherein the web-shaped material can be laterally pushed into the moistening device.

Abstract: A machine for applying sauce to a pizza crust rapidly and accurately. The crust is placed on a turntable, is centered by stationary platforms having terraced surfaces, and the turntable raises the crust to beneath a plurality of nozzles. The nozzles are mounted to cylinder blocks in which cylindrical cavities are formed. Pistons are slidably mounted in the cavities, and are drivingly linked to a linear prime mover to be displaced upwardly and downwardly to pump sauce into and out of the cavities. Check valves control the flow of sauce from the source of sauce to the crust through the nozzles. The pistons are selectively linked to the linear prime mover for reducing the area onto which the sauce is dispensed, for accommodating smaller and larger pizza crusts.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a coating apparatus for coating articles with chocolate masses and the like with hot water includes the steps of: filling water into a tub of the coating apparatus, wherein the coating apparatus includes a driven grating conveyer belt for receiving the articles to be coated including an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the coating apparatus includes at least one aggregate being arranged in the upper region of the tub; pumping water out of the tub with at least one pump; and directing the substantially unpressurized water onto the grating conveyer belt and onto the at least one aggregate to be cleaned, the water having a temperature being higher than the melting temperature of the mass, the water flowing over the grating conveyer belt and the at least one aggregate and back into the tub in a substantially unpressurized manner.

Abstract: A device and method for applying adhesive to materials, such as elastic strands, used in the production of nonwoven products. Generally, a nozzle is provided and includes a liquid discharge orifice configured to discharge a bead of liquid adhesive. First and second pattern air discharge orifices are associated with the first liquid discharge orifice to vacillate or oscillate the adhesive bead. First and second cleaning and stabilizing air discharge orifices are also associated with the first liquid discharge orifice. These latter air discharge orifices keep airborne contaminants away from the associated liquid discharge orifice and also stabilize the oscillation of the adhesive bead in a single plane. A method in accordance with the invention includes using the nozzle to dispense a vacillating bead of adhesive onto a strand of material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods for delivering solutions during electronic device manufacture. Methods of the invention include delivering metallization solutions to the device at an angle of less than 90 degrees with the surface of the device. The method may further comprise partially treating the device by delivering the metallization solutions from above the device, turning the device over, and then completing treatment by delivering the metallization solutions from below the article. The method is particularly useful in the formation of printed circuit boards and other electronic packaging devices having through-holes and blind vias.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method for dispensing material onto a substrate. The dispensing system includes a frame, a support, coupled to the frame, that supports the substrate at a dispensing position in the dispensing system, and a dispensing head, coupled to the frame, that dispenses the material onto the substrate. The dispensing head includes a motor unit having a first motor coupled to an output drive mechanism, and a dispensing unit, removably coupled to the motor unit, having a material outlet from which the dispensing material is dispensed, the dispensing unit having a dispensing mechanism coupled to the material outlet and coupled to the output drive mechanism of the motor unit such that operation of the first motor causes the dispensing mechanism to dispense material through the outlet.

Abstract: A multiple head dispensing system and method is provided. In one embodiment, a dispensing system for dispensing material onto a substrate includes a plurality of independently operable dispensing heads, and a conveyor system, disposed beneath the plurality of dispensing heads, having a first track and a second track, each of which is constructed and arranged to convey substrates to working positions beneath the dispensing heads. The dispensing system may include a plurality of gantry systems, each of which is coupled to one of the plurality of independently operable dispensing heads.

Abstract: A lacquering line and a method of lacquering industrially manufactured products in standard and/or special colours, having one or more guide devices (1) for the industrially manufactured products, having one or more lacquering cabins and having spraying elements (2) disposed along the guide devices (1) inside the lacquering cabins, wherein at least one lacquering cabin comprises one or more lacquering units, having one or more exchangeable small containers (6, 6a), in which the lacquer quantity required for lacquering a predetermined number of individual products is packed ready to apply, as well as having a rinsing device (9), wherein the small containers (6, 6a) and the rinsing device (9) are connectable in each case by a lacquer conveying device (7) and one or more stub lines (8) directly or via a colour changer (11) to the spraying elements.

Abstract: A spray application apparatus and method, well suited for use in a plywood production resin spray line, provides automatic control of the spread rate of resin applied to the veneer layers built-up to form plywood panels. In lieu of the conventional trial and error method of manually adjusting the height of a spray nozzle to adjust the spread rate, a controller, actuator, and various sensors are utilized in conjunction with a novel control algorithm to achieve continuous automatic spread rate control. The control effectively compensates for variations in process parameters (e.g., resin flow rate, conveyor line speed and veneer temperature) during a production run, whereby product quality is increased with reduced resin consumption. The controller is easily and effectively calibrated without the need to obtain accurate initial values of the variable process parameters.

