Pressurized Spray Material Patents (Class 239/708)
  • Patent number: 6802459
    Abstract: The invention provides a sprayer for spraying mold wall treatment agent or another liquid. The liquid is sprayed onto, for example, the walls of a mold or some other article. The sprayer includes a spray element body and a rotor mounted with freedom to rotate around an axis of rotation in the spray element body. An atomizing element is attached to one end of the rotor. A first feed line for mold wall treatment agent or another liquid to be sprayed is provided, as well as a second feed line for control air which directs mold wall treatment agent atomized by the atomizing element in the desired spray direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Acheson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Renkl, Douwe Marten Kok, Thomas Junker, Karl-Heinz Keim
  • Publication number: 20040164190
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, Frank Herre, Hans J. Nolte, Harry Krumma, Stefano Giuliano, Bjorn Lind
  • Patent number: 6758423
    Abstract: A system and method of storing and reading parameter data associated with an electrostatic spray gun power supply is provided. The method includes, for example, the steps of reading parameter data associated with a power supply for a particular spray gun from a database and storing the parameter data in a memory device associated with the spray gun. The parameter data may include the drive current parameter information, for example, and additionally, spray gun type identification information. The memory device is preferably integral with the spray gun or a cable connector that connects to the spray gun. The data or information can be in the form of analog or digital information. After reading the spray gun power supply parameter data, the spray gun controller appropriately operates and monitors the spray gun to ensure that the spray gun power supply is performing properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Perkins, Charles L. Gatian, III, Thomas Trautzsch, James D. Powell, Kenneth Zalewski, Andrew M. Peddie, Joseph G. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6742722
    Abstract: A paint cartridge is provided with a wash fluid passage in communication with a paint chamber, along with a wash fluid valve adapted to open and close the wash fluid passage. Provided on the side of a replenishing stool are a replenishing valve which supplies or discharges paint to or from the paint chamber, an extruding thinner feed/discharge valve which supplies or discharges paint-extruding thinner to or from an extruding thinner chamber, and a wash fluid supply valve which supplies a wash fluid to the paint chamber through the wash fluid passage. Accordingly, upon opening the replenishing valve, wash fluid supply valve and wash fluid valve, a wash fluid from the wash fluid supply valve is allowed to flow into the paint chamber through the wash fluid passage and discharged through a feed tube to wash away deposited paint therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventors: Toshio Hosoda, Hidetsugu Matsuda, Osamu Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040050946
    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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Clean Earth Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shaupoh Wang, Jeffry Golden, Christopher G. Kocher
  • Patent number: 6691927
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid emission control of a conductive fluid utilizes a passive electrolytic reaction to ionize the conductive fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid emission system having a reaction chamber that includes an anode and cathode to initiate an electrolytic reaction within the conductive fluid and reaction chamber. An ion-generating member is disposed within the reaction chamber and enhances the electrical bias in the conductive fluid. An oxidation-controlling member disposed within the reaction chamber retards oxidation of the anode and cathode. The metallic component parts and amount of such component parts used in the reaction chamber are chosen to achieve a target voltage, which that amount of voltage created, by the electrolytic reaction necessary to charge a fluid droplet of any density to achieve a maximum acceleration of fluid droplets as the fluid droplets enter and leave a spray cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Malloy
  • Patent number: 6682004
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic spraying device to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a reservoir to a point of dispersal that includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and being disposed at the point of dispersal to disperse the product. A channel is included that permits the electrostatic charging of product. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A power source supplies an electrical charge. A portion of a high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge product within the channel at a charging location. A distance between the charging location and the nozzle exit orifice is governed by Vo/d<100,000, wherein Vo=an output voltage of said high voltage power supply and d=linear distance between the charging location and said nozzle exit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, David Edward Wilson, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Yoshito Komada, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 6670607
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanospray emitter including an emitter body which includes a fluid inlet, an outlet orifice, and a passage communicating between the fluid inlet and outlet orifice; and an electrically conductive polymer coating on at least a portion of the emitter body. Also disclosed are a nano-electrospray device including the nanospray emitter of the present invention, a method for making a nanospray emitter of the present invention, a method of forming a nanospray using the nanospray emitter of the present invention, and a method of analyzing a solution using the nanospray emitter of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Troy D. Wood, E. Peter Maziarz, III, Sarah A. Lorenz, Thomas P. White
