Abstract: An improved electro hydrodynamic method is provided. The method comprises arranging (11) an electro hydrodynamic device inside an enclosure and distributing (12) positive and/or negative ions inside the enclosure during a charging period with a certain defined amount of power. The distribution of the positive and/or the negative ions inside the enclosure (20) is performed so that a predefined amount of charge is set on the interior of the enclosure (20). Within a predetermined period of time after the charging period has ended, the electrospinning device is activated so as to create a product. Finally, the product is removed from the device. The present invention offers a solution for the problem of non-identical initial process conditions for an electro hydrodynamic process caused by any electric charges on the equipment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating a component by consolidating a first portion of a particulate include a louvered particulate containment wall positioned around the component and a second portion of the particulate. At least one louver is coupled to the particulate containment wall adjacent at least one opening in the particulate containment wall. The particulate containment wall is positionable between a first position in which the louver prevents the second portion of the particulate from flowing through the passage and a second position in which the second portion of the particulate is able to flow through the passage. The methods include switching the particulate containment wall from the first position to the second position and allowing the second portion of the particulate to flow out of the interior space through the at least one opening.

Abstract: A coating booth (101) for elements to be coated. The coating booth (101) comprises a passage between opposing vertical sides (107a, 107b, 108a, 108b) through which elements to be coated are conveyed. There is an entrance (105) at one end of the passage and an exit (106) at the other end of the passage. The coating booth (101) comprises a conveyor line (102) for supporting said elements to be coated and configured to convey said elements from the entrance (105) to the exit (106) along a straight pathway, and, a suction system. The opposing sides of the channel are symmetrical about the pathway. Sets of spray guns (103a, 104a, 103b, 104b) for spraying coating powder at the elements are positioned symmetrically either side of the straight pathway.

Abstract: A coating system for coating components, e.g., for paining motor vehicle body components, is provided. The system includes a coating booth, a conveying system, an application system, a process technology system, a safety system, and a robot system. The robot system includes at least one multi-axis coating robot for guiding the application device and a control unit. The control unit also controls the conveying system, the application system, the safety system and/or the process technology system.

Abstract: A method for producing a film including a non-magnetic matrix and a plurality of three-dimensional magnetic microstructures arranged within the matrix according to a predetermined pattern. The method includes providing a master substrate with a magnetically structured face formed from a plurality of magnetic field micro-sources, having a magnetic field gradient of between 102 and 106 T/m. The method also includes adding magnetic microparticles or nanoparticles to the magnetically structured face of the master substrate, the particles agglomerating into three-dimensional microstructures arranged under an effect of an attractive magnetophoretic force exerted by the magnetic field gradient on the surface of the master substrate. The method further includes depositing, on the magnetically structured face of the master substrate, a matrix made from a non-magnetic material, in such a way as to enclose the arranged microstructures and to form the film and peeling the film from the master substrate.

Abstract: A fire-resistant safety cable may include: at least two electrical conductors; an insulating layer around each of the at least two electrical conductors in order to obtain at least two separate insulated elements; and/or an outer jacket surrounding the at least two separate insulated elements. The insulating layer may be formed from at least one polymeric material capable of being converted, at least on a surface of the insulating layer, into a ceramic state at high temperatures in a fire. The at least two separate insulated elements may be untwisted and arranged so as to be parallel to each other, side by side, and separated by a space. The outer jacket may at least partially fill the space. A thickness of the outer jacket may be approximately constant over an external surface of the at least two separate insulated elements.

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

Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus and method to dry and cure paint is disclosed. The method provides a substantially particle free environment that shortens drying time, reduces cost and improves surface finish. The apparatus includes an enclosed drying tunnel that is maintained at a reduced pressure relative to ambient conditions. Heat lamps with the drying tunnel aid in curing and provide the desired particle free environment.

Abstract: Biocompatible coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for coating an object with a biocompatible coating wherein the device is suspended using a flowing gas during the coating process. Embodiments of the invention provide tropoelastin coatings and methods of creating tropoelastin coatings for implantable medical devices. Optionally, the biocompatible coating can be a drug eluting coating.

