Fluid Current Projector, E.g., Spray Type Patents (Class 118/629)
  • Patent number: 4780331
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for charging powdered particles and delivering only these charged particles to a workpiece. A high voltage electric field is created between upper and lower surfaces. Powder is continuously delivered to the lower surface. The lower surface is vibrated to bounce the particles so that each repeatedly contacts the lower surface and picks up an electrostatic charge with each contact. When the charge from the particle is great enough to overcome gravity, the particle levitates and is thereafter transported to a workpiece, where it adheres by electrostatic attraction. Three important features of this method are: (1) No uncharged particles are levitated to the workpiece, thereby eliminating the need for recirculating uncharged powder. (2) The method is capable of producing high throughput of charged particles. (3) The method is capable of producing powder with a controlled charge level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Walter H. Cobbs, Jr., Harry J. Lader, Merle N. Hirsh, David H. Chow
  • Patent number: 4771729
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for dispensing only that amount of coating material which is required for coating a series of one or more articles to be coated by the coating material. The method and system include the step of, and apparatus for, feeding that amount of coating material to an intermediate container. The intermediate container receives the coating material from a color changer. The connection between color changer and intermediate container is so designed that no electrical current flow exists between these two components, even when using electrically conducting coating material. The coating material is electrostatically charged at an atomizer downstream from the intermediate container during a spray operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Ransburg GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Planert, Winfried Ott, Gunther Fleig
  • Patent number: 4761299
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for electrostatically spray coating an article in a coating zone with a liquid coating material, such as paint, wherein air is supplied to the spray head of an air spray gun at an atomizing air flow rate in excess of 5 CFM and at a delivery pressure of less than 15 psi to atomize the liquid coating material. At this combination of relatively low pressure and relatively high volume of air the transfer efficiency is substantially higher than for conventional air spray guns. A turbine unit filters and heats the air so that the air has a temperature in excess of 70.degree. F. at the spray head. An elongated conductive rod is reciprocably supported within a nozzle of the spray head to create an electrical charge differential between the atomized liquid coating material and the article in the coating zone when charged by a high voltage source. Preferably, the rod is positioned within a liquid discharge orifice of the nozzle to alternatively open and close the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: James E. Hynds
    Inventors: Patrick A. Hufstetler, James E. Hynds
  • Patent number: 4732777
    Abstract: An electrostatic coating apparatus is described comprising an applicator, means for supplying liquid to the applicator at a controlled rate, means for establishing an electrostatic field between the applicator and a target substrate to be coated and control means providing an output signal to the liquid supply means for setting the rate at which liquid is supplied to the applicator, the said control means also providing an output signal to the field establishing means which, in operation, sets the magnitude of the applied field, the said output signals being such that the applied field is varied in accordance with any change in the rate of supply of liquid to the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Sale Tilney Technology PLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Smythe
  • Patent number: 4724154
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the electrostatic application of a coating material on a product of either electrically conducting or non-conducting material. The product is caused to descend from a hopper (10) in free fall in the form of spaced curtains (28, 30) across two streams (40, 42) of electrostatically charged coating material directed laterally of the curtains from opposite sides thereof. The rate of flow and spacing of the curtains (28, 30) is adjustable (32, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26) as required depending upon the nature of the product and the properties of the coating material. Charges of opposite polarity are applied respectively to the two streams with the result that an electrostatic charge opposite to that of a stream is imparted to that side of each of the two curtains towards which the stream is directed causing attraction between the coating material and the product. The uniformity of the applied coating is much improved as compared with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventors: Roberto F. Cosentino, Carlo M. Pensa
  • Patent number: 4702932
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the electrostatic coating of poorly or non-conductive materials such as pellets seeds and powders, in which the product material is set in motion, preferably turbulent or agitating motion relative to at least one electrostatic coating material spraying device which is directed toward the moving product and has applied thereto a high potential difference whereby the coating material is given an electrostatic charge and an electrostatic charge of opposite polarity is induced on the product causing electrostatic attraction between the coating material and the product. The invention is applicable both to continous and batch production of coated material and preferably involves moving the product past the or each spraying device in a plurality of spraying passes. Charged atomised liquid and diffused powder may be sprayed onto the product either in sequence or at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Pharmindev Ltd.
