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.

Abstract: A filter of a water purifying apparatus main body which is housed in a sink is made as a positive electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by a dry battery cell, between the filter and a negative electrode in a purified water passage. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water purifying apparatus main body. A discharge pipe of the water faucet used exclusively for purified water is made as a negative electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by the dry battery cell, between the positive electrode in the outlet of a cartridge and the discharge pipe. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water faucet used exclusively for purified water.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is provided including a reservoir for a fluid material, at least one sealable chamber capable of receiving material from the reservoir, a closure valve device between the chamber and a fluid outlet from the dispenser and a pumping device for pressurizing any fluid material in the chamber, the chamber including at least one resilient wall portion arranged to be deformed by pressurizing of the fluid material.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is provided with a carrier having a deformable container capable of being filled with a fluid material to be dispensed, the container being sealed by a closure valve device, with resilient device acting upon the container to place its contents under pressure, and a control device being provided for opening of the closure valve device to permit contents of the container to be ejected by pressure from the resilient device.

Abstract: A spray arrangement including means to form and direct a spray of liquid droplets and means to apply an electrostatic charge to droplets in said spray, said charge applying means including an insulating body to support a spray-charging electrode in association with the spray-forming means, the spray-forming means [10] forming the spray hydraulically, the body [20] having a smoothly-constricted bore [26, 27, 28] for the free passage of spray with the electrode [23] housed to expose only inward-facing electrode surface [28] as the constriction to passing spray [40] for the acquisition of charge therefrom, the bore surface turning back upon itself [29] as it expands beyond the constriction to form an end of the body, the end of the body where the surface turns back upon itself [29] and the part of the bore remote from said end being formed to assist the shedding of liquid [22, 51, 52].

Abstract: An electrostatic device for spraying electrically conductive liquid coating product comprises a storage tank for the product in which the product is at a high voltage. The tank is defined in a substantially cylindrical cavity formed in an insulative material body and inside in which is a piston forming in the cavity a mobile wall separating a coating product chamber from an actuation chamber filled with an electrically insulative actuation fluid. The body is fixed to a conductive material socket which is grounded and to which is connected an actuation fluid supply circuit extending between the socket and the actuation chamber and discharging into the actuation chamber near a back wall of the cavity which is not in contact with the coating product. A section of the supply circuit runs substantially parallel to the cavity in the direction away from the socket starting from the back wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatic atomization of liquids, particularly fuel, has a nozzle, which has a nozzle body of electrically conductive material, connected to ground potential, with a nozzle opening for the emergence of a volume of liquid under pressure and has an electrode in the nozzle body, coaxially opposite the nozzle opening, which electrode is at a high-voltage potential. To avoid a corona discharge of the electrically charged liquid volume emerging from the nozzle opening, which would limit the magnitude of the possible electric charging of the liquid volume in the nozzle and thus the degree of atomization, nonelectrical means are provided toward the nozzle opening for atomizing the liquid volume as it emerges from the nozzle, and these means are embodied such that the mechanical breakaway forces they produce in the liquid volume are effective sooner than the forces of electrostatic repulsion prevailing between the liquid droplets.

