Abstract: An investment mold slurry curtain apparatus includes a slurry curtain of a slurry fluid, the slurry curtain having a length and a thickness, the length substantially greater than the thickness. The apparatus also includes an outlet configured to dispense the slurry fluid and form the slurry curtain. The investment mold slurry curtain apparatus may include and be described as an investment mold slurry coating apparatus including a conduit configured to receive a flow of a slurry fluid and an outlet operatively coupled to the conduit, the outlet configured to dispense the flow of the slurry as a curtain of the slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a gas diffusion layer for fuel cells includes: a conveyer transferring a base sheet for a macroporous layer of the gas diffusion layer in one direction before water repellent coating; a nozzle disposed around the conveyer to coat the transferring base sheet with a water repellent in a fiber type or desired pattern; and a nozzle transfer unit combined with an upper end of the nozzle to transfer the nozzle along a desired trajectory.

Abstract: A extrusion process and apparatus for the deposition of precise, usually small amounts of extrudate (4) for adhesion to a substrate (1) comprising an extruder (2) positioned close to the substrate (1) and a jet of hot gas (6) directed onto the extrudate (1) between the extruder (2) and the substrate (1) in order to retain the adhesive properties between the extrudate (4) and the substrate (1).

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a transport roll for transporting a base material, a slit die facing a lower surface of the base material, a coating liquid supply controller for switching on and/or off in supply of a coating liquid to the slit die, and a base material height changing device for ejecting compressed gas onto the lower surface of the base material during a specific period from a termination of the supply of the coating liquid to the slit die to a restart of the supply of the coating liquid to the slit die.

Abstract: A curtain coating device includes a curtain coating member, a conveyance unit, a separation member, and a base material supporting member. The curtain coating member creates a curtain-like film of coating liquid and makes the curtain-like film flow down. The conveyance unit conveys a base material to which the curtain-like film is to be applied. The separation member includes a receiving portion inclined downward from inside to outside in a width direction of the curtain-like film, and separates an end portion of the curtain-like film having flowed down by receiving the end portion with the receiving portion above the base material. The base material supporting member is disposed inside in the width direction of the curtain-like film than the receiving portion of the separation member, and supports the base material on an upper side flat portion while the base material is being conveyed.

Abstract: A control system including a selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robot is provided. The SCARA robot includes a first arm configured to be rotatable around a first rotation shaft, a second arm configured to be rotatable around a second rotation shaft arranged parallel to the first rotation shaft and provided on the first arm, and a main shaft configured to be drivable in a direction parallel to the second rotation shaft and provided on the second arm. The control system includes a setting unit providing a user interface for receiving a setting of a two-dimensional operation prohibition region with respect to a point of interest on the SCARA robot. The operation prohibition region corresponds to an area on a plane orthogonal to the main shaft. The control system includes an extension unit two-dimensionally extending the operation prohibition region through an extension in a direction of the main shaft.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that are capable of manipulating fixtures and objects. In one implementation, a system includes a robotic actuator and a processing system configured to generate commands for positioning the robotic actuator. A vision system is configured to process visual information proximate the robotic actuator. The robotic actuator is configured to manipulate a fixture, where the fixture is configured to be placed on a work surface to aid in manipulating an object.

Abstract: A plural component dispensing system individually delivers separate material components to each of a plurality of proportioners. Each of the proportioners regulates volumetric flow of each of the separate material components to produce a target ratio of the separate material components associated with the proportioner. The target ratios associated with the plurality of proportioners can be the same or different target ratios. Each proportioner delivers the separate material components at the associated target ratio to one of a plurality of dispensing devices. Each dispensing device mixes the separate components received at the corresponding target ratio and delivers the components as a mixture.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a fluid to a surface. The method includes the steps of: providing a deposition system; discharging fluid from the deposition system at a first, non-zero rate; detecting movement of the deposition system in proximity to a surface; and discharging fluid at a second rate while the deposition system is moving in proximity to the surface. The system comprises: a MEMS element coupled to a fluid reservoir and adapted to dispense fluid at a plurality of non-zero rates; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the MEMS element and at least one sensor and adapted to receive an output from the sensor and to alter the deposition rate of the MEMS element according to the sensor output.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a fluid within an environment. The method includes the steps of: providing a dispensing system within an environment; discharging fluid from the dispensing system at a first, non-zero rate; detecting a change in the environment; and discharging fluid at a second rate after detecting the environmental change. The system comprises: a MEMS element coupled to a fluid reservoir and adapted to dispense fluid at a plurality of non-zero rates; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the MEMS element and at least one sensor and adapted to receive an output from the sensor and to alter the dispensing rate of the MEMS element according to the sensor output.

