Disc Or Impeller Type Patents (Class 239/224)
  • Publication number: 20030094502
    Abstract: A method for dispensing droplets of a liquid to a microsystem in the form of a disc comprising a target area (TA0I) in its surface, said disc preferably being a microfluidic disc comprising a microchannel structure with an inlet port that is a target area (TA0I).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Per Andersson, Gerald Jesson, Tobias Soderman, Jan Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 6557781
    Abstract: A main body (12) of a rotary atomizing head is provided with a hub fitting groove (13) on and around an inner peripheral surface (12F), while a hub member (14) is provided with a lid portion (15) of a circular disc-like shape, a plural number of leg portions (17) to be brought into fitting engagement with he hub fitting groove (13) through resilient deformation, and notched grooves (18) provided between the respective leg portions (17). Upon pushing in the hub member (14) against the main body (12), the leg portions (17) are fitted into the hub fitting groove (13) and the hub member (14) is mounted in position on the main body (12). In this assembled state, channel-like paint passages (19) are formed between the hub fitting groove (13) and the notched grooves (18), and an annular paint passage (20) is formed between the inner peripheral surface (12F) and the lid portion (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Kon
  • Publication number: 20030080206
    Abstract: In a powder atomizer for series coating of workpieces, additional air is led from a separate channel into the path of the powder-air mixture which exits from the powder channel of the atomizer, air which can be used during the coating to influence and change the mixture and, during pauses in the coating, as rinsing air for cleaning, for example, the powder path leading through an atomization bell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Duerr
  • Patent number: 6551402
    Abstract: A system utilizing a rotary atomizer for applying a liquid based substance to particles. In one example, a motor provides an in-line, direct drive force on a cage atomizer. With some systems, the cage atomizer has a vertical axis of rotation. With some systems, the motor is mounted external to the particle path and supported by a housing structure that provides an angled particle path. With some systems, other types of rotary atomizers may be used such as disk, bowl, or hollow disk rotary atomizers. With some examples of cage atomizers, a first portion of the cage atomizer may include a thread set that screws to a thread set of a second portion to hold a perforated structure in place. With some systems, the thread sets surround the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: USC, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James H. Renyer, Gregory A. Renyer
  • Publication number: 20030029928
    Abstract: Method and device for continuously producing a coherent layer of a liquid/melt of even thickness by means of centrifugal action along the entire periphery of a rotating disk (13, 113), liquid/melt being supplied to the disk around its entire axis of rotation from means (12, 112) and leaving the disk as individual droplets. The means (12, 112) distributing the liquid/melt onto the disk (13, 113) has according to the invention essentially the same speed and direction of rotation as the disk, and the liquid/melt undergoes under the influence of centrifugal action circumferentially a spreading and change in velocity across the disk (13, 113) in contact with the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ralf Goran Andersson, Ingermar Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20030010840
    Abstract: Segmental outward projections (12) are provided at radially opposite positions on the circumference of a tubular mount portion (7) of a main body (5), and truncated side portions (13) are provided between and at the opposite sides of the segmental outward projection (12). On the other hand, D-Shaped inward projections (14) are projected radially inward from a boundary portion between fore and rear inner peripheral surface portions (10B) and (10C) of a shaping air ring (10) in such a way as to define an outward projection passageway (15) conforming in shape with the segmental outward projections (12). At the time of mounting the rotary atomizing head (4) on the rotational shaft (3), the outward projections (12) are put in a conforming angular position relative to the outward projection passageway (15) to pass the inward projections (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kon, Tetsuya Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20030010841
    Abstract: A main body (12) of a rotary atomizing head is provided with a hub fitting groove (13) on and around an inner peripheral surface (12F), while a hub member (14) is provided with a lid portion (15) of a circular disc-like shape, a plural number of leg portions (17) to be brought into fitting engagement with the hub fitting groove (13) through resilient deformation, and notched grooves (18) provided between the respective leg portions (17). Upon pushing in the hub member (14) against the main body (12), the leg portions (17) are fitted into the hub fitting groove (13) and the hub member (14) is mounted in position on the main body (12). In this assembled state, channel-like paint passages (19) are formed between the hub fitting groove (13) and the notched grooves (18), and an annular paint passage (20) is formed between the inner peripheral surface (12F) and the lid portion (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Masatoshi Kon
  • Publication number: 20030001032