Abstract: A storage tank for a liquid product such as a coating product to be sprayed comprises an internal piston dividing the storage tank into a first chamber receiving the coating product under pressure and a second chamber receiving a pressurized actuator fluid. The piston is mechanically coupled to a step mode actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically spray-coating a workpiece with conductive paint which includes a color changeover valve mechanism for selectively supplying conductive paint, cleaning liquid and air. A flush valve mechanism is provided for selectively supplying the cleaning liquid and the air. A first directional control valve includes an outlet and inlets. The inlets are connected to feed lines extending from the color changeover valve mechanism and the flush valve mechanism, respectively. A block line is made of an insulating material and has a first end connected to the outlet of the first directional control valve. The block line includes a second end in communication with the first end. A second directional control valve is provided having outlets and an inlet. The inlet is connected to the second end of the block line. An intermediate reservoir is connected via a feed line to one of outlets of the second directional control valve.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines has a hollow nozzle body with a fuel valve chamber and with a nozzle opening for the emergence of the fuel. A valve seat, which interacts with a valve member, is formed in the interior of the nozzle body. To achieve high-grade atomization or charging of the fuel emerging from the nozzle opening, two electrodes connected to a high voltage are provided, of which at least one is composed of a material suitable for field emission of electrical charge carriers. One electrode is arranged on a valve member and the other electrode on the nozzle body, in such a way that an electric field which passes through the flow of fuel is formed directly upstream or downstream of the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating materials such as water-based paint from a source to an electrostatically charged dispenser includes first and second shuttle devices and two large reservoir, piston pumps each having structure for preventing contamination of the coating material and pressure build-up at their piston heads. The first shuttle device is movable between a neutral position wherein it is electrically isolated from a filling station connected to the coating material source, and a transfer position wherein coating material is transmitted to one of the piston pumps through a coupling device which connects the filling station and first shuttle.

Abstract: Liquid to be dispensed is supplied to a dispensing nozzle (88) from a compressible container (30) such as a sachet with a valve-controlled outlet (66) by compressing the sachet through the agency of a pad (46) of resiliently deformable material. The dispensing device is embodied in a hand held unit having a trigger (102) and electrical circuitry (91, 96, 106, 98, 106) for applying high voltage to the liquid in order to effect dispensing of the liquid in the form of an electrostatically charged, atomised spray.

Abstract: A peristaltic voltage block (34) couples a dispenser (10) to a source (20) of coating material. The peristaltic voltage block (34) has a length (220) of resilient conduit, a wall against which the resilient conduit lies in generally planar loops (222), and a rotor (246) including rollers (250, 350) for movably contacting the length (220) of resilient conduit at multiple contact points for substantially dividing the coating material in the peristaltic voltage block (34) into discrete slugs of coating material substantially to interrupt the electrical path through the coating material from the terminal to the coating material source (20). Either the wall or the rollers (250, 350) includes first regions where the loops (222) of resilient conduit lie, and second, raised regions. The second, raised regions adjacent the first regions retain the loops (222) of resilient conduit (220) in position.

Abstract: In an electrostatic compressed air paint spray gun, the overall exit area of the compressed air discharge opening as well as the pressure and the quantity of the supplied compressed air are dimensioned such and matched such to one another that, first, the ratio (V.sub.L) of the air pressure (P.sub.1) prevailing immediately upstream of the compressed air discharge opening to the air pressure (P.sub.2) prevailing downstream of the compressed air discharge opening is less than 2:1 and, second, quantity and flow rate of the compressed air emerging from the compressed air discharge opening and magnitude of the applied high-voltage guarantee an adequate atomization of the paint as well as a conveying of the atomized paint particles to the workpiece with a given paint throughput and given paint viscosity. A high precipitation efficiency and a good paint compass are thus achieved.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying apparatus is in the form of a device suitable for hand held use. The device uses a high voltage generator of the rectified pulsed type and includes an earth return path which is completed via the operator through a contact (38) associated with the hand grip (4) of the device. Resistance (36), typically of the order of 50 megohm, suppresses pulsed electrical sensations that may be experienced by the operator in the event that the nozzle (12) is contacted with an earthed object, and the nozzle (12) is designed so that the liquid therein presents, by virtue of the length and cross-sectional area of a liquid conducting passage(s) in the nozzle, a high resistance between the voltage generator (26) and the nozzle thereby reducing the energy that can be drawn to earth by electrical discharge.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing system comprises an electrostatic high potential supply having an output terminal on which the supply maintains a high electrostatic potential, a source of coating material, and a dispenser for dispensing the coating material. The output terminal is coupled to the dispenser to supply potential to the coating material dispensed by the dispenser. A peristaltic device couples the dispenser to the source of coating material. The peristaltic device has a length of resilient conduit and contactors for movably contacting the length of resilient conduit at multiple contact points for substantially dividing the coating material in the peristaltic device into discrete slugs of coating material substantially to interrupt the electrical path through the coating material from the terminal to the coating material source. Thhe peristaltic device includes an inlet end for coupling to the source of coating material.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating apparatus for coating an electroconductive paint includes an electrostatic coating machine applied with a high voltage, a paint supply pipeline for supplying an electroconductive paint and a reciprocal pump disposed between the electrostatic coating machine and the paint supply pipeline and adapted such that the paint introduced from the input port is discharged at a predetermined flow rate from the output port of the pump and supplied at a predetermined amount to the electrostatic coating machine. The input port of the pump is made detachable from the paint supply pipeline. Electric insulation to paint supply pipelines can be saved. The reciprocal pump may be replaced with a paint charge pipe connected with a cleaning liquid supply pipe for supplying a cleaning liquid at a predetermined flow rate, thereby discharging the paint from the paint charge pipe.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device is designed in such a way that potential surface leakage paths (FIG. 1b) along which current may leak from the HT generator (2b) are sufficiently long to allow the use of a generator having a smaller than conventional maximum current output.