    Inventors: Roberto F. Cosentino, Franco B. Bonapace
  • Patent number: 4693911
    Abstract: There is described a method for lining the one surface from a base with a continuous granulate layer, which comprises relieving the granulates from foreign materials, raising said granulates to a higher level than said base, spreading said granulates to form said layer, coating the granulates during the fall thereof with a material causing same to adhere to said base, moving the fall location relative to said base along a direction in parallel relationship with the one base side, at a pre-determined speed, and letting said material coating the granulates laid down on the base, harden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Revetements De Couvin
    Inventor: Jean-Frederic Moreau
  • Patent number: 4688518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder distributor for electrostatic painting provided with reciprocating vertical movement, wherein the powder in mixture with air reaches the center of a sectional element, for example a disk, which disperses it evenly over its perimetral rim.The distributor comprises a reservoir divided into two chambers by an intermediate porous septum, a first, upper chamber into which a first, powder-in-air suspension feed circuit debouches, and a second, lower chamber into which a second, compressed air feed conduit debouches. Provision can also be made for a third conduit, for compressed air feed, the compressed air being in such case discharged parallel to the direction of discharge of the powder suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: Gabriele Missier
  • Patent number: 4675203
    Abstract: A system for detecting fire in a powder spray booth having a spray gun for depositing powder onto products moving through the booth includes a switch mounted to the spray gun which is operatively connected to a control system which operates the booth and controls the supply of powder to the spray guns. A spring biases the switch toward an open, operating position in which a signal is sent to the control system to shut down the booth operation and powder supply. Under normal operating conditions, the spring force is overcome by a switch closure mechanism which comprises a fixed rod, and a movable rod mounted to the switch which is pulled toward the fixed rod to close the switch by a burnable filament extending between the rods and positioned in the path of the powder discharged from the spray gun. If a fire starts in the booth, the burnable filament is immediately destroyed and releases the movable rod so that the spring is permitted to move the switch to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Don R. Scarbrough
  • Patent number: 4637339
    Abstract: An electrode arrangement for a coating installation which functions with the aid of an electric field. The electrode arrangement includes a pair of electrodes for creating an electrostatic field with at least one of the electrodes being fashioned with a sharp edge or tip. The electrode is disposed in a conduit and excess pressure or a vacuum is applied to the conduit with respect to the pressure in the coating chamber of the coating installation in an area of the electrode so that the coating medium is either prevented from coming into contact with the electrode or is suctioned off through the conduit system. By virtue of the provision of the suction removal means for the excess coating medium, the conduit system can be placed in direct communication with the ambient pressure. Additionally, the electrode may be arranged in a vacuum zone of the coating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Prazisions-Werkzeuge AG
    Inventor: Felix Walser
  • Patent number: 4608269
    Abstract: The inside of a sleeve is positioned over a nozzle having an elongated groove opening immediately at the region of the sleeve to be striped. The sleeve surrounding the nozzle is given a predetermined potential level. A stream of particles is introduced into at least one end of the groove in a direction at least generally parallel to the groove and to the region to be striped. The particles are charged relative to the potential level of the sleeve such that the particles are attracted to the sleeve. A stream of air is also introduced under pressure into the opposite end of the groove in generally the opposite direction. The countercurrent thus produced deflects the stream of powder so it projects generally radially from the nozzle groove, thickly coating the strip region at the seam. The region is the seam of the sleeve which is to be made into a three-part can, in which case the groove is longer than the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignees: W.C.C.E. World Can and Cap Engineering, Jean Jacques Celant
    Inventors: Jean J. Celant, Francois Bochaton
  • Patent number: 4590884
    Abstract: A portable powder spray apparatus for use in combination with a floor supported chain-on-edge conveyor. The apparatus includes a powder spray booth, a fan plenum and a filter module, all of which are mounted upon rollers so that the assembled apparatus may be rolled on or off line relative to a horizontal span of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Kreeger, Gene Tank
