With Automatic Safety Feature Patents (Class 239/691)
  • Patent number: 11371872
    Abstract: First to eighth laser measurement sections (30a) to (30h) of a laser measurement unit (30) measures a height of a surface of powder resins (15) in a coil insertion range CA for every angular degree in a circumferential direction of a stator core (2). A control unit (18) computes the number of points where the height of the surface is lower than a predetermined height among measurement results at multiple points measured by the first to eighth laser measurement sections (30a) to (30h), where the number of points is defined as an index value indicative of a dispersion of the measurement results. When it has been determined that the index value exceeds a first predetermined value, a notification is issued by outputting from a speaker (32) a sound indicative of the fact that the index value that has been computed exceeds the first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroomi Shimizu, Hiroaki Matsumoto, Kenji Miyanaga, Junji Nakajima, Hiroshi Kunieda
  • Patent number: 9968952
    Abstract: A paint-spray line comprising a number of sprayers which are provided to discharge paint onto an item to be coated and are connected to a paint supply unit via a common main supply line is also suitable, to a particular extent and at an expense kept particularly low, for a need-based provision of individual quantities of paint which are kept at a particular minimum. For this purpose, the conveying device, provided for feeding paint into the main supply line is configured according to the invention as a single-piston pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: LACTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Winfried Ott, Volker Weiss
  • Patent number: 9592519
    Abstract: A charge ring and fluid restriction arrangement for a paint spray tool. The paint spray tool has a charge ring that is moveable along the axis of the tool body. The paint spray tool also has interchangeable pre-orifices within the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS INC.
    Inventors: Gerry Mazzola, Brad Friemoth, John P. Owed, David M. Seitz
  • Patent number: 9366372
    Abstract: In an electrostatic coating apparatus, an electrically conductive coating material is supplied through a coating material supplying path to a coating gun to which a high voltage is applied. The electrostatic coating apparatus is provided with an insulating and separating valve capable of electrically insulating and separating the coating material supplying path into an application side in which the high voltage is applied and a non-application side. The insulating and separating valve is provided with a female coupling member having a first connecting portion and a male coupling member having a second connecting portion. A supplying hole for supplying a cleaning fluid to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and a discharging hole for discharging the cleaning fluid supplied to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on one of the female coupling member disposed on the non-application side and the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nakazono, Hiroki Matsunaga, Masashi Honma, Norihiko Sudo
  • Patent number: 9238244
    Abstract: A discharge apparatus 1 comprises a feeder part 41 which is provided on a flow path of a discharge material from a supply part 10 to a nozzle 50 and feeds the discharge material in the flow path at a predetermined flow rate from the supply part 10 toward the nozzle 50 and a plurality of pressurizers 31, 32 provided in parallel to each other on the flow path and each having a function of temporarily storing the discharge material in a storage space and a function of pressurizing the discharge material stored in the storage space and feeding the discharge material under pressure to the feeder part 41. The plurality of pressurizers 31, 32 operate complementarily manner, thereby a constant pressure is applied to the discharge material fed to the feeder part 41.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Hayama
  • Patent number: 8893991
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Finishing Brands Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8485125
    Abstract: A transformer arrangement is disclosed for an electrostatic sprayer or in an adjacent moving element of a coating machine. A transformer provides a galvanic isolation between the line arrangement provided for supplying power to the sprayer arrangement, and consumers at high voltage in the sprayer or possibly in the robot arm. This isolation may be provided with an isolating transformer which has a sufficient isolation distance or other isolation device between the primary and secondary circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, Frank Herre, Juergen Haas, Harry Krumma, Hans-Jurgen Nolte, Marcus Frey, Bernhard Seiz, Herbert Martin, Erwin Bieber, Torsten Block
  • Patent number: 8387558
