Forward Of Nozzle Patents (Class 239/698)
  • Patent number: 10473735
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled NMR probe has a lower insert portion formed of multiple parts including two disc-shaped sub-elements that are not mechanically rigidly interconnected, lie flat against one another in the mounted state and are perpendicular to the z axis. The first sub-element (3.1), in terms of material and geometric structure, fulfils the function of electrically insulating the RF and HV lines fed through the lower insert portion, has an electrical conductivity sigma<103 S/m, mechanically and retains components of the NMR probe constructed on the lower insert portion. The second sub-element (3.2) retains the first sub-element on a main frame (7) of the NMR probe, and is made of a ductile plastics material or metal having a mechanical breaking strength ?>100 N/mm2 and a melting temperature TS>250° C. This achieves high breaking strength and resistance to thermal stress while simultaneously attaining required RF and HV properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: BRUKER SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Roger Meister, Jonathan De Vries
  • Patent number: 10328453
    Abstract: In order to provide a novel method of obtaining a thin film to replace the related art, provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film, including: generating mist of a dispersion liquid containing fine particles; supplying the generated mist of the dispersion liquid onto a substrate; and drying the dispersion liquid supplied onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasutaka Nishi, Makoto Nakazumi
  • Patent number: 8985051
    Abstract: A coating apparatus produces a spray of charged droplets and controls the spray angle of travel of the spray toward the object to be coated. Electrically charging droplets minimizes the amount of coating material required to uniformly coat a surface as compared to conventional web coating techniques such as blade coating. An inductive ring guides the spray charged droplets as they exit the nozzle of a spray device. The electrostatic repulsion between the charged droplets insures that a uniform coating of liquid formulation can be applied to a web surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Crawford
  • Patent number: 8490898
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device comprises a capillary spray electrode having a spraying end, a reference electrode, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the spray electrode. In use, the electrodes are connected across a generator in order to establish an electric field between the electrodes and cause fluid in the reservoir to be sprayed from the spray electrode. The spray electrode has a focus that defines a point at which the electric field is focussed on the spraying end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Atrium Innovation, Limited
    Inventor: Bruce Alastair Pirrie
  • Publication number: 20130112784
    Abstract: A system for dispensing pulverulent coating material comprises a source of pulverulent coating material, a source of compressed gas, a device for movably supporting a nozzle, the nozzle coupled to the source of pulverulent material and providing an opening through which the pulverulent material is dispensed, a deflector supported by the device and spaced from the opening to aid in shaping a cloud of dispensed coating material, and a source of high-magnitude electrostatic potential coupled to impart electrostatic potential to the dispensed pulverulent material. The deflector includes at least one first passageway extending with a radial component of the deflector and communicating with the source of compressed gas to direct gas with a radial component into the cloud of dispensed coating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
  • Patent number: 8371517
    Abstract: A system for dispensing pulverulent coating material comprises a source of pulverulent coating material, a source of compressed gas, a device for movably supporting a nozzle, the nozzle coupled to the source of pulverulent material and providing an opening through which the pulverulent material is dispensed, a deflector supported by the device and spaced from the opening to aid in shaping a cloud of dispensed coating material, and a source of high-magnitude electrostatic potential coupled to impart electrostatic potential to the dispensed pulverulent material. The deflector includes at least one first passageway extending with a radial component of the deflector and communicating with the source of compressed gas to direct gas with a radial component into the cloud of dispensed coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kui-Chiu Kwok, John F. Schaupp
  • Patent number: 8342120
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a tube with an ingress opening to receive a liquid, and an egress opening to release the liquid, a conductor positioned in a conduit of the tube, the conductor and the conduit having dimensions to cause a surface tension of the liquid to prevent a constant flow of the liquid from the egress opening, and a power supply coupled to the conductor to apply a charge to the liquid to overcome the surface tension and form at the egress opening a single jet stream of the liquid applicable on a substrate to create a pattern. The single jet stream can be controllable in part by a viscosity of the liquid. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kyekyoon Kim, Hyungsoo Choi, Philip Edward Heil, III