  • Patent number: 4582718
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is detailed for the application of non-conductive material, generally of a powder or fine fiber form from bulk storage onto a conductive filament or plurality of filaments. A series of vibrating troughs are used to store, convey, unpack and load particulate material at a controllable rate into a gas stream traversing a converging-diverging nozzle. High aerodynamic shear in the nozzle reduces the material's size. Divergent nozzle exit geometry slows the material to speeds where electrostatic forces can predominate, as the material is injected upwardly into a chamber fitted with a cascade of conical forms. Each cone is electrified about its circumference in one or more locations, with respect to a centrally located upward moving filament. Conventional electrostatic charging and deposition on the filament is augmented by the convergent geometry of the cones. Excess material falls on the outside of the cones, and eventually downward to a recovery area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Terronics Development Corporation
    Inventor: Eduardo C. Escallon
  • Patent number: 4539932
    Abstract: A robot painting system for electrostatically painting an automobile body that includes a paint module adapted to maintain the automobile body in a stationary position relative to at least two painting robots, each of which carries a rotary bell-type atomizing device and provides programmed movement thereof about five control axes at a speed which prevents the cone-shaped pattern of atomized paint particles from being distorted due to any gyroscopic effect developed by the atomizing device as it is moved about the control axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony M. Vecellio
  • Patent number: 4520755
    Abstract: A spray coating apparatus for spraying paint on a vertically moving web is designed to provide an overspray area on each side of the web. In order to remove the oversprayed paint, a pair of liquid film forming boards are located on both sides of the web. Each liquid film forming board is provided with a cleaning liquid supply device along the top edge thereof and a plurality of parallel vertically extending protrusions thereon for forming a downwardly flowing continuous liquid film for removing the oversprayed paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzo Inukai, Yoshiaki Shichijo
  • Patent number: 4515105
    Abstract: A plastics material covered metal electrode maintains an electrostatic field dissipating the particles of fine dry powdered dielectric material such as flour or starch to create a cloud or dry mist of the powder in the path of freshly inked sheets as they are discharged from a printing press to prevent smudging of the ink and sticking together of the successive sheets as they are stacked. The electrostatic field is formed across the path of the powder as it is discharged from a supply trough by energizing the electrode with a high voltage current. The plastic covered electrode replaces heretofore required neon gas filled glass tubes which are fragile and burn out. The preferred plastic covering for the electrode is a thermoplastic polyetherimide resin marketed under the name of "Ultem" by General Electric Company of Pittsfield, Mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Inventors: William E. Danta, Frank H. Adams
  • Patent number: 4510170
    Abstract: In the electrostatic application of a coating material on to a product to be coated, the product leaves a supply hopper over a tube enlargement and falls freely in a chamber in the form of a tubular curtain. The tubular curtain falls around a central, elongate, vertical corona discharge electrode so that a high voltage electrostatic charge of one sign is applied to the falling curtain of the product. Coating material is sprayed on to the product by atomizers in the chamber. A high voltage electrostatic charge of opposite sign is applied to the coating material by way of the atomizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Pharmindev Limited
    Inventors: Roberto F. Cosentino, Franco Bonapace
  • Patent number: 4500560
    Abstract: In this process comprising fluidizing the enamel powder in a fluidization vessel by blowing air in the bottom of the latter, steam is also introduced in the vessel in the course of the fluidization. The relative humidity is adjusted in the vessel to a value between about 15 and 45% in respect of a temperature in the vessel of between about 20.degree. and 30.degree. C. A steam boiler (12) is connected to the fluidization vessel (1) for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: De Dietrich & Cie
    Inventor: Gerard Guffroy
  • Patent number: 4498631
