Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun comprising a housing (32) for receiving a replaceable collapsible container, a nozzle (39) from which fluid is to be sprayed, squeeze grip mechanism (36, 35, 34) for compressing the container to feed fluid to the nozzle and high voltage contacts (38a, 38b) for applying electrostatic potential to the fluid such that the fluid issues from the nozzle in the form of an electrically charged atomized spray, wherein the nozzle (39) forms or is fed by a resealable delivery valve having inner (11) and outer valve members (12) with fluid fed to a gap between them by the compression of the container, from which gap the fluid emerges to form the spray and the gap being closable, desirably with a wipping, fluid-cleaning action, by relative movement of the members.

Abstract: Electrostatic powder coating apparatus comprising a spray module located within a bight of a conveyor having suspended from it a plurality of articles to be coated with powder prior to heat treatment to convert the powder into an adherent coat of paint or the like.The spray module comprises a veined impeller able to rotate about a vertical axis and having charged powder projected towards its center from a stationary nozzle so that vanes on the impeller impart centrifugal force to the powder particles.The impeller and nozzle assembly may be reciprocated vertically so that the sprayed powder traverses the length of the suspended and moving articles.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray apparatus, including a spray hood having an electrode. The hood defines a top region with a depending skirt and comprises first and second hood elements, either or both of which may comprise molded shells, with an electrode sandwiched therebetween. The electrode extends over the top region and down the skirt and terminates short of the lower regions of the skirt. The hood is constructed such that, other than at the lowermost regions of the skirt, the hood does not have any junction of its planar surfaces having a radius less than one hundred and fifty millimeters. The hood has an opening in its top region, through which an electrostatic spray head is placed into the hood. The electrode presents a connection for an electrical supply, and the potential applied to the spray head is substantially the same as that applied to the electrode.

Abstract: An electrostatic device for spraying electrically conductive liquid coating product comprises a storage tank for the product in which the product is at a high voltage. The tank is defined in a substantially cylindrical cavity formed in an insulative material body and inside in which is a piston forming in the cavity a mobile wall separating a coating product chamber from an actuation chamber filled with an electrically insulative actuation fluid. The body is fixed to a conductive material socket which is grounded and to which is connected an actuation fluid supply circuit extending between the socket and the actuation chamber and discharging into the actuation chamber near a back wall of the cavity which is not in contact with the coating product. A section of the supply circuit runs substantially parallel to the cavity in the direction away from the socket starting from the back wall.

Abstract: A multi-color powder coat paint recovery apparatus that permits rapid color changes in a powder coat operation comprises a rotatable paint booth positioned adjacent to a painting station, with the booth having a plurality of individual paint color chambers angularly spaced around the periphery of the booth. Each chamber has an open outer side and a filter mechanism at an inner side, with the inner side being in communication with an exhaust outlet from the interior of the housing. The chamber further has primary and secondary paint hoppers positioned below each filter mechanism. An air circulating mechanism draws air inwardly from the painting station through the open outer side of the chamber, through the filter mechanism, out of the housing through the air outlet, and then returns the air through a filtered outlet in a plenum chamber behind the paint applicator. Each color chamber corresponds to a separate paint color.

