Abstract: An apparatus for use in electrostatically applying coating material to an object includes a nozzle which directs a flow of coating material toward the object. A power supply unit provides an electric field to electrostatically charge the coating material. Control circuitry is provided to monitor the operating efficiency of the power supply unit and to provide an output signal when there is an impending failure of the power supply unit. The control circuitry monitors the relationship between an input current to the power supply unit and an output current from the power supply unit. When the relationship between the input current to the power supply unit and the output current from the power supply unit is outside of a predetermined range, the control circuitry is effective to provide an output signal to notify an operator that there is an impending power supply unit failure.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a spray gun onto a mounting bar comprises a ball-and-socket joint attached at one end to the bar and attached at the other end to the gun, and an adjustment sleeve extending along the exterior of the bar. The sleeve is attached to the ball-and-socket joint and adapted to tighten the socket around the ball when the sleeve is turned to retain the gun securely in a desired position with respect to the bar. The mounting assembly allows for positioning the spray gun in an almost limitless range of possible orientations, and allows the securing mechanism to be easily tightened and loosened by the operator by turning the adjustment sleeve. An anti-back-ionization probe is attached to the gun and extends externally to the gun along the top or side of the gun. The probe comprising an elongated rod, which is easily removable and easily adjustable in length.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a two-component, electrically conductive coating material which includes a first flow path for supplying a metered quantity of a catalyst from a source to a mixing device, a second flow path for applying a metered quantity of resin from a source to the mixing device, a third flow path for transferring the resulting two-component coating material from the mixing device to at least one coating dispenser which discharges electrostatically charged coating material onto a substrate, and, at least one voltage block device for maintaining a continuous voltage block between the electrostatically charged coating material and the sources of catalyst and resin.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and controlling ungrounded parts during the electrostatic coating process in order to improve production flow, provide an overall cost saving by efficient use of the coating material and prevention of accidental fires and false shutdown during production. The system of the present invention comprises a detection system for detecting any ungrounded parts prior to entering a coating environment, such as a painting booth. The detection system in accordance with one embodiment, comprises an array of detectors, specifically, an ultraviolet sensor, a radio-frequency wave sensor, an acoustic sensor and a light sensor, which upon sensing specific characteristics generate representative signal waveforms. These waveforms are than compared with stored waveforms relating to profiles of sparking or corona discharge characteristics. Correlation circuits may correlate data obtained by two or more sensors in order to ensure that the spark or corona discharge is caused by an ungrounded part.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for the circulation of solvent to and from a valve having a movable component and a housing for movably housing the movable component. The movable component has a first orientation with respect to the housing in which it permits the flow of a valved fluid from the valve through a first port provided on the valve and a second orientation with respect to the housing in which it permits the flow of the valved fluid from the valve through a second port provided on the valve. The circuit includes a first passageway provided between the movable component and the housing. A third port is provided on the housing for the introduction of the solvent into the housing and a fourth port is provided on the housing for removal of the solvent from the housing. The first passageway couples the fourth port to the third port. The solvent is a solvent for the valved fluid. A reservoir is provided for the solvent, along with conduits for coupling the third and fourth ports to the reservoir.

Abstract: An atomizer has a chamber holding a liquid containing particles of a desired material. Aerosol particles are formed by using an aspirating nozzle or ultrasonic vibrator and the aerosol particles are carried in a gas flow. The aerosol particles are treated by increasing the charge on the aerosol particles by contact with a high voltage electrode and the aerosol particles are passed through inertial separator stages to remove large aerosol particles from the flow so they are not discharged from the atomizer.

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 powder spray coating system includes a spray gun for spraying powder in a spray pattern onto a part. The spray gun includes an electrode connected to a power supply, the electrode charging powder as the powder is dispensed from the gun toward the part. A first current sensor measures gun current from the power supply to the electrode. An ABI probe or ion collector is mounted with the gun for collecting free ions produced by the electrode. The collector has a forward portion positioned near the spray pattern and spaced from the electrode. A second current sensor measures return current from the ion collector. A regulating assembly regulates the return current from the ion collecting device. A controller is connected to the first and second current sensors and to the regulating assembly for operating the regulating assembly in accordance with a predetermined setting representing the difference between the gun current and the return current.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate on which electronic components are to be mounted. The apparatus includes a substrate support, a replaceable solder cartridge, and a solder ejector. The replaceable solder cartridge defines a cavity for containing solder and has an orifice for ejecting a continuous stream of molten solder. The solder ejector has a mechanism for retaining the replaceable solder cartridge during solder deposition and is positioned relative to the substrate support to deposit molten solder ejected from the orifice of the replaceable solder cartridge onto the substrate.