    Abstract: The electrogasdynamic coating system includes an electrogasdynamic gun for charging material particles indirectly. The gun has a gas inlet which receives from a gas source a pressurized gas in which an condensable vapor is entrained. Corona and attractor electrodes are disposed in communication with the gas inlet for ionizing the ionizable vapor. A dielectric tube extends from the electrodes downstream to a mixing chamber. A first fluid material inlet is connected with a first source of powder or liquid material and a second fluid material inlet is connected with a second source of powder or liquid material. The first and second fluid material inlets are connected with the mixing chamber such that particles of the first and second fluid materials are mixed with the gas and vapor. The vapor condenses and coats the particles during mixing causing them to become charged. In use, a condensable vapor is entrained into a gas flow, the gas flow is passed across corona and attractor electrodes to ionize the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Energy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Meredith C. Gourdine
  • Patent number: 4433003
    Abstract: The electrogasdynamic coating system includes an electrogasdynamic gun for charging material particles indirectly. The gun has a gas inlet which receives from a gas source a pressurized gas in which an condensable vapor is entrained. Corona and attractor electrodes are disposed in communication with the gas inlet for ionizing the ionizable vapor. A dielectric tube extends from the electrodes downstream to a mixing chamber. A first fluid material inlet is connected with a first source of powder or liquid material and a second fluid material inlet is connected with a second source of powder or liquid material. The first and second fluid material inlets are connected with the mixing chamber such that particles of the first and second fluid materials are mixed with the gas and vapor. The vapor condenses and coats the particles during mixing causing them to become charged. In use, a condensable vapor is entrained into a gas flow, the gas flow is passed across corona and attractor electrodes to ionize the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Energy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Meredith C. Gourdine
  • Patent number: 4402991
    Abstract: Process for electrostatically coating objects with a fluid, for instance liquid paint, by applying a high voltage to a spray bell and by feeding the fluid to a revolving, driven spray bell. The flow-rate of the fluid supplied to the center of the spray bell is decelerated nearly to zero when it enters the bell, then the rate of the fluid is increased by being accelerated by the bell to 15,000 to 60,000 rpm, and the fluid thereupon is centrifuged off the spray rim of the bell and is guided to the object to be coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: BASF Farben & Fasern A.G.
    Inventor: Roland A. Meisner
  • Patent number: 4377603
    Abstract: A workpiece which may be made of a highly electrically insulating material is held in a spaced opposing relationship with respect to a silent discharge plate electrode to which an a.c. voltage is applied. A d.c. voltage is applied across the workpiece and the silent discharge plate electrode to form a driving electric field therebetween. Powder particles suspended in air are charged in the same polarity as that of the silent discharge plate electrode and then injected into the region between the silent discharge plate electrode and the workpiece where the electric field drives the charged particles toward the workpiece to coat it. The a.c. voltage is sufficient to repel the electrode surface confronting the workpiece and to maintain the silent discharge at a reduced level and effectively precluding deposit of powder particles on the mentioned surface. An apparatus for the electrostatic coating is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Onoda Cement Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tsutomu Itoh, Nobuo Furuya, Kenji Ouchi, Takeo Shimizu, Hiroshi Saitoh
  • Patent number: 4357900
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the automatic coating of articles. The apparatus has a spray device controlled by a programmed control device. A transport device transports the articles along a predetermined path to a coating position and then away therefrom after coating. A sensor monitors the position of the article and generates signals representative thereof, preferably generating one signal each time the article moves a predetermined distance (e.g. 2 cm.) along the path. A second sensor generates additional signals to the control device when an article passes a predetermined point, also indicating which of several types of articles has been detected. The control device controls the spraying process responsive to these signals. If desired, portions of the article that are moved sequentially into the coating position can be sprayed in different manners, e.g. with the spray devices positioned or oriented differently, or using different coating materials, etc. The control device is preferably reprogrammable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Gema AG Apparatebau
    Inventor: Karl Buschor
  • Patent number: 4356868