    Abstract: A high-speed rotary atomizer for applying powder coating comprises in a known manner a housing (1), in which a motor (13) is accommodated. The motor (13) rotates a bell-shaped plate (16) which is disposed at the front of the housing (1). At least one powder supply duct (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) leads through the housing and opens at the front of the housing (1). Its cross section can therefore be kept very large, thereby increasing the powder output of the high-speed rotary atomizer. This also enables a plurality of powder supply ducts (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) to be laid, which in turn results in a higher powder throughput and improved homogeneity of the powder cloud which is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Reichler
  • Publication number: 20020153437
    Abstract: An outlet nozzle for use within a centrifuge rotor. The outlet nozzle includes an axial inlet channel and an outlet channel disposed angularly with respect to the inlet channel. An insert is received within the holder and includes an orifice portion and a directing portion. The directing portion shields at least a portion of the outlet channel for preventing impact therewith and for diverting fluid flow from the inlet channel of the holder and into the orifice portion of the insert. The insert further includes an inlet edge at a proximal end which is defined by the intersection of the outlet channel and the inlet channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Charles W. Bouchillon, Kim E. Greenwell
  • Patent number: 6457657
    Abstract: The atomizer wheel includes a plurality of ejection apertures distributed over the circumference of an external wall, in which a plurality of inserts are arranged. The inserts each includes a bushing and a wear-resistant lining arranged in the bushing such that a contact surface of the lining abuts against an internal side of the bushing. Each insert is provided with a transition surface extending between an inner end face of the lining and the contact surface, and the transition surface includes at least one portion forming an angle with the contact surface, by which it is possible to direct the flow of the material to be atomized along the transition surface of the lining and farther down to the inner side of the external wall and thus avoid wear on the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Niro A/S
    Inventor: Erling Skov Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6422480
    Abstract: A nozzle and method for mixing abrasive particles with a stream of water and focusing the mixture of abrasive and water exiting the nozzle to improve the ability of the stream to remove paint and other coatings, rust, and scale and the like from a surface for use in operations such as metal finishing. The nozzle includes a spindle that rotates in a housing, the spindle including a chamber in which water passing through a passage in the spindle is mixed with abrasive particles. The passage through the spindle includes a section that is substantially coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle and a section that is angled relative to the section that is coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle, the mixing chamber being located in the off-axis section of and in fluid communication with the passage through the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Richmond
  • Patent number: 6360962
    Abstract: A rotary bell cup for atomizing particulate material such as paint includes a generally conical overflow surface having a generally constant flow angle defining a radially inward central axial opening and a radially outward atomizing edge with a bevel. A central flat portion is disposed between the conical overflow surface and the radially inward central axial opening. A deflector having a deflection surface of generally rotational symmetry is disposed in front of the central opening having a rear flat surface generally parallel to the central portion and a rear conical surface generally parallel to the conical overflow surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Vetter, Rolf Schneider, Andreas Fischer, Robert F. Heldt
  • Publication number: 20020023971
    Abstract: A base compound supply passage and a hardener supply passage supply a base compound and a hardener, respectively, fed under pressure from first and second color changing valve mechanisms to a coating gun. The base compound supply passage and the hardener supply passage have respective first and second gear pumps, and first and second pressure control valves for controlling the base compound and the hardener to be supplied under given pressures to the first and second gear pumps. Two liquids, i.e., the base compound and the hardener, can be supplied reliably at desired rates to the coating gun, and mixed and discharged at a desired mixing ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ochiai, Hiroyoshi Nozaki, Hidenori Taguchi, Shinobu Tokin
  • Patent number: 6341734
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer for a coating apparatus has a bell shaped body, e.g., a bell cup, having a cavity and a detachable flow control device, e.g., face cover, that substantially closes a portion of the cavity. The two-piece construction eases maintenance, such as cleaning, and the manufacturability since the inside the bell cup is easily accessible from the mouth (wider opening) of the bell cup. After the face cover is detached, it can be reused or discarded for a new one. The bell cup further has cleaning channels that can direct cleaning agent directly onto the outer surface of the bell cup, without any reservoir or the like that can accumulate coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: EFC Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunnar Van Der Steur
  • Patent number: 6328224