  • Publication number: 20030178513
    Abstract: An electrostatic method for increasing the transfer efficiency of spray finishing using lower voltages than are normally required and used with electrostatic spraying. The positioning and construction of ground electrodes (16) behind the air cap (18) helps ensure a clean operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J Lind, Scott A Olson, Charles E Kasten
  • Patent number: 6622948
    Abstract: A spray gun coating objects with a coating material. Its barrel (2) and its grip (4), at least their basic shapes, are one integral structure (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventors: Gerald Haas, Karl Buschor
  • Publication number: 20030160105
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a fluent material has an initial disperser for breaking a stream of fluent material into discontinuous parts. The apparatus has an electrode supply device that provides free electrons that impart a net charge on the discontinuous parts to disperse the discontinuous parts. A method is also disclosed in which electrons are directed at a flow of droplets of fluent material to disperse the fluent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Arnold J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6592813
    Abstract: An improved method of counteracting or neutralizing airborne malodour comprising directing at the source of the malodour liquid droplets from a spray device containing a malodour counteracting composition, the improved method comprising imparting a unipolar charge to the said liquid droplets by double layer charging during the spraying of the liquid droplets by the spray device, the unipolar charge being at a level such that the said droplets have a charge to mass ratio of at least ±1×10−4C/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: University of Southampton, Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Rodney Thomas Fox, Neale Harrison, John Farrell Hughes, Duncan Roger Harper, Lindsey Faye Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6571793
    Abstract: A method and a process are disclosed for optimizing an electrostatically dosed dry powder inhaler (EDPI) for utilization of a prepared pre-metered electro-dose consisting of a electro-powder. An arrangement is set-up for measuring parameters affecting a systemic delivery or local lung delivery of a pre-metered electro-dose from and DPI including analysis of dose de-agglomeration, particle size distribution as well as dose-to-dose variation together with pressures times and flows. A dry powder inhaler, DPI, is adjusted for a systemic or a local lung setting with respect to activation pressure and closing pressure having a DPI with a 20 to 60 liters/minute inhalation air flow for systemic delivery setting and 20 to 80 liters/minute for a local lung setting. Furthermore the de-agglomeration power is adjusted between 0.1 and 6 watts to be used in the DPI by optimizing the pressure drop and inhalation flow rate by changes to the mouthpiece and/or the device member and their relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Microdrug AG
    Inventor: Thomas Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6557789
    Abstract: A manual spray-coating gun comprising at least one manual setting/operating element (40, 42) to manually change operational values and transmitting the desired operational values to a control unit (4) situated outside the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventor: Gerald Haas
  • Patent number: 6543708
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus without electrical connections comprising means for controlling air supplies with signals generated with compressed air. The apparatus may further include a metering device which delivers metered amounts of powder to a spray gun and which may be controlled by the same compressed air which controls the air supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Everett H. Stephenson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030038192
    Abstract: Powder overspray that is extracted from a spray booth is recovered back to a powder supply that is used to supply powder to the spray guns inside the spray booth. The powder overspray extracted from the booth is separated from the high flow air stream by and then discharged to a feed center. By recovering overspray powder in this fashion, the time required for a color change operation in the powder spray system is greatly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Shutic, Larry R. Fenik, David Mancuso, Andrew M. Peddie, Erich W. Selic, Joseph G. Schroeder, Herman E. Turner
  • Patent number: 6503481
    Abstract: A composition used in combination with an electrohydrodynamic device capable of delivering an active ingredient to the aerodigestive system of the user. The composition comprises three or optionally four basic components: an active ingredient; a carrier material in which the active ingredient may be dissolved, suspended, or emulsified; an aerosol properties adjusting material which provides the composition with the physical characteristics required to create an aerosol cloud by electrostatic or electrohydrodynamic means; and optionally at least one excipient that further adjusts, preserves, stabilizes, or enhances the overall performance of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: BattellePharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachel M. Thurston, James D. Browning, Praful K. Shah, Michael E. Placke
  • Publication number: 20030001032
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Reichler
  • Patent number: 6478242
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun apparatus includes a spray gun housing and a nozzle attached to a spray end of the housing, and a powder path that extends in a substantially straight line along an axis of the housing from the powder inlet to the powder outlet. The powder path is in the form of an enclosed smooth powder passage that is substantially continuous and uninterrupted from the powder inlet to the powder outlet to eliminate substantially all recesses or gaps that could capture or trap powder. The powder passage is formed by a plurality of tubular segments that are aligned along the housing axis and abut end to end. that when assembled in the housing axially compress the segments together to substantially eliminate dead spots or recesses to form the continuous smooth powder path. A gun purge function is provided that allows a purge line to be installed on the gun assembly. A cartridge valve and conductor assembly is provided between the gun electrode in the nozzle and the output of the voltage multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Alan J. Knobbe, Andrew M. Peddie, John B. Wolanin, John C. A. Traylor, Bryan J. Bowman, Paul F. Meyers, Daniel J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6474563