  • Patent number: 8109452
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer, for use in a motor vehicle, includes a discharge electrode, a water supply unit for cooling the discharge electrode to generate water condensed on the discharge electrode, and a high voltage applying unit for applying a high voltage to the water on the discharge electrode to electrostatically atomize the water. The electrostatic atomizer is arranged in a ceiling of the motor vehicle. The electrostatic atomizer further includes an ejection portion provided in the ceiling of the motor vehicle for ejecting electrically-charged water particles generated by electrostatic atomization and an ejection direction changing unit provided in the ejection portion for changing an ejection direction of the electrically-charged water particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shousuke Akisada, Takeshi Yano, Akihide Sugawa
  • Patent number: 8033485
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes an atomizing electrode to which a high voltage is applied to atomize water held on the atomizing electrode so as to generate charged water particles; and a cooling unit for producing water, to be supplied to the atomizing electrode, through condensation. The cooling unit is made using a cooling part of a cooling cycle which circulates a coolant between a heat-radiating part and the cooling part. A coolant-circulating equipment incorporating the electrostatic atomizer therein includes a condensation space in which the atomizing electrode is disposed to produce condensate water; a cooling space in which the cooling section of the cooling cycle is disposed to produce cold air; and a partition wall for separating the condensation space from the cooling space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7963244
    Abstract: An electrostatic coating apparatus for coating an object includes a base module, a nozzle, an electric field generator and a power supply. The object is mounted on the base module. The nozzle receives gas and liquid and ejects the gas and the liquid. The electric field generator mounted on the base module generates an electric field. The power supply has a first pole electrically connected to a first pole of the electric field generator, and a second pole electrically connected to the object and a second pole of the electric field generator such that the electric field is generated in the electric field generator and the atomized liquid passing through the electric field generator is charged and absorbed onto the object to form a coating layer on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Sen-Yeu Yang, Tzu-Chien Huang, Hsin-Chun Lai, Guan-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 7823808
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device having a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid as well as an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would otherwise flow in the liquid composition and would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is devoid of the field electrode, and therefor can be designed into a simple and compact structure without being restricted by the field electrode, assuring to have an enhanced liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Koji Asakawa, David Edward Wilson, Shunichi Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 7823809
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a capability of confirming that the device is ready for making an electrostatic spraying of the liquid composition on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle and a pump for dispensing the liquid composition out through the nozzle. An emitter electrode is disposed to electrostatically charge the liquid composition being dispensed for making the electrostatic spraying. The device is provided with a power switch and a selector for selection between a spraying mode and a dripping mode. In the dripping mode, the pump is alone actuated to dispense the liquid composition absent electrostatic charge. In the spraying mode, both of the pump and the emitter electrode are activated to make the electrostatic spraying. Thus, the user can be easy to drip the liquid composition by simply manipulating the selector prior to initiating the electrostatic spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Koji Asakawa, David Edward Wilson, Kazumi Toyama, Meei-Lih Lin
  • Patent number: 7488387
    Abstract: In an apparatus including a shooting device, a planting device, a drive source for feeding pressurized air to the shooting device, a pile feeding container in communication with the shooting device, and a charge supply including positive and negative charge supply terminals, a method for three-dimensionally planting pile includes coating adhesive on one or more surfaces of a three-dimensional member; electrically connecting the positive charge supply terminal to the planting device for forming a positive electric field thereon; electrically connecting the negative charge supply terminal to the member to be planted for forming a negative electric field thereon with an electrostatic field from the planting device to the member being established; activating the shooting device to project pile through the planting device toward the one or more surfaces of the member as driven by the electrostatic field; and adhering the pile to the one or more surfaces of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Tien Sung Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090001199