Abstract: A powder coating cabin includes a column-like housing defining an interior space between a ceiling and a bottom, with the bottom being substantially of flat configuration, and a coating unit arranged on the housing for spraying powder onto an object. The powder coating unit is further provided with a cleaning unit which is so received in the housing as to be movable between a stand-by position in which the cleaning unit is arranged at least partially underneath the bottom and an operative phase for automatically cleaning at least the inner wall surfaces of the housing, whereby the bottom is suitably so designed as to clear a passage for the cleaning unit.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a spring core by adhesively bonding strings of pocketed coil springs together utilizes a moving adhesive applicator for depositing adhesive onto a moving string of pocketed coil springs. Subsequently, individual strings are adhesively bonded to similar strings to form the spring core of pocketed coil springs. The moving applicator may take one of any number of various embodiments which include reciprocating movement, rotational movement, pivotal movement and/or linear translational movement for spraying a pattern of adhesive onto the moving string of pocketed coil springs.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing and processing a flexible panel in a feed path includes a platen located proximate the feed path, the platen defining a platen surface extending in close proximity parallel to the feed path, a linear array of closely spaced fluid ports formed in the platen for receiving a pressurized fluid and directing the fluid toward the feed path in a transversely elongated fluid path, a transversely elongate chamber fixedly connected to the platen for defining a fluid chamber, the fluid ports being fluid-connected to the chamber; first, second, third and fourth roller shafts rotatably supported transversely to the feed path and having a spaced plurality of rollers thereon for contacting the panel, the first and third roller shafts contacting the panel upstream of the fluid port, the second and fourth roller shafts contacting the panel downstream of the fluid port, the rollers of the third and fourth roller shaft being located in offset overlapping relation to the rollers of the first and second ro

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a moving web of paper of paper-board. In the method, the web to be coated is passed to a coater station, wherein a coat layer is applied to at least one surface of the web, and the web is dried at least to some degree and passed to the next treatment step. The coat is applied by spraying the coating mix on the web surface by a high-pressure spraying nozzles, the pattern width covered by a single nozzle is essentially narrower than the cross-machine width of the web being coated.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus of the gantry type is adapted to reciprocate linearly along the length of a vehicle. Both upper washing mechanisms and side washing mechanisms are tiltably mounted on the gantry so as to tilt around the front and rear of the vehicle for optimal cleansing thereof. Pairs of fixed spray nozzles for delivering a pre-soak solution are positioned along each side and the top of the apparatus with one nozzle in each pair being angled rearwardly relative to a vehicle to spray the front and a side of the vehicle and another nozzle in each pair being angled forwardly relative to a vehicle to spray the rear and a side of the vehicle. An auxiliary delivery system for a paint conditioner or the like is disposed on the gantry for delivering the solution to the sides and top of the vehicle in horizontal rows and may be delivered in different colors for aesthetic purposes. The paint conditioner can be rinsed from the vehicle with the tiltable washing mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for the coating of flat-form substrates, especially of printed circuit boards, solder masks and the like, wherein there is arranged between two coating stations a turning station for the printed circuit boards, which are conveyed on a transporter pathway through the coating stations and the turning station, wherein in the turning station (4) there are provided in the same plane as the incoming transporter pathway (2) receiving elements (5) located, spaced apart, opposite one another, which enter into engagement with the edge of a printed circuit board (11) or a holding element attached to the printed circuit board, it being possible to pivot those receiving elements (5) through 180.degree. so that, when the printed circuit board is discharged, they again lie in the plane of the onwards-leading transporter pathway (2').

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a moving web of paper or paperboard. The web to be coated is passed to a coater station, wherein a coat layer is applied to at least one surface of the web by means of high-pressure spraying nozzles, whereby the pattern width covered by a single nozzle is essentially narrower than the cross-machine width of the web being coated. The nozzles are located in an enclosure and the excess coat mist formed in the process is removed by means of suction tubes, and advantageously, with the help of a falling film of coating mix flowing down the internal wall(s) of the enclosure.

Abstract: A powder coating system and method comprises a plurality of coating units arranged substantially vertically one on top of the other for simultaneous powder discharge to a workpiece which is moved in horizontal direction past the coating units, and further comprises a monitoring means for detecting a powder stream which flows through the respective coating units.

