Pressurized Spray Material Patents (Class 239/708)
  • Publication number: 20110084150
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first material with a second material and then spraying the resultant material onto a surface. The second material is mixed with a gas before the being introduced to the first material. A static charge is created and deposited onto the resultant material to help align the resultant material particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ALPHAGEN MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Matt Merchant
  • Patent number: 7891578
    Abstract: A method of providing a droplet spray, includes supplying a liquid polymer formulation within which substantially inert particulate material is suspended to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electric field that causes the liquid to break up into droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: David Neville Davies, Marie Pollard, Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 7883033
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electrohydrodynamic spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge, where the cartridge includes a locking mechanism. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic or other fluid products. The fluid is delivered from the cartridge by a shaft-mounted piston, while the locking mechanism can be selectively engaged with the shaft such that in the engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents the piston from advancing by inhibiting movement of the shaft. When the locking mechanism is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft and piston are free to move, such as in response to a power source in the spraying device. The selective engagement between the locking mechanism and the shaft during periods of inoperability of the spray device prevents the buildup of fluid pressure in the cartridge that otherwise could blurt out upon subsequent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: James Lind
  • Patent number: 7882799
    Abstract: A method for establishing a calibrating standard for wafer inspection includes depositing solid ionized particles of a known size range with an aerosol onto a wafer. The method also includes depositing particles onto a wafer in a deposition chamber by using an aerosol stream and the solid particles suspended in a gas; ionizing the aerosol stream with a negative or positive charge polarity or both by passing the aerosol stream through a non-radioactive ionizer to produce charged particles and supplying such aerosol stream to the deposition chamber. An apparatus for producing charged particles includes an atomizer and a non-radioactive ionizer in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus may also include an electrospray droplet generator for producing an aerosol with dry-solid particles and an ionizer that ionizes the molecules of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: William Dick, Benjamin Y. H. Liu
  • Patent number: 7841549
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid and 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 deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially made of deformable material such that the reservoir is capable of receiving pressure to deform and thus supply the liquid composition out of the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir can be designed into a simple and compact structure, thereby providing an increased liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Shunichi Nagasawa, David Edward Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100288860
    Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer includes: a housing; a container (11) accommodated in the housing and filled with liquid; a nozzle (20) attached to the container (11), with a tip thereof opened to an outside of the container (11) and a rear end thereof opened to an inside of the container (11); a pressurization mechanism for compressing the container (11) to supply the liquid to the tip of the nozzle (20); and a conductive member (12) for applying a predetermined voltage to the liquid in the container (11). The liquid, to which the predetermined voltage is applied by the conductive member (12), is sprayed in an atomized state from the tip of the nozzle (20). The nozzle (20) is formed in a needle shape by a flexible resin member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Yume Inokuchi, Mamoru Okumoto, Kouei Obata
  • 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: 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: 7793869
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a material application device includes an expansion chamber for slowing down the velocity of powder fed to the nozzle from a dense phase pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle insert that forms the expansion chamber and provides air assist function. The nozzle includes an integral deflector, and further includes a passageway for a charging electrode so that the electrical path is routed away from the powder path, while permitting the electrode tip to be centered in the powder spray pattern from the nozzle. The nozzle also includes air wash for the electrode. The nozzle outlet orifice has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or greater than the inlet cross-sectional area so that a slow moving dense phase powder cloud is produced by the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Mather, James V. Bachman, Joseph G. Schroeder, Terrence M. Fulkerson, Herman E. Turner
  • Patent number: 7790344
    Abstract: A method of preparing a powder, including bombarding a spray gas to a liquid material through a spray nozzle to form an atomized liquid material; and solidifying the atomized liquid material, wherein 5 to 40% by weight of the spray gas are previously mixed with the liquid material to form a two-phase flow in a flow path of the spray nozzle, and 60 to 95% by weight of the spray gas is further discharged from a circumference of the flow path discharging the two-phase flow and bombarded thereto to uniformly atomize the liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
    Inventors: Naotoshi Kinoshita, Tetsuya Tanaka, Masahiro Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20100176224
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment a system is provided that includes an aerosol spray can, a receiver configured to electrically insulate the commercially available aerosol spray can, and a nozzle headpiece configured to couple to a neck portion of the aerosol spray can. Further, the nozzle headpiece is configured to electrostatically charge the aerosol spray can, and the nozzle headpiece includes an electrostatically charged passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hasselschwert, James P. Baltz
  • Patent number: 7745497
    Abstract: An electrically neutral composition in the form of a water-in-oil or an oil-in-water emulsion is imparted with a unipolar electrostatic charge on spraying from an aerosol spray device by incorporating into the composition a non-ionic surfactant and at least one polar or ionic or aromatic or linearly conjugated compound. The amount of the polar or ionic or aromatic or linearly conjugated compound included in the composition is about 0.01 to about 80% w/w based on the non-ionic surfactant, but is such that the theoretical conductivity of the emulsion is less than the bulk conductivity of the emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited, Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty Limited
    Inventors: Duncan Roger Harper, Neale Harrison, John Douglas Morgan, John Howard Clint, Mario Abela