Abstract: A curtain coating method including forming a curtain including a coating material. A coated web is formed by coating a moving primary web with the coating material. The curtain and the primary web meet at a contact line. A primary pattern is projected on a material layer. The material layer moves with respect to the contact line. The primary pattern includes a first pointer feature. A first image is captured. The first image includes a first sub-image of the first pointer feature. The position of the first sub-image in the first image is detected. Distance information is provided by comparing the detected position of the first sub-image with a reference position.

Abstract: Water swellable articles are treated with wax by applying a molten wax to the article, the wax having a kinematic viscosity of between about 0.1 cSt to 20 cSt at 100° C., wherein the temperature of the article at the time of applying is about 40° C. to 200° C., with the proviso that the temperature is not less than 30° C. below the melting point of the wax. Using this method of treatment, swelling of the article in water is reduced by at least 25% compared to the same article treated with molten wax wherein the article is at ambient temperature at the time the wax is applied.

Abstract: In an anisotropic conductive adhesive including a magnetic powder such as nickel-coated resin particles used as conductive particles, the conductive particles are present in an insulating adhesive composition without being aggregated. The magnetic powder used as the conductive particles is at least partially composed of a magnetic material. In this case, demagnetization has been performed on the conductive particles in a powder form that have not been dispersed in the insulating adhesive composition, the conductive particles in a paste obtained by dispersing the conductive particles in the insulating adhesive composition, or the conductive particles in a film formed from the paste, before establishment of an anisotropic conductive connection using the anisotropic conductive adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating line and a method for applying a protective coating to hollow glass containers integrated in glass container manufacturing process. In particular it relates to a coating line and method for applying a cold end coating to hollow glass containers. More particularly the present invention relates to a coating line comprising horizontal spray guns for applying a cold end coating to hollow glass containers in a single line and such a method for applying a cold end coating to hollow glass containers.

Abstract: A coated paperboard (100) comprising: a base substrate (102) having a brightness of about 65 or less measured using TAPPI T452 and a coating (104) on at least one side of the base substrate, wherein the base substrate comprises: one or more opaque layers (114) including a white filler, wherein the opaque layer covers the base substrate so that visibility of the base substrate through the opaque layer is substantially eliminated; a barrier layer (116) covering the opaque layer; wherein the barrier layer substantially prevents aqueous fluids from contacting the opaque layer, and wherein the coated paperboard has a brightness on the side of the base substrate with the coating of about 65 or more measured using TAPPI T452, and a wet brightness drop, on the side of the base substrate with the coating, of about 30 or less, measured using the wet brightness drop test.

Abstract: A coating apparatus produces a spray of charged droplets and controls the spray angle of travel of the spray toward the object to be coated. Electrically charging droplets minimizes the amount of coating material required to uniformly coat a surface as compared to conventional web coating techniques such as blade coating. An inductive ring guides the spray charged droplets as they exit the nozzle of a spray device. The electrostatic repulsion between the charged droplets insures that a uniform coating of liquid formulation can be applied to a web surface.