    Abstract: A spraying device for dispensing electrostatic liquid droplets includes a container holding a liquid at one end, and having a nozzle assembly with an aperture at another end. The nozzle assembly includes a longitudinal hollow tube terminating in a metallic structure. The metallic structure includes a metallic base plate having at least one aperture formed therein for fluid communication with the hollow tube. The longitudinal hollow tube includes an end inserted in the liquid. A charge accumulator disposed in the liquid accumulates electrostatic charges. A wire conductor between the base plate and the charge accumulator transfers the electrostatic charges from the liquid to the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Allen Pletcher, Peter John Zanzucchi, Robert Richard Demers, Howard Christopher Rivenburg
  • Patent number: 6471778
    Abstract: An electrostatic coating system for dispensing multi-component waterborne coating materials from a coating material supply container having an insulated outer portion and a coating material supply line coupled to a dispenser, a metal tube disposed in the container in contact with coating material therein, a first non-conductive fitting coupling a first end portion of the tube to a first opening of the container, a second non-conductive fitting coupling a second end portion of the tube to a second opening of the container, and a cooling fluid supply device coupled to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Baltz, Dennis P. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6454193
    Abstract: A electrohydrodynamic aerosol sprayer wherein a gas flow deflector is used for creating a gas flow past the spray nozzle to stabilize the Taylor cone and to transport at least a portion of the aerosol away from the region downstream of the spray nozzle. This stabilization of the cone and transport of aerosol improves the droplet size and distribution and may also reduce the deposit of droplets on the internal components of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: BattellePharma, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Busick, James E. Dvorsky, Gregory A. Trees, James H. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20020125349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-voltage powder spray gun, in particular for spraying metallic powders. The rear terminal segment (60) of a powder tube (38) and the front terminal segment (58) of a hookup tube (56) are inserted far enough in axial and sealing manner to subtend between their overlap ends (69, 78) a powder-tight, electrically insulating expanse (76) to preclude electrical leakage currents. An electrically conducting bush (42) runs over the outer overlap end (78) of the hookup-tube/powder-tube connection to shunt any electric charges that might issue at the outer overlap end (78) between the hookup tube (56) and the powder tube (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ITW GEMA AG
    Inventor: Hanspeter Michael
  • Publication number: 20020100823
    Abstract: The invention provides a gun for spraying a powder onto a work piece to form a coating and includes a pistol-grip housing having an air valve coupled to a source of pressurized air. The housing also supports a source of variable electrical potential. A powder container is disposed in fluid communication with the air valve so that powder within the container may be fluidized by air from the source of pressurized air when the valve is opened. A nozzle is positioned within the housing and includes a central passageway having an open end and disposed in fluid communication with the powder container. The central passageway frictionally imparts a net electrical charge of a first polarity to a first portion of the powder when the first portion of the powder contacts the surface during the spraying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Alan Robidoux
  • Publication number: 20020096582
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: John H. Edelhauser
  • Publication number: 20020066809
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer with external charging which can be used for applying conductive paints, in particular water-based paint, to a surface of a body to be coated. The rotary atomizer has a directing air ring at a high-voltage potential and an earthed spraying bell. To reduce the risk of discharges, it is proposed to connect the ring to an earth potential via a high-impedance resistance, so that the ring assumes a potential which lies between the high-voltage potential of electrodes for the external charging and the earth potential of the bell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Gunter Borner, Steffen Georgi, Josef Wittmann, Hidetoshi Yamabe
  • Patent number: 6382521
    Abstract: A spray powder-coating system comprising at least one flow throttle (8, 34) in a compressed-air line of an injector (2). An electronic control unit (50) non-linearly controls the throttle as a function of setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventor: Gerald Haas
  • Patent number: 6354522
    Abstract: In an electrostatic sprayer, a pulsating voltage developed using a battery or a generator as a power supply is stepped up using a step-up transformer. A resultant high-voltage pulse is rectified and applied to an electrostatic electrode. A spray jetted from a spray nozzle is thus electrified. Herein, the step-up transformer is located near the spray nozzle. Owing to this structure, a high voltage produced by the step-up transformer can be applied to the electrostatic electrode with a loss minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignees: Oppama Industry Co., Ltd., Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Iwata, Kiyoshige Enomoto, Yoshiaki Hironaka, Shunsuke Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6328224