Abstract: An isolator system for an attachment to an electrostatic field sprayer discharging liquids having an electrostatic potential thereon comprising a series of spaced apart flat discs that shed water in both directions, and which are made of an insulating material and mounted concentrically on the attachment. The attachment has a length that extends substantially vertically downward, and said discs are spaced apart in vertical direction. The discs are graduated in size with the smallest disc on the bottom, and any discs above the bottom disc are of larger diameter than the next adjacent lower disc.

Abstract: A grounded insulated electrostatic supply tank comprised of a conductive tank that has several liners to fully insulate a waterborn fluid in the tank from ground. The interior of the tank and a sealed lid are coated with an insulating liner. An intermediate lining is placed in the tank and third interior insulating inner liner is inserted in the tank and has a lip that wraps around the upper rim of the tank and is sealed between the lid and the tank. Electrostatic spray equipment is connected to the tank by a coaxial hose having an inner non-conductive hose and preferably, an outer hose that is conductive. Inner non-conductive hose extends through the lid into an insulating teflon pick-up tube that extends to near the bottom of the tank. Depleted waterborn fluid in the tank is grounded after use by a manual probe or by a piston operated automatic grounding system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for powder spraying can be used, for example, for electrostatic enameling. In order to achieve an easily regulatable high powder output rate, it is proposed to fluidize powder in a closed container, extract it in the region of the fluid bed and cause it to emerge through a nozzle on the container. The container is subdivided by a frit into a first chamber to which air is fed and a second chamber which contains the powder and out of which air is discharged through a valve. A powder output rate can be regulated by the regulation of air pressures.

Abstract: An ultra-low flow rate electrospray ionization (ESI) source provides flow rates in the range of 1.0 nL/min or less. The source is comprised of a needle which is fabricated by laser-heated pulling of fused-silica tubing, followed by chemical etching and surface metallization. The pulling results in formation of a slowly tapering capillary within the needle which tapers to a tip having a very small inner diameter. The etching process sharpens the outer wall of the needle to a very sharp tip, and the combination of these parameters results in the ultra-low flow rate capability. After a metal electrical contact is formed on the exterior wall of the needle, an electrically insulating overcoating is preferably deposited thereon which locks the contact in place, thereby greatly increasing needle life, and also restricting the electrical contact point to the very tip of the needle.

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

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

Abstract: A coating system comprises a source of electrically non-insulative coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material toward an article to be coated thereby, an electrostatic high potential supply for supplying charge to the coating material, means for coupling the high potential supply across the dispenser and the article, a first reservoir, and a first valve. The first valve has a first housing providing first, second, third, fourth and fifth ports, and a first component movable within the first housing and having a first passageway selectively to connect the first port to the second port to permit the flow of coating material from the first port to the second port. The first port is coupled to the coating material source, the second port to the first reservoir, and the third port to the dispenser. The second port is coupled to the third port to permit the flow of coating material from the first reservoir to the dispenser. A source is provided for an electrically non-conductive fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying electrically conductive coating materials to an electrostatic dispenser with a parallel arrangement of subsystems selectably coupled to the dispenser by a four-port system voltage blocking valve, which electrically isolates the subsystems. The subsystems each include first and second piston cylinders that alternatingly receive a selected coating material from a corresponding manifold and supply the coating material to the dispenser by a subsystem voltage blocking valve, which isolates the dispenser from the manifold, when coupled to the dispenser. The first and second piston cylinders of each subsystem also alternatingly receive a solvent from the corresponding manifold and direct the solvent to a waste receptacle by a corresponding subsystem voltage blocking valve when the subsystem is not coupled to the dispenser.

