Opposed Patents (Class 118/316)
  • Patent number: 5650011
    Abstract: A duplex type coating apparatus capable of applying a coating material to the opposite sides of a moving web while causing the applied coating film to remain identical in thickness on each side has a pair of spaced apart die units disposed at the opposite sides of the web. The web is driven to vertically travel under tension between the dies along a predefined path of travel with a gap defined between each web side and an associated one of the dies. Each die has a liquid reservoir and a transversely elongated slot orifice, or discharge port, at the distal end thereof opposing a corresponding side of the moving web. The dies are operatively coupled to constant fluid feed pumps which supply the reservoirs with a specified amount of coating fluid, enabling the discharge ports to apply an identical amount of coating fluid onto each web surface. The fluid feed amount is chosen such that it is kept equivalent to the product of a preset coat thickness and width as well as the web's traveling speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Hirano Tecseed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 5632819
    Abstract: An assembly for a seed treating device incorporating a high volume, downwardly tapered hopper with metering gates and a series of high pressure chemical nozzles which laterally introduce a measured chemical treatment to the flow of falling grain or seed inside a spray chamber. A series of valves control the flow of chemicals through the apparatus while sump pump gathers and recirculates excess chemicals from inside the spray chamber for reuse or disposal. The spray chamber exit can be closed with a water tight seal and the system flushed with water and filtered for purposes of cleansing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Robert G. Geissler
  • Patent number: 5614264
    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 the fluid being a liquid, the nozzle openings provide cylindrical filament-like columns of liquid which are rendered by the associated grooves into generally flat, transversely disposed semen spray of liquid. In the case of the fluid being a gas, the nozzle openings and transverse grooves cooperate to deliver the gas in transversely spaced apart, transverse, planar zones of gas directed toward the path of article travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Atotech USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky A. Himes
  • Patent number: 5585143
    Abstract: Objects which have been abraded are coated with a coating material which is normally solid at room temperatures. The material is liquified at elevated temperatures and sprayed onto the cooler objects in a heated cabinet, whereupon the material at least partially solidifies on the object. Thereafter, heat is applied to the coating material to cause it to flow out over the coat surface. A cooled conveyor system prevents disruption of the coating material. Overspray is maintained in liquified form within the cabinet where it is reclaimed and flows to a heated sump for direct recirculation to the spray apparatus. There are no deleterious solvent emissions. Apparatus and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Scharf, Douglas J. Conrad, Kenneth J. Coeling
  • Patent number: 5575852
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manifold which includes a foam generating zone having means for receiving a foamable solution and air therethrough to produce a foam, a streaming discharge zone wherein the streaming discharge zone includes a first plurality of aperture surfaces of a first diameter and a second plurality of aperture surfaces of a second diameter larger than said first diameter and a buffer zone operably communicably associated with the foam generating zone and streaming discharge zone with means for impeding flow of the foam therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Steven A. Chase
  • Patent number: 5549753
    Abstract: Molded fibrous workpieces of various cross sectional configurations are coated with a polymeric latex foam coating material to encapsulate fibers and dust within the exterior surfaces of the workpieces. The foam coating is applied by passing the workpieces through a coating chamber filled with the polymeric foam so that the workpieces are totally immersed in the foam coating as the workpieces pass through the chamber. Openings for introducing the workpieces into and discharging the workpieces from the chamber have a configuration complementary to the transverse configuration of the workpieces. The foam coating is introduced into the chamber both above and below the path of the workpieces through the coating chamber to assure that the coating chamber remains fully charged with the foam coating. Brushes or wiper blades spread the foam coating over the exterior surfaces of the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Matthews, Eric G. Schakel, Lowell K. Morton, James F. Young
  • Patent number: 5514420
    Abstract: A painting gun having a ring-like gun main body with a circumferential opening formed in one peripheral portion thereof so as to allow for passage of an elongated workpiece as an object to be painted, and a plurality of nozzles radially disposed so as to eject a paint towards a central portion of the gun main body. The painting gun is moved in a longitudinal direction of the elongated workpiece after the elongated workpiece is placed in position inside the painting gun through the circumferential opening. Each of the nozzles atomizes the paint by atomizing air. An amount of the paint to be ejected from each of the nozzles is set to 35 cc/min or less, preferably 20 cc/min or less, per 1 kg/cm.sup.2 of an atomizing air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayo Tsuzuki, Hidenobu Nishida
  • Patent number: 5480483
