With Hood Or Offtake For Waste Material Patents (Class 118/326)
  • Patent number: 5922399
    Abstract: A coating line system has a main coating line including at least a main coating booth for coating a workpiece, and a coating repairing line branched from the main coating line downstream of an inspecting section for inspecting the coated workpiece for a coating defect thereof. The coating repairing line has a coating repairing booth for repairing a coating defect of the workpiece which is caused in the main coating line, and a drying furnace disposed downstream of the coating repairing booth along the coating repairing line, for drying the workpiece which has been repaired in the coating repairing booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mikio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5916625
    Abstract: The detrimental effects of fluctuating humidity are neutralized by adjusting the viscosity of a waterborne coating as it is being conducted to the spraying device. A predetermined amount of water or other viscosity modifying additive is mixed continuously with the coating in the coating supply line immediately upstream from the spray device. The amount of water or other additive to be added may be determined by monitoring the humidity in the spray zone. Preferably, an automated feedback control system is employed to adjust the amount of water or other viscosity altering additive being mixed into the coating stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Ellen Rosenberger, Donald B. Jones
  • Patent number: 5908657
    Abstract: In the present invention, a waste solution and a exhaust gas are guided together from a drain cup DC into a storing means through common discharge means. Naturally, the gas-liquid separation is performed within the storing means in place of performing the gas-liquid separation within the drain cup DC. Therefore, the waste solution is not solidified within the drain cup so as to plug the common discharge means. Also, a predetermined waste solution is kept stored in the storing means included in the coating apparatus of the present invention, making it possible to permit the surface of the stored waste solution to absorb the mist, and the waste solution is prevented from being solidified within the storing means. Further, since a minimum amount of the exhaust gas is kept discharged even during non-operation of the coating apparatus by using an exhaust gas damper whose degree of opening can be controlled, the waste solution stored in the storing means is prevented from being solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yoshio Kimura, Satoshi Morita, Yuuji Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 5906676
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of reclaiming particles of powder material from a powder spray system (100) having an inlet passageway (190) of a collection subsystem (104) in fluid communication with an interior of a spray booth (108). An airflow conduit (250) extends between a trough (140) located under a conveyor belt (130) which in turn is located below the spray booth (108) and the inlet passageway (190) of the collection subsystem (104). Airflow through the airflow conduit (250) is augmented by a compressed air injector (280) disposed in the airflow conduit (250) and oriented so that it ejects compressed air in the direction of the inlet passageway (190). In this manner, particulate matter (overspray) settling in the trough (140) becomes entrained in an airstream (252) flowing into the collection subsystem (104). The collection subsystem (104) suitably includes a cyclone separator (170) and a filter stack (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Colin K. Drummond
  • Patent number: 5861062
    Abstract: A workpiece spray-painting device having at least two painting booths arranged on the conveying track of the workpieces, with each booth being designed in two separate parts that may be separated from each other. A spraying device for coating the workpieces is movable on a track between the booths when the booth parts are separated from each other so that the spray device may be positioned in one or the other of the booths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Tegometall (International) AG
    Inventor: Herbert Reiss
  • Patent number: 5855509
    Abstract: A paint spray booth and air supply arrangement includes a main fan for blowing air and an air supply plenum in fluid communication with the main fan for receiving blown air therefrom. A support grid is positioned beneath the air supply plenum and includes a plurality of grid openings. A painting chamber is positioned beneath the support grid. A plurality of diffuser modules are positioned within the plurality of grid openings, respectively, for directing blown air from the air supply plenum in a substantially vertically downward direction through the painting chamber. Each diffuser includes an adjustment feature for selectively adjusting the speed of air directed therethrough. An apparatus is provided for individually adjusting the adjustment feature in each of the plurality of diffuser modules for creating areas of variable air speed through the painting chamber corresponding with each diffuser module while the diffuser modules being adjusted are supported on the support grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: William H. White, Maximilian K. Carthew