  • 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: 7694645
    Abstract: An air source (11) is connected to an air motor (3) through an electropneumatic converter (12) which is connected to a rotational controller (13). Upon changing settings in a target rotational speed (N0) or paint discharge rate (Q0), in order to supply a necessary air pressure for rotationally driving the air motor (3) in a steady state with new setting conditions, the rotation controller (13) selects a steady value (is) from a rotational data selection processing table, and outputs to the electropneumatic converter (12) the newly selected steady value (is) as an input current value (i). By so doing, the rotational speed of the air motor (3) is quickly controlled toward the changed target rotational speed (N0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventors: Shinichi Yasuda, Yukinori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7677482
    Abstract: Provided is a droplet dispensing device having a nonconductive capillary nozzle. The droplet dispensing device comprises: a nonconductive capillary nozzle disposed in a downward position; a pump connected with the nonconductive capillary nozzle through a hermetically sealed fluid tube and generating a negative pressure to decrease the influence of gravity on a solution within the nonconductive capillary nozzle and the fluid tube; and an open circuit voltage supplier applying a voltage to the solution. The droplet dispensing device supplies the solution by capillary force to regularly maintain the shape of a droplet surface in the tip of the nonconductive capillary nozzle without using a separate driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Beom-seok Lee, Jeong-gun Lee, Hye-jung Cho
  • Patent number: 7673819
    Abstract: A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Lind, Gregory Trees, Joseph E. Zambanini, Brian Graham, R. Reade Harpham
  • Patent number: 7614572
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed. The reservoir is deformable according to inner pressure and configured to provide a removable cartridge. The device includes a dispensing unit for spraying the liquid composition. The dispensing unit includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid composition and an emitter electrode which charges the liquid composition for electrostatically spraying the liquid composition out through the nozzle. A suction pump is integrated into the dispensing unit in an immediately upstream relation with the reservoir for feeding the liquid composition from the reservoir to the nozzle. Thus, the suction pump can be concentrated together with the emitter electrode and the nozzle into the dispensing unit on one end of the reservoir, enabling to realize the cartridge of a compact design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Shunichi Nagasawa, David Edward Wilson, Masayuki Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20090256012
    Abstract: A device for dispensing coating material includes at least two electrodes for coupling to at least one high-magnitude potential supply so that the at least two electrodes are maintained substantially at two different high-magnitude potentials so that an electric field exists between the at least two electrodes. At least one of the at least two electrodes includes a passageway extending therethrough to provide a flow of compressed gas through the at least one of the at least two electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: John F. Schaupp, Austin A. Saylor
  • Publication number: 20090145986
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electrohydrodynamic spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge, where the cartridge includes a locking mechanism. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic or other fluid products. The fluid is delivered from the cartridge by a shaft-mounted piston, while the locking mechanism can be selectively engaged with the shaft such that in the engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents the piston from advancing by inhibiting movement of the shaft. When the locking mechanism is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft and piston are free to move, such as in response to a power source in the spraying device. The selective engagement between the locking mechanism and the shaft during periods of inoperability of the spray device prevents the buildup of fluid pressure in the cartridge that otherwise could blurt out upon subsequent operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: James Lind
  • Publication number: 20090114747
    Abstract: The liquid supplied to an emitter electrode located at a tip of an atomization nozzle receives the high-voltage and electrically charged. The mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes is generated from the emitter electrode. A pressure regulating means regulates a pressure applied to the liquid on the tip of the emitter electrode. Therefore, the mode of generating the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes or the mode of generating the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer and micron size is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakada, Hiroshi Suda, Masaharu Machi, Sumio Wada, Atsushi Isaka, Akihide Sugawa
  • Patent number: 7514048
    Abstract: A controlled odor generator, comprising a central processing unit, at least one micropump unit, a sensor unit and a fan. The micropump unit is housed in a casing containing odorous fluid and has a micropump array for ejecting the odorous fluid in tiny droplets. The central processing unit regulates operation of the micropump unit, allowing to control timing quantity and mixture of spread odor. The sensor unit provides the central processing unit with environmental data, like temperature, air density and humidity, as well as human body states for controlling the micropump unit. Environmental changes are followed by a change of spraying of odor, and varying taste and demand are adapted to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tien-Ho Gau, Yu-Yin Peng
  • Publication number: 20090054831
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents as a low pressure high velocity spray into tissue. According to the particular desired spray characteristics, the spray may be generated via the combined use of pressure atomization and electrostatic spray charging, or via the combined use of pressure atomization and electrostatic atomization. Particle velocity, spray flow-rate, and spray dispersion are further controlled via electrostatic means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Stuart B. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20090045270
    Abstract: A lubricant dispensing system is provided. The dispensing system includes a lubricant supply, a lubricant dispensing nozzle and a control panel. The dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body with a fluid passageway therein which is in fluid communication with the lubricant supply, an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging lubricant in the fluid passageway and at least one discharge orifice through which electrostatically charged lubricant can be discharged. The discharge orifice is defined by at least one spray needle having a first end in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and a second end that extends outward of the nozzle body. The control panel directs the flow of lubricant from the lubricant supply to the lubricant dispensing nozzle and controls the electric power supplied to the electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: SPRAYING SYSSTEMS CO.