    Abstract: A dispensing device for powder coating material includes an outer device portion having a first inner surface and a central passageway for mounting the outer portion on a rotary shaft for rotating the dispensing device. An inner portion of the dispensing device has a second outer surface shaped complementarily to the first surface and a somewhat bell- or cup-shaped third inner surface. Threaded fasteners retain the inner portion in the outer portion with the first and second surfaces in engagement. The outer portion is constructed from a first material having mechanical strength to withstand the stresses attending rotation of the dispensing device. The inner portion is constructed from a second material relatively more inert to the movement of the powder coating material across the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6322011
    Abstract: An electrostatic coating system having a rotary atomizing device formed of a non-conductive body member having an opening in an outer end thereof, a semiconductive member is disposed on a side portion of the body member, a first lip devoid of the semiconductive member is disposed about the opening of the body member proximate the outer end thereof, and a second lip is disposed radially outwardly of the first lip, between the first lip and the inner end of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Harold T. Allen
  • Publication number: 20010028002
    Abstract: Droplets are formed from a liquid by supplying liquid to a feeding rotor and rotating the feeding rotor about an axis to discharge the liquid generally radially outwardly by centrifugal force. A distributor disposed radially outside of the feeding rotor is rotated relative to the feeding rotor about the axis to receive liquid discharged from the feeding rotor. A slinger disposed radially outside of the distributor is rotated relative to the distributor about the axis to receive liquid discharged from the distributor by centrifugal force. The slinger slings that received liquid is slung outwardly in the form of droplets from cusps distributed circumferentially around an outer periphery of the slinger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Alf Andersson
  • Publication number: 20010015386
    Abstract: This device comprises a rotating spray element, such as a bowl, and drive means, such as a rotor, adapted to drive said element in rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Eric Pruss
  • Publication number: 20010015384
    Abstract: A rotary bell cup for atomizing particulate material such as paint includes a generally conical overflow surface having a generally constant flow angle defining a radially inward central axial opening and a radially outward atomizing edge with a bevel. A central flat portion is disposed between the conical overflow surface and the radially inward central axial opening. A deflector having a deflection surface of generally rotational symmetry is disposed in front of the central opening having a rear flat surface generally parallel to the central portion and a rear conical surface generally parallel to the conical overflow surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Kurt Vetter, Rolf Schneider, Andreas Fischer, Robert F. Heldt
  • Publication number: 20010008257
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic rotary atomizer for coating purposes, with an aerostatic, if appropriate multi-part bearing 3 absorbing axially and radially directed forces and intended for a shaft 4 mounted in suspension in an air gap 21 and carrying an atomizer bell 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Scholz, Udo Klein
  • Publication number: 20010003348
    Abstract: A double angle rotospray dispenser including: (a) a rotatable shaft; and (b) a dispensing tip connected to a free end of the rotatable shaft. The dispensing tip includes: (i) a first angled surface extending outwardly from the shaft axis; (ii) a second opposing angled surface connected to the first angled surface and extending inwardly towards the shaft axis; and (iii) a terminal surface located at a bottom end of the dispensing tip, adjacent to the second opposing angled surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventor: PETER DUDANOWICZ
  • Patent number: 6216959
    Abstract: A nozzle removal assembly including an outlet nozzle for centrifuge rotors and cooperating hand tool. The nozzle has an improved structure for facilitating the installation within and removal from a rotor wall. The centrifuge nozzle includes a body portion having inlet and outlet ends wherein the outlet end includes a placement channel. The placement channel defines a radially inwardly facing engagement surface supported externally to the rotor wall for engagement with a hand tool. The hand tool is adapted for engaging the radially inwardly facing engagement surface of the placement channel wherein both rotational and axial forces may be applied to assist in the removal of the nozzle from the rotor wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fluid-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Garrison, Kim E. Greenwell
  • Patent number: 6189804
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Vetter, Rolf Schneider, Andreas Fischer, Robert F. Heldt
  • Patent number: 6152382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlled droplet atomization and controlled projection of atomization droplets. More particularly, the present invention is a spray apparatus that produces uniform sized atomized droplets controllable from fog size to larger for spraying fungicides, bactericides, pesticides, insecticides, plant nutrients and other materials applied to crop, ground, and foliage for agricultural and horticultural benefaction. The apparatus generates laminar airflow in a vortex or cyclone pattern functioning to project and distribute spray droplets evenly and more completely on the sprayed surfaces. The resulting vortex or cyclone spray and airflow serves to lift, turn, and flutter plant leaves, exposing all sides to be coated with spray droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: John Y. Pun
  • Patent number: 6138925