    Abstract: A system for dispensing pulverulent coating material comprises a source of pulverulent coating material, a source of compressed gas, a device for movably supporting a nozzle, the nozzle coupled to the source of pulverulent material and providing an opening through which the pulverulent material is dispensed, a deflector supported by the device and spaced from the opening to aid in shaping a cloud of dispensed coating material, and a source of high-magnitude electrostatic potential coupled to impart electrostatic potential to the dispensed pulverulent material. The deflector includes at least one first passageway extending with a radial component of the deflector and communicating with the source of compressed gas to direct gas with a radial component into the cloud of dispensed coating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Kui-Chiu Kwok, John F. Schaupp
  • Publication number: 20080173737
    Abstract: A machine configured to distribute blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool into distribution hoses includes a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the blowing wool from a discharge mechanism outlet end into an airstream. An outlet plate assembly is mounted at the outlet end of the discharge mechanism. The outlet plate assembly is configured to receive distribution hoses of different size diameters. The outlet plate assembly is configured to provide a sealing transition for the airstream from the discharge mechanism outlet end to the distribution hoses. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism and the outlet plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Michael E. Evans, Michael W. Johnson, Christopher M. Relyea, Anthony Diaz
  • Patent number: 7150412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve the atomization of liquid and the efficiency of depositing liquid particles onto target objects, or to coat the target object with a thin film of liquid, to reduce the risk of high-voltage electrical shock, and to reduce the weight of an electrostatic spray system has been developed by inducing electrostatic charges onto the atomized liquid particles sprayed from a grounded metal nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Clean Earth Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Shaupoh Wang, Jeffry Golden, Christopher G. Kocher
  • Patent number: 6951309
    Abstract: A powder spraycoating apparatus includes at least one compressed-air outlet (8) connected to a source (14) of compressed air from which it receives compressed air (15) at such a rate and such pressure that the compressed air at the compressed-air outlet (8) shall detach the powder's rim layer from the powder duct (4) and shall concentrate the powder flow toward the radial flow center and make it swirl, at a site near the downstream end (6) of the powder duct (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventors: Karl Buschor, Felix Mauchle, Hanspeter Vieli, Silvano Gelain
  • Patent number: 6860439
    Abstract: A personal product comprising a liquid cosmetic composition and a hand-held electrostatic spraying device suitable for applying the composition to the human body, said hand-held electrostatic spraying device comprising a slit nozzle having a maximum width of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, means for containing the liquid cosmetic composition, means for supplying the liquid cosmetic composition to the nozzle, an electricity source, high voltage circuitry arranged so that, in use, liquid cosmetic composition sprayed in atomised form from the nozzle is electrically charged, and control means for selectively applying a high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Wamadeva Balachandran, Susan Michelle Kutay, Peng Miao, Richard Leslie Wright
  • Patent number: 6732960
    Abstract: A system for blowing loose-fill insulation includes a loose-fill blowing machine including a discharge hose. An ionizer is disposed in the flow path of the insulation through the discharge hose, wherein the ionizer reduces the static charge developed on the insulation prior to discharge thereof. A method of reducing static charge developed on loose-fill insulation during blowing is also provided and includes the step of ionizing the insulation in the flow path of the insulation while the insulation is being discharged to reduce the static charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Shaw, Joseph Michetti
  • Publication number: 20030006321
    Abstract: A power supply for an electrostatic powder spray gun is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder with a central passageway therethrough. A powder tube is slideably inserted through the central passageway of the power supply thus providing a more compact and symmetric spray gun profile. The power supply may be a voltage multiplier, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Brian D. Mather
  • Publication number: 20030001030