Abstract: A system for coupling a grounded color changer to an electrostatic coating material sprayer electrically isolates the color changer from a high voltage at the sprayer. The system has a fluid path extending from the color changer to the sprayer and a reservoir is coupled to the fluid path at a connection point intermediate the color changer and sprayer. To fill the system with coating material to be sprayed, the fluid path to the sprayer is first filled with coating material from the color changer, following which the remaining coating material to be sprayed during the coating operation is flowed from the connection point into the reservoir. At least a portion of the fluid path between the connection point and the color changer is then cleaned of coating material to electrically isolate the reservoir and the sprayer from the color changer. Coating material is then delivered from the reservoir to the sprayer for being subjected to a high voltage and emitted in an electrostatically charged atomized spray.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray painting apparatus includes an electrically-insulated intermediate reservoir for storing therein conductive paint to which a high voltage is directly applied. In addition, the intermediate reservoir includes a cylinder, a piston reciprocatively and slidably disposed within the cylinder, and a fluid-flow straightening member protrudently formed in a part of a cylinder chamber used to be charged with the paint. The cylinder chamber is defined by the cylinder and the piston. An injection hole is defined near an outer peripheral edge of a cylinder wall so as to be connected to a paint and cleaning fluid feed source. A discharge hole is centrally defined in the cylinder wall so as to be connected to a spray gun, the discharge hole being used to discharge the paint and the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a droplet coating generator for generating a stream of electrically charged coating droplets within an evacuable chamber towards a substrate positioned within the evacuable chamber. A piezoelectric vibrator and orifice plate coupled thereto generate the stream of coating droplets. The coating droplets are urged to move in a sweeping motion across the substrate by at least one pair of opposing spaced apart electrodes powered by an electrical power supply. A uniform coating is thus produced while the evacuable chamber is maintained at subatmospheric pressure as required during typical semiconductor processing. Multiple applications of a photoresist coating may be applied by the coating apparatus without requiring that the evacuable chamber be repeatedly vented and pumped down to subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for the deposition of silicon and the formation of silicon films. More specifically, the process provides an aerosol generating technique, wherein silicon powder of optimum particle size is aerosolized, charged, and then electrostatically deposited onto high melting point substrates, which may include semiconducting, insulating, and conducting materials such as silicon, sapphire, and molybdenum, respectively. The powder coated substrates are subsequently heat treated at optimum times and temperatures, resulting in the formation of polycrystalline silicon films.

Abstract: A magnetic recording device includes a movable body having a magnetic layer and an arrangement for writing a predetermined magnetic image on the movable body. A developing arrangement is controlled to blow a magnetic fluid onto the movable body in order to develop the magnetic fluid. The magnetic fluid is circulated except at times when the image is being developed by the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating apparatus for coating an electroconductive paint includes an electrostatic coating machine applied with a high voltage, a paint supply pipeline for supplying an electroconductive paint and a reciprocal pump disposed between the electrostatic coating machine and the paint supply pipeline and adapted such that the paint introduced from the input port is discharged at a predetermined flow rate from the output port of the pump and supplied at a predetermined amount to the electrostatic coating machine. The input port of the pump is made detachable from the paint supply pipeline. Electric insulation to paint supply pipelines can be saved. The reciprocal pump may be replaced with a paint charge pipe connected with a cleaning liquid supply pipe for supplying a cleaning liquid at a predetermined flow rate, thereby discharging the paint from the paint charge pipe.

Abstract: A fluidization and conveyor arrangement for electrostatic powder coating devices. The arrangement includes a container pivotable by 180.degree. on a carrying frame, and a cover, having a fluidization plate. A powder discharge tube and a compressed air tube pass through the cover and into the container. A transport package, for example a sack filled with powder, is introduced into the container. The container is then closed with the cover, and is pivoted by 180.degree. to an operating position, in which fluidization and discharge of the powder may be affected.

Abstract: Contained in the feed gas line (4) and in the dosing gas line (24) of an injector (2) is a pressure setting instrument (6, 26) each which is adjustable with regard to its outlet pressure. A gas flow instrument (46) displays the entire amount of feed air and dosing air flowing per unit of time. This makes it possible to change the pressures of the feed air and the dosing air while nonetheless keeping the entire gas quantity in the powder/gas flow in a simple way at a desired value.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating (atomizing) head is cleaned by ejecting an ejected steam stream to the electrostatic coating head to remove solidified mass of a coating solution deposited thereon.Ejecting is made via steam stream supply ports to forward and rear surfaces of the coating head without interrupting high voltage applied for coating or even during the coating operation. The method is suitable for aqueous coating solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging droplets of a volatile liquid and for directing the charged droplets against an oppositely-charged member. The apparatus comprises a source of a mist of uniform fine droplets of a volatile liquid and a droplet-charging zone associated with said source for applying a charge to the droplets in the mist. The droplet-charging zone comprises a source of ionized air ions for imparting the charge and a predetermined velocity to the droplets. A discharge conduit is provided having a discharge nozzle for directing the charged droplets against the surface of a member for attraction and deposit onto areas thereof charged to an opposite polarity. Preferably, the droplet-charging zone is associated with an air ionization zone comprising a source of air, a means for ionizing the air, and a means for directing the ionized air at a predetermined velocity into the droplet-charging zone to apply the charge to the droplets.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray coating system has a reservoir into which a metered quantity of electrically conductive paint is flowed from a grounded color changer and through a first flow meter. After filling the reservoir, at least a portion of the flow path between the reservoir and the color changer is cleaned of paint to electrically isolate the reservoir and paint therein from the color changer. The paint in the reservoir is then flowed through a second flow meter to an electrostatic spray gun. The second flow meter is electrically isolated from ground and is used to compare the quantity of paint delivered to the spray gun to the quantity of paint loaded into the reservoir, as well as to monitor and control the volume flow rate of paint from the reservoir to the spray gun. The arrangement makes it possible to spray substantially all of the paint flowed into the reservoir and to accurately control the flow rate of paint to the spray gun.