    Abstract: A fire-extinguishant system includes a source of extinguishant, such as carbon dioxide, a fusible length of plastic tubing, such as one-half-inch-outside-diameter polyethylene tubing, with the end closed, and a conduit and valve system for connecting the extinguishant source to the fusible tubing. The valving system pressurizes the fusible tubing at a low pressure, and this low-pressure signal is coupled to a pilot input port in the valve system. When this low-pressure pilot signal is interrupted, the piloted valve switches to supply extinguishant at full pressure through the fusible tubing. If the fusible tubing has been melted, such as by a fire, the extinguishant exits through the melted portion to extinguish the fire. The low-pressure pilot signal can, however, be interrupted manually by the valve system. In this case, the full-pressure extinguishant supply to the fusible tube ruptures the tube and releases extinguishant. This provides a manual extinguishant control for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley L. Bentley, Frank A. Bloomer
  • Patent number: 4357096
    Abstract: Migration imaging apparatus of the kind using a photoelectrophoretic dispersion and having an electrode moveable along an endless operative path past dispersion application and imaging zones features improved dispersion applicator structure comprising a flat-spray, atomizing nozzle adapted to form a uniform layer of dispersion on the electrode without imparting velocity perturbations to the moving electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Clyde L. Fetterman
  • Patent number: 4344381
    Abstract: Apparatus for electrostatically coating an elongated object of indefinite length which is aligned with the straight line path of the elongated object in a continuous manufacturing and finishing process. Electrostatic applicators are mounted to direct the coating into a substantially closed chamber at a portion of the elongated object passing therethrough. To substantially eliminate the explosive hazard occasioned by the use of an organic solvent-based coating material in the presence of electrical equipment, a combustibly inert atmosphere is maintained in the chamber and in an exhaust system leading therefrom. To maintain the electrostatic field, the coating chamber and associated coating equipment must be electrically isolated from ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur E. Ostrowski, Joseph M. Polich
  • Patent number: 4324198
    Abstract: A device for the electrostatic application of particles entrained in a stream of gas to a non-conductive, flat substrate, typically a web or sheets of paper. The particles are electrically neutral in the stream. A charging electrode is located below the substrate in the area where the gas stream impinges on the substrate. The substrate is advancing lengthwise, and a counterelectrode is located below the substrate in the direction of advance from the charging electrode. Preferably the direction and velocity of the gas stream near the substrate and direction and velocity of the substrate itself are approximately equal. Also in the preferred form, a grounded collecting pan is located beneath the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Weitman and Konrad GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Edwin Muz
  • Patent number: 4311113
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing flock wherein flock fibers are fed at a controlled rate from a storage hopper through a screen into a propelling air stream. The air stream carries the fibers in a rotationally stabilized flow to an applicator gun where they may be electrostatically charged, and they are propelled by the air stream and deposited on the adhesively coated surface to be coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Solar Suede Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4285296
    Abstract: Lubricating material is applied to a fast moving strip within a vertical deposition chamber having smooth side walls and a roof slanted at an acute angle with respect to the side walls on each side of the chamber at its top. A plurality of sources of lubricating particles are spaced in each side of the deposition chamber intermediate its top and bottom. Each of the sources includes a horizontal chamber outside of the deposition chamber and opens into the deposition chamber. Each of the sources have a plurality of compressed air atomizers supplied from a supply of lubricating material in said horizontal chamber and are adapted to remove the larger particles of lubricating material from said spray and to urge the remaining smaller particles into the deposition chamber by the residual flow of compressed air from said atomizers. Lubricating particles flow slowly and without significant momentum into the deposition chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Addison B. Scholes
  • Patent number: 4271783
    Abstract: An elongate electrical conductor is continuously coated with electrostatically charged powder by passing the conductor upwardly through a tube into the upper portion of a container having a charged fluidized bed of the powder in a lower portion thereof. The tube extends upwardly through the bed and the tube height is adjusted relative to the upper surface of the bed to control the thickness of the powder coating. An array of electrodes having associated switches permits application of uniform coatings to conductors having a variety of shapes. Two or more conductors may be uniformly coated from the same fluidized bed in a container having a baffle which divides the upper portion into two or more compartments and spaced apart tubes extend upwardly into the different compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John H. Lupinski, Bernard Gorowitz