    Abstract: A flexible charged powder particle application device consisting of a resistor unit in contact with a power source on one side thereof and with wiring on a second side thereof, the resistor being found within an electrode block unit with a centerhole and connected to an electrode block extension unit with a centerhole all within housing and with the wiring being insulated within flexible tubing material being attached at one end to splines on an end of the extension unit such that the tubing is amenable to carriage within it of the wiring as well as accommodating within it, a flow of powder particles introduced under pressure into the centerholes such that charge from the power source via the wiring and the powder particles under pressure are amenable to concomitant expulsion from the tubing held at a second end by splines on an electrode hub holding an electrode base and electrode and adapter nozzle via a held base bushing and adapter screw lock into and about the housed electrode out through the hub for ult
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Peter C. Buscemi
  • Patent number: 6254684
    Abstract: A powder-spraying appliance for electrostatic powder coating of work pieces. In order to achieve particularly good charging of powder particles, the powder-spraying appliance contains a chamber, into which a powder/air mixture is introduced transversely to a spraying direction via a supply conduit. An earth electrode and a plurality of high-voltage electrodes are disposed in the chamber. All of the electrodes are flushed with cleaning air in order to avoid powder deposits on the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Günter Börner, Hans-Christoph Nienburg, Josef Wittmann, Helmut Böhme
  • Patent number: 6220533
    Abstract: A powder-spraying apparatus having simultaneous internal and external charging, which is suitable for electrostatic powder coating. In order to achieve improved constancy of the deposition efficiency, largely independent of the distance between the powder-spraying apparatus and the work piece, it is proposed to connect both internal high-voltage electrodes and external high-voltage electrodes to a high-voltage source via high-resistance components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunter Börner, Johann Christoph Nienburg, Jörg Sopka, Josef Wittmann
  • Patent number: 6146567
    Abstract: A system for producing three dimensional components by bonding together successive layers of a porous material with droplets of a binder material. A binder printhead has an array of nozzles which controllably supply jets of binder material droplets to the layers of porous material. The printhead is scanned in a raster scan fashion over each layer of porous material along a first scan axis in one direction to provide first fast scanning paths of droplets. The printhead is then moved laterally of such one direction and is then moved along the fast-scan axis in the opposite direction to provide second fast scanning paths of droplets which are interlaced with the first scanning paths. The supply of the droplets to the porous material can be controlled so as to control the overlapping thereof to produce various desired surface and interior characteristics of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Emanuel Sachs, Alain Curodeau, Tailin Fan, James F. Bredt, Michael Cima, David Brancazio
  • Patent number: 5916640
    Abstract: An atomizer has a chamber holding a liquid containing particles of a desired material. Aerosol particles are formed by using an aspirating nozzle or ultrasonic vibrator and the aerosol particles are carried in a gas flow. The aerosol particles are treated by increasing the charge on the aerosol particles by contact with a high voltage electrode and the aerosol particles are passed through inertial separator stages to remove large aerosol particles from the flow so they are not discharged from the atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Y. H. Liu, James J. Sun
  • Patent number: 5850976
    Abstract: A spray gun for applying powder to coat a work piece uses triboelectric and optionally a corona discharge electrode to charge powder particles electrostatically. The gun communicates with a source of pressurized air through a handle with an air valve controlling flow of the air. Powder in a container in fluid communication with the air flow is fluidized and entrained when the valve is opened. A nozzle with an internal surface defining a passageway to an open end communicates with the powder container. The internal surface of the nozzle frictionally imparts a net electrical charge of a first polarity to part of the powder by frictional contact during spraying. A plurality of discrete tubes are disposed in the central passageway and impart a net electrical charge of a second polarity to another part of the powder due to frictional contact as that part flows around and through the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Eastwood Company
    Inventor: Mark Alan Robidoux
  • Patent number: 5820941
    Abstract: Apparatus for powder spray coating comprises means (4) for electrostatically-charging powder entrained in air, a conduit (6) for transporting the electrostatically charged powder from the charging means (4) to an internal chamber (12) in a spray head (8), the spray head (8) having at least one passage (16) from the internal chamber (12) to at least one nozzle (17) from which the powder is discharged, and a deflector (18) mounted externally of the spray head (8) and adjacent to the or each nozzle (17) to deflect the discharged powder into a flat spray pattern, the spray head (8) and the flat spray pattern being substantially symmetrical about a common longitudinal axis. The apparatus is particularly suitable for coating a large surface area, or a plurality of small objects hung in a planar array. Preferably multiple triboelectric type charging means (4) are used and a single pump is used to supply powder to the multiple charging means through a common distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Harry-Graham Felton, Jan Ruud