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a piston rod seal are disclosed. An exemplary piston rod seal may include a piston rod guide for guiding a piston rod that supports a scraping piston configured to scrape paint residue from an inner wall of a pipeline cylinder. The piston rod may further include a first seal for sealing the piston rod guide relative to the piston rod, and a second seal for sealing the piston rod guide relative to the piston rod, where the second seal is arranged axially offset relative to the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 8382015
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Graco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8322301
    Abstract: An intermediate reserve tank for temporarily storing a conductive coating medium is provided in a coating medium supply passage for supplying the conductive coating medium from a color switch valve mechanism to a spray gun. A block valve mechanism for electrically insulating the color switch valve mechanism and the intermediate reserve tank is provided. A coating medium extrusion portion for supplying water or a cleaning solution is connected to a transmission passage between the intermediate reserve tank and the spray gun via a switch valve. When an amount of the coating medium necessary until an end of a coating operation becomes a predetermined amount, the conductive coating medium is extruded by the water or the cleaning solution by switching the switch valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nakazono, Kohei Ogata, Masaki Shigekura
  • Patent number: 8109447
    Abstract: A valve for a combustion spray gun. An apparatus includes a torsion element rotatable relative to a housing of the combustion spray gun to a charged position. The apparatus also includes a biasing element applying a force to the torsion element, which force urges the torsion element to move a valve core to an off position. The apparatus further includes an engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage and hold the torsion element in the charged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sulzer Metco (US) Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Savill, Jr., Mark F. Spaulding, James K. Weber, Richard A Zapke
  • Patent number: 8056839
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes an atomizing electrode, a water supply unit for supplying water to the atomizing electrode, a high voltage power circuit and a control unit. The high voltage power circuit applies a high voltage to the atomizing electrode to electrostatically atomizing water supplied to the atomizing electrode and to generate electrically charged water particles. The control unit controls the high voltage power circuit such that the voltage applied to the atomizing electrode is gradually increased at the time of starting the electrostatic atomizer. Further, the control unit may control the high voltage power circuit such that the voltage is increased to a target voltage in steps at the time of starting the electrostatic atomizer, and an increment of the voltage at each step is decreased as the voltage approaches the target voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Uratani, Kenji Obata, Atsushi Isaka
  • Patent number: 8042488
    Abstract: A current sensor for detecting a full return current is connected to a high voltage generator. A leakage current detector including current sensors for detecting a leakage current is provided at the surface of the cover of a coating machine, air passages and a paint passage. Based on current detection values obtained by the current sensors, a high voltage control unit controls a power supply voltage control unit and a high voltage to be output from the high voltage generator can be raised or dropped. By employing the current detection values, the high voltage control unit can identify and provide notification of a location where the leakage current is increased and the insulation is deteriorated, and can request an operator to perform maintenance for the pertinent location. Further, upon occurrence of the insulation being deteriorated, the high voltage control unit can stop the high voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Patent number: 7926443
    Abstract: A current sensor for detecting a full return current is connected to a high voltage generator. A leakage current detector including current sensors for detecting a leakage current is provided at the surface of the cover of a coating machine, air passages and a paint passage. Based on current detection values obtained by the current sensors, a high voltage control unit controls a power supply voltage control unit and a high voltage to be output from the high voltage generator can be raised or dropped. By employing the current detection values, the high voltage control unit can identify and provide notification of a location where the leakage current is increased and the insulation is deteriorated, and can request an operator to perform maintenance for the pertinent location. Further, upon occurrence of the insulation being deteriorated, the high voltage control unit can stop the high voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100243767