    Inventor: Eric Budi Muljono
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7472850
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic standing-wave atomizer arrangement for producing a paint spray mist for painting a workpiece, with a sonotrode, with a component arranged lying opposite the sonotrode, a standing ultrasonic field being formed in the intermediate space between the at least one sonotrode and the component in the case of operation. At least one nozzle-shaped paint feeding device is arranged perpendicularly in relation to the center axis of the sonotrode and introduces the paint into the intermediate space for the atomizing process at least one paint discharge point, the component arranged lying opposite the sonotrode being a coaxially aligned reflector, and the end face of the latter, facing the sonotrode, having a step-shaped recessed formation and the depth of said recessed formation corresponding to a multiple of half the wavelength ? of the sonic vibrations in air that are produced in the sonotrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Stauch, Bjoern Mattias, Uwe Goerges, Gunter Boerner, Hidetoshi Yamabe, Josef Wittmann
  • Publication number: 20080217442
    Abstract: A dosing device for a program controlled spray painting apparatus adapted for dosing electrically conductive fluid materials to a spray gun/applicator. The spray gun may be charged at a high voltage for electrostatically charged atomizing of electrically conductive fluid materials. A coating system includes the dosing device, which is moved by an actuator between a connecting member for a paint filling line or a cleaning fluid supply line, and a spray gun. A method and a computer program for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ABB AS
    Inventors: Ole Arnt Anfindsen, Tor Ekenberg, Kenneth Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 7347679
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using an electrospray device is disclosed. One or more capillary provided at its tip with a nozzle is positioned within a guide duct and precursors such as metal organic materials and metal halogen compounds, or nonvolatile substances or volatile substances are supplied to the capillary. Voltages are applied to the capillary and the guide duct, respectively, so that a voltage difference is generated therebetween and the highly charged liquid droplets from the capillary are sprayed. The sprayed liquid droplets are carried along the guide duct together with carrier gas injected into the guide duct. When heat energy is applied to the liquid droplets, chemical reactions of the liquid droplets occur. A collecting plate positioned in front of the guide duct collects ultra-fine particles formed by the chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Kang Ho Ahn, Jeong Ho Ahn, Sang Hyun Ahn
  • Patent number: 7337987
    Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus (50) to jet a droplet of a charged liquid solution onto a base material, having: a nozzle (51) in which an edge portion thereof is arranged to face the base material K having a receiving surface to receive the jetted droplet, and an inside diameter of the edge portion from which the droplet is jetted is not more than 30 [?m]; and a liquid solution supplying section (35) to supply the liquid solution into the nozzle (51), wherein a jetting electrode (58) of the jetting voltage applying section (35) is provided on a back end portion side of the nozzle, and an inside passage length of the nozzle is set to at least not less than ten times of the inside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Nishi, Kaoru Higuchi, Kazuhiro Murata, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7329320
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for electrifying spacers and an apparatus for scattering spacers using the same. For the purpose of maintaining a cell gap of a LCD, the spacer is electrified to have a first electrified voltage by a first electrifying pipe having a first curvature, and the spacer is electrified by a second electrifying pipe having a second curvature to have a second electrified voltage level high enough to prevent the spacers from being lumped. Thus, the spacer is not lumped by increasing an electrified voltage thereof, thereby preventing a quality of an image from being deteriorated, the spacer from being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Soo Choi, Min-Soo Kim, Hyun-II Park
  • Patent number: 7314185
    Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus (20) to jet a droplet of a charged liquid solution onto a base material, having: a nozzle (21) in which an edge portion thereof is arranged to face the base material K having a receiving surface to receive the jetted droplet, and an inside diameter of the edge portion from which the droplet is jetted is not more than 30 [?m]; a liquid solution supplying section (29) to supply the liquid solution into the nozzle (21); a jetting voltage applying section (25) to apply a jetting voltage to the liquid solution in the nozzle (21); and a convex meniscus forming section (40) to form a state where the liquid solution in the nozzle (21) protrudes from the nozzle edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignees: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc., Sharp Kabushiki Kaishi, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yasuo Nishi, Kaoru Higuchi, Kazuhiro Murata, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7296756