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing solder on the terminal pads of printed circuit boards in which a solder resist layer or layers having a thickness corresponding to the desired solder height border the pads. Molten solder from a reservoir is directed by nozzles against the sides of the board to fill the cavities extending above the terminal pads while the board is moving via a conveyor mechanism relative to the reservoir. The cavities when filled with molten solder are covered by a suitable element such as a flexible belt or roller. The molten solder within the covered cavities is then cooled below its solidification point and the covering element removed. If desired, part or all of the solder resist layer or layers may then be stripped from the board to leave solder pads extending above the surface of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Velie Circuits, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Velie
  • Patent number: 5429682
    Abstract: A surface of a 3-D object is digitized automatically and stored in a memory. Based on the signal representation of the 3-D object areas of the surface are defined for color and boundaries. Coatings application paths are defined within each area and various parameters for applying coatings for each point in each path are also defined including spray pattern, amount of coatings to be applied, speed of application along the path, among others; for each area, the points of the selected path are correlated with the angle of attack, spray pattern, amount of coatings and speed. A set of programmed instructions are compiled for execution in a general purpose computer. An assembly line of objects to be painted may then be set up and the retrieved instructions executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Advanced Robotics Technologies
    Inventors: Albert L. Harlow, Jr., Richard E. Bechtold, David Parker, Francis L. Merat, Mark Podany, Raymond C. Laning
  • Patent number: 5421885
    Abstract: Plant for the powdered-paint spraying of pieces to be painted, comprising a spraying booth with replaceable walls of the disposable type and a unit for feeding and recovering the paint that has not deposited on the pieces to be painted. The booth comprises a supporting frame which delimits a spraying chamber having at least two walls or half-booths which are arranged mutually opposite, have replaceable sheets and are movably mounted with respect to one another for moving mutually closer and further apart to vary the section of the spraying chamber according to the width of the pieces to be painted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Ferdinando Trevisan
  • Patent number: 5393348
    Abstract: Improved non-electrostatic spray coating process and apparatus are provided. The process and apparatus of the present invention permit significant reduction in over-spray conditions as well as, the disadvantages and drawbacks associated therewith, without causing corresponding reduction in coating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert V. Morris
  • Patent number: 5389149
    Abstract: A paint system utilizes a paint pumping station comprising a plurality of small paint pots, one for each color inventoried in the system. A pump is provided for each paint pot and is connected through a like plurality of lines to color changers at each paint station. Each color changer utilizes lighted push buttons that are energized by an encoder that tracks vehicles moving through the spray booth and directs the painter to the proper paint for the vehicle being painted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Monarch Design Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Carey, James H. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5388602
    Abstract: Descaling device employing water to descale blooms, thin slabs, billets, etc., which cooperates with a mould and the zone immediately downstream therefrom, or with an induction furnace or rolling mill stands, the slabs or blooms (11-24) being fed in cooperation with the descaling device at a speed of feed of the order of 1.5-20 meters per minute, but advantageously between 4 and 10 meters per minute, the device consisting of at least one movable arm (12-13) bearing nozzle means (14) delivering descaling water, the movable arm (12-13) being associated with the face of the slab or bloom (11-24) to be descaled and having a working phase, in which the descaling water acts on the surface of the slab or bloom (11-24), and a shut-off phase, in which the descaling water does not act on the surface of the slab or bloom (11-24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventors: Giovanni Coassin, Franco Driussi, Fausto De Marco, Gianni Rattierri
  • Patent number: 5360645
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conformally coating an associated generally planar substrate such as vehicle window glass with a coating material includes first (12), second (22), and third (32) coating guns. The first (12) and second (22) coating guns are aimed at opposite sides (42; 44) of the planar substrate and can simultaneously spray a coating thereon. The third coating gun (32) is aimed toward a third side (46), or edge, of the associated substrate. Therefore, the apparatus can simultaneously spray a coating material on target areas on opposite sides and an included edge of a planar substrate such as a vehicle windshield. The third coating gun has an axis which makes an angle .alpha. with a plane containing the substrate to be sprayed. The first and second guns are offset from each other a distance "X", so that overspray from one gun will not foul or coat the other gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: James E. DeVries
  • Patent number: 5308658
    Abstract: Improved non-electrostatic spray coating process and apparatus are provided. The process and apparatus of the present invention permit significant reduction in over-spray conditions as well as, the disadvantages and drawbacks associated therewith, without causing corresponding reduction in coating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert V. Morris