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes: a storage compartment that is separated and heat-insulated from another area; an atomization device having an electrode unit that sprays mist into the storage compartment; and a protection unit that improves safety of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Mori, Kenichi Kakita, Tosiaki Mamemoto, Yoshihiro Ueda, Toyoshi Kamisako, Takahiro Ueno
  • Publication number: 20100236269
    Abstract: A refrigerator that sprays a mist using an atomization apparatus includes an atomization state determination unit that determines an atomization state of an atomization unit. An operation of the atomization unit is controlled according to a signal determined by the atomization state determination unit. Thus, an appropriate amount of mist spray is performed according to the atomization state, so that improved spray accuracy can be attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tosiaki Mamemoto, Toyoshi Kamisako, Yoshihiro Ueda, Katsunori Horii, Kenichi Kakita, Tadashi Adachi, Kahoru Tsujimoto, Kiyoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 7757630
    Abstract: A voltage block device, for preventing the negative electric potential from transferred to the coating material source, has a switching device including a slider which is selectively slidable between first and second positions and has an inlet port fluidly communicated with the coating material source and an outlet port fluidly communicated with the spray, a reservoir including first and second chambers, the inlet and outlet ports are fluidly communicated with the first and second chambers, respectively when the slider is at the first position, and the inlet and outlet ports are fluidly communicated with the second and first chambers, respectively when the slider is at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ransburg Industrial Finishing K.K.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yoshida, Masahito Ohno, Hidetoshi Kamaru
  • Patent number: 7757973
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20100163638
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a piston rod seal are disclosed. An exemplary piston rod seal may include a piston rod guide for guiding a piston rod that supports a scraping piston configured to scrape paint residue from an inner wall of a pipeline cylinder. The piston rod may further include a first seal for sealing the piston rod guide relative to the piston rod, and a second seal for sealing the piston rod guide relative to the piston rod, where the second seal is arranged axially offset relative to the first seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 7712687
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device that maintains a consistent charge-to-mass ratio in order to maintain a consistent target spray quality is disclosed. During steady state conditions, the high voltage power supply adjusts the output voltage level in response to changing environmental and/or operating conditions. During transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down and changing flow rate conditions, the high voltage power supply ensures that the charge-to-mass ratio is maintained. During, start-up, for example, the high voltage power supply charges the high voltage electrode to a predetermined voltage level before the product is delivered to the charging location. During shut-down, the product delivery is stopped before the high voltage power supply shuts off power to the high voltage electrode, and during changes in product flow rate, the voltage level of the high voltage electrode is adjusted to maintain a consistent charge-to-mass ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 7677481
    Abstract: The inventive device for electrostatically projecting a coating product comprises a spray gun provided with voltage increasing means for producing a high direct voltage for a product electrostatic charge, wherein said spray gun is provided with a controllable valve for controlling an atomizing air flow inside the spray gun in the direction to a spraying head. A pressure sensor integrated into the spray gun is used for detecting the atomizing air pressure (P) representative value downstream of the valve and for delivering a signal (S1) for controlling the power supply of the voltage increasing means. Said invention makes it possible to control the power supply of the voltage increasing means according, in particular, to the signal (S1) received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sames Technologies
    Inventors: Thierry Buquet, Michel Di Gioia
  • Patent number: 7617997
    Abstract: Total supplied current (I2) and high voltage (Vm) supplied to a rotary atomizer head (5) are detected by a total current sensor (115) and a high voltage sensor (116). Total leak current (I2) in paint paths, thinner paths and air paths inside an electrostatic atomizer (2) is detected via a metal back plate (40) of the electrostatic atomizer (2). When the total leak current value (I2) exceeds a threshold value (Ia), the level Vm of the high voltage applied to the rotary atomizer head (5) is lowered stepwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ransburg Industrial Finishing K.K.
