Abstract: An electrostatic spraying assembly including a housing and a plurality of elongated electrode elements supported within the housing each defining a respective fluid passageway. An electrode header connectable to a high voltage source is supported within the housing in spaced relation to the electrode elements for charging the electrodes to an electrical potential by induction, and in turn, charging liquid directed through the passageways. The electrode header and a resilient valve element supported thereon are movable between retracted and closing positions for controlling the flow of fluid through the electrode passageways for discharge into an electrical field generated by an induction element supported in spaced relation to the discharge ends of the electrode elements.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating system includes a coating robot (1) and an electrostatic atomizer (6) attached to a polyarticular wrist portion (5) of the robot (1). The atomizer (6) includes an end plate (45), metallic connector (50) fixed to the end plate (45) in electric conduction, high voltage generator (20) and bell head (18). Electric power is supplied to the high voltage generator (20) through the connector (50). Wires (53) are connected to the connector (50) to take out high voltage leak caused by contamination like a deposition of paint on outer surfaces of the atomizer (6) through the wires 53 to control the high voltage generator (20) to lower the value of the high voltage applied to the bell head (18) of high voltage leak detected through the wires (53) is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic powder paint spray coating of substrates, such as automotive vehicles, is provided. The apparatus includes modular applicators which are mountable into a programmable, robotically controlled housing. The modular applicators are switchable into and out of an operational mode on command, to facilitate different optimal coating procedures for coating differing surfaces, ranging from large, open surfaces to smaller, highly irregular substrate surfaces. The applicator heads may be spatially switchable on command from, for example, a bell cup spray applicator to a spray gun applicator. Flow control to each applicator is preferably enhanced using selectable pneumatically controlled pinch valves.

Abstract: A machine with an on-board supply tank for spraying a coating material. In one embodiment, the spraying machine includes a carriage (3) supporting an arm (4) with an end-mounted holder containing a tank (6) for supplying a spray nozzle (8). The arm further includes a coating material changing assembly (9) which is translatably movable towards the holder (5) to effect mutual engagement between quick connection units (12, 13) during cleaning/filling of the tank (6). The machine is useful for forming coatings consisting of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying electrically conductive coating material, such as water-based paint, includes a manifold connected to a high voltage electrostatic power supply and to one or more coating dispensers, and, a number of coating transfer units which are movable between a discharge position or station at the manifold and a filling station physically spaced from the manifold. Each of the transfer units includes a combined shuttle and pumping device which initially receives coating material at the filling station, and is then movable to the discharge station where the coating material is transferred from the pumping device, through the manifold, and then to one or more coating dispensers for deposition onto a substrate.

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: An apparatus for supplying electrically conductive coating material, such as water-based paint, includes a manifold connected to a high voltage electrostatic power supply and to one or more coating dispensers, and, a number of coating transfer units which are movable between a discharge position or station at the manifold and a filling station physically spaced from the manifold. Each of the transfer units includes a combined shuttle and pumping device which initially receives coating material at the filling station, and is then movable to the discharge station where the coating material is transferred from the pumping device, through the manifold, and then to one or more coating dispensers for deposition onto a substrate.

Abstract: A spray disk (4) rotating at high speed and connected to high voltage surrounds a guide rod (30) and can be reciprocated up and down along said guide rod, the latter being of a stationary arrangement. This permits the use of drive means (34, 50) which extend along the guide rod (30) so that for the up and down motion of the spray disk (4) there are no carrier rods required which protrude beyond the stroke of the spray disk beyond the device.

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

Abstract: A spray gun is designed for mounting on the end of a robot arm. The construction of the gun is provided such that nearly all of the main components with the exception of the spray head itself are located in a main body to which is mounted a pivotal spray head assembly which may pivot approximately 90.degree. to either side of the normal straight-ahead position. The power supply and power generating units are located in the main body. The electrostatic power supply connection to the spray head enters the spray head shaft on the opposite side from the fluid supply entry. The fluid control valve may be located in the spray head shaft.

Abstract: Electrostatic painting apparatus comprises a support moveable at high speed along a slide. On this support is a pneumatically controlled paint sprayer producing an electrostatically charged jet of paint. A paint feed assembly comprising a pressure regulator and a discharge valve is juxatposed with the sprayer. Sprayer control devices are disposed on a chassis connected to the feed assembly by a harness. These control means comprise three gas pressure regulators supplying the sprayer and controlling the paint pressure regulator and a high DC voltage generator. The position of the chassis relative to the slide is determined such that the harness is as short as possible, so as to reduce to a minimum the command transmission time. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the weight carried by the support. The units carried by the chassis are remotely controlled by a microprocessor-based unit over a remote control line.