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for throwing discrete quantities of a viscous fluid material from a material source toward a target surface includes a housing having a material entry structure for connection to the material source, a material exit structure and a material passageway extending from the entry structure to the exit structure; a drive motor; a material pump powered by the drive motor for driving a stream of the material through the material passageway; and a centrifugal material throwing mechanism for accelerating segments of the material stream through the material exit structure toward the target surface. The material throwing mechanism preferably includes a direction adjustment mechanism for changing the exit trajectory of the accelerated segments of the material stream relative to the material exit structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eugene O'Neill
    Inventor: Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6098901
    Abstract: A slurry dispenser dispensing slurry by a pair of counter-rotating wheels is provided in a chemical mechanical polishing process used in manufacturing integrated circuits. The slurry dispenser is driven by variable speed motors at a predetermined speed empirically determined to dispense a desired amount of slurry. The shape of the rotating wheels controls the vertical distribution of the spray. Openings in the housing of the slurry dispenser and the speed of rotation of the wheels controls the horizontal distribution of the spray. The slurry dispenser can be constructed out of materials chemically inert with respect to the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Aplex, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Mok, Jon Chun
  • Patent number: 6098895
    Abstract: The liquid to be atomized is uniformly sprayed on the inner surface of a hollow rotating cylinder, for example by means of one- or two-fluid-nozzles and is thus distributed on bores provided in the cylinder wall. The rotation of the cylinder causes the liquid to flow outwards through the bores. Droplets are generated when the liquid flows out of the bores by laminary decomposition of the jet. The flow rate in each bore lies in the range 1.0<V.sub.B (a.sup.3 .rho..sup.5 /.sigma..sup.5).sup.0.25 <16 to prevent the droplets from becoming too large and to satisfy the condition of an adequate flow laminarity, i.e. for the value of the Reynolds number for the continuous liquid flow in the boress not to exceed Re.sub..delta. 400. V.sub.B represents the flow rate of the liquid in each bore, a represents the centrifugal acceleration at the outer surface of the cylinder, .rho. represents the density of the liquid and .delta. indicates the surface tension of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Niro A/S
    Inventors: Peter Walzel, Christian Reedtz Funder, S.o slashed.ren Birk Flyger, Poul Bach
  • Patent number: 6095431
    Abstract: A new material applying device for applying material to the inner surface of a confined area. The inventive device includes a spinning plate with a plurality of radial fins that extend radially outward from the spinning plate center. The spinning plate is coupled to a lower end of an elongate spinning shaft. An upper end of the spinning shaft is rotatably mounted to a mounting carriage to permit rotation of the spinning shaft about its longitudinal axis. A motor rotates the spinning shaft about its longitudinal axis. A handle extends from the upper end of the mounting carriage for suspending the material applying device. A top plate is coupled to the mounting carriage and is positioned between a lower end of the mounting carriage and the spinning plate, adjacent the radial fins. An elongate feed tube with a hollow interior is coupled to the mounting carriage. An open bottom end of the feed tube extends through a feed opening in the top plate and faces the upper surface of the spinning plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6053437
    Abstract: An electrostatic, liquid spray, rotary atomizer has an atomizer housing, a power supply within the housing and an atomizer cup at a front end of the housing. The atomizer cup, which is formed of a non-conductive material, has several elongate conductive pathways embedded in the body of the cup. Each conductive pathway has one end exiting an outer surface at a rear end of the cup for receiving the charge from the power supply and another end exiting an inner surface at a front end of the cup for conveying an electrical charge from the power supply to the liquid (paint) particles passing through the atomizer cup. A number of conductive extensions are embedded in a frustroconical front portion of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Hansinger, Jeffrey T. Conrad, Woodie Francis, Harold Beam, Joseph Jerome Karbowniczek, Ronald Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6050499
    Abstract: A rotary atomizing head type coating machine which is capable of washing deposited paint from fore end portions of outer peripheral surface of a bell cup. Thinner passages are provided on the bell cup to communicate a paint reservoir with the outer peripheral surface of the bell cup. Thinner which flows out onto the outer peripheral surface of the bell cup through the thinner passages is guided toward the marginal releasing edge of the bell cup. To this end, assist air is spurted out through assist air outlet holes which are provided in the fore end face of a shaping air ring at positions radially on the inner side of shaping air outlet holes. Accordingly, at the time of a washing operation, the thinner which has come out onto the outer peripheral surface of the bell cup is forcibly pushed on the outer peripheral surface by the actions of assist air and shaping air as the thinner is guided toward the fore end of the bell cup to wash away deposited paint therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: ABB K. K.
