Abstract: A device for transmitting a beam of material in particulate form for example for use as an atomized particle paint sprayer comprises an outer bell-shaped member which is rotatable about a principal axis and arranged to project a conical curtain of small particles flowing generally towards a target, a supply system for supplying material from a reservoir source to an internal shaping region of the outer bell-shaped member to create the conical curtain of small particles there being an inner rotary bells-shaped member which is provided coaxially with the outer bells-shaped member so that at least a major part of the material emerging from the supply system is subject to differing rotary forces imparted by both the inner and outer rotary bell-shaped members.

Abstract: A bell cup includes an interior defined by an axially rearward metal back region, an axially forward metal discharge edge, and a metal side region extending from the back region toward the discharge edge and terminating at the discharge edge. The back region includes a port having a forward end through which coating material to be atomized is supplied to the interior, and a metal intermediate portion between the forward end and the side region. The intermediate portion is oriented axially further away from the discharge edge than the forward end is axially from the discharge edge.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a material. The dispensing device includes a somewhat cup-shaped interior opening in a first direction in which the material is to be dispensed from the dispensing device. The interior terminates at a discharge edge. The dispensing device further includes a skirt extending from the discharge edge in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. The skirt includes multiple passageways substantially equally spaced around a perimeter of the skirt.

Abstract: A system for spraying a powder coating product includes a rotary sprayhead which is preferably of the type which is electrostatically charged. The sprayhead has a rotary part which can be driven in rotation. A narrow flow space in the sprayhead in the form of a flat ring incorporates a flow chicane forming an impact surface on the path of the coating product.

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 high-speed rotary atomiser for applying powder coating includes a housing together with a rotatable bell disc arranged at the front of housing A guidance air arrangement in the form of a rotationally symmetrical air guidance body coaxial to bell disc is provided for shaping the powder cloud generated by the high-speed rotary atomizer, which air guidance body is mounted on the front of housing. Air guidance body has a jacket surface to which guidance air be so supplied that it flows forwards along jacket surface as a substantially rotationally symmetrical air curtain along jacket surface. The air curtain flowing over the jacket surface of air guidance body impinges on the powder cloud generated by bell disc and shapes it according to the quantity and velocity of the air curtain and according to the geometry of air guidance body.

Abstract: In a rotary atomization coating apparatus having a center cone portion at a back side of an atomizer head inner part, the tip angle &thgr; of the center cone portion is in the range of 30°<&thgr;<90° with respect to a front side of the atomizer head inner part.

Abstract: A turbine, e.g., with a blade arrangement, which receives an air flow in the radial direction and which is located on a carrier surface of the turbine wheel, is used as a drive motor for a rotary atomizer. The drive channel, which contains the turbine blades and which is limited by the carrier surface, is also closed on its other side by a cover element, which is attached to the turbine wheel and which rotates with the wheel for increasing efficiency. For an additional increase in efficiency, the inlet for the drive air of the turbine is configured as an ultrasonic nozzle with a cross section that expands continuously up to the opening.

Abstract: The bowl according to the invention is provided with magnetic elements disposed around a male part which is adapted to be engaged in a central channel of a drive member, the magnetic elements forming outer radial flanges with respect to this male part.

Abstract: The invention device measures the instantaneous rotation speed of a turbine (6) which is housed inside the body (3) of the paint sprayer (2) and which rotationally drives the rotating bowl (5) when the paint sprayer is mounted on the end of an arm (8) of a robot or an analogous multi-axis machine. A disk (10) which is disposed to the rear of the turbine (6) and which rotates therewith, cooperates with the front end (11a) of an optical-fiber-type light guide (11) which is interrupted (11b) at the rear (7) of the body (3) of the paint sprayer (2). Transmitting and receiving optoelectronic means are mounted on the end of the arm on the mounting pane (9) of the paint sprayer, opposite the rear end (11b) of the light guide (11). Said means covert a reflected optical signal which is carried by the optical guide (11) into an electronic signal which is carried by an electric cable (22) placed in the arm (8). The inventive device is suitable for use with machines on automatic painting lines for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: For grounding or electrically charging the shaft of an electrostatic rotary atomizer working with external or direct charging, there are opposing, annular or spiral-shaped sharp edges in the outer surface of a part of the shaft and in the inner surface of a stationary bearing part at the desired potential, which have different, preferably opposite, thread directions, so that the edges intersect each other at points.