Abstract: Method for production of deposit or layer of nanoparticles or a layer of nanofibers from solutions or melts of polymers in electrostatic field of a high intensity, during which the produced nanoparticles or the produced nanofibers deposit on a substrate material passing through the active chamber, in which is positioned the active electrode. The electrostatic field for production, transfer and depositing of nanoparticles or production, transfer and depositing of nanofibers is induced between the active electrode and the substrate material, on which in the direction of its movement in front of and/or opposite to the active electrode there is applied an electric charge of opposite polarity than that of the active electrode, while an electric charge applied on the substrate material is being partially or totally consumed through depositing of nanoparticles or nanofibers on the moving substrate material.

Abstract: A system and method for lubricating components where the lubricant is applied in mist form within a substantially enclosed cavity. The cavity contains a draining aperture which collects excess lubricant for subsequent re-use by the system. The cavity is defined by a spray head that includes a base having attached thereto a cover plate with an opening adapted to receive therethrough a component to be lubricated. The cavity and lubrication chamber prevents the escape of excess lubricant. The collection and reuse of excess lubricant provides a closed loop system that reduces lubricant waste.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method for forming a thin film having a uniform thickness so as to follow asperities of a surface of a wafer to be processed and to provide a film-forming device used for the method. The film-forming device includes a treatment chamber for receiving a wafer and isolating the wafer from the air; a solvent-gas-supplying portion for supplying a solvent gas into the treatment chamber; a chuck for rotatably holding the wafer so that the downward-facing surface of the substrate is the surface on which a thin film is formed; a coating-solution-supplying portion for supplying a coating solution as a mist of charged particles toward the surface of the wafer; and a charging portion for charging the wafer with an electrical potential opposite to the charge of the particles.

Abstract: A method for establishing a calibrating standard for wafer inspection includes depositing solid ionized particles of a known size range with an aerosol onto a wafer. The method also includes depositing particles onto a wafer in a deposition chamber by using an aerosol stream and the solid particles suspended in a gas; ionizing the aerosol stream with a negative or positive charge polarity or both by passing the aerosol stream through a non-radioactive ionizer to produce charged particles and supplying such aerosol stream to the deposition chamber. An apparatus for producing charged particles includes an atomizer and a non-radioactive ionizer in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus may also include an electrospray droplet generator for producing an aerosol with dry-solid particles and an ionizer that ionizes the molecules of the gas.

Abstract: To provide a (homogeneous) particle deposit without any impurity contamination, on which only particles with a desired size are deposited. A solution, with particles dispersed in a solvent, is jetted as a flow of fine liquid droplets from a tip part of a capillary, and the jetted fine liquid droplets are electrically charged. This flow of the droplets is introduced into a vacuum chamber through a jet nozzle, as a free jet flow. The free jet flow that travels in the vacuum chamber is introduced into an inside of a deposition chamber, inside of which is set at lower pressure, through a skimmer nozzle provided in the deposition chamber, as an ion beam. Subsequently, by an energy separation device, only particles having particular energy are selected from the electrically charged particles in the flow, and are deposited on a deposited body disposed in an inside of the deposition chamber.

Abstract: A method for sinter coating a work-piece is disclosed, the work-piece having at least two sections of different surface-related heat capacities. The method includes a first step of pre-heating the work-piece to a first temperature that is higher than a fusion temperature of a sinter coating material. The method also includes a step of rapidly heating of the work-piece to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. However, the rapid heating step is halted before the temperature of the work-piece section with the greater surface-related heat capacity matches the second temperature. The work-piece then has a subsequent step of application of the sinter material to the work-piece.