  • Patent number: 5290384
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlled spray etching, in which panels, such as printed circuit boards are delivered through an etching chamber, to have a spray etchant sprayed generally on upper and lower surfaces of the panel. The spray is controlled such that a reduced amount of etchant is provided on the perimeter surface portions of the panel, relative to the central surface portions of the panel, transversely of the path of travel of the panels through the etching chamber. The spray may be varied in amount, preferably by varying the pressure at different locations transversely of the chamber; the spray longitudinally through the chamber, may vary, to spray leading and trailing surface portions of the panels a lesser amount than central portions of the panels, measured longitudinally. The control of the spray of leading and trailing surface portions of the panels may be facilitated by one or more sensors that control an intermittent discharge of spray etchant near the inlet to the etch chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Chemcut Corporation
    Inventors: Karl F. G. Ketelhohn, Donald F. Ball
  • Patent number: 5254168
    Abstract: A fluid-bed particle coater having a dual-jet and spray arrangement and including an upstanding column which has an upper cylindrical section, a tapered intermediate section and lower cylindrical section. Depending from the lower cylindrical section is a cylindrical chamber which is inner-connected to tubular sections adapted for introducing multiple air streams via separately controlled inlet openings. The dual-jet and spray construction includes an upwardly-facing spray nozzle positioned in coaxial relationship to the tubular sections and a draft tube, and a downwardly-facing spray nozzle contained with a fountain tube which is disposed above the draft tube. The fountain and draft tubes concentrically intersect about the intermediate section of the column in an opened telescopic arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventors: Howard Littman, Morris H. Morgan, Stevan D. Jovanovic
  • Patent number: 5240745
    Abstract: An object having three-dimensional surfaces such as an automotive vehicle body is painted by painting mechanisms movable along a transfer path near the object. Each of the painting mechanisms has a plurality of paint spray guns displaceable dependent on the surfaces to be painted, the paint spray guns being adjustably located at optimum distances and angles with respect to the surfaces to be painted for applying a uniform paint coat to the object. No paint runs and sags will be formed on the coated surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Yamamoto, Tadashi Takeo, Kiyohiro Ichinose, Syogo Ozawa, Kenji Fujii, Saburo Fujii, Mashayuki Enomoto, Ichiro Ishibashi, Junichi Murayama
  • Patent number: 5211756
    Abstract: An apparatus to manufacture or produce articles such as printed circuit boards comprising at least one module having an entry and exit opening formed on opposite ends thereof and a transport mechanism comprising a continuous conveyor including a plurality of interconnected conveyor links to support the articles thereon and an entry and exit roller seal assembly each including a pair of rotatable seal rollers disposed to seal the entry and exit openings respectively and engage the articles passing through the entry and exit openings respectively, an article guide to maintain the articles in a substantially vertical position as the articles transverse the apparatus and a fluid supply to expose both sides of the article uniformly with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Micro-Plate/Systems
    Inventors: Ivo Grubelic, Vladimir Velitschkowski
  • Patent number: 5128177
    Abstract: Arrangements are disclosed for an automatic mobile and components thereof together with a new mass transit system for said mobile wherein cost reductions, manufacturing simplicity and new methods of travel are obtained primarily through the use of Integrated Sub Systems, Symmetry, Remanufacturability, Transfusion Coatings, and an Automatic Transport Mode thereby resulting in elimination of large automotive assembly plants and the haulaway delivery industry with subsequent opening-up of competition which will allow new automotive industries to form with very minimal ini-investments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Anthony M. Vecellio
  • Patent number: 5078089
    Abstract: A spray coating booth for enclosing individual articles to be coated with a liquid spray while the articles are supported in closely spaced relation on an article conveyor for movement through the booth includes a rigid frame with fixed sidewalls and movable top and end walls which may be moved between a closed position completely enclosing an article supported on the conveyor and an open position to permit articles to be moved into and out of the booth. The movable top assures against coating liquid dripping onto and contaminating articles moving on the conveyor which are not to be coated. The end walls are supported for movement in substantially a transverse vertical plane to permit close spacing of articles on the conveyor without contact of the articles by the end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: National Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Dugan, Daniel D. Evans, Robert Griffith, Ronald G. Mumaw
  • Patent number: 5059266
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a three-dimensional article with photosetting or thermosetting material on the basis of a three-dimensional information on the article by means of an ink jet method. The material is jetted from at least one ink jet head to a stage and laminated thereon. The laminated material is exposed to light by a light source to be cured. In this process, a jetting direction of the material from the ink jet head to the stage and/or a jetting amount of the material jetted from the ink jet head is changed in accordance with the information by a control unit, thereby forming a solid article having a desired three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yamane, Takashi Kawaguchi, Shigeru Kagayama, Shunichi Higashiyama, Keiko Suzuki, Jun Sakai, Mikio Imaeda, Kouji Inaishi