Abstract: At least part of an electrostatic spraying installation for spraying an electrically conductive liquid product such as a coating product is grounded. The installation includes at least one intermediate storage tank that is electrically insulated from ground and at least one electrostatic sprayer device that is supplied from this intermediate storage tank. The electrostatic sprayer device is connected to a variable or switchable high-tension voltage source. The installation includes at least one electrical insulation device which incorporates a section of insulative conduit and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet at respective ends of this conduit section. A piston movable in the conduit section scrapes its inside wall clean.

Abstract: An installation particularly suited to use in the automobile industry for electrostatic application of conductive coating product is partly at a high-tension voltage and partly grounded, these parts being separated by at least one temporary insulating device. The electrostatic sprayer is fed from a first storage tank insulated from ground and the latter is filled in a very short time period with coating product previously stored in a grounded second storage tank, through a temporary insulating device.

Abstract: An electrical insulator device is in the form of a section of pipe for a conductive liquid. The device comprises an insulative casing accommodating a mobile assembly and an expandable pipe part is connected between one end of the casing and this mobile assembly, which carries ano-ring for scraping clean an end surface of a connection mechanism arranged in the vicinity of the second end of the casing, with which it cooperates.

Abstract: A paint fixture, for supporting a workpiece during the electrostatic application of a spray paint, has an electrically conductive metallic body. The body has a first surface portion that is covered by the workpiece during the electrostatic paint spray application process, and a second surface portion that is covered by a heat resitant, electrically nonconductive material.

Abstract: A method for painting water base metallic paint on an object, such as the exterior of a vehicle, comprising the steps of painting such water base metallic paint on the object with a rotary atomizer to form on such object a coating of rotary atomizer painted water base metallic paint of a predetermined thickness and, thereafter, painting over such rotary atomizer painted coating, such water base metallic paint with an air spray gun to cover such rotary atomizer painted coating, and drying such coatings. One or more of such coatings may be painted electrostatically.

Abstract: An electrostatic paint spray gun having built-in high-voltage generator that is cast into insulating material is improved in that the dielectric strength is increased in the region of that face of the insulating member that is adjacent to the charging electrode. In a first solution, the high-voltage cascade is cast such into the plastic member for this purpose that its high-voltage output is situated adjacent the input transformer, whereby a small plug tube for the stranded electrode lead is additionally co-cast into the insulating member parallel to the cascade. In a second solution, an annular gap is left free between the stranded electrode lead and the insulating member, is filled with insulating oil and is sealed with a seal.