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.

Abstract: An electrospray adapted fuel injection valve includes an anode and cathode to inject monopolar electric charge into electrically insulating fuel. On exiting the injector, the charge containing fuel atomizes and disperses to reduce electrostatic energy. Additional electrodes with an appropriate method of biasing extend the range of applicability of the process by adjusting space charge distribution within the injector to compensate for variability in component manufacture and variability in the electrical conductivity of the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating material comprises a filling station having a first coupling element connected to a source of the coating material and a shuttle carrying a second coupling element which is movable with respect to the filling station between a paint transfer position in which the coupling elements engage and a neutral position physically spaced from the filling station. The shuttle, in turn, is connected to the reservoir of a piston pump which communicates with one or more air operated or air assist spray guns. A high-voltage power supply is connected to the metal body of the piston pump to charge the electrically conductive coating material immediately before it is supplied to the spray gun.

Abstract: For a rapid and simple assembly, the rotary atomizer of the coating arrangement described has a fastening pin (34) arranged on a valve unit (12). The fastening pin is inserted into a matching opening of a mounting flange (70) and is retained therein by a clamping device that exerts a force pressing the valve unit (12) against the flange (70). The atomizer is composed of individual modules (2,4,6,10,12) connected by screw connections and additionally comprises a rigid light guide rod for the transmission of optical rpm measuring signals, which remains in the valve unit (12) during disassembly of the atomizer.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray system has a high voltage section where an electric charge is applied to a liquid and the high voltage section is isolated from a lower potential section, such as a frame. The spray system has components on the high voltage section that communicate for operating functions with other components on the low voltage section, such as a liquid level sensor that controls flow into a liquid reservoir or valves on the high voltage section controlled from the low voltage section. Radio controls are provided for the components so there are no physical links for the operation of the components that can provide current leakage paths back to ground.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring electrically conductive coating materials, such as water-based paint, from a source to at least one coating dispenser such as a spray gun for discharge onto a substrate. In alternative embodiments, the coating material is supplied to the dispenser(s) from parallel flow paths which are comparatively simple and inexpensive in construction, and which are capable of delivering high pressure, high volume flows of coating material while substantially eliminating pressure fluctuations in the coating material supply when switching from one flow path to another.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray system has a support for a liquid container, and the high voltage components mounted through isolators for providing electrical insulation relative to a low voltage or grounded support. The liquid container is connected to a pump that provides the liquid under pressure, after an electric charge is applied to the liquid on the exterior of the liquid container. The liquid container has an open top, and a sprinkler head adds liquid to the liquid container. The sprinkler head is mounted on the low voltage support, but all high voltage components are electrically isolated from low voltage components to insure there is little current leakage back to ground.

Abstract: A paint dosage device is particularly adapted to be mounted in close proximity to a spray gun (P) in a program controlled spray painting installation for dosed paint supply to the spray gun. The device includes at least two dosage cylinders (SA,SB), each having a regulating piston (PA,PB) connected to a piston departure position and displacement velocity regulator (RA,MA:RB,MB) for setting the paint filling amount of the associated cylinder by controlled adjustment of the departure position of the regulating piston in the cylinder, and for setting the dosage rate of the cylinder when supplying paint to the spray gun, by program controlling the displacement velocity of the regulating piston in the cylinder. A valve assembly (V1,V2,V3,V4) is arranged for connecting the cylinders (SA,SB) alternately to the spray gun (P) and putting the cylinder disconnected from the gun in connection with means for cleansing and paint filling apparatus.