    Abstract: A voltage block comprises first and second reservoirs and a switching device including an inlet port, an outlet port, a first reservoir port and a second reservoir port. The switching device is mounted in a third reservoir for movement between a first position and a second position. The third reservoir includes an electrically non-conductive fluid medium in which at least a portion of the switching device is immersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Scharfenberger
  • Patent number: 7296759
    Abstract: A retaining ring for a coating material dispenser including a nozzle for the discharge of coating material and a cap having a plurality of orifices arrayed in a spatial orientation with respect to the nozzle to supply a flow of gas or a mixture of gases to aid in dispensing of the coating material from the nozzle. The retaining ring is adapted for retaining the cap on the coating material dispenser with the plurality of orifices in the spatial orientation. The retaining ring includes first and second members. The second member is adapted for coupling to the coating material dispenser. The first member includes a first torque limiting driving member. The second member includes a second torque limiting driven member for engaging the first torque limiting driving member to limit the torque which the second member can apply to the coating material dispenser in response to manipulation of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Michael C. Rodgers
  • 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: 7226004
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun (10) having an air powered alternator-turbine (14) with a rotating impeller (24) therein mounted in bearings (18) is provided with bearings (18) which are coated with a solvent resistant material. This coating is provided on all surfaces of the bearing (18) except for the inner diameter (18A) which contains the impeller (24). This construction prevents leaching of the oil out of the bearing (18) and into the airstream and also is resistant to paint should the spray gun (10) become immersed in such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Lunzer
  • Patent number: 7198208
    Abstract: A fuel injection assembly comprising a main structure (101) for mounting on an internal combustion engine, the main structure having one or more orifices (115) for injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and the main structure also having mounted thereon charge electrodes (105, 118) positioned to provide an electric field which passes through the flow of fuel, for charging fuel particles to improve atomisation. The main structure also has mounted thereon a spark electrode (104) adapted to provide a fuel ignition spark for the internal combustion engine. The main structure of the assembly is adapted for removable mounting, having a threaded portion (102) adapted to co-operate with a threaded aperture in the internal combustion engine, normally adapted to receive a convention spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony Osborne Dye, Mark Schofield, Rachel Patience Groves Harker, Harold Morser
  • Patent number: 7156045
    Abstract: A coating machine having a coating material discharging mechanism for discharging a previously filled coating material under pressure to an atomizing mechanism wherein a coating material bag for filling a coating material is housed in a coating material discharging chamber of a predetermined volume and an inlet/exit port of an operating fluid is disposed for exerting a pressure from the outside of the coating material bag thereby discharging the coating material under pressure, while crushing the coating material bag, whereby paint or other coating material can be discharged under pressure reliably by a small driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Ueno, Takao Nomura
  • Patent number: 7152817
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device and a cartridge for an electrostatic spray device that reduce the occurrence of electrically induced emulsion product separation are disclosed. The device and/or the cartridge may reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by providing a conductive high voltage shield substantially around the product reservoir. Alternatively, the device and/or the cartridge may prevent the product located at the charging location from being in fluid communication with the product reservoir so that the product that is being charged cannot flow back into the product reservoir. The device and/or cartridge may alternatively reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by minimizing the volume of product between the charging location and the exit orifice of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    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, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 7134618
    Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Avetik Harutyunyan, Shoji Isobe
  • Patent number: 7131601
    Abstract: A rotational atomizer turbine of the present invention is designed to drive a bell-shaped disk in a rotational atomizer for a coating unit. The rotational atomizer turbine includes a housing, a rotatable turbine wheel with several turbine blades connected to a shaft and rotatably disposed in the housing. A plurality of nozzles are defined in the housing and are positioned relative the turbine wheel to drive fluid, i.e. gas onto the turbine blades. An intermediate chamber formed in the housing is fluidly communicated with and connected to the nozzles to hold gas therein. The intermediate chamber has a first inlet to supply gas. At least a second inlet is defined in the intermediate chamber for delivering gas into the intermediate chamber thereby increasing amount of gas therein to multiply a rotational speed of the rotatable turbine wheel as increased amount of gas is introduced to the turbine blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans J. Nolte, Harry Krumma, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Stefano Giuliano, Bjorn Lind