Abstract: A high-speed rotary atomizer for applying powder coating includes a housing to the front end of which a bell disc is rotatably mounted. Bell disc is driven by a motor arranged inside housing. At least one powder supply channel passes through housing, and emerges at the front of housing. This channel contains an acceleration jet in which the coating powder particles are accelerated to a higher velocity which is maintained over at least a certain distance. The increased velocity, preferably supported by acceleration air forming a surface layer, prevents coating powder particles from being deposited on the walls of powder supply channel. In this way an insulating section is formed by which a backflash of the high voltage used to ionise the coating powder particles, from the internal electrode of the high-speed rotary atomizer towards the powder supply, is prevented.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a material. The dispensing device includes a somewhat cup-shaped interior opening in a first direction in which the material is to be dispensed from the dispensing device. The interior terminates at a discharge edge. The dispensing device further includes a skirt extending from the discharge edge in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. The skirt includes multiple passageways substantially equally spaced around a perimeter of the skirt.

Abstract: An ionizing device generates ionizing lines to shape solvent borne coating material being dispersed from an electrostatic rotary atomizer. A band having a clamping element affixes the device to the electrostatic rotary atomizer. A halo is affixed to the band by at least one support arm. The halo includes a plurality of generally conical members spaced therearound, each generating ionic lines to shape the atomized coating material being dispersed from the rotary atomizer. A shroud is positioned around each of the generally conical members to shape the ionizing lines being generated to form an ionic field to improve the transfer efficiency of the electrostatic rotary atomizer.

Abstract: A rotating powder bell cup electrostatic spray assembly is provided. This assembly includes a bell cup body removably mated coaxially by screw threads to a first deflector, the assembly rotatably affixed to an air/powder supply. Preferably, the bell cup and first deflector are constructed from an insulative, non-stick material. The assembly includes unique, streamlined, preferably teardrop shaped, paddle deflectors. All corners around which powder passes are rounded, thereby achieving streamlined flow and little or no powder accumulation, as well as improved efficiency, ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of cleaning for such devices. A preferred non-stick material of construction of the bell cup and first deflector is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A high-speed rotary atomizer for applying powder coating comprises in a known manner a housing (1), in which a motor (13) is accommodated. The motor (13) rotates a bell-shaped plate (16) which is disposed at the front of the housing (1). At least one powder supply duct (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) leads through the housing and opens at the front of the housing (1). Its cross section can therefore be kept very large, thereby increasing the powder output of the high-speed rotary atomizer. This also enables a plurality of powder supply ducts (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) to be laid, which in turn results in a higher powder throughput and improved homogeneity of the powder cloud which is produced.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer including a bell element having a paint tube, a deflector having a conical distribution surface opposite the paint tube outlet, including a tip portion within the paint tube, directing paint to a paint overflow surface through an annular conical channel adjacent the outer edge of a nonconductive end face, an annular electrostatically charged surface surrounding the outer edge of the end face generating an annular electrostatic field and an axial electrode having a sharp distal end in the plane of the annular electrostatically charged surface generating a second axial electrostatic field.

Abstract: A rotating powder bell cup electrostatic spray assembly is provided. This assembly includes a bell cup body removably mated coaxially by screw threads to a first deflector, the assembly rotatably affixed to an air powder supply. Preferably, the bell cup and first deflector are constructed from an insulative, non-stick material. The assembly includes unique, streamlined, preferably teardrop shaped, paddle deflectors. All corners around which powder passes are rounded, thereby achieving streamlined flow and little or no powder accumulation, as well as improved efficiency, ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of cleaning for such devices. A preferred non-stick material of construction of the bell cup and first deflector is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A main body (12) of a rotary atomizing head is provided with a hub fitting groove (13) on and around an inner peripheral surface (12F), while a hub member (14) is provided with a lid portion (15) of a circular disc-like shape, a plural number of leg portions (17) to be brought into fitting engagement with he hub fitting groove (13) through resilient deformation, and notched grooves (18) provided between the respective leg portions (17). Upon pushing in the hub member (14) against the main body (12), the leg portions (17) are fitted into the hub fitting groove (13) and the hub member (14) is mounted in position on the main body (12). In this assembled state, channel-like paint passages (19) are formed between the hub fitting groove (13) and the notched grooves (18), and an annular paint passage (20) is formed between the inner peripheral surface (12F) and the lid portion (15).