  • Patent number: 5685482
    Abstract: Induction charging apparatus for HVLP spray guns and air-assisted airless spray guns includes an air cap having a central orifice for receiving a spray gun nozzle. The cap includes one or more charging electrodes adjacent the orifice and carrying a voltage sufficiently large to induce on the spray droplets charges of a polarity opposite to that on the electrodes. A rotatable electrical connector enables the cap to rotate 360.degree. while maintaining electrical connections between the electrodes and a power supply. The spray gun nozzle is an airless nozzle receiving liquid at a pressure of about 1,000 psi and having a spray tip from which liquid is sprayed along a flow path coaxial with the electrodes. Air at less than about 10 psi is directed along the flow path to assist in the atomization of the liquid from the airless nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: James E. Sickles
  • Patent number: 5622563
    Abstract: A resistor housing includes passageways to accommodate high potential electrical connectors. Connection is made from one of the connectors through a high voltage cable assembly to one output of a power supply. The cable assembly includes a length of high voltage, high-flex, shielded coaxial high voltage cable. The center conductor of the cable is finished at both ends with a banana plug. The shield of the cable is terminated. A sleeve of, for example, heat-shrinkable semi-rigid, multiple wall polyolefin, is slipped onto the stripped end of the cable over the exposed shield and the end of the cable jacket. A length of heat-shrinkable tetrafluroethylene (TFE) is slipped over the sleeve and the adjacent region of cable jacket, shrunk, and trimmed flush with the end of the polyolefin sleeve. Paint or solvent from a trigger/dump/solvent manifold is supplied through a feed tube. The feed tube is constructed from an electrically non-conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: Varce E. Howe, David R. Huff, Jerry L. McPherson, Jr., James A. Scharfenberger
  • Patent number: 5582347
    Abstract: A particle spray apparatus includes a spray gun having a deflector connected with a housing assembly. An electrode arrangement extends from the housing assembly into the deflector and is exposed to the flow of air with particles entrained therein to electrostatically charge the particles. The electrode arrangement is exposed to a flow of fluid to remove contaminants which may accumulate around components of the electrode arrangement. Accumulation of particles on an end surface of the deflector is discouraged by a flow of fluid from a chamber in the deflector through a porous member. The flow of fluid from the chamber is also conducted through a porous electrode sheet which extends along the porous member. Due to the relatively high voltage conducted through the electrode arrangement, an arc may tend to form in a passage along which fluid is conducted to the electrode arrangement. To prevent this from occurring, the passage through which fluid is conducted to the electrode arrangement is relatively long.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Alan J. Knobbe, Terrence M. Fulkerson, Curtis B. Haller, John B. Wolanin
  • Patent number: 5482214
    Abstract: An electrostatic powder-coating gun is provided which comprises a powder duct which is connected to a supply conduit for a powder-air-mixture and arranged along the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel and having an open mouth towards the work to be coated, a high-voltage generator, an electrode supporting tube extending through the powder duct in axial direction thereof, and a high-voltage electrode located on the supporting tube and protruding beyond the mouth of the powder duct towards the work. The high-voltage generator and the powder duct are disposed in series along the longitudinal axis of the powder tube in such a way that the powder duct is adjacent the muzzle of the gun barrel. The powder duct is comprised of a toroidal duct and an annular channel extending therefrom and opening to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Wagner International AG
    Inventor: Radovan Talacko
  • Patent number: 5409162
    Abstract: Induction charging apparatus for HVLP spray guns includes an air cap having a central fluid exit orifice for receiving the spray gun nozzle. The cap includes one or more charging electrodes surrounding the orifice and carrying a voltage sufficiently large to induce on the spray droplets charges of a polarity opposite to that on the electrodes. The cap includes a rotatable electrical connector to enable the cap to rotate 360.degree., while maintaining electrical connections between the electrodes and a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: James E. Sickles
  • Patent number: 5086972