Abstract: A fluid injecting apparatus includes an injecting tank disposed in opposition to the transfer path of an image recording material and storing an image forming solvent, a filler filled within the injecting tank and forming a smoothly curved inner wall surface of the injecting tank, a nozzle plate disposed in the injecting tank as part of the wall surface of the injecting tank in opposition to the transfer path of the image recording material, having a plurality of nozzle holes for injecting the image forming solvent and injecting the image forming solvent from the plurality of nozzle holes by an oscillation, and a spacer member disposed at the back surface end of the filler and constituting part of the injecting tank opposing the plurality of nozzle holes. Accordingly, since the wall surface of the injecting tank is made a smoothly curved surface by the filler, the bubbles do not tend to attach to it, so the image forming solvent can be evenly applied on the image recording material.

Abstract: A food material dispensing apparatus for adding a topping to a target food is described. The apparatus comprises a first hopper and a first food distributing system. The first hopper is adapted for receiving the food material at an inlet and delivering the food material through an outlet toward a target location. The first food distributing system is designed for spreading the food material over the target food. The food distributing system includes a motor positioned a horizontal distance from the inlet of the first hopper, a curved conduit, and a flexible, rotary shaft. The curved conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is releaseably connected to the motor, and the distal end is adapted for insertion into the hopper. The flexible, rotary shaft is for stirring and/or mixing the food material. The flexible, rotary shaft passing through the curved conduit and is operatively connected at a first end to the motor.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.

Abstract: A clay tile or other formed item having a simulated appearance and a method and apparatus for providing same includes the use of perceptibly random spray patterns and multiple spray nozzles to dispense a coating liquid upon the item prior to its drying and possible firing. Upon drying, the tiles processed thereby include improved appearance characteristics. Spraying is accomplished by a computer controlled spray system which includes, in one embodiment, multiple banks of spray guns (as an example, three guns per bank) which spray liquid upon clay tiles or other items passing thereunder. The spray guns can oscillate sidewardly relative to the general path of the moving items, to further enhance the perceptibly random spray patterns. Different types of engobe or other coatings may be sprayed by each of the banks of spray guns. The method and apparatus can also be used in association with the coloration of clay brick, concrete roof tiles, concrete brick, and concrete block.

Abstract: In an atomizer head that produces a conical droplet mist, two shaping air ducts are diametrically opposing and are provided in the vicinity of the mist outlet aperture. The shaping air jets emerging from these ducts flatten the droplet mist which thus has a larger cone angle in one direction and a smaller cone angle in the other direction. A droplet mist thus flattened can be used to apply a liquid layer in a manner particularly true to the areas and contours of a workpiece surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning method and layout that can be used to dispose robots efficiently in an automobile painting and sealing line. This invention relates to the positioning of robots in an automobile painting line in which a downflow circulatory system is established. The main body of a sealing robot is positioned in a location at which it does not cause a large disruption in the downflow circulation along the side of an automobile body, and a robot for painting the under-surface of the floor of the automobile body is provided therebelow. Sealing and painting of the under-surface are performed in parallel.

Abstract: Adhesive material is directed by two gumming applicators onto selected portions of a wrapping material as it advances in a given feed direction at a predetermined velocity, with no interruption in the movement of the wrapping material. The two applicators make a forward pass and a return pass, each composed of two constituent passes, during the course of which the adhesive material is deposited simultaneously along respective first and second segments of a first trail in the forward direction and in like manner along respective first and second segments of a second trail in the reverse direction; each complete trail extends transversely and substantially across the full width of the wrapping material.

Abstract: An improved depositor apparatus for depositing material from a material source. The depositor apparatus including first and second dispensing assemblies having spaced-apart outlets. The first and second dispensing assemblies are reciprocally operated to alternately dispense material. A feed device is coupled to the first and second dispensing assemblies for supplying material from the material source to the first and second dispensing assemblies for discharge.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus and method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of liquid flow, the openings are generally cylindrical, and in the case of gas flow the openings are generally spaced-apart slotted holes. In the cases of both liquid and gas fluids, one of the grooves and/or nozzles are directed upstream relative to the path of article flow. Various adjustments are provided for adjusting the positions of the nozzle plates relative to the path of flow. The nozzle plate has a removable portion, for ease of cleaning and the like, that contains the nozzle orifices, sealingly connected to the nozzle base section.