Abstract: A resistor housing includes passageways to accommodate high potential electrical connectors. Connection is made from one of the connectors through a high voltage cable assembly to one output of a power supply. The cable assembly includes a length of high voltage, high-flex, shielded coaxial high voltage cable. The center conductor of the cable is finished at both ends with a banana plug. The shield of the cable is terminated. A sleeve of, for example, heat-shrinkable semi-rigid, multiple wall polyolefin, is slipped onto the stripped end of the cable over the exposed shield and the end of the cable jacket. A length of heat-shrinkable tetrafluroethylene (TFE) is slipped over the sleeve and the adjacent region of cable jacket, shrunk, and trimmed flush with the end of the polyolefin sleeve. Paint or solvent from a trigger/dump/solvent manifold is supplied through a feed tube. The feed tube is constructed from an electrically non-conductive material.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating material comprises a filling station having a first coupling element connected to a source of the coating material and a shuttle carrying a second coupling element which is movable with respect to the filling station between a paint transfer position in which the coupling elements engage and a neutral position physically spaced from the filling station. The shuttle, in turn, is connected to the reservoir of a piston pump which communicates with one or more air operated or air assist spray guns. A high-voltage power supply is connected to the metal body of the piston pump to charge the electrically conductive coating material immediately before it is supplied to the spray gun.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun including a housing for receiving a replaceable fluid container, a nozzle from which fluid is to be sprayed, apparatus for expelling the fluid from the container and a high voltage generator for applying electrostatic potential to the fluid to form an electrically charged atomized spray at the nozzle. The replaceable fluid container is externally insulating and the electrical path from the generator passes through the fluid entering it at a point remote from the nozzle. A piston is employed to expel the fluid from the nozzle during spraying. The electrostatic spray gun has the advantage that it does not employ propellants and the paint need not be stored in a flexible plastic container thereby preventing loss of solvent during storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrostatic spray gun including a replaceable fluid container a nozzle outlet, apparatus for applying high voltage to the liquid and a spring loaded trigger piston for pressurizing the liquid through the outlet. The piston has axially inner and outer parts for forming a lubricant chamber therebetween. The lubricant seals the paint forward of the piston during pressurization and prevents the piston from being locked up during reciprocation.

Abstract: A pan oiler for spraying oil into cavities in pans moving on a conveyor including a stationary center nozzle assembly and spaced outer nozzle assemblies. The outer nozzle assemblies are mounted on opposite ends of a drive screw having right hand threads formed on one end and left hand threads formed on the other end for moving the outside nozzle assemblies in unison relative to the stationary center nozzle assembly. A pair of electrically charged electrodes are positioned adjacent the nozzle assemblies for setting up an electric field across the spray paths of the nozzle assemblies for reducing overspray.

Abstract: A voltage isolation device for controlling the flow of conductive liquid between a liquid supply source and a liquid destination source. The isolation device has an inlet connected to the supply source and has a yoke slide valve positionable along a pair of rods; one of the rods engages a slideable tube at the inlet to provide a liquid seal and the yoke slide valve may be positionable to slide the tube away from the rod to thereby provide a flow path for liquid through the tube and out the slide valve. A pair of seal assemblies each having axially spaced apart seals have formed sealing areas containing a non-conductive seal liquid which is capable of dissolving the conductive liquids being utilized. A scheme is provided to route arcs which result when the charged fluid is connected to the grounded fluid so as to locate the arc away from parts which could be damaged by it.

Abstract: An electrostatic nozzle assembly for dispensing flowable material to a predetermined target. The nozzle assembly comprises an insulative cap, an insulative base and an electrically chargeable metallic, plate-like shim therebetween. The cap and base of the nozzle assembly have sharp continuous unbroken forward edges, the cap forward edge and the adjacent portion of the base defining a continuous dispensing slot. The nozzle assembly has at least one inlet for flowable material leading to at least one distribution chamber formed in the shim. The at least one distribution chamber comprises a plurality of distribution channels defining discrete pathways having a depth of about one half the thickness of the shim and configured to distribute the flowable material from the inlet to predetermined points along the dispensing nozzle assembly. The spacing between the forward edges of the base and cap and the spacing of the cap forward edge and the forward edge of the shim are critical.

Abstract: A device for the electrostatic spraying of a coating material comprising at least one charge electrode and equipped with an activating trigger connected to the means of supply of the coating material characterized in that it comprises means of adjusting the supply voltage of the said electrode sensitive the to position of the trigger. Thanks to this device, it is possible to control the value of the charge electrode supply voltage during coating as a function of the geometrical configuration of the object.