    Abstract: An enhanced electrostatic paint deposition apparatus (10) comprising a nozzle (16), a conduit (14) coupled to the nozzle for supplying paint (12) thereto, and a plurality of electrically conductive whiskers (18) positioned within the nozzle for applying an electrostatic charge to droplets of the paint. Each of the whiskers terminates in a jagged end (30) for enabling the droplets to acquire an enhanced electric charge. The whiskers may be provided with lengths which are tailored to provide an array of whiskers with a desired three-dimensional curvature for controlling the focussing field on the paint droplets. Each whisker is secured to a holder (22) which is, in turn, secured to a porous grid (20) whose mesh size is selected to divide that paint into narrow streams of desired size, which exit nozzle 16 in droplet form. The holder is configured by decreasing its center portion (28) in dimension to tume the holder's current limiting capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: David B. Chang, James E. Drummond
  • Patent number: 5056720
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun is provided that alternatively houses an end section of a high voltage cable remotely supplied by a high voltage source or an internal voltage multiplier so the electrode of the gun may be alternatively powered by the high voltage output of the end section of the high voltage cable or the internal voltage multiplier. The gun has an internal chamber into which the internal voltage multiplier or end section of the high voltage cable may be alternatively placed. A resistor/electrode assembly is mounted onto the high voltage output of the internal voltage multiplier or end section of the high voltage cable. A retainer secures the internal voltage multiplier or end section of the high voltage cable within the internal chamber and also maintains the electrical contact between the resistor/electrode assembly and the high voltage output housed within the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald W. Crum, John C. A. Traylor
  • Patent number: 4921172
    Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer device for spraying products in powder form comprises an air-powder mixture pipe with an ejector orifice at one end. It has a charging electrode adjacent this orifice and a counter-electrode coaxial with and to the rear of the charging electrode relative to the direction in which the mixture is ejected from the pipe. This counter-electrode is external to the pipe and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, with the result that an annular space is defined between the two electrodes and around the pipe. The electrodes have a potential difference applied between them to generate an electric field which attracts free ions towards the counter-electrode. A blower adjacent the counter-electrode discharges into the annular space formed between the two electrodes and around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Sames S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Belmain, Pierre Chabert, Roger Tholome, Pierre Fabre, Jean-Yves Correard, Michel Gondrand
  • Patent number: 4854506
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying apparatus in which an electrode is mounted adjacent to the sprayhead, means are provided for causing a first electrical potential to be applied to liquid emerging from the sprayhead, and further means are provided for applying a second electrical potential to the electrode. The difference between the first and second potentials is sufficient to cause an intense field to be developed between the emerging liquid and the electrode, sufficient to atomise the liquid. The electrode has a core of conducting or semiconducting material sheathed in a "semi-insulating" material. This "semi-insulating" material has a dielectric strength and volume resistivity sufficiently high to prevent sparking between the electrode and the sprayhead and a volume resistivity sufficiently low to allow charge collected on the surface of the material to be conducted through the "semi-insulating" material to the conducting or semiconducting core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries plc
    Inventors: Timothy J. Noakes, Nevil E. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 4828185
    Abstract: An electrostatic powder spray gun comprises a powder channel for a powder-air mixture to be sprayed, the powder channel extending through a pistol tube and discharging axially forward at the forward end of the gun through an annular opening which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pistol tube. An auxiliary air line extends through the pistol tube and discharges at the forward end and is constructed in such a manner that the auxiliary air line discharges axially forward as an annular opening coaxial with the annular powder opening, in particular radially and slightly in front of the annular powder opening. An air deflecting member is arranged in front of the auxiliary air annular opening and is seated at the free end of a rod which extends centrally through the pistol tube and is axially displaceable therein. The rod is mechanically coupled to the trigger of the spray gun so that the air deflecting member can be adjusted from the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Wagner International AG
    Inventor: Arkadijus Rese
  • Patent number: 4819879