    Inventor: Kimiyoshi Nagai
  • Patent number: 7552882
    Abstract: A spray gun for electrostatic painting in which an external electrode sustaining a high voltage can be fixed/removed while sustaining insulation from a spray unit on the ground potential side by limiting current supply to paint appropriately when electrostatic painting is performed using conductive paint, e.g. water based paint, and safety and handling performance are enhanced while ensuring the painting efficiency as the spray gun for electrostatic painting. On the outside of the spray gun (1) having the spray unit (5) at the forward end thereof, the external electrode (7) having an electrode projecting from the forward end part thereof is provided removably at the part (13) of the gun body being connected with the electrode while being separated from the paint passage such that it can be replaced readily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Matsumoto, Yasuhiro Ochii, Atsushi Morohoshi
  • Publication number: 20090134249
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes an atomizing electrode, a water supply unit for supplying water to the atomizing electrode, a high voltage power circuit and a control unit. The high voltage power circuit applies a high voltage to the atomizing electrode to electrostatically atomizing water supplied to the atomizing electrode and to generate electrically charged water particles. The control unit controls the high voltage power circuit such that the voltage applied to the atomizing electrode is gradually increased at the time of starting the electrostatic atomizer. Further, the control unit may control the high voltage power circuit such that the voltage is increased to a target voltage in steps at the time of starting the electrostatic atomizer, and an increment of the voltage at each step is decreased as the voltage approaches the target voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Uratani, Kenji Obata, Atsushi Isaka
  • Patent number: 7455249
    Abstract: An electrostatically aided coating atomizing and dispensing apparatus includes an atomizer, a voltage block, a source of electrically non-insulative coating material to be dispensed from the atomizer, an indirect charging apparatus, and at least one source of high magnitude electrical potential. The source of electrically non-insulative coating material is coupled to an input port of the voltage block. An output port of the voltage block is coupled to the atomizer. The indirect charging apparatus is operatively mounted with respect to the atomizer. The at least one source of high magnitude electrical potential is coupled to an input port of the atomizer and to an input port of the indirect charging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Cedoz
  • Patent number: 7411184
    Abstract: A microfluidic device including a microfluidic chip assembled to an electrospray structure. The microfluidic chip includes at least one microfluidic channel leading through an outlet aperture to a surface area of the microfluidic chip. The electrospray structure includes at least one thin, planar point provided with a capillary slot that terminates at the end of the point so as to form an aperture for ejection of a liquid to be sprayed. The electrospray structure is arranged on the surface area of the microfluidic chip so that the point is cantilivered with respect to the microfluidic chip and so that the outlet aperture of the microfluidic device leads to the capillary slot of the point, which microfluidic device also has a mechanism to apply an electrospray voltage to the liquid to be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignees: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique, Universite des Sciences Et Technologies de Lille
    Inventor: Nicolas Sarrut
  • Patent number: 7240861
    Abstract: A corona charge spray gun for dispensing powders for powder coatings. The spray gun includes a housing defining a chamber terminating in an outlet passageway. A high voltage electrode is mounted in the chamber spaced upstream of the outlet passageway and a ground electrode is mounted in the chamber spaced upstream from the high voltage electrode. The ground electrode is selected to have a surface area sufficiently larger than the surface area of the high voltage electrode in order to allow high voltages to be applied to the high voltage electrode without arch discharging occurring in the chamber. An inlet opens into the chamber for conducting a powder-gas mixture into the chamber and the electrodes receive cleaning gases for avoiding powder deposits on the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Jesse Zhu, Hui Zhang
  • Patent number: 7070130
    Abstract: An electrode ring suitable for providing electrostatic assistance to the high-speed rotary application of spray coatings and having electrode fingers comprising electrode tips, wherein the electrode ring is constructed so as to be capable of performing rotational movements about the axis directed through the center of the circle thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Peter Minko
  • Patent number: 7056387
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for isolating an electrostatic sprayer from an electrically grounded coating product distribution circuit connected thereto. The apparatus includes an electrostatic sprayer carried by a maneuverable robot arm, the sprayer capable of spraying an electrically conductive coating product such as water-based paint onto a workpiece passing in adjacent proximity thereby, on command. The coating product is supplied from a remote source of supply through at least one distribution circuit connected to the sprayer. The apparatus includes therein, carried by the robot arm, an electrically insulative storage tank for the coating product in valved fluid communication with the sprayer. The insulated storage tank is connected to and positioned downstream from a length of electrically insulative supply conduit connected to the distribution circuit and also carried by the robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: EFC Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunnar van der Steur
  • Patent number: 6918551