  • Patent number: 5853811
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shield fabricated from a sheet of material having a trough disposed on the lower edge and peripheral flanges disposed about the remaining edges for confining excess spray/mist when positioned rearwardly of an object being painted, cleaned or otherwise treated, and directing it to the trough where it is collected and discharged. More specifically, the shield is fabricated from any of a variety of materials including cardboard, plastic, tin, stainless steel, etc., may optionally be provided with a coating to enhance the flow of the excess spray/mist downwardly into the trough, and is provided with means for suspending, staking or wedging the same onto support means during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: David Poague
  • Patent number: 5849321
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for spray coating a paper or board web in which a coating paste or mix is applied as an aerosol to the web in an enclosed space or chamber. A flow of the coating paste flows down at least one of the interior walls of the enclosed space, thereby collecting excess coating paste aerosol and providing a seal between the web and the walls of the enclosed space. By providing this seal, the amount of excess coating paste aerosol escaping from the enclosed space and the amount of air travelling along the surface of the web are both reduced, thereby increasing the quality of the applied coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Pekka Linnonmaa
  • Patent number: 5833751
    Abstract: A powder coating booth comprising a pair of identical polycarbonate shells disposed opposite each other to define a coating chamber having smooth, curvilinear internal surfaces to facilitate the recovery and recycle of excess coating powder. Narrowed down end openings are provided to help confine the excess powder. A thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl carbonate or polycarbonate is formed in a large thermoforming machine with vacuum and pressure to fabricate the components of the coating chamber, which may be up to ten feet wide, ten feet tall, and thirty feet long or longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hoosier Fiberglass Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Richard R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5800615
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coating an article on a flat line, powder coating system comprises a powder coating booth with a reduced inlet opening for articles to be coated and an enlarged outlet opening for coated articles. Powder spray guns of the tribo-electric type, or having internal charging electrodes, are arranged in rows with parallel tube spray heads and are disposed at a shallow angle with respect to the conveyor to spray powder onto the articles generally in the direction of conveyor movement. Baffle plates are installed under the spray guns so that any powder which collects on the spray guns does not fall on the articles being coated. Oversprayed powder is collected from a part of the booth intermediate the spray guns and the enlarged outlet opening. Preferably, the thickness of powder coating on the articles in the precured condition is measured and the system is controlled so that the coating thickness is uniform and of the desired thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Lambert, John Binder, Ivan E. Frost, Stephen F. Brattoli, Jr., Eric P. Fritz
  • Patent number: 5794836
    Abstract: An inert gas air horn distribution device employs a labyrinth with a baffle to clean the nitrogen gas used to deposit flux on circuit boards before wave soldering operations. The baffle diverts the gas flow causing heavier flux particles to collect in the labyrinth while the lighter gas exits for use in depositing flux on the circuit boards. The labyrinth cleans the gas thereby keeping the knife clean which produces more uniform results with less maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeff J. Lin, Peter J. Sinkunas, Myron Lemecha, Stephen H. P. Wong
  • Patent number: 5792259
    Abstract: A velocity adjusting plate is provided above a substrate processing part in the interior of a substrate processing apparatus which is isolated from the external air. Thus, a downflow which is formed by conditioned air in the interior of the apparatus is separated into downflows having high and low velocities to be supplied to the substrate processing part and the periphery of the substrate processing part respectively. Consequently, the former downflow has a velocity which is suitable for controlling the temperature-humidity on the substrate surface and preventing the substrate from adhesion of particles and fine grains of a processing solution scattered from the substrate, while the latter downflow is suppressed to the minimum velocity which is necessary for preventing dusts and particles from creeping up by dispersion. Thus, it is possible to reduce consumption of air which is adjusted in temperature-humidity while isolating the interior of the apparatus from the external air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Yoshioka, Yoshiteru Fukutomi, Kenji Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5779534