Abstract: A method for treating workpieces that consist of porous carbon material with liquid silicon with the formation of silicon carbide, comprising the steps: Preheating porous carbon workpieces under inert gas to the selected operating temperature TB1, feeding liquid silicon to the porous carbon workpieces at an operating pressure pB2 and an operating temperature TB2, and impregnating the porous carbon workpieces with liquid silicon, reaction of the liquid silicon in the workpiece at a temperature TB3 with the formation of silicon carbide that consists of carbon and silicon, gassing the workpiece with inert gas and cooling from the operating temperature TB3 to the conditioning temperature Tk, cooling the workpieces to room temperature, the temperature TB3 being greater than or equal to the temperature TB2, and the workpiece in step d of the method no longer being in contact with liquid silicon outside of the workpiece.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for cleaning a powder coating booth has a mobile frame, which can be moved along the insides of the booth. The frame includes suction nozzles for sucking off powder residues from the insides of the booth.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a functional device mounting board comprises a holder for holding a substrate on which functional devices are to be formed, a jet head for ejecting a droplet containing a functional material onto the substrate, and a data input unit for supplying droplet ejection information to the jet head. The jet head ejects the droplets onto the substrate based on the droplet ejection information so as to form the functional device in the functional device forming area. The functional device is formed by allowing a volatile ingredient of the droplet, while allowing a solid component of the droplet to remain on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming a coating on a substrate, including establishing a fluidised-bed having a fluidising gas and a powder coating composition, immersing the substrate wholly or partly in the fluidised bed, the substrate being either electrically isolated or earthed, providing an electrically conductive electrode, to which a voltage is applied, positioned to influence the extent to which charged particles adhere to a region of the substrate, withdrawing the substrate from the fluidised-bed and forming the adherent particles into a continuous coating over at least part of the substrates. The apparatus is arranged and the process is conducted such that the maximum potential gradient existing in the fluidised bed is below the ionisation potential of the fluidising gas.

Abstract: A process for forming a coating on a conductive substrate, including the steps of: establishing a fluidised-bed of a powder coating composition, thereby effecting tribostatic charging of the powder coating composition, the fluidised-bed including a fluidising chamber at least a part of which is conductive, applying a voltage to the conductive part of the fluidising chamber, immersing the substrate wholly or partly in the fluidised bed, whereby charged particles of the powder coating composition adhere to the substrate, the substrate being either electrically isolated or earthed, withdrawing the substrate from the fluidised-bed and forming the adherent particles into a continuous coating over at least part of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrostatic loading of drugs on an implantable medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: A powder spray booth includes a booth canopy wall arrangement to contain powder during a spraying operation; and a booth floor that is rotatable relative to the booth wall during a spraying operation. The floor can be rotated about an axis that is also the longitudinal axis of the spray booth. The booth may be generally cylindrical in shape with a round floor. The booth canopy and top are supported on a base frame separately from the floor. By this arrangement, the floor can be rotated relative to the booth canopy. A powder extraction apparatus in the form of a low pressure duct suspended off the floor draws up powder that has collected on the floor. The extraction duct is stationary with respect to the rotating floor during a spraying operation. The floor may also be translated along the axis of rotation between a first position in which the floor can rotate and a second position in which the floor is sealed against a lower edge of the booth canopy wall.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant coated strap is formed from an elongated metal strap base element having a width and a thickness and defining first and second sides and a pair of edge regions. A coating is applied and cured onto the base element. The coating has a substantially consistent thickness at the first and second sides and at about the edge regions. A method for making the coated strap includes providing a metal strap and conveying the strap through a coating apparatus. A powder is electrostatically applied on the first side of the strap, which covers the first side and the opposing edges. The powder is applied on the second side of the strap, covering the second side and the opposing edges. The powder is melted to form a flowable material and is cured on the strap. The coating method is carried out in an in-line strap manufacturing process.

Abstract: A powder coating booth containment structure including first and second canopy halves, each of which is a substantially nonconductive, seamless, structural composite to substantially reduce oversprayed powder particle adhesion to the booth inner surfaces. The composite canopy halves, when assembled into a spray booth additionally including either a floor or a utility base and one or a pair of end units in the form of aperture bulkheads, vestibules, or a combination of both, are structurally sufficiently strong that no external support frame is required. The composite canopy halves can each include sidewall and ceiling portions, in an embodiment, that can be connected to a floor. In another embodiment, the canopy halves each additionally include a floor portion such that they may be connected together at a floor edge and placed atop a utility base. They may be connected to the utility base.

Abstract: The improved air booth evacuates paint spray and other particulates from the booth by altering the permeability of filter media in various zones. Adjacent to the centerline of the booth is a first zone. This first zone has the highest permeability, and thus the highest air velocity through it. A second zone is between the first zone and the side walls of the booth. The second zone can have some increased resistance to air flow, reducing the velocity of air passing through the second zone. A third zone between the side walls and the second zone can provide an intermediate level of permeability.