    Inventors: Shinichi Takayama, Masatoshi Kon, Shogo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6029905
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer has an internal chamber for mixing of coating material. The chamber may contain ridges and grooves, as well as a series of shearing posts to mix the coating material flowing therethrough. As a result of centrifugal forces due to the spinning of the atomizer, the chamber is maintained at a negative pressure, which prevents air from being pumped into the coating material. The coating material enters the chamber through an entry passage and is forced toward the outer edge of the chamber over radiating grooves and ridges, which mix and shear the coating material while guiding the coating material toward rows of shearing posts. The shearing posts further shear and condition the coating material. The series of mixing and shearing of the coating material results in a well-mixed coating material at improved viscosity for proper atomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Gunnar van der Steur
    Inventor: Gunnar van der Steur
  • Patent number: 6003784
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer has an internal chamber for mixing of coating material. The chamber may contain ridges and grooves, as well as a series of shearing posts to mix the coating material flowing therethrough. As a result of centrifugal forces due to the spinning of the atomizer, the chamber is maintained at a negative pressure, which prevents air from being pumped into the coating material. The coating material enters the chamber through an entry passage and is forced toward the outer edge of the chamber over radiating grooves and ridges, which mix and shear the coating material while guiding the coating material toward rows of shearing posts. The shearing posts further shear and condition the coating material. The series of mixing and shearing of the coating material results in a well-mixed coating material at improved viscosity for proper atomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Gunnar Van Der Steur
    Inventor: Gunnar van der Steur
  • Patent number: 5964413
    Abstract: A slurry dispenser dispensing slurry by a rotating wheel is provided in a chemical-mechanical polishing process used in manufacturing integrated circuits. The slurry dispenser is driven by a variable speed motor at a predetermined speed empirically determined to dispense a desired amount of slurry. A groove is provided along the circumfrence of the rotating wheel to control the width of the spray. At the same time, walls in the housing of the slurry dispenser restrict the angle of the spray. The slurry dispenser can be constructed out of material chemically inert with respect to the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Mok
  • Patent number: 5947377
    Abstract: An electrostatic, liquid spray, rotary atomizer has an atomizer housing, a power supply within the housing and an atomizer cup at a front end of the housing. The atomizer cup, which is formed of a non-conductive material, has several elongate conductive pathways embedded in the body of the cup. Each conductive pathway has one end exiting an outer surface at a rear end of the cup for receiving the charge from the power supply and another end exiting an inner surface at a front end of the cup for conveying an electrical charge from the power supply to the liquid (paint) particles passing through the atomizer cup. An electrode is provided for maintaining a small voltage at the access hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Hansinger, Jeffrey A. Conrad, Woodie Francis, Harold Beam, Joseph Jerome Karbowniczek, Ronald Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5909849
    Abstract: A rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus includes an atomizing head having bores for self-cleaning the atomizing head, a center nozzle, and surrounding nozzle or nozzles. In the apparatus, an intersection of paint expelled from the paint nozzle or nozzles with the rear surface of the hub is offset from the rear openings of the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isamu Yamasaki, Ichio Tomita, Kengo Honma, Sinichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5897060
    Abstract: A rotary atomizing head assembly employing a main body and a hub member which can be easily disassembled and reassembled whenever necessary. A ring engaging surface is provided on the inner peripheral side of a recessed hub socket on the main body, while a ring fitting groove is provided on the outer peripheral side of a cylindrical body portion of the hub member. With an O-ring set in the ring fitting groove, the cylindrical body portion of the hub member is fitted into the recessed hub socket, whereupon the hub member is resiliently retained on the main body of the rotary atomizing head by resilient retaining force of the O-ring. In this instance, the O-ring is pressed against the ring engaging surface to prevent dislocation of the hub member. On the other hand, the hub member can be disassembled from the main body by pulling the hub member in the axial direction to such a degree as to cause elastic deformation to the O-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Industry K.K.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kon, Hidetsugu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5862988