    Abstract: A multiple stage airflow diffuser apparatus for spreading the airflow to provide a uniform airflow in a plenum. The diffuser includes a plurality of diffuser stages positioned in a spaced, nested relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Kunec
  • Patent number: 5776250
    Abstract: A device is for recovering superfluous photoresist material exhausted from a spin coater having a drive motor alternately operated at a high speed and a low speed at predetermined intervals. The device includes a solution collecting member into which superfluous photoresist material and cleaning solution are collected after a photoresist is coated onto a wafer and the wafer is cleaned during operation of the drive motor. The solution collecting member has a groove circumferentially formed therein to allow the superfluous photoresist material to flow therein. First and second discharge pipes communicate with the solution collecting member to drain the superfluous photoresist material and a cleaning solution and a third discharging pipe communicates with the groove formed in the solution collecting member. An actuator is provided to move a blocking member between an open position and closed position to open and close the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Hwa Shin, Young-Min Ko
  • Patent number: 5776554
    Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating system usable for coating articles transported along a substantially non-conductive article transport conveyor belt supported by a substantially non-conductive slide member. The system includes a substantially non-conductive coating booth with an open side portion supported by an upright support member disposed on a movable base member. The coating booth is laterally movable toward and away from the conveyor, and the coating booth is movable along the upright support member so as to position the coating booth downwardly toward and upwardly away from the conveyor. An electrostatic coating applicator is directed into the coating booth for applying powder coating to articles transported along the conveyor. A coating collector includes a coating booth exhaust duct coupled to the coating booth, and a conveyor exhaust duct laterally movable toward and away from the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Merritt, Robert M. Thorn
  • Patent number: 5766355
    Abstract: A paint spray booth utilizes an exhaust system extending longitudinally along the path of the articles to be painted having an adjustment mechanism for varying the width of the exhaust inlets extending longitudinally for substantially the entire length of the air exhaust element and a downwardly slanting bottom surface of the exhaust elements for yielding powder overspray of uniform density to a filter media. Adjusting the width of the longitudinally extending exhaust inlet spreads an adjustable pressure drop over the slot opening. Adjusting the velocity of air flow through the exhaust elements substantially avoids powder paint build-up at the exhaust inlet. The slanted configuration of the exhaust elements, in conjunction with the adjustment mechanism, improves uniformity of filter life by providing a substantially even distribution of powder overspray to a filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Leif E. B. Josefsson, David O'Ryan
  • Patent number: 5756155
    Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a nozzle and a vacuum hood. The vacuum hood has a chamber that surrounds the tip of the nozzle and removes residue from the tip by a vacuum which flows in the chamber past the nozzle tip. This vacuum catches and removes residue from the nozzle tip and prevents the reside from interfering with the spraying action or dripping down. The method of the instant invention provides for dispensing a fluid from a nozzle without dripping fluid from the nozzle having a vacuum hood. The method comprises: (a) dispensing a fluid on a rotating semiconductor wafer through a nozzle over the wafer; (b) terminating the fluid flow through the nozzle; (c) creating an upward flow of gas about the dispensing nozzle when the flow of fluid through the nozzle is terminated; (d) capturing any fluid residue from the nozzle in the upward flow of gas; (e) removing the wafer and positioning another wafer; and (f) terminating the upward flow of gas; and repeating the process of steps (a) through (f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Hao Tzeng, Dong-Shiuh Cheng, Cherng-Yui Chang, Yung-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 5755882
    Abstract: A closed loop controllable fluid application system is provided, comprising a substantially enclosed housing, having horizontal and vertical surfaces, with an inlet and an outlet slot formed in opposing vertical surfaces allowing passage of a work piece through the housing; and a mist outlet and a sump drain each formed in one of a horizontal and a vertical surface. Fluid circulation lines communicate with the housing and an application fluid source, terminating inside the housing with a connection to one or more controllable spray devices for delivering atomized application fluid to coat passing work pieces. A mist collector evacuates air through the mist outlet and extracts application fluid from the evacuated air. The mist collector and the sump drain are connected to fluid circulation lines for recycling excess liquid and air-borne application fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis A. Patrick