  • Patent number: 7114670
    Abstract: A powder coating gun with an internal fan and a quick-change powder cartridge. Pressurized air generated by the fan entrains the powder coating material from the powder cartridge and the entrained powder coating material is charged in the ionizing field created by an emitter. The replaceable cartridge contains an inlet line and an outlet line oriented in a manner that allows the powder gun to be positioned in different angles and orientations with minimal risk of a powder spill from the powder coating gun. The powder cartridge contains a lid for supporting an inlet line and a body part constructed of clear or translucent material that allows the user to easily view the color of the powder. An electric power supply is used to power the fan and the emitter. A trigger is present in the handle of the powder coating gun and both controls the speed of the fan and enables the charge to the emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Wetherill Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Robidoux
  • Patent number: 7086617
    Abstract: A nozzle hole of a conductive nozzle plate exposes the liquid surface of conductive ink. Ultrasonic generation means vibrates the ink for forming fine surface waves on the liquid surface so that the ink is sprayed from the nozzle hole as an atomized liquid particle group. A back plate provided on the opposite side of the nozzle hole in relation to a printing paper is supplied with a potential different from that for the nozzle plate, so that an electric field is formed therebetween. The sprayed liquid particle group is charged and hence urged by this electric field to adhere to the printing paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fukumoto, Jyunichi Aizawa, Munehisa Takeda
  • 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: 6942162
    Abstract: A system and related methods for configuring and monitoring a spraying application system for installation and use at a site that is remotely located from the spraying system manufacturing site. The system provides a configuration module that allows a customer or purchaser to configure a system electronically based on the customer's spraying needs. The selected configuration may further be linked to a pricing and inventory database module to allow the customer to order the system components, and obtain price and delivery schedules. In one embodiment, the configuration module is available to the customer via a secure web site over the Internet provided by a server accessed from a computer such as a personal computer at the customer's site. The system also provides a remote access module that provides spraying system operation and parametric information to be monitored at the manufacturing site to determine how the spraying system is operating and whether repair or maintenance should be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Sergey Guskov, Robert J. Allsop, Ronald E. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6935583
    Abstract: A coating-powder spray gun includes a gun housing (2) of which the front end face is sealed pressure-hermetically with respect to compressed gas by a front end wall (28). A current-limiting resistor (32) and at least a portion of a high-voltage generator (10) are potted in an integral electrically insulating block. The potted block may be received in the gun housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventor: Felix Mauchle
  • Patent number: 6896735
    Abstract: For improving external charging in electrostatic atomizers for conductive coating material and for reducing the structural size of the atomizer, particularly for robot applications, the charging electrodes are embedded in a ring part made of insulating material, which is set directly on the outside of the outer housing or forms a part of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefano Giuliano, Peter Marquardt
  • 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: 6860434
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using an electrospray device is disclosed. One or more capillary provided at its tip with a nozzle is positioned within a guide duct and precursors such as metal organic materials and metal halogen compounds, or nonvolatile substances or volatile substances are supplied to the capillary. Voltages are applied to the capillary and the guide duct, respectively, so that a voltage difference is generated therebetween and the highly charged liquid droplets from the capillary are sprayed. The sprayed liquid droplets are carried along the guide duct together with carrier gas injected into the guide duct. When heat energy is applied to the liquid droplets, chemical reactions of the liquid droplets occur. A collecting plate positioned in front of the guide duct collects ultra-fine particles formed by the chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Kang Ho Ahn, Jeong Ho Ahn, Sang Hyun Ahn
  • Patent number: 6833029
    Abstract: A spray booth comprising an electrostatic disk (1) that is suitable to move along a shaft in order to position it at a chosen height with respect to a piece to be coated, the electrostatic disk (1) being provided with a plurality of electrodes (3) for generating an electrical field and for coating the piece to be coated by electrostatic disk is composed of a plurality of circulars sectors (1a), each powered by an independent voltage source (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Transmetal S.p.A.
    Inventor: Achille Borzone
  • 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