Abstract: A surface treatment device that ejects a combination of precursor substances as a directed flow of surface treatment particles. Planar objects are conveyed along a defined plane through the particle flow, a region on the surface of the planar object that the particle flow hits forming a region of direct impact. The device comprises directing means for directing the particle flow to travel along the surface of the planar object in an extended impact region outside the region of direct impact; and flow control means for controlling the extent of the extended impact region which may include a vortex flow. The exposure of the treated surface with the particle flow increases and the probability of the desired surface treatment processes to take place increases.

Abstract: Provided is a full-automatic working apparatus which has a work-object conveying mechanism and can be used on a desk. The desktop working apparatus works a work-object as desired by moving relatively the work-object and a working head.

Abstract: Provided is a spray booth that includes a housing and a mechanism for advancing the vehicle through the housing. The spray booth may include a rail system that extends along the long axis of the housing and is off-set from the center of the short axis of the housing for advancing vehicles. The spray booth housing includes walls that define an area for locating a vehicle to be painted. The area defined by the walls includes regions for priming a vehicle to be painted, preparing a vehicle to be painted, and distinct painting areas for separately painting the vehicle that is engaged with the rail system and for painting parts that are not attached to the vehicle. The spray booth may also include one or more air handling systems for handling air that is flowed through the spray booth during the preparation and paint operations.

Abstract: A painting system according to the embodiments includes a painting booth surrounded by a ceiling and a sidewall, a conveyor line that is arranged in the painting booth and conveys an object to be painted, and a painting robot that performs painting on the object. The painting robot includes a base portion fixed on the sidewall side in the painting booth, and an arm portion that is connected to the base portion and has a seven-axis configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device 10 and a method for curtain-coating of panel-shaped components 60 as well as components which have been manufactured by such a method. The device comprises a device 40 for generating a liquid curtain 42 of coating material, an input transport device 20 and an output transport device 30, wherein the output transport device 30 and/or the input transport device 20 can be height-adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slot die, which includes a feed unit for introducing a coating material, a chamber for accommodating a coating material supplied through the feed unit, a slit communicating with the chamber to discharge the coating material, and a die body having die lips which form the slit, wherein the chamber includes a chamber block which has an inner space for accommodating the coating material and is configured so that the entire block is exchangeable with respect to the die body, and wherein a coating width is determined by a width of the inner space of the chamber block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder spray apparatus for preparing a food product having an edible pearlescent coating, comprising: a spray zone having a spray device positioned proximate to at least one food product located in the spray zone for application of an edible pearlescent powder to the food product; a chamber for holding the edible pearlescent powder that is in fluid communication with the spray device; and a vibrator and/or a continuous forced air supply that assists in fluidizing the edible pearlescent powder in the chamber for delivery to the spray device. A method of using this apparatus and an edible pearlescent powder composition adapted for use in this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spray booth (21) for applying paint on basically flat parts (22), said spray booth having a plenum (24) and comprising a conveying system (25) for conveying the flat parts (22) to be painted, at least a device (23) for applying paint on said moving parts, and at least a suction system, wherein the plenum (24) of the spray booth has a semi-cylindrical shape, having its axis perpendicular to the direction of the advancing part (22).