  • Patent number: 5741178
    Abstract: A paint booth structure and method having, in one form a specially shaped painting volume wherein the painting occurs is provided with an air flow system to carry away paint overspray and a decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of air flow to cause an increasing velocity air flow where the painting occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steve E. Telchuk
  • Patent number: 5733374
    Abstract: A robot installation for painting objects inside a painting booth (CA) having walls (WA, WB) isolating the object (AU) to be painted from the surroundings, is suitably integrated in the booth walls in order to save interior booth space and achieve a robot operation better adapted to the painting process. The installation includes at least one main robot shaft (RS) associated with a painting tool and protruding through at least one slot (LS) penetrating the booth walls for servo-controlled movements along such slots and possibly also in the direction of and/or about the axis of the shaft. Servo-drive means are disposed for controlling the robot shaft movements in accordance with a preprogrammed motional pattern for the painting tool, including tracking of a travelling object to be painted. The slot is disposed on a rotatable element e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Tor Ekenberg
  • Patent number: 5733187
    Abstract: A personnel lift for use in spray booth systems having a partially enclosed work platform capable of X, Y, and Z axis mobility within the spray booth system and a flexible air supply conduit connecting the partially enclosed work platform to an air inlet manifold for supplying fresh air to the work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: JBI Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald J. Bowe
  • Patent number: 5728185
    Abstract: In the system of the instant invention, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) liberated in the course of solvent-based painting of a workpiece, are recovered. The atmosphere within a closed spray-booth is maintained at a fixed humidity such that vaporized water, supplied in the form of steam or nebulized water vapor, acts as a carrier for VOCs liberated in the course of spray painting or heat curing of a workpiece. The VOCs may be recovered continuously, including during the spray-painting or heat curing of the workpiece. The VOC laden, humidified air is circulated through a condenser such that VOCs dissolved in the water vapor condense and are directed to a recovery means. The water and solvent are separated, recovered and purified for re-use or placed in an appropriate container for disposal, thereby eliminating the usual practice of expelling VOC laden air into the atmosphere. The system is provided with a flame-free heat source to cure the painted workpiece and to guard against the danger of explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Le Roy H. Buchholz, Jr., Loretta P. Buchholz
  • Patent number: 5725670
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for spraying powder into the interior of welded hollow can bodies from a spray gun mounted to the welding arm of a can forming machine. The spray gun can either apply a stripe of highly charged powder on the welded seam areas of hollow can bodies, or can simultaneously apply a coating of powder having a first thickness on the longitudinally welded seam areas and a second thickness less than the first thickness on the remainder of the interior surface. Air is vented off from the powder flow being transported through the welding arm so that the powder to air ratio is increased. Air is introduced at the downstream end of the welding arm to provide a suction force to help draw the powder flow through the welding arm and to increase the velocity of the powder flow for better tribo charging of the powder in the gun and to improve spray pattern stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Wilson, Masafumi Matsunaga, Wataru Kakuta, Raymond J. Merk, Ronald E. Niemiec, Laurence B. Saidman, Gerald W. Crum, William L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5720811
    Abstract: Apparatus for the wet-paint spray painting of articles having a device for catching the paint surplus which has an air-permeable dry filter, wherein the dry filter is arranged movably and there is provided a suction removal device which sucks the dried paint particles away from the dry filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Eder
  • Patent number: 5711809