Abstract: A bell cup includes an interior defined by an axially rearward metal back region, an axially forward metal discharge edge, and a metal side region extending from the back region toward the discharge edge and terminating at the discharge edge. The back region includes a port having a forward end through which coating material to be atomized is supplied to the interior, and a metal intermediate portion between the forward end and the side region. The intermediate portion is oriented axially further away from the discharge edge than the forward end is axially from the discharge edge.

Abstract: A base compound supply passage and a hardener supply passage supply a base compound and a hardener, respectively, fed under pressure from first and second color changing valve mechanisms to a coating gun. The base compound supply passage and the hardener supply passage have respective first and second gear pumps, and first and second pressure control valves for controlling the base compound and the hardener to be supplied under given pressures to the first and second gear pumps. Two liquids, i.e., the base compound and the hardener, can be supplied reliably at desired rates to the coating gun, and mixed and discharged at a desired mixing ratio.

Abstract: An ionizing device generates ionizing lines to shape solvent borne coating material being dispersed from an electrostatic rotary atomizer. A band having a clamping element affixes the device to the electrostatic rotary atomizer. A halo is affixed to the band by at least one support arm. The halo includes a plurality of generally conical members spaced therearound, each generating ionic lines to shape the atomized coating material being dispersed from the rotary atomizer. A shroud is positioned around each of the generally conical members to shape the ionizing lines being generated to form an ionic field to improve the transfer efficiency of the electrostatic rotary atomizer.

Abstract: A high-speed rotary atomizer for applying powder coating comprises in a known manner a housing (1), in which a motor (13) is accommodated. The motor (13) rotates a bell-shaped plate (16) which is disposed at the front of the housing (1). At least one powder supply duct (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) leads through the housing and opens at the front of the housing (1). Its cross section can therefore be kept very large, thereby increasing the powder output of the high-speed rotary atomizer. This also enables a plurality of powder supply ducts (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) to be laid, which in turn results in a higher powder throughput and improved homogeneity of the powder cloud which is produced.

Abstract: A rotary spray atomizer for applying electrically conductive paint, in particular water-based paint, to surfaces, includes a housing. A spray head is fitted on front of the housing for receiving a supply of paint and discharging the supply of paint in a spray mist as a result of rotation. A motor is disposed in the housing for rotary actuation of the spray head. At least two electrode holders are disposed along a concentric circle and extend towards the front parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing. Electrodes are each accommodated in and protrude from an end of a respective one of the electrode holders. High-voltage sources constructed as a cascade are each plugged into a respective one of the electrode holders for receiving a low-voltage current, feeding one of the electrodes and causing the electrode to generate an electric field applying the spray mist discharged by the spray head to an application surface.

Abstract: A coating dispensing apparatus includes an atomizer and a housing for the atomizer. The housing includes a forward end defining an opening through which coating material dispensed by the atomizer is discharged. The forward end includes an inner portion and an outer portion. One of the inner portion and the outer portion includes a first surface. The other of the inner and outer portions includes a second surface. At least one of the first and second surfaces includes grooves which extend to the forward end and terminate around the opening. Compressed gas supplied to the grooves remote from the opening flows toward the forward end and exits from the grooves around the opening.

Abstract: A wear resistance coated bell atomizer (32) and method for making same. The coating applied to the outer surface of a bell cup (36) of the bell atomizer (32) is preferably a silicon-doped amorphous carbon coating. This silicon-doped amorphous carbon coating significantly increases the usable life of a bell cup (36) in a bell atomizer paint system (10) by limiting the effects of abrasive materials on the wearable surfaces of the bell cup (36), including the top serrated edges (46), which may negatively affect the performance of uncoated bell atomizer spray equipment.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer including a bell element having a paint tube, a deflector having a conical distribution surface opposite the paint tube outlet, including a tip portion within the paint tube, directing paint to a paint overflow surface through an annular conical channel adjacent the outer edge of a nonconductive end face, an annular electrostatically charged surface surrounding the outer edge of the end face generating an annular electrostatic field and an axial electrode having a sharp distal end in the plane of the annular electrostatically charged surface generating a second axial electrostatic field.