Abstract: A linear liner machine includes a base. A plurality of fluid dispensing apparatus such as, for example, sealant guns, are fixed in a stationary position in a linear configuration on the base. A conveying assembly such as, for example, a conveyor belt, conveys container closures to the sealant guns. A manipulation mechanism such as, for example, a number of motors and at least one wheel member, manipulate (e.g., rotate or spin) each of the container closures with respect to a corresponding one of the sealant guns as it dispenses a sealant to line the container closures. Accordingly, the liner comprises a plurality of independent lining stations, wherein operation of a number of said independent lining stations can be stopped while the remaining independent lining stations continue to operate to line the container closures. An associated method of lining container closures is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of atomized fluid to a permeable web material is disclosed. The apparatus has a fluid source and a receipt plenum. The fluid source is disposed in proximate fluid contact with the first surface of the web material. The fluid source has a positively pressured permeable roll having atomized fluid and at least one aperture disposed therein. The apertures provide fluid communication between an inner portion of the roll and a surface thereof. The fluid is disposable from the inner portion to the surface through the apertures into contacting engagement with the permeable web material. The receipt plenum has an opening disposed adjacent to the second surface of the web material that provides a source of negative pressure to the second surface of the web material that causes the fluid to traverse through the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of atomized fluid to a web material having a first surface and a second surface opposed thereto is disclosed. The apparatus is provided with a fluid source disposed adjacent to the first surface of the web material and a receipt plenum disposed adjacent to the second surface of the web material. The receipt plenum provides a source of negative pressure to the second surface of the web material. A fluid disposed from the fluid source contacts the first surface of the web material and is caused to traverse therethrough by the source of negative pressure. A portion of the fluid contacting the first surface of the web material is contained by the receipt plenum.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing line includes first and second modular manufacturing stations. Each station includes a framework defining a manufacturing space, and an overhead friction drive system supported on the framework for moving a suspended article through the manufacturing space. A control system is in communication with each drive system and is configured to simultaneously control a first article at the first station according to one operation pattern and control a second article at the second station according to a different operation pattern. A work tool including a work tool spray nozzle is positioned at the first station and is movable along a floor mounted work tool support track. The first article moves through an article pathway volume that intersects with a work tool pathway volume defined by the work tool movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating installation, in particular for painting motor vehicle bodies, comprising a transport path (2, 12), along which a plurality of coating objects (1) are transported one after the other through the coating installation, and a plurality of treatment stations (13-17, 18-22, 23-27), in which the coating objects (1) are treated. It is proposed that the transport path (2, 12) branches into a plurality of parallel branches (5-9), in each of which at least one of the treatment stations (13-17, 18-22, 23-27) is arranged.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for depositing slurry upon a moving forming web. The apparatus includes a pivotally mounted headbox for depositing slurry from the inner bottom surface of the headbox down an inclined spillway as a continuous curtain onto a moving web. The headbox is mounted transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web. The headbox also has vertical edge boards, including a headbox back edge board and two opposed headbox side edgeboards, on three respective sides of the headbox to prevent slurry from spilling over the sides and back of the headbox. The headbox is supplied with slurry from a slurry mixer by a feed line mounted on a reciprocating trolley which moves, transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web, back and forth along the length of the headbox.

Abstract: An ejecting mechanism includes a pump, a pump controller unit, a distribution pipe, a restricting unit, and adhesive nozzles. The pump controller unit is configured to control to increase or decrease the amount of adhesive to be taken in by the pump. The distribution unit is configured to send a predetermined amount of adhesive to the adhesive nozzles out of the adhesive supplied by the pump, and to return the rest of adhesive to a discharge pipe out of the supplied adhesive, except for the predetermined amount of adhesive. The restricting unit is configured to disposed between the distribution unit and the discharge pipe and configured to restrict an amount of adhesive to be returned to a pipe.

Abstract: A coating method forming a coating film having a predetermined film thickness on a band-like support body. The method includes conveying the band-like support body; forming the coating liquid on the band-like support body using a coating device fixed on an vibration isolation device; and detecting vibration components on a surface of a floor on which the coating device is disposed and controlling vibration of the active vibration isolation device.

Abstract: Absorbent nappy/diaper pads composed of a first absorbent base material, and a second absorbent material consisting of superabsorbent polymer powders, are made by a unit (3) that comprises a conveyor (11) carrying the first absorbent material along a predetermined feed path (P), and a feed system (24) by which the superabsorbent polymer powders are released onto the feed path (P); the feed system (24) comprises a fixed duct (27) with an outlet (45) directed at the feed path (P), and a valve (34), positioned along an intermediate segment of the duct (27), by which the superabsorbent polymer powders are dispensed intermittently and controllably.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a tampon having an absorbent body that absorbs liquid includes obtaining the absorbent body by compressing and shaping an absorbent-body material, and applying a melted agent to an outer surface of the absorbent body, the outer surface having a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing point of a main ingredient of the agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of composites, composed of at least one outer layer b) and of an isocyanate-based rigid foam a), where the outer layer b) is moved continuously and the starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) is applied to the outer layer b), which comprises achieving the application of the liquid starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) by means of at least one fixed tube c) which has openings f) and which has been placed, with respect to the outer layer b), so as to be parallel to the plane of the outer layer and at right angles to the direction of movement.