Abstract: An electrode (60) for electrically charging dispensed coating material is electrically substantially isolated from the coating material dispensing device (16). Sources provide first (30-36) and second (70-76) coating materials, the first (30-36) of which is electrically substantially more conductive and the second (70-76) of which is electrically substantially less conductive. The first (30-36) or the second (70-76) coating material is alternately supplied to the coating material dispensing device (16). A high-magnitude electrostatic potential supply (58) provides electrostatic high potential to the electrode (60) and selectively to the coating material dispensing device (16).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating interior surfaces of objects employs an electrostatic fluidized bed unit in which the fluidization chamber is relatively shallow, and is circumscribed by a marginal portion that conforms closely to the dimensions and configuration of the cavity of the object. The apparatus employs, as a feature of its recovery and recirculation system, a fluidized bed for agitating and facilitating feeding of the particulate material, thus making the system especially well suited for depositing coatings of abrasive materials, such as vitreous frit.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface of a wafer includes a wafer-holding device for holding the wafer horizontally at the center of the lower surface of the wafer to rotate the wafer around a predetermined rotation axis and a nozzle for supplying a flow of treatment liquid to the upper surface of the wafer held by the wafer holding device. The nozzle includes a supply member for supplying the treatment liquid at a predetermined flow speed at a predetermined position located higher than the upper surface of the wafer, and a member for changing the flow speed of the treatment liquid to a smaller speed at the predetermined position and providing a flow speed component in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the wafer. The flow speed of the treatment liqid at the predetermined position is thus controlled and the treatment liquid flow reaches the wafer upper surface with a speed component parallel to the upper surface of the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a process for the manufacture of a moulded product by compression of a powder or granules in a die, wherein a powdered die lubricant is used, lubricant particles are electrically charged and the charged particles are fed to the die in advance of the moulding powder is provided. The apparatus includes a first feed for feeding a powdered lubricant to the die, a second feed for feeding powder to the die after the powdered lubricant, and means for maintaining the electrical potential of the die at a predetermined value different from that of the powdered lubricant.

Abstract: In an electrostatic spray coating apparatus (10), liquid coating material is applied to a workpart inside of a spray booth (12). Alternating flows of liquid coating material, liquid solvent and air are conducted through various internal flow passages in a conduit (14) inside the spray booth. An electronic differentiator (24) is positioned adjacent a predetermined location along the conduit (14) and energized from an electrical source disposed outside of the spray booth (12) to differentiate between liquid and gas in the internal flow passage for nonintrusively detecting when the head of liquid flow reaches the predetermined location along the internal flow passage. This is accomplished by an electromagnetic field extending into the flow passage and sensing the changes in the electromagnetic field resulting from dielectric differences between liquid and gas in the flow passage.

Abstract: A sprayer intended for powder coating is provided with an annular friction charging channel (9) for electrostatic charging of the powder. The charging channel is defined partly by an inner longitudinal body (8) of non-conductive material, and partly by an outer tube (7) of the same material, there being disposed, extremely on the tube (7) an electric conductor (13, 14). To improve the charging of the powder and prevent discharging in the sprayer, there is provided centrally within the longitudinal body (8) a longitudinal electric conductor (11) which is electrically connected to the outer conductor (13, 14). The outer conductor (14) is of a length and constructional design which encloses the entire sprayer and the inner conductor (11) extends throughout the entire length of the channel (9).

Abstract: A paint hose extension to facilitate safe application of metallic paints with a hand held electrostatic spray gun. The hose extension extends between the spray gun and a hose connected to a grounded paint supply. The hose extension provides a predetermined long electrically insulated paint flow path between a high voltage paint charging electrode in the spray gun and the paint supply hose. An electrically conductive layer shields the hose between an electrically grounded handle on the spray gun and a remote metallic connector which attaches to the paint supply hose. The connector electrically connects the conductive layer with the grounded paint column at the connector.

Abstract: Consists essentially of a gun barrel (2) and a carrier (18) which can be fitted into a recess (20) on the rear, bottom end of the gun barrel (2), and of a voltage generator module (14). Formed in the gun barrel (2) is a first channel (10) for a fluid and above it, offset axially to the rear, a straight-line second channel (16) for accommodating the voltage generator module (14). A straight-line third channel (24) through the carrier (18) enables the connection of an electrical connector (40) to the primary side of the voltage generator module (14) by a simple plug connection, without disassembly of other parts. A straight-line fourth channel (25) in the carrier (18) communicates with the first channel (10). This makes all of the channels so short that all parts can be made from plastic without manufacturing problems and can be cleaned quickly.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating the endmost threaded section of a pipe with corrosion resistant powder coating material by rotating the pipe and spraying the section to be coated with electrostatically charged, air-entrained powder through two stationary nozzles, one of which is directed at the section to be coated, and the other of which is directed at the chamfered end of the pipe. To prevent overspray of the powder from contacting the pipe adjacent to the area to be coated, a pair of air nozzles are directed at the area of the pipe adjacent to the area to be coated.