    Abstract: A coating material dispensing system including a coating dispenser having a terminal for coupling to a high-magnitude potential supply, supply valves having respective input ports, respective output ports, and respective control ports, first purge valves having respective input ports, respective output ports, and respective control ports, a second purge valve having an input port, an output port and a control port, and means for coupling: the output port of a first one of the supply valves to a common point in a fluid circuit; the output port of a second one of the supply valves to the common point; the output port of the second purge valve to the common point; and, the common point to the coating dispenser, the common point also coupled to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Baltz
  • Patent number: 6877681
    Abstract: A modular spray gun that can be configured and built to operate using a selectable spray process. The modular spray gun includes a gun body, an extension and a selectable spray atomizing component. The basic gun body and extension are used to configure a spray gun that can operate as an air spray gun, an airless spray gun, an AAA gun or an HVLP spray gun. The modular extension can be selected to allow circulating or non-circulating operation. The modular extension also permits a variety of spray nozzle assemblies to be mounted thereon depending on the selected spray process to be used with the specific gun. The modular gun body allows selective connection of an atomizing air supply and additional components specific to a particular spray process. An indicator device and/or a relief valve is provided for spray guns using an HVLP spray process to provide an indication that the spray gun is in compliance with the maximum nozzle air pressure limit, usually less than 10 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hartle, David L. Mancini, George C. Ehrnschwender
  • Patent number: 6866212
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device being configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a liquid composition from a supply to a point of dispersal, wherein the device comprises: a reservoir configured to contain the supply of liquid composition; a nozzle to disperse the liquid composition, the nozzle being disposed at the point of dispersal; a channel disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, wherein the channel permits the electrostatic charging of the liquid composition upon the liquid composition moving within the channel; a high voltage power supply electrically connected to the power source; and a high voltage electrode electrically connected to the high voltage power supply, wherein a portion of the high voltage electrode is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, and wherein the high voltage electrode electrostatically charges the liquid composition within the channel at a charging location, wherein the nozzle pathway comprises an outlet path disposed adjacent to the nozzle
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toru Sumiyoshi, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, David Edward Wilson, Ryan Norris Blystone
  • Patent number: 6849129
    Abstract: The paint-spraying apparatus exhibits a supply line 7 for coating material, extending from the color changer to the atomizer. Cut-off valves 26, 27 installed in the supply line delimit an insulating section 25 of said supply line, which insulating section is associated with means 28 to 32 for emptying and flushing said insulating section 25. A voltage divider 16 is connected in parallel to said insulating section 25. When colors are changed, the residual coating material present in said voltage divider 16 can be moved into the empty insulating section 25, after which it is forced by means of slugs back through the entire supply line 7 to the color changer 1, and is thus reclaimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: LacTec GmbH
    Inventors: Burkhard Bilz, Udo Klein, Joachim Kunkel, Winfried Ott
  • Patent number: 6814318
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device being configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a supply to a point of dispersal. This device has a reservoir configured to contain the supply of product and a nozzle to disperse the product. A channel is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, wherein the channel permits the electrostatic charging of the product upon the product moving within the channel. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A portion of the high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge the product within the channel at a charging location. A mixing mechanism may be disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle to reconstitute any product which may have separated. The high voltage contact may be spring biased in direction towards the high voltage electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 6790285
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic painting device with a transmission frequency adjustment device for automatically adjusting a transmission frequency in such a manner that the consumed current flowing in a high voltage booster circuit does not exceed a prescribed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6758425
    Abstract: A high-voltage powder spray gun includes a rear terminal segment (60) of a powder tube (38) and the front terminal segment (58) of a hookup tube (56) which are inserted far enough in axial and sealing manner to subtend, between their overlap ends (69, 78), a powder-tight, electrically insulating expanse (76) to preclude electrical leakage currents. An electrically conducting bush (42) runs over the outer overlap end (78) of the hookup-tube/powder-tube connection to shunt any electric charges that might issue at the outer overlap end (78) between the hookup tube (56) and the powder tube (38). An electrically grounded shielding sheath (90), such as a helical compression spring, is configured radially away above the outer overlap end (88) between the rear terminal segment of the hookup tube (56) and the front end of powder hose (84) slipped over the rear terminal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventor: Hanspeter Michael
  • Patent number: 6739529
    Abstract: A blast nozzle formed of a non-conductive material includes electrically conductive paths embedded therein to keep the build up of static electricity below an undesirable level. Stainless steel rods extend the length of the blast nozzle, providing a continuous electrical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Cold Jet, Inc.