    Abstract: A coating apparatus has a two-piece shroud connected to a manifold, a rotatable shaft extending concentrically through the manifold, and a bell-cup atomizer attached to an end of the shaft. The shroud includes an annular inner member and an annular outer member concentrically shrouded over the inner member. The inner and outer members are removably held together and either the inner or outer member is detachably connected to the manifold. The inner member is held abuttingly against the manifold and positioned substantially between the bell-cup atomizer and the manifold. Shaping air nozzles or passageways are formed between the inner and outer members at their distal ends. The passageways are defined by a plurality of grooves formed at the distal end of either the inner or outer member, or both. The grooves extend to the distal terminal edge thereof. When the outer member is separated from the inner member, the passageways are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Gunnar van der Steur
  • Patent number: 5853126
    Abstract: A coating dispensing head includes a rotary dispensing device, a rotator for rotating the rotary dispensing device and a tachometer for generating a light signal in response to rotation of the rotator. The head includes a first connection for supplying the coating to the dispensing device, a second connection for supplying motive power to the rotator and a first optical fiber having a first end for receiving the light signal and a second end. At least one of the first and second connections includes first and second passageways terminating at respective first and second generally flat surfaces and connectors for holding the first and second surfaces against each other with the first and second passageways aligned so that the one of coating and motive power supplied to one of the first and second passageways flows into the other of the first and second passageways and thence to the one of the dispensing device and rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5820036
    Abstract: An electrostatic coating apparatus, comprising:a) an atomizing head assembly including:1) an atomizing head; and2) a coupling disposed around a forward half portion of the atomizing head, the forward half portion of the atomizing head and the coupling forming a first path for shaping air therebetween;b) a driving mechanism for rotating the atomizing head assembly, the driving mechanism having an output shaft connected to the atomizing head, the output shaft being tubular to supply coating materials to the center of the atomizing head therethrough; andc) a casing disposed around a rear half portion of the atomizing head and the driving mechanism, the casing having a second path for shaping air which is communicated with the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ransburg Industrial Finishing KK
    Inventor: Eiji Saito
  • Patent number: 5787910
    Abstract: A washing apparatus is compact as well as easy to handle, with which a user can wash down dirt effectively in a short time. Washing liquid supplied from the washing liquid supplying means is made in the form of high-speed jet liquid by a high-speed jet stream spouting means. The high-speed jet liquid is spouted from the aperture of the first cover to wash down dirt by the impact given by the high-speed jet liquid. A washing object is dewatered by gas spouted from the aperture by a blowing means. The high-speed jet stream spouting means is comprised of a rotating object having a plurality of radial shape flow paths extending from a center portion to a circumference of the rotating object, and a liquid supplying portion for supplying washing liquid to a central portion of the radial shape flow paths. A rotating means rotates the rotating object so that washing liquid supplied in the radial shape flow paths is accelerated in the direction of a circumference as well as a radius of the rotating object by rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Oda, Michio Fujiwara, Tomoyuki Kanda, Hideho Taguchi, Yasunori Kurahashi, Takao Morisaki, Takasuke Umemoto, Takayuki Inoue, Fusako Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5704977
    Abstract: For a rapid and simple assembly, the rotary atomizer of the coating arrangement described has a fastening pin (34) arranged on a valve unit (12). The fastening pin is inserted into a matching opening of a mounting flange (70) and is retained therein by a clamping device that exerts a force pressing the valve unit (12) against the flange (70). The atomizer is composed of individual modules (2,4,6,10,12) connected by screw connections and additionally comprises a rigid light guide rod for the transmission of optical rpm measuring signals, which remains in the valve unit (12) during disassembly of the atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, Harry Krumma, Frank Rupertus, Rolf Schneider, Kurt Vetter
  • Patent number: 5697559
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer has an internal power supply in the atomizer housing about which is passed cooling air. The air then flows out of the atomizer housing in a twisting direction as vectored air in the same direction of rotation as the atomizer head to eliminate any vacuum condition around the atomizer head and to provide shaping control of the coating being sprayed. Exhaust air from an air turbine motor driving the atomizer head is directed around the outside surface of the atomizer housing to prevent the liquid coating from wrapping back and accumulating onto the atomizer housing. A speed sensing system is mounted in the atomizer housing and utilizes both magnetics and optics for accurately measuring the rotational speed of the air turbine motor in the presence of high electrostatic charge and RF fields from the internal power supply. The power supply is disposed within the atomizer housing about the turbine motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Davis, Harold Beam, Ronald R. Schroeder, Carl Bretmersky, Stephen Lee Merkel, Thomas Andreas Trautzsch
  • Patent number: 5518180