Abstract: Relatively low resistivity liquids are formed into sprays under the influence of an applied electric field acting between a nozzle and the nozzle surroundings which may be at earth potential. The liquid issues from the nozzle as a ligament which undergoes necking to a diameter smaller than that of the nozzle orifice, thereby producing droplets with a volume median diameter less than the orifice diameter.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray coating device for electrically conductive, non-combustible coating fluid. The coating fluid is accommodated in a pressure container (2) of electrically insulating plastic and connected over a tube (10) of electrically insulating material with a spraying device (8). An electric conduction path (53) heads off high voltage from the coating fluid (6) which is present in the pressure container (2) when the high voltage is switched off. Thereby the electrical capacitance of the device is reduced and simultaneously it is ensured that after the switching-off of the high voltage the coating fluid present in the pressure container (2) in a few seconds is no longer electrically charged. Thereby, immediately after the switching-off of the high voltage, the pressure container (2) can be opened, for example for the replenishing of coating fluid.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder-coating gun is provided which comprises a powder duct which is connected to a supply conduit for a powder-air-mixture and arranged along the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel and having an open mouth towards the work to be coated, a high-voltage generator, an electrode supporting tube extending through the powder duct in axial direction thereof, and a high-voltage electrode located on the supporting tube and protruding beyond the mouth of the powder duct towards the work. The high-voltage generator and the powder duct are disposed in series along the longitudinal axis of the powder tube in such a way that the powder duct is adjacent the muzzle of the gun barrel. The powder duct is comprised of a toroidal duct and an annular channel extending therefrom and opening to the outside.

Abstract: A uniform distribution nozzle for electrostatic dispensing of conductive fluids, wherein the nozzle includes a nozzle body having a base and an attached cap, and an inlet for receiving fluid at a relatively low pressure. A substantially elongated outlet opening is provided on the nozzle for enabling distribution of the fluid, and a conductive shim is preferably included for providing an electrical charge to the fluid to enable electrostatic distribution from the nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of distribution channels are provided to define discrete pathways within the nozzle for distributing and directing the fluid from the inlet to predetermine dispensing points along the outlet opening. The pathways have substantially equal flow characteristics, so that fluid travels with substantially equivalent volume, speed and pressure between the inlet and the outlet opening, regardless of which particular pathway and dispensing point are involved.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun includes a housing for receiving a replaceable fluid container, a nozzle from which fluid is to be sprayed, a device for expelling fluid from the container, and a high voltage generator for applying electrostatic potential to the fluid to form an electrically charged atomized spray at the nozzle. An electrical path from the generator to the nozzle passes through the fluid, entering the fluid prior to its emergence from the nozzle. The container is rigid and fluid is expelled from the container by a piston under pressure exerted thereon through a forward part of the generator.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun comprising a housing (32) for receiving a replaceable collapsible container, a nozzle (39) from which fluid is to be sprayed, squeeze grip mechanism (36, 35, 34) for compressing the container to feed fluid to the nozzle and high voltage contacts (38a, 38b) for applying electrostatic potential to the fluid such that the fluid issues from the nozzle in the form of an electrically charged atomized spray, wherein the nozzle (39) forms or is fed by a resealable delivery valve having inner (11) and outer valve members (12) with fluid fed to a gap between them by the compression of the container, from which gap the fluid emerges to form the spray and the gap being closable, desirably with a wipping, fluid-cleaning action, by relative movement of the members.

Abstract: A frictional electrification gun for use in electrostatic painting which can electrostatically charge power paint to a sufficient degree without the need of an elongated and twisted charging portion made up of nonconductive resin tubes. At the inlet of the charging portion made up of nonconductive resin tubes is provided a pre-charging portion for dispersing and charging powder paint. It has a nonconductive resin ring through which powder paint is fed swirling along its inner surface. The paint is thus sufficiently charged.