    Inventors: David Linger, Mike Rivir, Ross Leon
  • Patent number: 6682004
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic spraying device to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a reservoir to a point of dispersal that includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and being disposed at the point of dispersal to disperse the product. A channel is included that permits the electrostatic charging of product. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A power source supplies an electrical charge. A portion of a high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge product within the channel at a charging location. A distance between the charging location and the nozzle exit orifice is governed by Vo/d<100,000, wherein Vo=an output voltage of said high voltage power supply and d=linear distance between the charging location and said nozzle exit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, David Edward Wilson, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Yoshito Komada, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 6543708
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus without electrical connections comprising means for controlling air supplies with signals generated with compressed air. The apparatus may further include a metering device which delivers metered amounts of powder to a spray gun and which may be controlled by the same compressed air which controls the air supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Everett H. Stephenson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030006322
    Abstract: A modular spray gun that can be configured and built to operate using a selectable spray process. The modular spray gun includes a gun body, an extension and a selectable spray atomizing component. The basic gun body and extension are used to configure a spray gun that can operate as an air spray gun, an airless spray gun, an AAA gun or an HVLP spray gun. The modular extension can be selected to allow circulating or non-circulating operation. The modular extension also permits a variety of spray nozzle assemblies to be mounted thereon depending on the selected spray process to be used with the specific gun. The modular gun body allows selective connection of an atomizing air supply and additional components specific to a particular spray process. An indicator device and/or a relief valve is provided for spray guns using an HVLP spray process to provide an indication that the spray gun is in compliance with the maximum nozzle air pressure limit, usually less than 10 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hartle, David L. Mancini, George C. Ehrnschwender
  • Patent number: 6481648
    Abstract: A laboratory microchip includes a carrier with a micro spray tip projecting vertically out of a plane of the carrier. The carrier and spray tip are designed as a monolithic or single unit. The spray tip includes a passage channel which conveys the substances to be sprayed from a channel to a spray tip aperture. The channel is a part of a channel structure which is enclosed to the outside by a cover plate. The spray tip includes, on the sides of the spray aperture, an area which tapers conically inwards. Connected to this tapered area is a constant cross-section drill hole forming an annular internal step formation at the transition between the two areas. The outer diameter of the conically tapering tip is locally reduced in proximity to the aperture to provide a finer tip to the spray tip. The finer tip increases the electrical fields occurring at the tip, to further increase the forces which act on the substances and for dispersion spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6460787
    Abstract: A modular spray gun that can be configured and built to operate using a selectable spray process. The modular spray gun includes a gun body, an extension and a selectable spray atomizing component. The basic gun body and extension are used to configure a spray gun that can operate as an air spray gun, an airless spray gun, an AAA gun or an HVLP spray gun. The modular extension can be selected to allow circulating or non-circulating operation. The modular extension also permits a variety of spray nozzle assemblies to be mounted thereon depending on the selected spray process to be used with the specific gun. The modular gun body allows selective connection of an atomizing air supply and additional components specific to a particular spray process. An indicator device and/or a relief valve is provided for spray guns using an HVLP spray process to provide an indication that the spray gun is in compliance with the maximum nozzle air pressure limit, usually less than 10 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hartle, David L. Mancini, George C. Ehrnschwender
  • Publication number: 20020125349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-voltage powder spray gun, in particular for spraying metallic powders. The rear terminal segment (60) of a powder tube (38) and the front terminal segment (58) of a hookup tube (56) are inserted far enough in axial and sealing manner to subtend between their overlap ends (69, 78) a powder-tight, electrically insulating expanse (76) to preclude electrical leakage currents. An electrically conducting bush (42) runs over the outer overlap end (78) of the hookup-tube/powder-tube connection to shunt any electric charges that might issue at the outer overlap end (78) between the hookup tube (56) and the powder tube (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ITW GEMA AG