Abstract: In order to obtain an evenly flocked and an evenly coated surface of a strip-like elongated workpiece, any slack of the strip-like elongated workpiece is removed not to affect the workpiece when the workpiece travels through an electrostatic flocking and an electrostatic coating chamber at high speed. A slack of the workpiece occurs due to its own weight under the influence of gravity when the workpiece travels through the electrostatic flocking and the electrostatic coating chamber at high speed. A V-shaped oblique surface portion of the workpiece is forcibly defined by a pressure roller in a position corresponding to that of the slack of the strip-like elongated workpiece. An electrode is disposed in parallel to the workpiece's V-shaped oblique surface portion defined by the pressure roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of coating the outer surface of a non-rotating pipe with a fluid including a fluid reservoir for containing fluid to be discharged onto the surface of a pipe, and a pipe receiving chamber extending through and separate from the fluid reservoir. The apparatus further includes a fluid application assembly having a plurality of fluid intake openings positioned in the fluid reservoir for the intake of fluid therefrom. The fluid intake openings are rotatable in a circular pattern within the reservoir about a path extending through the chamber. The assembly has a plurality of fluid discharge outlets in fluid communication with the fluid intake openings and directed towards the path. The fluid discharge outlets are rotatable in unison with the fluid intake openings about the path, whereby fluid entering the fluid intake openings from the reservoir is discharged through the fluid discharge outlets to coat the outer surface of a pipe being conveyed along the path.

Abstract: A powder spray-coating cabin, in particular a vertically cylindrical cabin, has its air suction flows shifted away from the center of spray coating toward object wall passages.

Abstract: For removing a photoresist formed on a semiconductor wafer by using an ozone-dissolved water, until just before a low temperature ozone-dissolved water generated by an ozone-dissolved water generator is discharged from a discharge nozzle onto a semiconductor wafer placed on a stage, the semiconductor wafer is heated to a predetermined temperature which is higher than ordinary temperatures. When the low temperature ozone-dissolved water having a high concentration of ozone is discharged onto the semiconductor wafer, the temperature of the ozone-dissolved water elevates upon the instant. Thus, the photoresist formed on the semiconductor wafer can be removed by a high temperature, high ozone concentration, ozone-dissolved water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to as triboelectric fluidized bed method and apparatus for coating an object with powder prior to heating to form a coating. The methods includes arranging a bed of fluidixed powder in a vat where the powder can be charged by a tribocharging device such as a honeycomb comprising prisms or vertical tubes open at both ends.

Abstract: A powder coating booth containment structure including first and second canopy halves, each of which is a substantially nonconductive, seamless, structural composite to substantially reduce oversprayed powder particle adhesion to the booth inner surfaces. The composite canopy halves, when assembled into a spray booth additionally including either a floor or a utility base and one or a pair of end units in the form of aperture bulkheads, vestibules, or a combination of both, are structurally sufficiently strong that no external support frame is required. The composite canopy halves can each include sidewall and ceiling portions, in an embodiment, that can be connected to a floor. In another embodiment, the canopy halves each additionally include a floor portion such that they may be connected together at a floor edge and placed atop a utility base. They may be connected to the utility base.

Abstract: A process for forming a coating on a conductive substrate, which comprises establishing a fluidized bed of a powder coating composition, in which the mechanism for particle charging is tribostatic charging immersing the substrate wholly or partly within the said fluidized bed, applying a voltage to the substrate for at least part of the period of immersion, whereby particles of the powder coating composition adhere to the substrate, withdrawing the substrate from the fluidized bed and forming the adherent particles into a continuous coating over at least part of the substrate. The process enables the coating of substrate areas which, because of the Faraday cage effect, are inaccessible in conventional electrostatic coating processes, and also enables the formation of thinner coatings than are obtainable by conventional fluidized-bed processes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a powder coating apparatus and a method for using the powder coating apparatus. The apparatus includes a booth that defines a coating space, a holder to hold an object within the coating space, electrodes positioned within the coating space, a power supplier to supply a voltage between the electrodes, a coating material blower to blow powder coating material into the coating space, and structure to form a circulating stream of the powder coating material within the coating space. The method includes blowing powder coating material into the coating space, whereby an object held by the holder becomes coated with the powder coating material. While the powder coating material is being blown into the coating space air is also blown in the coating space, whereby the powder coating material is carried in a stream that flows along the object in a first direction and then along the electrodes in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a means and method for powder dusting various manufactured products such as extrusions, sheet materials, thin films, and piece parts. The powder dusting system includes a regenerative compressor which propels an air/dust mixture through a control valve body into a cone shaped filter where a majority of the air is filtered out. The remaining concentrated air/dust mixture enters a head component where head jets direct the air/dust mixture to the item that is being coated. The powder duster of the present invention also provides a method of coating manufactured products on both their interior and exterior surfaces.