Abstract: In an electrostatic particle spraying apparatus, a hand-held triggering mechanism is provided with a self-contained source of high D.C. voltage and a coupling sleeve into which a conventional aerosol spray can is inserted. A trigger mechanism is squeezed by a mechanism operator and closes a switch that completes an electrical connection between the D.C. voltage source and an electrode of the mechanism, creating an electric potential in the electrode. The electrode is positioned in the projected path of particle spray from the aerosol can, and continued depression of the trigger lever causes a hammer to contact and depress a nozzle tip of the aerosol can, releasing the pressurized fluid contents of the can from the nozzle tip in a projected path of particle spray. A distal end of the electrode extends into the projected path of particle spray.

Abstract: An installation for spraying coating product, such as water-soluble or metallic paint to be sprayed onto automobile bodies, comprises a coating product change unit on a downstream side of which is at least one distribution pipe. This feeds at least one sprayer for the coating product. An intermediate storage tank for the coating product formed in the distribution pipe(s) consists of a section of the pipe itself. An arrangement is provided for feeding rinsing product into the distribution pipe(s) and, by virtue of a selective connection device, the coating product is propelled by the rinsing product during spraying.

Abstract: A spray coating apparatus (10) for applying flammable liquid coating material onto a work part (12), including an enclosed spray booth (14) for containing the sprayed flammable coating material in an isolated zone, an atomizer (18) positioned in the spray booth (14) for spraying the coating material onto the work part (12), and a color changer (28) disposed in the spray booth (14) and operated by pneumatic valves (24) for selecting the color of coating material to be supplied to the atomizer (18). Compressed air is supplied from a source outside the spray booth (14) to each of the pneumatic valves (24) on the color changer (28). Intrinsically safe electric solenoid valves (38) are disposed in the spray booth (14) for controlling the compressed air sent to particular pneumatic valves (24) at the color changer (28) so that the proper color of coating material is quickly fed to the atomizer and so that the apparatus (10) can be quickly assembled at locations remote from the place of manufacture.

Abstract: Electrostatic apparatus and method for coating interior surfaces of objects. The apparatus employs a fluidized bed unit in which the fluidization chamber is relatively shallow, and is circumscribed by a marginal portion that conforms closely to the dimensions and configurations of the cavity of the object. The apparatus employs a non-vacuumized powder recovery and recirculation system, and provides a peripheral slot in the marginal portion of the housing for entry of undeposited powder. Coating inside corners of objects is effectively achieved using the method of the invention, and heavy, uniform builds of the particulate material are produced efficiently and at high rates.

Abstract: A coating method and apparatus allows coating of a paper substrate from any point from the first de-watering stage to a fully dried stage. The method includes the making of a fog from a coating slurry, and directing the fog to a nozzle that does not physically contact the substrate. An air current normally carries the fog; but, electrostatic charges can be applied to the substrate and the fog to cause the fog to be attracted and adhere to the substrate. Vacuum chambers contiguous with the nozzle pick up excess fog and deliver the excess to a separator for recycling.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a grounded color changer and associated supplies of conductive paint to an electrostatic paint sprayer isolates the color changer and paint supplies from a high voltage at the sprayer. The apparatus has at least one reservoir into which a metered volume of one color of paint to be sprayed is introduced while the reservoir and its contents are grounded. After charging the reservoir with paint and prior to supply of the paint to the sprayer, fluid lines between the reservoir and color changer are flushed to electrically isolate the reservoir and paint therein from the color changer and paint supplies. The reservoir and paint therein are then ungrounded and the paint is delivered to the sprayer for being emitted in an electrostatically charged atomized spray. At the end of spraying, the high voltage is removed from the sprayer and the reservoir and its contents are again grounded, following which the reservoir is purged of paint of the one color and reloaded with paint of another color.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating booth has double walls which can be evacuated to hold replaceable cover foils thereagainst so that, for a color change, a contaminated stretch of foil can be replaced by a fresh stretch of foil.