  • Patent number: 4230068
    Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for electrostatically coating a substantially axially symmetrical object with pulverized material, characterized by conveying said object by means of a conveyor-type holding device into an electrostatic coating chamber equipped with silent discharge plate electrodes on both sides of the chamber walls: feeding electrically charged pulverized material into said chamber: electrostatically coating said object with said pulverized material by the action of silent discharge from said electrodes: and removing surplus pulverized material from the specific parts of said object by suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: Onoda Cement Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Itoh, Kenji Ouchi, Nobuo Furuya, Takeo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 4208446
    Abstract: Forming a colored shade band on an elongated area of a flexible sheet of interlayer material comprising applying a dye composition by electrostatic spraying against a portion of a surface of a flexible sheet of non-conductive interlayer material such as polyurethane or plasticized polyvinyl butyral. A novel grounded shielding structure of electroconductive material comprises a primary shield located in close proximity to the upper surface of a workpiece to be partially coated. A preferred embodiment comprises primary and secondary shields with an optional manifold between the shields to ensure superior control of a pattern of graded intensity along the transverse dimension of an elongated area to be coated. One or both shields may be heated to avoid the deposit of spray particles that cause optical defects. The workpiece so coated is useful as an interlayer in shaded, bent laminated safety glass windshields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis S. Postupack, David A. Allerton, Richard L. Emmert
  • Patent number: 4204497
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in an electrostatic coating apparatus comprising a booth, air flow means, conveyor means and a powder spray gun, wherein the improvement comprises an endless conveyor belt and gaseous projection means for redirecting particles of coating material falling toward the floor to the articles to be coated and electrostatic means for recharging the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Assignee: Volstatic Holding Limited
    Inventor: Robert C. Lever
  • Patent number: 4170194
    Abstract: The specification discloses a means and method for electrostatic coating of objects with synthetic resinous powdered material in which increased electrostatic charges are placed upon the powdered coating material before they are moved through the vicinity of the article to be coated by subjecting them to acceleration in a closed circuitous path from which they are tapped for movement to the coating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Inventor: Vladimir N. Etlin
  • Patent number: 4158071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating the inside of tubular members, more specifically can bodies, which are open at opposite ends. The apparatus includes a supply tube and a return tube which are spaced apart to have received therebetween the tubular member to be coated. In each of the supply tube and the return tube there is positioned a corona electrode, the corona electrodes being in alignment wherein powder supplied to the interior of the tubular member is both initially charged as it passes through the supply tube and is further charged within the tubular member by an electrical field which exists between the two corona electrodes and the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Assignee: The Continental Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Jordan, Robert D. Payne
  • Patent number: 4120015
    Abstract: An electrostatic hand-held coating-dispensing apparatus includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and a continuous belt trained about the first and second pulleys. The first and second pulleys are supported and retained in spaced apart relation to maintain tension on the belt in a supporting housing. A first brush is provided adjacent the belt where the belt is trained about the first pulley. A second brush is provided adjacent the belt where the belt is trained about the second pulley. A curved conducting surface is also supported by the housing. The second brush is connected to the conducting surface. A small alternating current electric motor is provided for turning the first pulley. A container or canister is provided for the coating material. The canister is snugly received in the supporting housing in a position adjacent the conducting surface. The canister includes an end for transferring electrostatic potential from the curved surface to the coating material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: J. R. Haller, Ltd. Inc.