  • Patent number: 5050532
    Abstract: In a method of moistening such articles as tools (drills, band saws, circular saws, thread cuttters and similar tools as well as stamping, drawing, and sectioning tools) or workpieces (metal or plastic articles being machined, pipes that are being sawn through, or sheet metal being rolled into structural piping for example) with a liquid (such as a lubricant or coolant for tools and workpieces or an adhesive for workpieces), wherein the liquid is removed from a reserve of liquid and supplied by way of a pipeline to a dispenser that is aimed at the area of the article to be moistened, the pipeline having flow controls and a blender for blending a gaseous medium into the liquid, the improvement wherein the liquid is mixed with the gaseous medium in a gyration chamber into a fluid that is supplied through tubing to a dispenser and sprayed onto the area to be moistened through the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Hundt & Weber Schaltgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Ruppert
  • Patent number: 5024864
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying a colorant material to the surface of a plastic insulation material which has been applied to an elongated material such as a metallic conductor (22) or an optical fiber which is being moved at any of a wide range of speeds along a path of travel. The coolant material is applied by nozzles which are staggered along the path of travel and which direct the colorant into engagement with the plastic insulation material at different radial directions. A first plurality of nozzles (46--46) each cause the colorant to be in a spray pattern (45) which is in the area of a plane. Advantageously, those nozzles cooperate to stabilize the conductor and prevent undulations thereof as the conductor is moved along its path of travel. A second plurality of nozzles (50--50) cause the colorant to be in a solid conical pattern (53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Larry L. Bleich, Joni A. Roberts, Stephen T. Zerbs
  • Patent number: 4931322
    Abstract: An object having three-dimensional surface such as an automotive vehicle body is painted by painting mechanisms movable along a transfer path near the object. Each of the painting mechansims has a plurality of paint spray guns displaceable dependent on the surfaces to be painted, the paint spray guns being adjustably located at optimum distances and angles with respect to the surfaces to be painted for applying a uniform paint coat to the object. No pain runs and sags will be formed on the coated surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki
    Inventors: Tohru Yamamoto, Tadashi Takeo, Kiyohiro Ichinose, Syogo Ozawa, Kenji Fujii, Saburo Fujii, Mashayuki Enomoto, Ichiro Ishibashi, Junichi Murayama
  • Patent number: 4876760
    Abstract: A machine and method for automatically buffing and otherwise treating vehicle bodies. A gantry type frame includes two side columns each carrying an extensible and retractable buffing head that can be driven up and down. An overhead bridge extends between the columns and can be driven up and down on them. Top buffing heads are mounted to move in and out on the bridge and can be extended and retracted toward and away from the top of a vehicle positioned between the columns. The buffing heads are controlled by an electrical and hydraulic system arranged to effect automatic buffing of the vehicle sides and top. The frame is moved along the length of the vehicle in increments selected to effect thorough buffing of the vehicle surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: William B. Rabourn
    Inventors: William B. Rabourn, Daniel R. Heckart
  • Patent number: 4839199
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for treating materials consisting of a plurality of monofiliments with a treating agent. The treating agent is suspended in streams which are directed to the material from various directions and under a controllable pressure so as to separate the monofiliments and thereby expose the individual monofiliments to the treating agent. The streams of treating agent are directed to the material with application of the Venturi principle. The streams of treating agent may be applied in a reciprocating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Flexline Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Gui G. de Jager
  • Patent number: 4729340
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the powder coating of elongated articles such as wire and pipe is provided comprising a powder spray booth having a top, bottom and opposed spaced side and end sections. The opposed end sections are each provided with a plurality of spaced openings each formed to receive an elongated article. Partition means are disposed in the spaces between adjacent openings and extend longitudinally along the powder spray booth forming compartments therebetween in which such elongated articles individually travel and receive a powder coating from separate electrostatic spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventors: James F. Zeiss, Allen Newman, Gunther J. Lissy
  • Patent number: 4704985
    Abstract: A spray gun mover includes a lance extension carried by a movable frame mounted on forward and rearward struts of different lengths. The struts are pivoted to the movable frame at their top ends, and to a stationary frame at their lower ends. A coating apparatus is mounted on the distal end of the lance and is moved along the axis of a rotating drum through a predetermined path, preferably comprising a substantially straight line. A second lance is provided for coating the drum exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Mordecai Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 4686123