    Abstract: In the present invention, a waste solution and a exhaust gas are guided together from a drain cup DC into a storing means through common discharge means. Naturally, the gas-liquid separation is performed within the storing means in place of performing the gas-liquid separation within the drain cup DC. Therefore, the waste solution is not solidified within the drain cup so as to plug the common discharge means. Also, a predetermined waste solution is kept stored in the storing means included in the coating apparatus of the present invention, making it possible to permit the surface of the stored waste solution to absorb the mist, and the waste solution is prevented from being solidified within the storing means. Further, since a minimum amount of the exhaust gas is kept discharged even during non-operation of the coating apparatus by using an exhaust gas damper whose degree of opening can be controlled, the waste solution stored in the storing means is prevented from being solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yoshio Kimura, Satoshi Morita, Yuuji Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 5709726
    Abstract: A device for the formation, by pyrolysis, of a coating on a face of a hot glass substrate includes a vault; support elements for conveying the substrate along a path through a coating chamber defined between the main vault and the substrate; elements for supplying and distributing gaseous reagent to the coating chamber; elements for discharging exhaust gas from the coating chamber; and a plurality of struts. The elements for supplying and distributing gaseous reagent to the coating chamber include an ejection nozzle having defined therein a slot which opens directly into the coating chamber, has opposing longitudinal internal walls, extends transverse to the path of the substrate, and has a length which is substantially equal to the coating width of the coating formed. The plurality of struts are positioned at spaced intervals and connect the opposing walls of the slot together to thereby maintain the walls of the slot in substantially parallel disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Glaverbel
    Inventors: Robert Terneu, Secondo Franceschi
  • Patent number: 5707687
    Abstract: A suction chuck and an inner cup are rotated in unison with each other to spread a coating solution uniformly over a planar object in the inner cup under centrifugal forces. Vent holes defined in an outer cup lid which closes an outer cup are held out of communication with vent holes defined in a ring-shaped closure member, so that the interior space in the outer cup is kept out of communication with the exterior space around the outer cup. The concentration of a solvent in the outer cup remains so high that no mist is produced in the outer cup. After the planar object has been coated and before the outer cup lid is opened, the ring-shaped closure member is turned to align the vent holes in the outer cup lid with the vent holes in the ring-shaped closure member, breaking any vacuum in the outer cup with ambient air introduced through the vent holes into the outer cup. Thereafter, the outer and inner cup lids are opened, and the coated planar object is taken out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ueda, Hiroki Endo, Hidenori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5700323
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a portion of a powder delivery system from contamination includes an anti-contamination valve interposed between the discharge outlet of a sieve in the powder delivery system and the inlet to a powder feeder device communicating with one or more spray guns associated with a powder spray booth. The valve is movable between an open position in which powder discharged from the sieve is permitted to flow unobstructed to the powder feeder device, and a closed position which effectively seals or isolates that portion of the powder delivery system downstream from the sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Koch, Jeff Shutic
  • Patent number: 5700346
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic slide staining system which will process stained slides, such as cytology or histology specimens. The present invention includes two embodiments for the staining system. The first system includes a slide storage device, a slide transport apparatus, a first platen including a plurality of staining stations, a heating station, and a housing. In order to utilize the first embodiment of the system of the present invention, the stained slides are placed in the storage device. The slides are removed from the storage device and are processed on the various stations via the transport apparatus. The first system can be altered slightly so that a cover slip apparatus can be incorporated within the system. In order to do so, the heating station is removed. A cover slip dispensing apparatus replaces the heating station. This will permit for a cover slip to be placed on the stained slide after a complete transverse of the slide staining stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Peter S. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5693143
    Abstract: A coating product sprayer device forms an overhead or lateral machine including a member carrying at least one sprayer mobile relative to objects to be coated and at least one lateral gantry carrying this member, which is adjustable in position in an opening in a front of the gantry. This member is moved up and down and/or with a lateral tracking movement by at least one coupling member such as a drive belt. At least one sealing panel closes off at least part of the opening and is fixed to one such flexible coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Sames S.A.