    Inventor: Jack R. Haller
  • Patent number: 4112869
    Abstract: A novel metallic squeeze-out tube suitable for packing paste-like foods whose flavor is regarded as important or the like is described herein, in which a resin powder layer is formed on its inner surface and on the outer surface of its neck portion by electrostatic painting and thereafter it is finished by baking, whereby a resin coating film that is free from pin holes and has a strong corrosion resistance can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Onoda Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Itoh, Nobuo Furuya, Kenji Ohuchi
  • Patent number: 4099485
    Abstract: A flocking system including a cabinet supporting a substrate to be flocked and a flock tray, means for raising and lowering the flock tray into and out of contact with the substrate (such as a garment), and means for sealing the moving flock tray to the cabinet to prevent flock from getting into the cabinet to prevent contamination of the mechanics of the internal portion of the cabinet by flock. The flock tray includes a slowly rotating rotor for keeping the flock agitated, a telescoping shaft connecting the rotor to the motor, a flock tray holder for maintaining the seal with the cabinet, and a flock tray cover with one or more flocking masks with various size openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Assignee: Champion Products Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Geary, Joseph Pelensky, John Peter Hart
  • Patent number: 4096289
    Abstract: Process for the transformation of comminuted and modified cellulose ether swellable with water, into a material that may easily be further processed and may thus be used without difficulty in particular in the production of hygienic pads, napkins, bandages, tampons, wrapping papers, insulating material, household papers and similar articles. In said process the modified cellulose ether is attached by electrostatic flocking to at least one surface of a web-shaped hydrophilic support that has been wetted with water and the support is dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ehrenfried Nischwitz, Klaus Uhl, Helmut Lask
  • Patent number: 4090666
    Abstract: A gun for tribo charging powder has a barrel body with a bore having an opening at one end. A venturi forming tube is contained in the barrel bore and a supply of powder enters the barrel through a bore of the venturi forming tube, which is in alignment with the bore of the barrel, creating an obstruction free passageway for the powder. A supply of pressurized propellant gas enters the barrel bore through an area between the outer venturi forming tube wall and the inner barrel wall and is the power source for charging the powder. Modifications for increasing the charge imparted to the powder include an insert in the venturi forming tube bore for forcing the powder to travel closer to the barrel wall upon exiting the venturi forming tube bore, and a system of holes through the venturi forming tube wall for imparting swirling motion to the powder in the venturi forming tube bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: Coors Container Company
    Inventor: Richard O. Peck
  • Patent number: 4078519
    Abstract: An electrostatic fluidized bed apparatus having a housing supporting a removable container defining a fluidizing bed and a plenum chamber and having a porous insulated partition therebetween containing an electrode. When the container is positioned in the housing of the plenum chamber is automatically connected to an air pressure source and the electrode is automatically connected to a high voltage electrical power source and vibration system contained within the housing. The container may be used as a powder storage bin when removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Assignee: Poly-Clad Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Henry R. Angelico
  • Patent number: 4077354
    Abstract: A safety power supply system for electrostatic spray coating utilized high frequency (audio or radio frequencies) rectified DC pulses to provide the high voltage between an electrode on a spray gun and work to be coated. A high resistance direct electrical path to ground is provided for all parts of a coating system charged to high voltage during coating operations including highly conductive coating materials. For manual spray guns small electrodes or the atomizing edge of a coating material provides the electrode making it virtually impossible for an operator to come in contact with high voltage charged parts before a charge is substantially bled to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Inventor: Arvid C. Walberg
  • Patent number: 4073265
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting powder exhausted from an electrostatic fluidized bed coater, in which exhaust air passes from the cloud chamber of the coater into an inner exhaust chamber and then passes through a porous plate to an outer exhaust chamber, the powder carried by the exhaust air being stopped by the porous plate and thereafter collected from the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Jorg-Hein Walling, John A. Jukes
  • Patent number: 4072129