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuously applying a treating medium onto a moving substrate in a turbulent manner. The apparatus is provided with a chamber through which the substrate and the treating medium are passed. Both the upper and lower portions of the chamber each have at least one cavity which is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the substrate, wherein the respective cavities of the upper and lower portions are coaxial with one another. Each cavity contains an applicator which is capable of turbulently applying the treating medium onto the substrate. A method of treating a substrate with a treating medium using this apparatus is also disclosed. By means of the apparatus and method disclosed, a substrate can be treated in a more controlled and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Chris D. Levan
  • Patent number: 4685605
    Abstract: A system for the continuous production soldering of circuit boards and other products in which the product is heated by an independently controlled vapor phase system, and solder applied by a separately controlled application system operative to direct one or more controlled and defined streams of solder onto the product. A vessel is provided for containing a heated saturated inert vapor into which the product is introduced prior to solder application. One or more nozzles are disposed within the vessel for directing one or more streams of molten solder to the heated product. The heating and soldering operations are separately controllable and are each substantially independent of the control of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: The HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Spigarelli, Douglas J. Peck, James L. Finney
  • Patent number: 4669417
    Abstract: A tire spraying apparatus is disclosed including a frame having a vertically extending standard and a generally horizontal extending tire supporting frame portion receivable in the opening of a tire. The tire supporting frame portion includes a pair of spaced, tire bead engaging drive rollers and mounted below the frame portion is a tire hold-down member to engage the tire beads to hold the tire against the rollers. Liner spray nozzle means are mounted between the rollers for spraying a liquid liner material upwardly into the tire interior and bead spreading means extend upwardly from the tire supporting frame portion for spreading the sidewalls of a tire mounted thereon to hold the sidewalls apart while the tire is being rotated and sprayed. Mounted generally above the tire is a trailer member having a tire crown engaging wheel and carrying a plurality of recapping cement spray nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Branick Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren K. Pederson, Richard A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 4663197
    Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus of transporting and coating substrates within a confined longitudinal passageway. The method is characterized by the transport and coating of substrates without human or mechanical contact. The method includes supplying a fluid medium into the confined passageway and discharging the fluid medium from the passageway, such that the moving fluid cushions while longitudinally transporting the substrate within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Integrated Automation Limited
    Inventor: Edward Bok
  • Patent number: 4640219
    Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coating material onto elongated food products wherein the applicator nozzle and nozzle opening portion of the apparatus correspond to the side surfaces of the elongated food product. The food product to be coated is passed before nozzles discharging impelled coating material from a coating material supply source that meters desired amounts of coating material to the blower device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Anderson, Terry L. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4635585
    Abstract: A system for spray coating a substrate such as a flexible web of plastic film with a gas barrier coating containing a polymer dispersion. The system includes a spray coating booth or chamber including spray nozzles dispensing a spray of coating material onto the surface of a web of material continuously moving into and out of the coating chamber. A series of feed rollers move the web into the coating booth into proximity to the spray nozzles such that on actuation of the nozzles a stream of coating material coats both sides of the surface of the web with a wet coating layer. The coating booth includes a system for containing and removing the airborne liquid overspray carried from the booth with the web without disturbing the wet coating on the web and without substantially drawing of overspray from the coating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas J. Conrad, James L. Kennon, Lawrence J. Macartney, Donald R. Scharf
  • Patent number: 4635586
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for depositing a high-quality metallic coating on a steel strip. In this process, one or several metals or metal alloys are continuously evaporated in a thermal plasma from nonoxidizing gas and transformed into the highly ionized state of the thermal plasma. Subsequently, the metal ions contained in the plasma are electrostatically deposited on the steel strip at a pressure elevated by 100 Pa to 5000 Pa relative to the ambient pressure. During coating, the steel strip is held at a uniform temperature and coated at a rate of 40 m/min to 600 m/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Hoesch Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Arnulf Diener, Hans Kettler, Ulrich Tenhaven
  • Patent number: 4622917