    Inventors: Van Tan Pham, Jose Rodrigues, Caryl Thome
  • Patent number: 5690995
    Abstract: A spray booth for use in the spray coating of articles with coating powder. The spray booth forms a coating space which at a bottom is bounded by powder collection means. The powder collection means is divided into an inner collection means and a surrounding outer collection means for the separate collection of surplus powder and the separate removal of the entire surplus powder from the booth. The outer collection means collects surplus coating powder dropping off the inside surfaces of the booth walls. Since this powder may be contaminated with different color or different types of powder from previous spraying operations, it is discarded as waste. The inner collection means collects pure surplus powder which has not touched the booth wall surfaces. This pure surplus powder is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gema Volstatic AG
    Inventors: Gallus Fischli, Silvano Gelain, Markus Lenherr
  • Patent number: 5688329
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shield fabricated from a sheet of material having a trough disposed on the lower edge and peripheral flanges disposed about the remaining edges for confining excess spray/mist when positioned rearwardly of an object being painted, cleaned or otherwise treated and directing it to the trough where it is collected and discharged. More specifically, the shield is fabricated from any of a variety of materials including cardboard, plastic, tin, stainless steel, etc., may optionally be provided with a coating to enhance the flow of the excess spray/mist downwardly into the trough, and is provided with means for suspending, staking or wedging the same onto support means during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: David Poague
  • Patent number: 5688323
    Abstract: A spray containment enclosure assembly for use during the spraying operation on a work surface to prevent escape of airborne particles to the environment. The assembly includes a support arm, a personnel basket sized to receive a worker therein, a rigid enclosure attached to the personnel basket. The rigid enclosure is positioned with respect to the personnel basket such that when the worker is in the forward portion, at least a portion of an upper torso of the worker is within an interior area. The rigid enclosure has an open front side that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the work surface to form an airway gap therebetween to allow air to flow into the interior area. A fan mounted to the rigid enclosure is adapted to create negative pressure in the interior area to draw air inwardly through the airway gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Interstate Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Marl Kane, Clay Jorgensen, Don Sybil
  • Patent number: 5681390
    Abstract: A spray booth in which objects are coated by spraying with a finely divided coating material, the booth including: a housing composed of a ceiling which has a lower surface, a plurality of walls each having an inner surface and a floor, the surfaces delimiting a spray space; a system for recovering finely divided material not deposited on the objects; at least one scraping bar for scraping finely divided material off of at least one surface selected from the lower surface and an inner surface; and an operating mechanism for supporting and displacing the scraping bar along the at least one surface. The booth is scraped by first scraping one of the lower surfaces of the ceiling and the inner surface of at least one of the walls, and then scraping the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Sames S.A.
    Inventor: Adrien Lacchia
  • Patent number: 5676753
    Abstract: A paint spray booth with capability to separately exhaust clean powder paint overspray by a clean overspray upper exhaust system at floor level, and the additional exhaust air and paint overspray passing through a grated floor and conveyor system is exhausted by a lower exhaust system. The upper and lower exhaust systems each include a pair of channels having a first and a second sloping surface with a slot disposed at a lower portion thereof. The slot opens into an exhaust duct which extends longitudinally along the paint spray booth. The upper exhaust channels are disposed beneath a surface of a body to be painted, while the lower exhaust channels are disposed beneath a grated floor and the upper exhaust channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Leif E. Josefsson, Tim S. Slagle, Tim J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5674570
    Abstract: A process for spraying a coating product composed of: mounting a sprayer on a movable support member of a spraying machine; providing an object having a plurality of surfaces which surfaces include first and second surfaces which are oriented at least approximately vertically during spraying and are angled relative to one another, and a third surface which is oriented at least approximately horizontally during spraying; in a first spraying step, spraying the product onto at least the first surface from a sprayer while displacing the sprayer past the first one of the surfaces and while the first surface is oriented at least approximately vertically; rotating the object about a vertical axis after the first spraying step; and, in a second spraying step, after the rotating step, spraying the product onto at least the second surface from the sprayer while displacing the sprayer past the second one of the surfaces and while the second surface is oriented at least approximately vertically, wherein the product is sp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Sames S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Fouvet