Abstract: A chemically washed workpiece is heated and degreased by a heating and degreasing section in a process for delivering the workpiece in a base which is then cooled down in a cooling section. The workpiece is then delivered onto the base by a lift-up unit and is coated by the adhesion of the powder coat and the curing operation during the passage of pipes of an electrostic coater, a curing section and the like. Furthermore, the workpiece is again delivered into the base by a lift-down unit and discharged after being cooled down during the passage of pipes of the cooling section i.e., the units of each step being arranged separately into a lower mechanism group and an upper mechanism group, and the cooling section also serving to cool the workpiece after the heating, degreasing and curing. Accordingly, the overall length of the apparatus is shortened.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for coating zinc on steel sheets for use on automobiles and electronic apparatuses are disclosed. A fluidized bed forming chamber is provided to fluidize zinc powders in carrying out a zinc coating on a heated steel sheet, so that not only a uniformly coated layer but also a thick coated layer can be obtained. The apparatus for continuously coating zinc on a steel sheet according to the present invention includes a zinc coating chamber for forming a fluidized bed of zinc powders, for passing a heated steel sheet through the fluidized bed of the zinc powders, and for making the zinc powders melt-adhere on the steel sheet during its passing through the fluidized bed. A fluidized bed forming chamber forms a fluidized bed of the zinc powders by making the zinc powders suspended by spouting a gas.

Abstract: A process for applying water-based paints and/or varnishes to the surface of a glass article which includes the steps of charging a composition of water-based product to a potential of a given polarity, spraying the composition of the water-based product and diffusing the resulting particles in a wide area so as to form a mist (120, 121), placing the glass article (200) in contact with an electrode at a potential of another given polarity and maintaining its surface temperature between 15.degree. C. and 30.degree. C., and bringing the glass article into the field of the mist making it possible to obtain various appearances of coloration in the glass article.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for application of talcum powder of a super-absorbent powder (SAP) type or the like, the latter containing polyacrylate and/or a salt, such as a sodium salt, on a strip, such as a power cable. In accordance with the invention, the strip is made to travel through a treatment chamber in which debouch a number of powder supply lines distributed circumferentially with respect to said strip. The powder supply lines are incorporated in a friction charger formed with polarizing ducts through which the powder material is made to pass.

Abstract: A method for painting a parts made of dielectric or low-conductivity material using a paint spraying unit including a chamber connected to both a paint outlet and to a paint supply. At least one electrode is mechanically and electrically connected to the part. An electrostatic field is generated between the electrode and the paint spraying unit. Paint is fed from the paint supply through the chamber to the outlet. The paint is electrically charged. The paint is sprayed onto the part to be painted. The outer surface of the electrode used includes at least one jagged portion for engaging the part to be painted. The jagged portion is the location of a peak electrostatic effect.

Abstract: A composite manufacturing system moves a multi-fiber tow through a processing space. A resin particle source provides particles to the space. This source may include an airstream entrained with particles which is discharged into the space through an orifice; the airstream diverging as it enters the space. An electrode is disposed in the space to electrostatically charge the particles and facilitate deposition of the charged particles on the tow. In one embodiment, the electrode includes a corona wire disposed proximate to the tow to provide a generally cylindrical charging region. An electric field useful to direct deposition of the particles may be generated by appropriately shaping a wire electrode and orienting it in a predetermined manner relative to the tow. After the particles are deposited, a fixation unit may be used to at least partially melt the deposited particles. A processing stage may be included which has a pair of surfaces configured to heat and compress the tow therebetween.

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.

Abstract: The electrostatic fluidized bed coating apparatus and system employ a vertically extending gaseous vortex of charged particles. Effects of variations in particle distribution, size, and electrostatic charge strength are minimized by the vertical orientation, enabling the production of coatings of exceptional uniformity. The apparatus is especially suited for construction to simultaneously coat a number of strands of wire or the like.