    Inventor: Hanspeter Michael
  • Patent number: 6422491
    Abstract: A voltage isolating device selectively electrically isolates from each other two points (13 and 15) of an electrically conductive flow medium having different electrical potentials along a flow path. The electrically conductive flow medium is conveyed in the inner space (18′) of a freely protruding carrier (17′) having at least one discharge opening (29). The carrier (17′) moves back and forth between a first isolating position and a second docking position to allow a transfer flow. The discharge opening (29) is closed until the docking position has been reached, wherein the discharge opening is opened, and is closed again when the carrier is moved out of the docking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: LacTec GmbH Gesellschaft fuer moderne Lackiertechnik
    Inventors: Burkhard Bilz, Udo Klein, Winfried Ott, Rainer Prauser, Thomas Scholz, Frank Wirth
  • Patent number: 6318647
    Abstract: A disposable catridge for use with an electrostatic charging device. The disposable cartridge can have a reservoir configured to contain a supply of product suitable for electrostatic spraying, a nozzle configured and disposed to disperse the electrostatically charged product, and an electrode disposed to electrostatically charge the product prior to its dispersal. The disposable cartridge can also have an insulator for insulating the supply of product from electrostatic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Chow-Chi Huang, Ayub Ibrahim Khan, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Eric Jason Wallace, Robert James Peterson
  • Publication number: 20010040195
    Abstract: A blast nozzle formed of a non-conductive material includes electrically conductive paths embedded therein to keep the build up of static electricity below an undesirable level. Stainless steel rods extend the length of the blast nozzle, providing a continuous electrical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID LINGER, MIKE RIVIR, ROSS LEON
  • Patent number: 6311903
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is designed to be portable, hand-held, self-contained and battery operated, with a disposable cartridge. The electrostatic spraying device is configured to provide a precise essentially constant flow rate of a product being applied, to provide uniformity and ease of application of the product, as well as to conserve product usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Chow-Chi Huang, Ayub Ibrahim Khan, Jeffrey Keith Leppla
  • Patent number: 6042030
    Abstract: An electrically non-insulative, typically metal, atomizer bell is housed in a shroud-like housing. A prime mover, such as an air turbine motor, typically also housed in the housing, rotates the bell to atomize coating material delivered to the bell. A second shroud movable relative to the bell has a first, retracted orientation in which the second shroud does not shield the charging portion from the approach of articles to the bell and a second, projected orientation in which the second shroud does shield the bell from the approach of articles to reduce the likelihood of disruptive electrical discharges from the bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Varce E. Howe, David R. Huff
  • Patent number: 5957395
    Abstract: An atomizing apparatus comprises an electrode, an orifice through which coating material to be atomized is discharged, and a power supply for maintaining across the electrode and an article to be coated by coating material dispensed from the apparatus a potential for transferring electrical charge to the material to be atomized to cause the material to be attracted toward the article. The apparatus has a first surface providing a locus for electrical discharge when the potential is maintained on the electrode. At least one first resistance has first and second terminals adjacent the first surface and the electrode, tending to localize the discharge at the first surface to the first terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Varce E. Howe, David R. Huff
  • Patent number: 5947392
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a two-component, electrically conductive coating material which includes a first flow path for supplying a metered quantity of a catalyst from a source to a mixing device, a second flow path for applying a metered quantity of resin from a source to the mixing device, a third flow path for transferring the resulting two-component coating material from the mixing device to at least one coating dispenser which discharges electrostatically charged coating material onto a substrate, and, at least one voltage block device for maintaining a continuous voltage block between the electrostatically charged coating material and the sources of catalyst and resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Noroson Corporation
    Inventors: Julius J. Molnar, Rick Becker