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the electroless plating of articles. A tank is provided for sequentially containing the respective constituent baths corresponding to the steps of the electroless plating process. An article to be plated, such as a printed circuit board, is supported in the center of the tank immersed in the constituent bath contained therein. A pair of inwardly facing parallel manifolds are disposed at opposite ends of the tank. The constituent solution is pumped through a nozzle matrix in the inward facing wall of a first manifold onto the article and is simultaneously sucked away from the opposing side of the article through the matrix of the nozzles defined in the inward facing wall of a second manifold. The direction of pumping is alternated for periodically reversing the direction of suction and impingement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: ETD Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Schramm
  • Patent number: 4611554
    Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of printed circuit boards with process solutions, in which the boards being treated are continually vertically moved by a transporting conveyer above an accumulating reservoir and below spraying nozzles which apply a process solution to the side surfaces of each board. Two collecting receivers are arranged in mirror-inverted relationship at two sides of the boards being treated. The reservoir, into which the process solution drains from the receivers and the boards, is connected to the spraying nozzles by tubular conduits, provided with regulating valves, in a closed circuit, whereby the accumulated solution is fed back to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Mahlkow, Horst Blasing
  • Patent number: 4608942
    Abstract: An electrostatic preventive film or silicone film is applied to the surface of elongated substrates by spraying the substance while in a liquid state, substrate while it is moving at a high speed. The surface tension of the liquid is adjusted and then the surface tension adjusted liquid substance is jet sprayed into a fine particle production chamber and at the same time applied against a vertical impingement plate installed inside the chamber for the sake of producing fine particles smaller than 10.mu.. The fine particles thus produced are stored inside an accumulator tank for raising its concentration to a higher level, then the highly concentrated fine particles are given kinetic energy, thus providing the method of spraying onto the surface of the moving substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Fanetech Institute Limited
    Inventor: Kanji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4607590
    Abstract: Apparatus for directing a stream of fluid against a pliant substrate panel traveling through the apparatus, the panel including a pair of opposed generally parallel planar surfaces co-terminating at the edge defining the periphery of the panel. The apparatus includes means for supporting the substrate to prevent the substrate from bending or fluttering when a pressurized fluid stream is directed against the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Don P. Pender
  • Patent number: 4595607
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and coating a section of a pipe comprising a plurality of induction type heaters supported in spaced circumferential relation around the pipe section, the heaters having relatively flat and hollow induction coils therein, the coils of the induction heaters being oriented in a cylindrical surface adjacent to, and parallel with, the surface of the pipe, a coating dispenser mounted between a pair of induction heaters for dispensing a coating material on the surface of the pipe, the heaters and dispenser being rotated as a single assembly around the pipe while simultaneously applying an alternating electric potential to the induction heaters to heat the pipe to a suitable application temperature for a coating material, the coating material being applied to the thus-heated pipe through the dispenser while continuing to rotate the assembly, water being passed through the copper coils to keep them cool during the heating of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Resource Engineering and Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: John W. Betteridge, Milburn L. Hart, Gregory H. Carlson, Ronald E. Carlson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4595600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniformly cladding a metal wire with a coating of a second metal is provided. The metal wire to be coated is preheated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature slightly less than the melting point of the metal coating. The metal coating is present as a molten metal in an atomization chamber. A source of preheated, pressurized, non-oxidizing gas is utilized to inject such gas into spray nozzles. Each spray nozzle also receives molten metal that is drawn into and atomized in the nozzle. The molten metal is thusly sprayed onto the metal wire moving through the atomization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: FL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Keeven, Donald R. Felin, Henry J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 4582732
    Abstract: Plasticizer or other fluid additive is applied to a moving filter tow in an applicator chamber by means of a rotary brush. Uncaptured plasticizer is collected in a container and returned to the chamber for reapplication. The rate of initial application is controlled by a pump and that of reapplication by a restrictor valve; the rates are independently variable. The supplied and collected plasticizer may be applied to different parts of the tow, e.g. to different sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Molins Limited
    Inventor: Hugh M. Arthur
  • Patent number: 4542045