Abstract: A protective curtain or liner is detachably mounted to the walls of a paint spray booth so that the paint which would otherwise contact walls would instead contact the curtain and the paint would then be disposed of by removing the curtain.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating product spraying device comprising: at least one sprayer having an electrostatic charging mechanism; and a support structure supporting the at least one sprayer, the structure including elements which are at ground potential, wherein the support structure includes an electrostatic shield positioned and arranged so that the electrostatic charging mechanism is located between the electrostatic shield and an object to be coated. The electrostatic shield is maintained at a potential differing from ground potential.

Abstract: Apparatus and a concomitant method for electrostatically depositing select doses of medicament powder at select locations on a substrate. Specifically, the apparatus contains charged particle emitter for generating charged particles that charge a predefined region of a substrate and a charge accumulation control circuit for computing the amount of charge accumulated upon the substrate and deactivating the emitter when a selected quantity of charge has accumulated. Additionally, a triboelectric charging apparatus charges the medicament powder and forms a charged medicament cloud proximate the charged region of the substrate. The medicament particles within the medicament cloud electrostatically adhere to the charged region. The quantity of charge accumulated on the substrate at the predefined region and the charge-to-mass ratio of the medicament powder in the cloud control the amount (dose) of medicament deposited and retained by the substrate.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus comprising a powder reservoir, a gas flow injection chamber, a diffusion chamber and a coating chamber and method for coating a substrate or target objects. The injection chamber receives powder from the reservoir at a controlled rate. The powder particulates awe entrained by a gas flow within the injection chamber. The diffusion chamber receives the particulates from the injection chamber. The diffusion chamber deaccelerates the particulates and creates a particulate cloud. The coating chamber receives the particulate cloud. A housing encloses the coating chamber. The coating chamber is isolated from the ambient atmosphere. The coating chamber has a cloud inlet and a cloud outlet. The cloud flows through the coating chamber from the inlet to the outlet. One or more deflectors, within the chamber, define a passage and two or more pockets adjoining the substrate or target objects.

Abstract: This method and apparatus provide for uniformly coating a hot elongate member with a powder coating. The elongate member and power carry an electrostatic charge which aids in providing the uniform powder coating. This method and apparatus electrostatically charge and heat the elongated member prior to entering a powder coating booth. In the booth, we sequentially discharge the powder coating, electrostatically charge the powder coating and then coat the elongated member with the charged powder coating. In one development, this method and apparatus uniformly powder coats window lineals directly on a pultrusion line.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying powdered coating to a workpiece--particularly to electric motor armatures and stators--including features relating to handling and masking of workpieces before, during and after coating, is provided. A first feature of the invention is the inclusion of all coating steps--e.g., coating, cleaning and precuring--as modules in a single treatment station on the production line. The treatment station can also be enclosed in a single housing to contain excess powder from both the coating and cleaning processes, so that a single powder recovery system can be used to recover the excess powder from both processes. The invention also includes a handling system for removing the workpiece from the production line, inserting it into the treatment station and moving it past the various modules in the treatment station, withdrawing it from the treatment station, and returning it to the armature production line.

Abstract: A method of electrostatically painting and an apparatus for producing an electric field within a booth includes a paint spray gun charged to a first potential and a target to be painted to a second potential with one of the panels in the booth charged to a third potential intermediate the first potential and the second potential to repel paint particles away from the panel. The paint particles and the panels are charged to the same polarity and the target is of the opposite polarity. The panel is usually a wall, a ceiling and/or a conveyor protection housing within the paint spray booth. The preferred panel comprises an outer insulating layer of plastic, glass or porcelain that is easily wiped of paint and an interior, electrically-conducting layer such as a thin sheet of aluminum. Variations of the panel include a version which is completely enclosed in plastic and a version which is bonded to plastic.

Abstract: The apparatus, system and method utilize sequential sprays of wet, low-temperature steam, and dry, high-temperature steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Water is injected into the conduit through which the low-temperature steam is delivered, so as to produce a desirable concentration of droplets therein. A conveyor moves the laminated objects along a horizontal path through zones in which they are sprayed by the low temperature and high temperature steam, and then through a zone in which they are electrostatically coated with powder.