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer a disc- or wheel-shaped atomizing device is secured to one end of a shaft which is connected with the rotor of a high frequency synchronous electric motor. The motor is operated at a rotational speed substantially higher than the first critical speed of the shaft and atomizing device. The shaft and the rotor of the high frequency motor are designed as one integral unit radially supported only by bearings at either end of a part of the shaft surrounded by the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Niro Holding A/S
    Inventor: Gunnar Svendsen
  • Patent number: 5452853
    Abstract: A sprayer for applying an uncured grout to the interior surface of an enclosed wall includes a sprayer motor having a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. A spray head is attached to the rotor and a spray conduit is adapted to introduce fluid grout under pressure to the spray head so that it will be thrown radially outwardly in a circular pattern. The motor and spray head are inserted into a conduit and actuated to throw the grout outwardly on to the interior walls of the elongated conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Action Products Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Shook, Danny C. Jury, Carroll O. Trimble
  • Patent number: 5415349
    Abstract: A rotary element for distributing a liquid such as a herbicide comprises liquid distributing projections (58) which have swept-back leading boundary surfaces (64) which are arcuately convex. Each projection (58) has a transverse surface (62) which is arcuately concave and extends forwardly from one axial end of the respective leading boundary surface (64), with respect to the direction of operative rotation of the element. This configuration enables the spray width of the liquid to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Nomix Chipman Limited
    Inventor: David C. Gill
  • Patent number: 5374312
    Abstract: A liquid coating system according to the present invention comprises, a liquid supply source, a nozzle having an inlet communicating with the liquid supply source and a substantially linear liquid discharge portion, a pressure feed unit for feeding the liquid under pressure from the liquid supply source to the nozzle by means of compressed gas, a spin chuck for fixedly supporting a semiconductor wafer, an up-and-down cylinder for causing the liquid discharge portion of the nozzle to closely face the wafer on the spin chuck, and a rotating mechanism for rotating the spin chuck. The nozzle includes a liquid reservoir, in which the liquid supplied from the liquid supply source is collected, and a large number of small passages communicating with the liquid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Tokyo Electron Kyushu Limited, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Keizo Hasebe, Kiyohisa Tateyama, Yuji Yoshimoto, Yuji Matsuyama, Tetsuro Nakahara, Yoshio Kimura
  • Patent number: 5370310
    Abstract: A device for directing the flow of an atomized slurry from the ejection orifice of an atomizer housing which is composed of a cylindrical liner bushing made of a wear-resistant material and a cylindrical sleeve bushing designed to support the liner bushing within the ejection orifice of the atomizer housing. The geometries of the liner and sleeve bushings form an annular, recessed shoulder at the discharge end of the bushings. During rotation of the atomizer, turbulent flow eddy currents pack slurry media into this shoulder. The liner bushing is bonded in the sleeve bushing under compression to create a residual preload opposing the centrifugal force generated by rotation of the atomizer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: W. Craig Willan
  • Patent number: 5358182
    Abstract: A device for electrostatically spraying coating product has a rotating insulative material atomizer head and an axial charging electrode adapted to be connected to a high voltage supply and projecting to the front of the atomizer head to charge the atomized coating product by ionic bombardment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Sames S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Cappeau, Laurent Turc
  • Patent number: 5356075
    Abstract: An atomizer wheel comprising a central hub for securing the wheel on a rotatable shaft in a centrifugal atomizer associated with an atomizer drying system, a ring-shaped acceleration chamber arranged around the hub and having an upper ring opening through which the liquid to be atomized may be added to the acceleration chamber, at least one throw-out face for passing the liquid outwardly in the atomizer wheel in a direction toward its periphery, and a plurality of throw-out channels which, distributed with a mutual angular distance along the periphery of the acceleration chamber, extend transversely out through the outer wall of the chamber and serve to throw the liquid out of the acceleration chamber during the rotation of the atomizer wheel. At least one throw-out face is provided on a separate wear ring which is provided on the atomizer wheel and comprises a hard and wear resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: APV Pasilac Anhydro AS
    Inventors: Morten Heide, Henrik Sonderby
  • Patent number: 5316579
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating fine mists of liquids using a rotating turbine blade disposed within an enclosure. A mixture of a liquid and a carrier gas are flowed into the enclosure such that it immediately impacts on the rotating turbine blade disposed near a lower end of the enclosure, and the resulting mist is withdrawn under vacuum near an upper end of the enclosure. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for chemical vapor deposition of thin films of complex chemical compounds using the discussed mists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Symetrix Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. McMillan, Carlos A. Paz de Araujo, Tom L. Roberts