    Abstract: An electrostatic particle spray gun having, in one preferred embodiment, a conical deflector of insulative material mounted in the nozzle in the particle path for forming a conical particle spray pattern. A resistive sheet connected to a high voltage electrostatic supply is sandwiched between the forward and rearward ends of the deflector, leaving only the perimeter of the sheet exposed at the peripheral region of the conical deflector. The perimeter of the resistive sheet functions as a multi-point circular electrode for charging the particles such that improved coating transfer efficiencies are achieved. Also, because of the resistive nature of the resistive sheet, the sheet constitutes a resistor in the electrical current path between the center of the sheet where it connects to a high voltage terminal and the circular periphery of the sheet which serves as the multiple point charging electrode, thereby minimizing unsafe electrical discharges should the electrode inadvertently approach a grounded object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John Sharpless, Alan J. Knobbe, Kenneth A. White, Gerald W. Crum
  • Patent number: 4798340
    Abstract: A stream of carrier gas with powder particles is introduced at the feeding nd (2) of a powder pipe (1) in the direction of arrow (3) for coating workpieces. The material of the coating powder, of the powder pipe (1) and of displacement bodies (21, 22) built in the latter have different dielectric constants. At a certain distance from the outlet end (5) is mounted a charging device (12) provided with boosting electrodes (15) projecting inwardly and connected through a protective resistance (15) to a high-voltage supply (17). A rear counter-electrode (7, 26, 27) comprises an earthed conductive body (7). The displacement bodies (21, 22) accelerate the flow of powder particles. The latter come repeatedly in contact with the inner surface (11) of the powder pipe (1) and the displacement bodies (21, 22) communicating negatively charged particles (10) to them, after charge separation, whereas the positively charged particles (4) remain attached to the powder particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: ESB Elektrostatische Spruh- und Beschichtungsanlagen G.F. Vohringer GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard F. Vohringer, Kurt Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 4788933
    Abstract: A spraying device for spraying powdered material on an article includes an axially extending powder channel formed in the body of the spraying device which has an upstream region and a downstream end. The material flows out through a spraying opening located at the downstream end. A support extends from the spraying opening, upstream into the powder channel. The support defines a gas channel therein. A plurality of gas outlet orifices, located near the spraying opening, connect the gas channel to the powder channel. The orifices are inclined obliquely in the downstream direction. Electrical electrodes, connected to a high voltage, extend into the orifices and reach to or just beyond the orifices, into the powder channel. The axial distance from the tip of the electrodes to the spraying opening should be about equal to the diameter of the powder channel or according to an alternate embodiment about one half the diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Ransburg-Gema AG
    Inventor: Karl Buschor
  • Patent number: 4784331
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device and cable assembly for charging coating material applied to an article in industrial finishing operations includes a gun body having a powder flow passageway and a dielectric sleeve contained within the passageway such that the discharge opening of the spray device surrounds the sleeve. The cable assembly comprises a dielectric tube having a hollow interior and a high voltage electrostatic cable mounted within the tube and connected at one end to a supply of electrostatic voltage. A particle deflector having an electrode in the form of a resistive sheet is mounted by the tube in charging relationship to a coating particle discharge opening in the spray gun, and the opposed end of the cable is electrically connected to the electrode. An adjustment device acts on the tube and cable to move them as a unit within the passageway in the spray gun to adjust the axial position of the deflector and electrode relative to the particle discharge opening in the spray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John Sharpless, John C. A. Traylor, Ronald J. Hartle, Thomas E. Hollstein
  • Patent number: 4765544
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun wherein the barrel is formed by two tubes which define an annular gap for gaseous or pulverulent material. An electrode is installed in the inner tube between the front and rear ends of such tube and has two or more prongs extending outwardly into the gap. The central portion of the electrode has one or more discharging portions in a path for the flow of pulverulent or gaseous material toward a deflector which is releasably mounted at the front end of the inner tube. The electrode is connected with a high-voltage conductor which is mounted in a tubular shield within the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Kopperschmidt-Mueller GmbH & Co. Kg
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kuhn, Karl Rapp
  • Patent number: 4726521