Abstract: To provide a curtain coating apparatus including: a slit from which at least one layer of a coating liquid is ejected; a curtain edge guide configured to guide the ejected coating liquid in the form of a curtain liquid film and make the coating liquid fall freely, while pouring an auxiliary liquid from the whole of a surface provided in contact with the coating liquid in the curtain edge guide, so as to apply the coating liquid onto a continuously running web; and a claw which supports the curtain liquid film at a bottom of the curtain edge guide, wherein when a residue of the liquid is left on the claw, the claw is configured to move.

Abstract: A system for applying hot melt adhesive powder onto a non-metallic object surface comprises a convey belt, a radiation chamber, a spraying chamber and a heating chamber. The convey belt is used to deliver a non-metallic object treated by a cleaning agent and a conductive liquid through the radiation chamber where the surface of the non-metallic objected is irradiated by ultraviolet rays and ozone and then through the spraying chamber where the surface of the non-metallic object is sprayed with charged hot melt adhesive powder, and finally into the heating chamber where the hot melt adhesive powder attached onto the non-metallic object will be melted into a liquid adhesive film ready to be bonded.

Abstract: There is described a gluing unit (1) for applying adhesive to a succession of opening devices (3) to be fitted to respective sealed packages of pourable food products, the unit (1) having: conveying means (20) for feeding the opening devices (3) along a path (A); and adhesive dispensing means (21) located along the path (A) and interacting with each opening device (3) on the conveying means (20) to apply the adhesive to a portion (10) of the opening device (3); and the unit (1) being characterized in that the dispensing means (21) are movable parallel to the path (A), so as to increase output of the unit (1).

Abstract: A mobile coating system for coating an electrical insulator. The system includes an elongate shipping container that is transportable to a worksite, and a plurality of stations located within the shipping container. The stations include a loading station for loading an insulator to be coated, a coating station that includes a robotically controlled applicator for applying an elastomeric coating to the insulator, a curing station located after the coating station for curing the elastomeric coating, and an unloading station for unloading the coated insulator. The system also includes an endless loop conveyor for conveying the insulator through the plurality of stations. The endless loop conveyor has an elongated circular path.

Abstract: A production assembly and associated process for mass producing such as a thermoplastic pallet and which utilizes a multiple insert supporting and continuously moving carousels inter-faceable with an input line upon which is transported a plurality of rigid and planar shaped inserts, as well as an output line a spaced relationship from the input line for removing, from the carousel, the resin coated articles. The invention further teaches a series of subset variants for spray applying a two part resin and hardener upon the insert according to a selected thickness, following which the inserts are cured and dried prior to transferring to the output line and in order to create a finished product.

Abstract: A coating system for golf balls using magnetic levitation is described. Golf balls including magnetic material interact with a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source with a platform. The interaction between the magnetic field and the golf ball causes the golf ball to levitate above the platform. A conveyor apparatus is used to move the golf balls and platforms through the coating system. The levitating golf balls are sprayed with coating material. Spraying the levitating golf balls allows for even and uniform coating of the golf ball. Additionally, imparting a spin or rotation to the golf balls assists with the even and uniform application of the sprayed coating material.