Abstract: A filter for a fluidized bed powder coating apparatus is located within the fluidized hopper and fits about the end of a tubular conduit connecting the hopper to a spray gun. The filter is an enclosure having a plurality of holes through its walls which are sized to exclude particles from the conduit which would clog small orifices of the spray gun or associated venturi. The filter also acts to break up clumps of coating particles and to retain contaminant particles which may clog the venturi and gun. Preferably, the filter is made of expanded metal and is sized to sit in the fluidized bed of coating particles without unduly interfering with the flow of air into the hopper.

Abstract: A device for insulating the spray liquid source from the high tension voltage of an electrostatic spray system when using an electrically conductive spray liquid. The device comprises a spray gun (13), a supply line (12) which connects the spray gun (13) to a spray liquid reservoir (10) and which includes a vessel (16) containing a barrier forming liquid (17) of low electrical conductivity and a density other than that of the spray liquid. The vessel (16), which is substantially non-conductive is connected at its inlet end (24) to ground potential and at its outlet end (19) to the same high potential as the spray gun (13). An electrode means (22; 25) is provided in the vessel (16) to expose the spray liquid passing through the vessel (16) to at least one intermediate potential for controlling the tension gradient in the barrier forming liquid by limiting and controlling the charging of the spray liquid.

Abstract: A high-voltage electrostatic painting apparatus (10) for coating an article (12) inside a spray booth (14). The apparatus (10) includes a flow rate meter (34) disposed within the electrostatic environment for measuring the rate at which paint is supplied to a discharge atomizer (18). The meter (34) includes two intermeshing rotors (44, 46) disposed within a sealed non-ferromagnetic housing (54). The two rotors (44, 46) rotate in response to liquid paint flowing through the housing (54). A magnetic coupling (64) acts through the housing (54) to drive an optical signal producing disc (62). A pick-up sensor (82) senses the optical signal from the disc (62) and sends that signal outside the booth (14) to a master control unit (40) via a fiber optic conductor (90). The master control unit (40) automatically adjusts a flow rate regulator valve (92) to provide a constant rate of paint flow to the discharge atomizer (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powder sewing two plies of cloth or fabric material by spraying an adhesive powder onto one side of one ply of cloth or fabric from a powder spray gun having a corona discharge electrode mounted thereon. A second pin electrode is provided on the opposite side of the one ply of cloth or fabric. Electrical charges of differing polarity are applied to the electrodes while the cloth or fabric material is moved between the two and powder is sprayed thereon. In the course of migrating through the electrostatic field created between the two electrodes, the powder is caused to follow the force lines created within that field and to migrate onto one side of fabric in the form of a long, narrow band of powder. A second ply of cloth or fabric is then positioned over the first ply and over the band of powder. Pressure and heat applied to the powder activates the powder and causes it to become tacky so that when subsequently cooled, it adheres the two plies together along the narrow powder band.

Abstract: A method for the application of chilled particles such as polytetrafluoroethylene generally marketed under the trade mark "TEFLON.revreaction., graphite, molybdenum sulfide and boron nitride to a metal surface having crevices or pores therein. With the metal heated to expand the crevices or pores and the particles chilled to contract them, the particles will be locked into the pores when both the metal and the particles come to equilibrium temperature with the particles thereby expanding and the pores contracting. The method is directed to such an application of chilled particles to expanded pores in large metal objects such as for example, large rolls. The large object is rotated on its linear axis while maintained at the desired temperature and the particles are given an electrostatic charge and chilled prior to their application to the metal surface.