  • Patent number: 5669974
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Salome J. Cueller, Robert J. Radawski, Michael R. Barth, Jack V. Jerraid, John A. Keyes, Earl V. Gleason
  • Patent number: 5647906
    Abstract: An environmentally compatible pipe cleaning station having an elongated incoming pipe feeder for receiving a length of pipe thereon to be cleaned, a cleaning station through which the pipe is axially and rotationally advanced onto an elongated pipe receiving system that is in axial alignment with the incoming pipe feeder and which then axially passes the length of pipe back through the cleaning station, an elongated secondary pipe feeder system adjacent the incoming pipe feeder lateral transfer apparatus for moving the cleaned pipe onto an adjacent paralleled secondary pipe feeder, a coating booth in axial alignment with the secondary pipe feeder through which a length of pipe is fed and is spray coated, and an outgoing pipe receiver system in alignment with a secondary pipe feeder for receiving the cleaned and coated pipe which is ready to be removed for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignees: A-Z Terminal Corporation, Leonard Smith
    Inventors: John W. Monday, Joseph C. Ottaviani, Leonard R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5634975
    Abstract: An air distribution apparatus in a paint spray booth plenum for increasing the uniformity of down draft velocities from the plenum to the spray booth paint application zone. The increased uniformity of down draft velocities correspondingly increases paint transfer efficiency and minimizes paint overspray buildup in the paint application zone. The improved air distribution apparatus includes airflow regulating elements and flow directing members which cooperate to distribute airflow substantially evenly across the plenum floor and into the paint application area. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of perforated plates and guide vanes are used to control the rate and direction of airflow in the plenum. The invention also provides for the adjustment of the rate and direction of flow through the use of slidable plates and adjustable guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Leif E. B. Josefsson
  • Patent number: 5633044
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for spray coating a paper or board web in which a coating paste or mix is applied as an aerosol to the web in an enclosed space or chamber. A flow of the coating paste flows down at least one of the interior walls of the enclosed space, thereby collecting excess coating paste aerosol and providing a seal between the web and the walls of the enclosed space. By providing this seal, the amount of excess coating paste aerosol escaping from the enclosed space and the amount of air travelling along the surface of the web are both reduced, thereby increasing the quality of the applied coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Pekka Linnonmaa
  • Patent number: 5620520
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating internally threaded fasteners, particularly closed end fasteners, such as flanged weld nuts, which includes a powder spray arrangement, has a spray nozzle within a spray cylinder. The spray nozzle arrangement is actuated by an air cylinder to be in abutting relationship with a fastener seated in the spray position. The spray nozzle is tapped for the supply of air and for the supply of powder to the fastener threads. The spray block on which the nut is sprayed has a vacuum line that exhausts excess powder that does not adhere to the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Nylok Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Duffy, Eugene D. Sessa
  • Patent number: 5618333
    Abstract: In the method of the instant invention, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) liberated in the course of solvent-based painting of a workpiece, are recovered. The atmosphere within a closed spray-booth is maintained at a fixed humidity such that vaporized water, supplied in the form of steam or nebulized water vapor, acts as a carrier for VOCs liberated in the course of spray painting or heat curing of a workpiece. The VOCs may be recovered continuously, including during the spray-painting or heat curing of the workpiece. The VOC laden, humidified air is circulated through a condenser such that VOCs dissolved in the water vapor condense and are directed to a recovery means. The water and solvent are separated, recovered and purified for re-use or placed in an appropriate container for disposal, thereby eliminating the usual practice of expelling VOC laden air into the atmosphere. The system is provided with a flame-free heat source to cure the painted workpiece and to guard against the danger of explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventors: LeRoy H. Buchholz, Jr., Loretta P. Buchholz
  • Patent number: 5591240