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling and coating the inside seam of a hot welded can body. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a spray gun having a two-orifice nozzle assembly. Operation of the gun causes coating material to be sprayed concurrently from both orifices onto a seam of a can body passing by the nozzle. The first orifice emits a partially atomized spray of coating material on the seam to cool the seam and the second orifice emits an unatomized flow coat of material over the seam. The first spray acts to cool the seam making it more receptive for the coating material applied from the second orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob J. Boone, George W. Stoudt
  • Patent number: 4539069
    Abstract: A printed circuit board conveyor apparatus has a conveyor for moving a planar circuit board components mounted on frames, in a vertical plane, seriatim, along a first path through a spray treatment area. The components are then raised and returned toward a starting point along a second path with additional processing occurring during the return trip. The use of an overhead return along with positive positioning of the components provides substantial efficiency and allows precision and accuracy in treatment of printed circuit board components while minimizing floor space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Systems Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Herbert Fishman, Alvin J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4510885
    Abstract: A spread out foraminous tow of tensioned filamentary filter material is transported through a housing between an upper and a lower rotating cylindrical brush. The upper brush propels atomized liquid plasticizer against the upper side of the tow whereby a certain amount of plasticizer penetrates through the tow and is gathered in the housing within the range of bristles on the lower brush which propels the gathered plasticizer against the underside of the tow. The rate of feed of plasticizer to the upper brush is varied in response to changes in the speed of the tow, and the brushes are arrested when the transporting rolls for the tow are brought to a standstill. The lower portion of the housing constitutes a trough which surrounds the lower half of the lower brush and from which the gathered plasticizer is evacuated when the brushes are idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Greve, Gunter Wahle
  • Patent number: 4508759
    Abstract: A threaded fastener having an annular ring of yieldable friction material in the thread grooves thereof and bonded to the sides of the threads, in which the material is of substantially uniform thickness on the sides of the threads from adjacent the root to adjacent the crest thereof. In an embodiment of the invention two more adjacent but axially separated rings of friction material are provided, the annular zone or zones between adjacent rings having much less or substantially no friction material. In another embodiment, the friction material is applied primarily to the non-load bearing side of the threads in the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: The Oakland Corporation
    Inventor: Richard B. Wallace
  • Patent number: 4488505
    Abstract: Oil is delivered by a single pumping means to an application header which extends across the path of movement of an electrically grounded metal strip requiring oiling. A perforated plate within the header divides it into two chambers and forms a diffuser between the two chambers to assure an even distribution of oil in the chamber which receives its oil by passage through the diffuser. The perforated plate also forms a charging electrode for oil filling the header and serves a third purpose in that it is a final filter for the oil passing through the header. The header has oil delivery orifices or a continuous delivery slot leading from the chamber of the header which faces the metal strip. Oil is attracted in small discrete streams onto the surface of the grounded strip traveling in near proximity to the header and the strip is uniformly coated with oil across its full width. Excess oil is recovered and returned to the pumping means for recycling in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Schaming Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Schaming
  • Patent number: 4478896
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for blending wood strands with a liquid resin. A process is also disclosed for continuously blending wood strands with a liquid resin. The apparatus overcomes some of the problems that exist with present day blenders because it avoids clogging spray nozzles and allows complete coating of the strands with a minimum amount of resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: MacMillan, Bloedel Limited
    Inventors: Derek Barnes, Jan A. H. Dessens, George N. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 4463704
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided to allow a liquid penetrable material, such as a gasket part made of compactible gasket material, while being conveyed flatwise along a given path, to be coated with a liquid dispersion of polymer or polymers, by first preheating the liquid penetrable material to a temperature sufficient to prevent any substantial penetration of liquid into the material when the material at the preheated temperature is coated with the liquid dispersion of polymer or polymers. The preheated material is then coated with the liquid dispersion of polymer or polymers in an amount sufficient to form a fluid-impermeable barrier over the material and the coated material is supported on a plurality of pointed projections through a drying section until the coating is in a tack-free condition. After drying the material to a tack-free condition, it is supported on a conveyor through a curing station to cure the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: F. D. Farnam, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Farnam