Abstract: A spindle for electrostatic painting machine is provided which has a main spindle and a rotor coupled to the rear end of the main spindle. The main spindle and the rotor are rotatably supported through bearing gaps of the externally pressurized gas bearing portions, and a paint spray head is mounted to one end of the main spindle. A current-carrying member having conductivity with the housing is brought into contact with the main spindle and floated off it with a small gap due to dynamic pressure produced by the rotation of the main spindle. With this arrangement, it is ensured that discharge occurs at gaps of externally pressurized gas bearing portions, sputtering is suppressed, and the life of the spindle is prolonged.

Abstract: A rotary bell cup for atomizing particulate material such as paint includes a generally conical overflow surface having a generally constant flow angle defining a radially inward central axial opening and a radially outward atomizing edge with a bevel. A central flat portion is disposed between the conical overflow surface and the radially inward central axial opening. A deflector having a deflection surface of generally rotational symmetry is disposed in front of the central opening having a rear flat surface generally parallel to the central portion and a rear conical surface generally parallel to the conical overflow surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns an atomizing bowl (4) for coating product electrostatic rotary sprayhead unit (1), said bowl comprising a bell (7) for distributing the product made from a conductive material and arranged to be brought to high voltage when the sprayhead unit is in operation, so as to charge electrostatically said product by contact. The invention is characterized in that said bell is electrically connected to at least one corona discharge element (22, 25, 28) from one tapered end (22a, 25a, 25b, 28a), said tapered end being arranged in the proximity of said bowl outer surface. The bowl is electrically connected to a generator capable of detecting variations in the glow currents passing through the discharge elements (22, 25, 28) or the bowl tips.

Abstract: A dispensing device for powder coating material includes an outer device portion having a first inner surface and a central passageway for mounting the outer portion on a rotary shaft for rotating the dispensing device. An inner portion of the dispensing device has a second outer surface shaped complementarily to the first surface and a somewhat bell- or cup-shaped third inner surface. Threaded fasteners retain the inner portion in the outer portion with the first and second surfaces in engagement. The outer portion is constructed from a first material having mechanical strength to withstand the stresses attending rotation of the dispensing device. The inner portion is constructed from a second material relatively more inert to the movement of the powder coating material across the third surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating system having a rotary atomizing device formed of a non-conductive body member having an opening in an outer end thereof, a semiconductive member is disposed on a side portion of the body member, a first lip devoid of the semiconductive member is disposed about the opening of the body member proximate the outer end thereof, and a second lip is disposed radially outwardly of the first lip, between the first lip and the inner end of the body member.

Abstract: A paint spray system for directing paint to a part has a paint atomizer head having a bell housing and a bell-atomizer. An electrically conductive tape is applied to a surface of the paint atomizer. The tape may be applied to the bell housing or the front surface or side surfaces of the support housing. Tape is electrically connected to a power source to generate an electrical field and thereby an electrical force on charged paint particles produced at bell-atomizer. The electrical field repels the paint particles from the paint atomizer head to reduce the maintenance of the paint spray system.

Abstract: A coating system which is provided with a plural number of feeder units for different paint colors in such a way as to permit color changes within a shortened period of time. Unit waiting devices for different paint colors are located in the vicinity of a coating robot. The unit waiting devices each include a feeder unit loader adapted to load and unload one of feeder units into and out of a rotary atomizing head type coating machine, which is mounted on a fore end portion of the arm of the coating robot, and a hose gripper adapted to hand over or receive one of supply hoses to and from a hose gripper which is provided on the side of the arm. As a consequence, the paint color can be changed by replacing a paint feeder unit on the coating machine by a specified one of feeder units of different colors which are supported on the unit waiting devices.