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6326062
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for use in spraying inter alia personal care and personal hygiene products comprises an outlet (94) from which the product issues in the form of an electrostatically charged spray and a control member (60, 60a) for attenuating the potential gradient in the vicinity of the outlet (94) to such an extent that spraying is suppressed until the device is brought to within a predetermined distance from a site to be spayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Noakes, Andrew Jefferies, Maurice Joseph Prendergast, Michael Leslie Green
  • Patent number: 6318648
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer is disclosed, which includes an electrode or other charge injection device and a source of liquid for passing a stream of liquid past the charge injection device to a variable orifice. The variable orifice is defined between at least two elements, which are movable with respect to each other. A compact stove incorporating the atomizer includes a support for supporting articles to be heated by the burning of atomized fuel. The variable orifice may be used in the stove to control the flow, and therefore thermal output, of the stove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Charged Injection Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6318647
    Abstract: A disposable catridge for use with an electrostatic charging device. The disposable cartridge can have a reservoir configured to contain a supply of product suitable for electrostatic spraying, a nozzle configured and disposed to disperse the electrostatically charged product, and an electrode disposed to electrostatically charge the product prior to its dispersal. The disposable cartridge can also have an insulator for insulating the supply of product from electrostatic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Chow-Chi Huang, Ayub Ibrahim Khan, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Eric Jason Wallace, Robert James Peterson
  • Publication number: 20010038047
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    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: 6311903
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is designed to be portable, hand-held, self-contained and battery operated, with a disposable cartridge. The electrostatic spraying device is configured to provide a precise essentially constant flow rate of a product being applied, to provide uniformity and ease of application of the product, as well as to conserve product usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Chow-Chi Huang, Ayub Ibrahim Khan, Jeffrey Keith Leppla
  • Publication number: 20010032897
    Abstract: In an electrostatic sprayer, a pulsating voltage developed using a battery or a generator as a power supply is stepped up using a step-up transformer. A resultant high-voltage pulse is rectified and applied to an electrostatic electrode. A spray jetted from a spray nozzle is thus electrified. Herein, the step-up transformer is located near the spray nozzle. Owing to this structure, a high voltage produced by the step-up transformer can be applied to the electrostatic electrode with a loss minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Masao Iwata, Kiyoshige Enomoto, Yoshiaki Hironaka, Shunsuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20010020653
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Publication number: 20010020652
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a supply to a point of dispersal. The electrostatic spraying device has a reservoir configured to contain the supply of product and a nozzle to disperse the product. The nozzle being disposed at the point of dispersal. The nozzle has an exit orifice. 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 power source supplies an electrical charge. A high voltage power supply, high voltage contact, and high voltage electrode are used. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, David Edward Wilson, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Yoshito Komada, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 6279834
    Abstract: A method of reducing the droplet sizes of a composition sprayed from an aerosol spray device comprising a compressed gas propellant, which method comprises imparting a unipolar charge to the liquid droplets by double layer charging during the spraying of the liquid droplets from the aerosol spray device, the unipolar charge being at a level such that the said droplets have a charge to mass ratio of at least +/−1×10−4 C/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Products Limited
    Inventors: Rodney Thomas Fox, Neale Mark Harrison, John Farrell Hughes, Lindsey Faye Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6230993
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Austin, Varce E. Howe, David R. Huff
  • Patent number: 6216966
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device comprising a nozzle, means for establishing a column of material to be sprayed within a passage leading to the nozzle outlet such that the leading surface of the column is spaced from the nozzle outlet, means for pneumatically ejecting said column or part thereof from the nozzle and means for applying high voltage to the material so that the spray formed by breaking up of the column on ejection from the nozzle are electrically charged. The column of material in the passage is preferably a discreet slug having a leading surface spaced from the nozzle outlet and a trailing surface to which air, gas or vapor under pressure can be applied to effect ejection of the slug from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Maurice Joseph Prendergast, Michael Leslie Green
  • Patent number: 6202945