Abstract: A system and method for applying fluids, including fiberized hot melt adhesive, onto a substrate from one or more meltblowing die assemblies mounted on a manifold that supplies fluid thereto. At least one of the die assemblies is selected from a group of die assemblies having different configurations of fluid dispensing orifices, wherein various combinations of the different die assembly configurations are mountable onto the manifold to provide a wide range of partial fluid dispensing patterns onto the substrate. Each of the plurality of fluid dispensing orifices are flanked by an air dispensing orifice disposed on opposing sides thereof, wherein air dispensing orifices may extend across a portion of the remaining portion of the meltblowing die assembly void of fluid dispensing orifices.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a process for controlling a multiplicity of spray tools for the surface coating of vehicles or parts thereof. With stored program control, the settings for the multiplicity of spray tool which determine the paint flow through each tool are issued centrally to the control elements associated with the spray tools. The trajectory points for the tools, which are stored with coarse spacing or obtained by coarse interpolation from already stored trajectory points, are applied as reference values to the attitude controllers serving each spray tool; from the said position controllers, additional trajectory points are determined by fine interpolation between the transmitted trajectory points and processed in the position controller by means of actual position values.

Abstract: A self-adhesive part of a hook and loop fastener has a multiplicity of layers of pressure-sensitive adhesive on a back surface of the base material, for adhering the part to a mating substrate. The adhesive is water based and a plurality times of coating and drying processes are repeated so as to have successive coatings. This reduces the overall drying time and efficiency is secured and minimization of requred space can be realized without impairing adhesive function.

Abstract: The invention involves a fluid treatment device and fluid treatment method to solution or melt coat or impregnate a resin or polymer to a predetermined, metered thickness into a substrate. The invention is effective in impregnating or coating various substrates in both a continuous or batch process on one side, two sides, or in the case of a porous substrate, penetration and complete saturation is possible. The invention offers significant advantages and benefits over existing methods and equipment and allows the coating or impregnation process to be performed at lower cost and higher efficiency with increased environmental safety.

Abstract: A source reduction analysis software in a paint application system to minimize paint usage. The differences in paint volumes per paint applicators' settings are identified. These settings include trigger point count settings, and/or pushout count settings, and/or fluid pressure settings.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.

Abstract: Described herein is apparatus for applying processing solution to a photographic material using a spray bar. The spray bar can be used to meter processing solution and/or air onto the material being processed, to agitate and/or mix processing solutions on the material using air jets, to air knife the material to remove processing solutions therefrom, and to dry the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a fluid to an outer surface of an elongated work piece having a longitudinal axis and a cross sectional shape, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus has a head member having an interior wall cross sectional shape adapted for receiving the cross sectional shape of the elongated work piece. The interior cross sectional shape defines an interior wall of the head member. The head member has an input end and an output end. The interior wall has means for applying the fluid to a surface of said elongated member. The head member has preferable a first part and a second part which are joined by an expandable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a flexible panel along a feed path is disclosed. In detail, the apparatus includes a platen member for receiving pressurized fluid and directing same through a plurality of jets in a path transverse to the feed path as the panel travels thereunder. First and second roller shafts having rollers thereon, in a spaced relationship, are located upstream and downstream of the platen member, respectively. The roller shafts are coupled to a drive system for rotating the rollers such that the panel is advanced along the feed path from the upstream sisde, under the platen, to the downstream side. The platen member includes first wing portions extending between adjacent rollers of the first roller shaft for stripping the panel from the rollers of the first roller shaft and providing support for the panel as it passes under the platen member and into contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A powder coating control system comprising a plurality of gun controls associated with a like plurality of powder spray guns. Each of the gun controls stores a plurality of presets spray parameters. Each of the gun controls responds to part identification signals and part position signals to select in real time one of the stored presets of spray parameters and trigger its respective powder spray gun ON and OFF to apply a powder coating to the moving part in accordance with the selected set of spray parameters. The control system further permits a gun purge cycle to be programmed either before or after the powder coating process is executed. The control system automatically initializes and brings each of the gun controls to an operable state on-line with the system control.

Abstract: A coater is provided for coating objects with a liquid material. The coater includes a flume that has an entry and an exit end, a supply of liquid coating material upon which the objects float, and a circulation system. The circulation system delivers the liquid material to the entry end of the flume so that the liquid material flows toward and out the exit end. The coater also includes a conveyor that loads the objects into the flume and a conveyor that receives the objects at the exit end of the flume.

Abstract: A continuous spray coating apparatus and process generally comprises a housing defining a closed coating chamber, the coating chamber having inlet and outlet openings. Automatic doors are provided to cover the inlet and outlet openings, and the opening and closing of the doors is selectively controlled such that only one of the doors will be open at any one time during the spray coating operation. The introduction of the coating composition into the chamber creates a predetermined atmosphere within the chamber which is substantially saturated with constituents of the coating material, and by means of the automatic doors and control thereof, introduction of air from the outside atmosphere into the chamber is substantially prevented to maintain a predetermined atmosphere within the chamber.