Abstract: An atomizer for mounting on an output shaft of a motor to be rotated by the motor includes a front surface, a back surface, a coating material cup into which coating material to be atomized by the atomizer is dispensed, and at least one passageway from the cup to the front surface to permit the flow of coating material from the cup to the front surface as the atomizer is rotated. The front surface terminates at a discharge edge from which the coating material is discharged as the atomizer is rotated. The atomizer/shaft comprises an electrically conductive first electrode, an electrically non-conductive portion, and a semiconductive coating provided on the back surface. The semiconductive coating terminates adjacent the edge.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head type coating machine which is arranged to prevent occurrence of spark discharges, including a rotational shaft (9) which is formed of an insulating material, a rotary atomizing head (11) which is likewise formed of an insulating material and mounted on a fore end portion of the rotational shaft (9). An on-head semi-conductive coat film (14) is formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary atomizing head (11). On the other hand, a first arcuate coat film (16) is formed on a first limiter ring (15) which is provided on a motor body (6), and a second arcuate coat film (18) is formed on a second limiter ring (17) which is provided on the rotary atomizing head (11). Further, a power supply semi-conductive coat film (19) is formed on and around outer peripheral surfaces of the rotational shaft (9) between the arcuate coat films (16) and (18).

Abstract: A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.

Abstract: By provision of paint cartridges of different colors which are detachably mounted on a coating system, the paint can be changed from one color to another in a multi-color coating operation without necessitating to discharge residues of a previous color. The paint cartridge of each color is replaceably mounted on a housing. Each cartridge is provided with a paint valve (46) which functions to communicate and shut off a paint supply passage in a feed tube. In addition, a thinner valve which serves to communicate and shut off a thinner passage on the housing is provided either on the side of the housing or on the side of the cartridge. These arrangements make it possible to cope with multiple color changes on one coating system. Since both of the paint valve and thinner valve are opened and closed by spray-on and spray-off command signals, respectively, the paint spray can be turned on and off immediately in response to these command signals.

Abstract: A powder spray gun includes a rotary distributor which is capable of operating at slower speeds than liquid spray gun to reduce the problem of powder fusing, increases bearing life, reduce wear on moving parts while generating larger fan patterns and optimized charge transfer capabilities. The powder spray gun has a powder flow path which extends through a gun body to a powder outlet. The rotatable powder distributor is located at the powder outlet. A drive mechanism in the form of a motor is located within the housing and connected to the distributor the rotate the distributor. A spindle, which is mounted for rotation within the body, has a passageway therethrough which forms a part of the powder flow path. The distributor communicates with the passageway and is attached for rotation with the spindle. The powder thus enters the passageway in the rotating spindle before it passes into the rotating distributor.

Abstract: An atomizer for mounting on an output shaft of a motor to be rotated by the motor includes a front surface, a back surface, a coating material cup into which coating material to be atomized by the atomizer is dispensed, and at least one passageway from the cup to the front surface to permit the flow of coating material from the cup to the front surface as the atomizer is rotated. The front surface terminates at a discharge edge from which the coating material is discharged as the atomizer is rotated. The atomizer/shaft comprises an electrically conductive first electrode, an electrically non-conductive portion, and a semiconductive coating provided on the back surface. The semiconductive coating terminates adjacent the edge.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head type coating machine which is capable of washing deposited paint from fore end portions of outer peripheral surface of a bell cup. Thinner passages are provided on the bell cup to communicate a paint reservoir with the outer peripheral surface of the bell cup. Thinner which flows out onto the outer peripheral surface of the bell cup through the thinner passages is guided toward the marginal releasing edge of the bell cup. To this end, assist air is spurted out through assist air outlet holes which are provided in the fore end face of a shaping air ring at positions radially on the inner side of shaping air outlet holes. Accordingly, at the time of a washing operation, the thinner which has come out onto the outer peripheral surface of the bell cup is forcibly pushed on the outer peripheral surface by the actions of assist air and shaping air as the thinner is guided toward the fore end of the bell cup to wash away deposited paint therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for powder spray coating comprises means for electrostatically-charging powder entrained in air, a conduit for transporting the electrostatically charged powder from the charging means to a spray head adapted to discharge the powder in a hollow conical spray pattern, wherein the spray head comprises means for diverting at least a portion of the flow of charged powder towards a spray device mounted to the spray head and adapted to discharge powder in a substantially uniform conical spray pattern, the spray head, spray device and the hollow conical and conical spray patterns being substantially symmetrical about a common longitudinal axis. The apparatus is particularly suitable for coating a large surface area. Preferably multiple tribo-electric charging means are used and a pump is used to supply powder to the multiple charging means through a common distributor. After passing through the multiple charging means the powder flows are then recombined and sprayed through a common spray apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing undesirable powder accumulation on an electrostatic powder coating device is provided. The apparatus includes a pneumatic source for generating a pneumatic supply. The pneumatic supply is received and distributed by a pneumatic distribution device which provides the pneumatic supply to a pneumatic diffuser. The pneumatic diffuser directs a pneumatic stream at the electrostatic coating device such that undesirable powder accumulation on the electrostatic powder coating device is reduced.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus includes a plurality of shaping air nozzles disposed on a first circle having its circle center on an axis of rotation of an atomizing head, a plurality of pattern control air nozzles disposed on a second circle having a larger diameter than the first circle. The pattern control air nozzles are located at 3-100 mm on a rear side of the shaping air nozzles and inside a circle having a diameter three times a diameter of the atomizing head. An air passable opening may be formed radially between the shaping air nozzles and the pattern control air nozzles.