    Abstract: While plural kind of powder paints of different hues are mixed with each other without melting for preparation of a powder paint of a desire hue, a fluidity improver possessing a charge control function is simultaneously mixed into the powder paints without melting. The mixed powder paint containing the fluidity improver is charged, and then electrostatic powder coating is performed by the charged powder paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Yasuda, Masayuki Maruta, Yukiya Sato
  • Patent number: 6199766
    Abstract: A method of killing flying insects which method comprises spraying into the air in which insects are flying liquid droplets of an insecticidal composition, a unipolar charge being imparted to the said liquid droplets by double layer charging and charge separation during spraying, the unipolar charge being at a level such that the said droplets have a charge to mass ratio of at least +/−1×10−4 C/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignees: University of Southampton, Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney Thomas Fox, Neale Mark Harrison, John Farrell Hughes, Lindsey Faye Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6196478
    Abstract: A fluid supply cylinder with improved flusbability, useable for supplying paints to a dispenser in electrostatic coating systems. The fluid supply cylinder having generally a piston reciprocatingly disposed in a chamber of a body member, the piston having a head with a face opposite an end wall of the chamber, a plurality of chamber fluid ports disposed in the end wall of the chamber, and a plurality of fluid conduits between a corresponding one of the plurality of chamber fluid ports and a common outer fluid port, whereby the reciprocating piston draws fluid into the cylinder chamber and supplies fluid from the cylinder chamber through the plurality of chamber fluid ports in the end wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. McPherson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6161785
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer is disclosed, which includes an electrode or other charge injection device and a source of liquid for passing a stream of liquid past the charge injection device to a variable orifice. The variable orifice is defined between at least two elements, which are movable with respect to each other. A compact stove incorporating the atomizer includes a support for supporting articles to be heated by the burning of atomized fuel. The variable orifice may be used in the stove to control the flow, and therefore thermal output, of the stove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Charged Injection Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6123269
    Abstract: A non-contact electrostatic liquid dispensing system and method for dispensing continuous, high viscosity viscoelastic nonconductive liquid strands in a controlled manner onto a substrate. An applicator or gun having a charging electrode introduces an electrostatic charge to the high viscosity viscoelastic nonconductive liquid and as charged continuous fibrous strand of high viscosity viscoelastic nonconductive material. One or more electric fields are generated about the discharge path to impart a variety of movements or patterns to the charged continuous fibrous strand of high viscosity viscoelastic nonconductive liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Schmitkons, Jeffrey S. Noss
  • Patent number: 6105877
    Abstract: A device for comminuting liquid has a liquid supply with first and second outlets, a first electrohydrodynamic comminuter for subjecting liquid issuing from the first outlet to an electrical potential to cause the liquid to be commrinuted to form a comminution of one polarity and a second electrohydrodynamic comminuter for subjecting liquid issuing from the second outlet to an electrical potential to cause liquid to be commninuted to form a comminution of the opposite polarity. The first and second electrohydrodynamic comminuters are arranged so as to cause substantial admixing of two opposite polarity comminutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Electrosols Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 6045053
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Ruud
  • Patent number: 6032871
    Abstract: Workpieces are electrostatically coated with powder materials. It is possible to attain a relatively large coating thickness in a single operation by simultaneously or alternately coating with powder particles that have a different electrical charge. The process can be used in applying single-component or multi-component coating materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunter Borner, Hans Christoph Nienburg, Jorg Sopka
  • Patent number: 5997643
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for spraying powder into the interior of welded hollow can bodies from a spray gun mounted to the welding arm of a can forming machine. The spray gun can either apply a stripe of highly charged powder on the welded seam areas of hollow can bodies, or can simultaneously apply a coating of powder having a first thickness on the longitudinally welded seam areas and a second thickness less than the first thickness on the remainder of the interior surface. Air is vented off from the powder flow being transported through the welding arm so that the powder to air ratio is increased. Air is introduced at the downstream end of the welding arm to provide a suction force to help draw the powder flow through the welding arm and to increase the velocity of the powder flow for better tribo charging of the powder in the gun and to improve spray pattern stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Wilson, Masafumi Matsunaga, Wataru Kakuta, Raymond J. Merk, Ronald E. Niemiec, Laurence B. Saidman, Gerald W. Crum, William L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5975426
    Abstract: A durable electrospray needle uses a capillary having a substantially large outside diameter. Provision of a porous bead at the spray tip advantageously allows a fine electrospray to be formed without the need for finely machining a needle tip and orifice, which allows for economical construction. Further, because the bead itself may serve as the anode in an electrospray field circuit, costs associated with electrode placement are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventor: Peter Myers