    Abstract: The spray mist is produced by ejecting the liquid from one or more nozzles (1) in the form of jets (2) disintegrating into drops and the liquid formed from the drops is then conveyed to a spray system (4) which is electrically insulated from the nozzles (1) and a powerful electric field is applied between the nozzles (1) and the spray system (4). A spherical impact electrode or a two-material spray nozzle insulated against earth under a high voltage may be used as spray system. The main advantage is that the smooth jet nozzle (1) and hence also the container for the liquid to be sprayed are at earth potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Simm, Friedrich-Wilhelm Kremer
  • Patent number: 4634058
    Abstract: A powder spray gun for spraying solid particulate powder material wherein there is a venturi sleeve mounted internally of the gun barrel, within the rear of an extension tube, for increasing the velocity of powder conveyed therethrough and for generating turbulence in the powder so as to better dispense the powder throughout the powder pattern emitted from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Hollstein, David E. O'Ryan, Joseph C. Waryu
  • Patent number: 4630777
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun for spraying solid particulate powder materials while entrained in a gas medium, including an electrically non-conductive housing having an electrode extending forwardly therefrom and a straight electrically non-conductive powder transport tube adjustably and replaceably mounted within the housing so as to enable the discharge end of the tube to be positionably adjusted relative to the electrode or to be replaced with a tube of differing internal diameter so as to vary the transport velocity at which the powder is emitted from the discharge end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Hollstein, James J. Turner, Douglas C. Mulder, David E. O'Ryan
  • Patent number: 4566636
    Abstract: Electrically charging liquid droplets by causing a liquid sheet to expand in area and to break up into droplets in a region adjacent to an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Micropure, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Sachar, Stanley R. Rich
  • Patent number: 4548363
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun muzzle comprises an insulating tube having a rear end adapted to be mounted in an electrostatic spray gun and a front end providing an exit for charged coating material. A conductive rod is mounted axially within the tube and has a conductive pin extending radially from one end thereof. The pin is electrically connected to a power terminal when the rear end of the insulated tube is mounted in a spray gun. A plurality of conductive centering bars extend radially from the rod, adjacent the front end of the insulating tube, to maintain the rod in centered, axial alignment with the insulating tube. An insulating deflector is mounted to the conductive rod, forward of the front end of the insulating tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: PCF Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 4545525
    Abstract: Electrically charging liquid droplets by causing a liquid sheet to expand in area and to break up into droplets in a region adjacent to an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Micropure, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Sachar, Stanley R. Rich
  • Patent number: 4440349
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spray gun having a gas nozzle and a fluid nozzle, each of said nozzles being in cooperative spatial relationship with the other to cause a fluid stream issuing from the fluid nozzle to be atomized and sprayed as fluid particles by gas issuing from the gas nozzle. In a preferred embodiment the fluid nozzle orifice has therein an axially disposed rod to increase surface area from which said fluid particles can be formed, said rod being electrically grounded at least during fluid issue from the nozzle. The spray gun additionally has an induction charging electrode disposed adjacent the gas and fluid nozzles, said electrode defining a charging zone wherein an electrostatic charge is imparted to atomized electrically-chargeable fluid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Sickles, Themistocles C. Anestos
  • Patent number: 4398928
    Abstract: A system for separating solid particles from the combustion products of coal in which high temperature, high pressure flue gas containing the particles is directed tangentially into a cyclone separator so that the relatively large particles are driven by centrifugal forces to the inner wall of the separator. Electrical charges generated at ambient temperature are blown into the cyclone separator via aerosol charge-carriers which charge the relatively small particles in a manner so that the small charged particles are attracted to the wall, which is of an opposite polarity, and are scrubbed off the wall by the larger particles. A double-cone flow regulator is positioned in the path of the aerosol charge carriers and the particles to direct the carriers and particles toward the inner wall. An outlet is provided at the lower portion of the cyclone separator for discharging the separated particles and an additional outlet is provided for discharging the clean gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Laszlo Kunsagi