Abstract: A hand held device for coating a fastener with a coating and which includes a first body with a free end and which defines a first chamber that is placeable over the fastener, apparatus for supplying the coating under a pressure to the first chamber for coating the fastener with the coating, a second body with a free end and which is disposed external to the first body so as to form a second chamber therebetween, the second body is rigidly attached to the first body and the free end of the second body is displaced a distance below the free end of the first body so as to form a passageway therebetween, and apparatus for reducing pressure in the second chamber, the reducing apparatus draws the coating from the first chamber where the fastener is initially coated with the coating from the supply apparatus through the passageway and into the second chamber which causes the second chamber to fill with the coating so that when the pressure of the supply apparatus is eliminated the coating is drawn back from the sec

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of a coating process wherein a coating medium such as, for example, powders directed from a coating medium pressure line toward a workpiece to be coated, with the coating process also including an applied electrostatic field, a coating medium which does not adhere to the workpiece is drawn off by way of a suction channel. A flow of the emerging coating medium is bent toward the workpiece that is to be coated by providing a carrier surface profile area between an outlet of the coating medium and a suction channel. By this arrangement a flow velocity gradient between the workpiece to be coated and the profile area is realized with the resulting pressure gradient from the profiled area toward the workpiece.

Abstract: Cup lubricating process and apparatus in which cup-shaped can bodies are controllably conveyed in spaced relationship to each other through a lubrication application chamber. Lubricant is atomized to particle sizes permitting them to be gas borne and introduced into such chamber from a plurality of locations about the travel path for can bodies. Apertures in the bottom wall of such chamber direct lubricant particles directly into the open ends of such can bodies for flow impingement deposition on internal surfaces thereof. Provision is made for augmenting surface deposition by electrically charging at least a portion of the gas-borne lubricant particles in such chamber and electrically grounding can bodies individually during passage through such chamber. Endless loop conveyor means are provided with adjustable features enabling a travel path to be adapted to differing dimension can bodies.

Abstract: An improved spray gun for mounting on a programmable industrial robot. A housing and manifold are attached to the robot and a spray head is removably attached to the manifold. The manifold includes fluid passages for supplying liquid, atomization air, fan air and pilot air to the spray head and for returning fluid from the spray head. A remotely controlled regulator is located in the manifold liquid passage and a remotely controlled valve is located in the manifold fluid return passage. One or two electrically actuated pilot valves supply pilot air to simultaneously operate atomization air and pattern shaping air control valves in the manifold passages and to operate a trigger valve in the spray head. A power supply module may be located in the housing for applying an electrostatic voltage through the manifold to the spray head for charging the coating liquid.

Abstract: An electrostatic filament coater comprising a plurality of coating chambers arranged coaxially in spaced apart serial relation. Each of the coating chambers has a base and an apex and being generally frusto-conical in shape with an exit opening at the apex and an entrance opening at the base. All of the coating chambers except the last one are positioned with the apex being within the base of the next adjacent coating chamber. The filament is trained through the coating chambers. A plurality of electrodes are positioned within the coating chambers so as to surround the filament. A near arc-over voltage is supplied to the electrodes and a fog of particulate coating material suspended in a gas is passed through the coating chambers and axially of the filament at a velocity which results in the electrostatic deposition of the particulate matter on the filament and the exhaust of the gas and excess particulate matter from between the coating chambers and the apex opening of the last coating chamber.

Abstract: A spraying device for spraying powdered material on an article includes an axially extending powder channel formed in the body of the spraying device which has an upstream region and a downstream end. The material flows out through a spraying opening located at the downstream end. A support extends from the spraying opening, upstream into the powder channel. The support defines a gas channel therein. A plurality of gas outlet orifices, located near the spraying opening, connect the gas channel to the powder channel. The orifices are inclined obliquely in the downstream direction. Electrical electrodes, connected to a high voltage, extend into the orifices and reach to or just beyond the orifices, into the powder channel. The axial distance from the tip of the electrodes to the spraying opening should be about equal to the diameter of the powder channel or according to an alternate embodiment about one half the diameter.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder spray coating method and apparatus for producing evenly coated continuous films of thermoplastic and thermosetting powders on substrates or parts having electrically conductive geometric complex surfaces enables the use, without the occurrence of "cobwebbing," of significantly higher charging voltages for the spray gun in the spray coating of preheated substrates and parts, thus allowing faster coating lines. The invention features the use of a grounded electrically conductive ring for grounding the ionized field in the powder discharge region of the spray gun.