    Abstract: A novel filtering apparatus particularly adapted for a transportable, modular powder spray painting booth with backflow cleaning capability by having two sets of filters each associated with a separate output chamber such that in normal use, a vacuum draws air from the paint booth through both filters and in backflow use, the same vacuum draws air through one filter in a normal filtering manner but with the air first drawn through the other filter in a backflow manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventors: Hermann Ophardt, Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 5591262
    Abstract: The invention disclosed defined a vertically extending passage through the rotary center of an inner cup or the rotary center of a spinner in a notary chemical treater, disposes a stationary cleaning fluid nozzle in the passage, and injects the cleaning fluid from the nozzle to clean a lid of the rotary chemical treater and the underside of an object treatment within the treater. The underside of the lid and the underside of the objective part are efficiently cleaned, and the need for sealing the movable parts against the cleaning fluid is eliminated because the nozzle is stationary, ensuring the prevention of the cleaning fluid from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignees: Tazmo Co., Ltd., Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Sago, Hideya Kobari, Koji Ueda, Hidenori Miyamoto, Ryuzo Takatsuki
  • Patent number: 5591264
    Abstract: A spin coating device for a substrate, in which a uniform thin film can be formed by applying an application liquid to a substrate and the quality of the substrate can be further improved. The spin coating device for a substrate comprises a turntable 2 for holding and rotating a substrate 1; an application liquid supply means 4 for supplying an application liquid 3 to the rotating substrate 1: splash preventing means 20, which are arranged at the periphery of the substrate 1 held by the turntable 2, prevent the droplets of the application liquid from splashing and provide with an opening portion 10 for circulating the flow A of external air in an area ranging from the central portion toward the peripheral portion of the substrate 1 held by the turntable 2. Exhaust means 8 and 9 for exhausting air from within the splash preventing means 20 are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Emi Sugimoto, Akira Yoshio, Yoshinori Ito
  • 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: 5584759
    Abstract: A spray paint booth having an internal base formed by two parts of which one is a fixed perimetral walk way (2) and the other one is a mobile central base (3) that holds the vehicle and/or other elements that require painting, a lifting mechanism is placed at the bottom of this mobile structure with which its level can be changed compared to the side walking structure around it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Nova Verta International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Fabrizi
  • Patent number: 5571323
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a powder stream to be applied to a work piece includes a powder reservoir, a mixing chamber, a powder metering valve, a transfer conduit, and a nozzle. The metering valve allows control of the powder flow from the reservoir into the mixing chamber where it is dispersed with and entrained in an air flow entering the chamber through an aspirating inlet. The air entrained powder is then conveyed from the mixing chamber via the transfer conduit to the nozzle. The nozzle includes a controllable gas flow input and a powder stream generating passageway configured and associated with the transfer conduit to generate a reduced pressure in the conduit and mixing chamber which draws the air borne powder from the chamber into the nozzle. One or more of the individual components are adjustable to control the size, configuration, thickness or other parameters of the coating on the work piece as a result of the applied powder stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Nylok Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Duffy, Eugene Sessa
  • Patent number: 5569492
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for curtain coating a support with one or more layers of a liquid coating composition. Stripes of a liquid coating composition are formed at the edges of the free falling curtain. These stripes are guided by edge guides which are positioned so that there is an uncoated margin of support at each edge of the support. Liquid is removed from the edges of the free falling curtain near the point of impingement on the support. Drag that emanates from the edge guide is contained within the stripe which is removed thereby producing a more uniform coating. In addition free falling curtains having an extremely low flow rate can be coated that previously were not possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William D. Devine, Kenneth J. Ruschak
  • Patent number: 5554225
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in consistently depositing relatively thick and lumpy materials onto receiving surfaces which employs a supply path to a plurality of pump/valve combinations and a feedback pressure line to assure an adequate pressure at the point of deposit. There are positive displacement pumps which operate continuously through the plurality of valves with an additional feedback path to assure constant flow of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Pillsbury Company
    Inventor: Jimmy A. DeMars