Abstract: An actuator for electrically charging an aerosol spray has an inductor located adjacent to the spray nozzle to induce a charge on the atomized fluid. Charge to the inductor is provided by a piezoelectric crystal which is stressed by movement of an operating member to open the spray valve. Inductor charging utilizes negligible electrical power so that additional power sources are not required. The crystal may be stressed continuously such as by squeezing, or intermittently, such as by striking. When an intermittent stressing is utilized, the electrical circuit includes a switch between the crystal and inductor which is opened as the valve is opened to isolate electrically the inductor during spraying.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, anti-fouling, ionizing air gun for static neutralization and particle blow-off comprises a generally tubular barrel having an open forward or nozzle end and a rearward open end for drawing air therethrough from the atmosphere. A pointed ion emitting electrode is positioned intermediate the ends of the barrel and directs ions toward the forward nozzle end while a plurality of circumferentially spaced air jets direct streams of compressed air in a conical pattern toward the apex thereof in front of the ion emitting electrode so as to induce air drawn in from the open rear end over the electrode to effect cleansing thereof thereby expelling a high velocity ionized air stream through the forward nozzle end.

Abstract: A spray gun with a powder spray nozzle sprays a pattern of coating material through specified discharge slot configurations to evenly coat a recess and/or the surface of a substrate. One discharge slot configuration, having two intersecting slots disposed at substantially sixty degree angles to each other, can be rotated to change the width of the coating being applied within the recess. The other slot configuration, having at least five radial slots and a substantially circular bore extending through the intersection of the slots, is effective to coat both the recess and the flat surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Method of sterilizing a packaging material with a sterilizing agent in liquid form. The packaging material is discharged in order to eliminate electrostatic surface charged on the packaging material, after which the packaging material is wetted with the sterilizing agent which is applied in an electrostatically charged form to those areas of the packaging material which are to be sterilized. The packaging material with the sterilizing agent, which coalesces to a thin, homogeneous film, is finally heated to drive away the sterilizing agent from the sterilized packaging material.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating material comprises a filling station having a first coupling element connected to a source of the coating material and a shuttle carrying a second coupling element which is movable with respect to the filling station between a paint transfer position in which the coupling elements engage and a neutral position physically spaced from the filling station. The shuttle, in turn, is connected to the reservoir of a piston pump which communicates with one or more air operated or air assist spray guns. A high-voltage power supply is connected to the metal body of the piston pump to charge the electrically conductive coating material immediately before it is supplied to the spray gun.

Abstract: An electrically isolating pressure feed paint reservoir suitable for holding electrically conductive paint applied with an electrostatic spray gun. A paint container is located in an electrically insulated housing which is mounted on a dolly for portability. The housing also mounts a pneumatically operated paint pump for delivering pressurized paint to the spray gun. When a lid to the housing is removed the high voltage power source is turned off and any high voltage present in the housing is discharged through a resistor.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray nozzle that is positioned at an angle above horizontal and less than vertical having a body with an upper fluid emitting end and a lower bottom end. The body having an interior cavity therein. Within the cavity is a shim capable of conducting electricity that defines an opening at the fluid emitting end and a channel that joins the fluid emitting end opening to a supply of flowable material. The body has an enclosed electrode external adjacent to and below the emitting end. Both the shim and the electrode are electrically connected to a voltage source. The nozzle, in operation, bends the field adjacent the emitting end upwardly in accordance with the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention includes an electrically isolated electrically less-conductive component fluid-flow course and an electrically-grounded electrically more-conductive component fluid-flow course. The electrically more-conductive component fluid-flow course may be additionally electrically isolated at the preference of an operator. The invention includes an electrostatic spray gun a mixer positioned proximal to the electrostatic spray gun, and a first conduit which holds alternating segments of electrically more-conductive component and electrically less-conductive component. The alternating segments function in series to additively provide a combined resistance which electrically blocks the high-voltage potential generated at the electrostatic spray gun.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating materials, such as water-based paint, from at least one source to one or more coating dispensers or spray guns for discharge onto a substrate includes two "parallel" flow paths, each having a large reservoir pump, which transmit coating material to a common valve which, in turn, switches flow to the coating dispensers from one flow path to the other. Each parallel flow path provides a voltage block between one or more sources of coating material and the electrostatically charged coating material discharged from the spray guns to ensure that there is never a completed electrical path between the source of conductive coating material and the charged coating material during a coating operation. Additionally, a rapid and efficient color change capability is provided for the entire system which permits different colored coating materials to be dispensed from the apparatus herein with minimum downtime of the coating operation.