Abstract: A paint mist collecting device for collecting a mist of paint particles produced when a paint is sprayed onto a workpiece within a paint booth includes a tubular duct having one end adapted to be connected to an outlet of the paint booth from which air containing the paint mist and a cleaning air are allowed to flow out, and a swirl-generating guide fin unit disposed inside the tubular duct and configured to force axial flows of the paint-mist-containing air and the cleaning liquid into a rotational movement to thereby generate a helical vortex as the paint-mist-containing air and the cleaning liquid flow downward along the tubular duct.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and associated methods for applying a surface treatment to a part and curing the surface treatment without reorienting the part in the process. The systems include a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a system for applying a surface treatment, such as a powder coating application system, and a system for curing the surface treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of fixedly mounted painting robots in a painting booth, wherein the painting booth is subdivided by an imaginary vertical plane into a first spatial region and a second spatial region and wherein at least two painting robots with overlapping working areas are arranged in at least one of the two regions. A respective reference point of a painting robot is a point of intersection of a first axis of rotation with a painting robot base of the painting robot concerned. Each reference point is arranged above an imaginary horizontal plane which is determined by the vertically highest point of a predetermined object to be painted in the painting position, and the reference points are offset with respect to one another in the vertical direction and/or horizontally, transversely in relation to the vertical plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a web which is striped with add-on material, comprising: a first slurry supply which forms a sheet of base web and moves the sheet along a first path; a second slurry supply; and a moving orifice applicator operative so as to repetitively discharge the second slurry upon the moving sheet of base web. The moving orifice applicator includes a chamber box arranged to establish a reservoir of the second slurry across the first path, an endless belt having orifice groups, the endless belt received through the chamber box, and a drive arrangement operative upon the endless belt to continuously move the orifices along an endless-path and repetitively through the chamber box. The orifices communicate with the reservoir to discharge the second slurry as bands of add-on material to the base web. Orifices within the orifice groups can be spaced relative to one another to define bands of add-on material having a relative minimum in thickness or to define spaced apart bands.

Abstract: A platen for contacting a liquid to a surface of a substantially flat substrate is disclosed. The platen includes a liquid application station and a stripping element at an end of the liquid application station, wherein the stripping element includes an intersecting gap and an air barrier. Also disclosed are an apparatus including the platen and a method of using the platen to contact a substrate with a liquid.

Abstract: An exemplary spray apparatus includes a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly, which are parallel to each other. The first nozzle assembly includes a plurality of feed inlets and a feed outlet in communication with the feed inlets. The first nozzle assembly configured for spraying a liquid coating material on a substrate. The feed inlets are aligned along a first imaginary straight line. The second nozzle assembly includes a plurality of air inlets and an air outlet in communication with the air inlets. The second nozzle assembly is configured for spraying air with uniform air toward the liquid coating material applied on the substrate. The air inlets are aligned along a second imaginary straight line parallel with the first imaginary straight line.

Abstract: A production assembly and associated process for mass producing such as a thermoplastic pallet and which utilizes a multiple insert supporting and continuously moving carousels inter-faceable with an input line upon which is transported a plurality of rigid and planar shaped inserts, as well as an output line a spaced relationship from the input line for removing, from the carousel, the resin coated articles. The invention further teaches a series of subset variants for spray applying a two part resin and hardener upon the insert according to a selected thickness, following which the inserts are cured and dried prior to transferring to the output line and in order to create a finished product.

Abstract: An applicator operable to apply an additive to a smoking article wrapping material comprises a conveyance mechanism for conveying the wrapping material along a path and an inlet to receive a gaseous flow for entraining additive, the applicator being configured such that in use, additive entrained in the gaseous flow is caused to be diverted towards the wrapping material.

Abstract: A plurality of substrate processing devices are disposed in a separated manner within a shared ambient environment. A conveyance device is disposed within the shared ambient environment and is defined to move a substrate through and between each of the substrate processing devices in a continuous manner. Some substrate processing devices are defined to perform dry substrate processing operations in which an energized reactive environment is created in exposure to the substrate in an absence of liquid material. Some substrate processing devices are defined to perform wet substrate processing operations in which at least one material in a liquid state is applied to the substrate. In one embodiment, a complementary pair of dry and wet substrate processing devices are disposed in the shared ambient environment in a sequential manner relative to movement of the substrate by the conveyance device.