    Abstract: Powder to be deposited electrostatically by spraying from a nozzle is charged tribo-electrically. The powder is admitted at a controlled rate to a housing through which an air stream is caused to flow and becomes charged by frictional impact with the surface of a rotor which intercepts the air stream. Charged powder suspended in the air stream passes through a conduit to the nozzle at which a baffle is located to cause the powder to be sprayed in a predetermined distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: National Research Development Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred W. Bright, Michael A. M. Overton, Ian F. Parker
  • Patent number: 4069792
    Abstract: An electrostatic fluidized bed coating unit is disclosed. The coating unit comprises a plenum chamber with means for ingress of a gas under a greater than atmospheric pressure, a porous plate located on top of the plenum chamber and extending to the limits of the containing walls of the plenum chamber, containing walls for powder immediately above the porous plate and forming essentially a continuation of the plenum chamber walls, a coating chamber secured to such powder containing walls, and an exhaust system for effecting a uniform fluidizing gas removal from an area essentially directly above the porous plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Canada Wire And Cable Limited
    Inventors: Douglas C. Nethersole, Michael A. Dudley, Mellapalayam R. Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 4066041
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrostatic application of a coating material in the form of a liquid to articles or the like comprising a nozzle at the region of which there are provided at least two electrodes at which there is applied high-voltage of the same polarity but of different magnitude. The electrical field between the electrodes covers the nozzle opening in the form of a transverse field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Gema AG Apparatebau
    Inventors: Karl Buschor, Peter Ribnitz
  • Patent number: 4066040
    Abstract: A continuous powder feed system for maintaining an essentially uniform powder cloud above an electrostatic fluidized bed coating unit is disclosed. The continuous powder feed system comprises a powder container and discharger for continuously feeding essentially non agglomerated powder into the coating bed of the electrostatic fluidized bed coating unit, powder retaining walls for containing the bed of such coating unit during fluidization, at least one powder retaining wall having a height such as to determine the powder level in the coating bed and permit overflow of excess powder from the coating bed, and a powder collection system for retrieving the overflowing powder from the coating bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Canada Wire and Cable Limited
    Inventors: Michael A. Dudley, Mellapalayam R. Parthasarathy, Douglas C. Nerthersole
  • Patent number: 4063528
    Abstract: In this arrangement a circuit is provided for generating deflection voltages for the coloring material marking the insulation of electrical conductors as the electrical conductors are extruded which compensate for distortions in the shape of color ring insulation markings when large ring spaces or high conductor extrusion speeds are employed. Two spaced spray nozzles are used to provide two streams of color material. These nozzles are disposed on opposite sides of the extruded electrical conductor, each of the spray nozzles provide one half of the color rings. The deflection voltage consists of a rectangular waveform with a semicircular top portion. A high resistance potentiometer is connected between the two spray nozzles with the wiper of the potentiometer connected to a high DC voltage source. Adjustment of the wiper renders the amplitudes of the two streams of color material equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: International Standard Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Kimmich
  • Patent number: 4050411
    Abstract: A straining filter which has an opening at the highest point of the filter dome is inserted in the pipe which supplies the spray nozzles and is further connected to the opening of an additional pipe. Spray nozzles acted on by an electrical field supply colored marking rings to a cable or wire. The material to be sprayed is held in the storage tank and is transferred by a gear pump through a buffer vessel and into a pipe. Inserted in the pipe is a double walled straining filter whose outlet is connected to a pipe running to the spray nozzles, with a valve and a pressure gauge inserted between the straining filter and each spray nozzle. Any gas bubbles introduced into the straining filter with the color material gather at the highest point of the filter dome and are carried away therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: International Standard Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Kimmich
  • Patent number: 4044717
    Abstract: This apparatus comprises in combination means for processing the pulverulent product, which subject this product to a sudden pressure drop and deliver a pulverulent fluid formed by solid particles of the product suspended in a carrying gas, a storage chamber communicating with said processing means, spraying means connected to said chamber by a pipe and means controlling the flow of pulverulent fluid through said pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Roger Provost