Abstract: A sprayer, such as an electrostatic rotary bell-shaped sprayer is made from a material comprising carbon fiber, teflon and polypropylene. An exemplary material comprises about 30% carbon fiber, about 5% teflon, and about 65% polypropylene. When used for electrostatic spraying, the sprayer provides a mist containing an electrical charge equal to at least 20% of the charge applied to the sprayer. For example, when 100,000 volts are applied to the sprayer, the downstream mist contains a charge of at least 20,000 volts. The sprayer can also include a plurality of pits arranged near its outer edge in an offset matrix pattern producing therebetween two sets of intersecting surface lines. The sprayer can further include a deflection part with a pointed rear center section positioned opposite an opening in a base part. A plurality of axial passages positioned around the pointed section and extending toward a front surface of the deflection part allow for the passage of cleaning fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray coating apparatus having a spray nozzle which has a spray orifice for atomizing coating material. The nozzle orifice may be round or, preferably, is in the form of a slot to impart a flat shape to the atomized material. The spray nozzle is mounted to be rotated on a body of the spray gun so that the atomized material particles are driven radially outwards in addition to the forward direction and are thereby distributed uniformly in the cloud of sprayed material. A brake may be provided to slow down the rotation when greater penetration into cavities in the article being painted is desired. In invention may be used in either power spray coating apparatus or liquid spray coating apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus includes an atomizing head having bores for self-cleaning the atomizing head, a center nozzle, and surrounding nozzle or nozzles. In the apparatus, an intersection of paint expelled from the paint nozzle or nozzles with the rear surface of the hub is offset from the rear openings of the bores.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head assembly employing a main body and a hub member which can be easily disassembled and reassembled whenever necessary. A ring engaging surface is provided on the inner peripheral side of a recessed hub socket on the main body, while a ring fitting groove is provided on the outer peripheral side of a cylindrical body portion of the hub member. With an O-ring set in the ring fitting groove, the cylindrical body portion of the hub member is fitted into the recessed hub socket, whereupon the hub member is resiliently retained on the main body of the rotary atomizing head by resilient retaining force of the O-ring. In this instance, the O-ring is pressed against the ring engaging surface to prevent dislocation of the hub member. On the other hand, the hub member can be disassembled from the main body by pulling the hub member in the axial direction to such a degree as to cause elastic deformation to the O-ring.

Abstract: A coating dispensing head includes a rotary dispensing device, a rotator for rotating the rotary dispensing device and a tachometer for generating a light signal in response to rotation of the rotator. The head includes a first connection for supplying the coating to the dispensing device, a second connection for supplying motive power to the rotator and a first optical fiber having a first end for receiving the light signal and a second end. At least one of the first and second connections includes first and second passageways terminating at respective first and second generally flat surfaces and connectors for holding the first and second surfaces against each other with the first and second passageways aligned so that the one of coating and motive power supplied to one of the first and second passageways flows into the other of the first and second passageways and thence to the one of the dispensing device and rotator.