Abstract: An improved system for cleaning printing press components using a plurality of different cleaning specially each especially adapted for cleaning particular printing press components including inking rollers, printing blankets and printing plates is disclosed. The plurality of fluids are selectively dispensed using a controller to automatically coordinate the dispensation of the selected cleaning fluids in a predetermined pattern to selected ones of the press components without delivery to nonselected others of the inking rollers, printing blankets and other printing plates.

Abstract: Color change systems for electrostatic coating apparatus are characterized by a dielectric manifold in-line between supplies of different colors of coating materials and a material supply line to the apparatus. To initiate a coating operation, a selected color of material is provided through the manifold to fill the supply line, whereafter the manifold is flushed clean of the material. A high electrostatic charging voltage is then applied to the coating apparatus while the material in the line is supplied to the apparatus for being electrostatically charged and emitted by the apparatus to coat an article. For conductive coating materials, during the coating operation the high charging voltage conducted through the material in the hose is blocked by the nonconductive dielectric manifold and cannot reach and charge the material supplies, so there is no need for a protective enclosure around the supplies of leakage of charging current to the supplies.

Abstract: An enhanced electrostatic paint deposition apparatus (10) comprising a nozzle (16), a conduit (14) coupled to the nozzle for supplying paint (12) thereto, and a plurality of electrically conductive whiskers (18) positioned within the nozzle for applying an electrostatic charge to droplets of the paint. Each of the whiskers terminates in a jagged end (30) for enabling the droplets to acquire an enhanced electric charge. The whiskers may be provided with lengths which are tailored to provide an array of whiskers with a desired three-dimensional curvature for controlling the focussing field on the paint droplets. Each whisker is secured to a holder (22) which is, in turn, secured to a porous grid (20) whose mesh size is selected to divide that paint into narrow streams of desired size, which exit nozzle 16 in droplet form. The holder is configured by decreasing its center portion (28) in dimension to tume the holder's current limiting capabilities.

Abstract: A spray gun is provided with an angled spray head for use on painting robots. The spray head is designed for attachment to a conventional spray gun and utilizes an angled retaining ring in conjunction with a conventional retaining ring, a conventional spray cap, and angled fluid nozzle. This arrangement allows rotation and orientation of the pattern at various angles relative to the body of the robot as desired by the operator. The electrode needle is formed of flexible material so as to enable it to flex through the angled fluid passage.

Abstract: A device which can dispense at least one pesticide which comprises a base unit (10) containing tanks (40, 42) for the pesticides and a wand (100) including valves (212, 134) to control dispensing of the pesticides, an electrode (280) to place an electrostatic charge on one pesticide, and a pulsing unit (128) to pulse the flow of one pesticide.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun is provided that alternatively houses an end section of a high voltage cable remotely supplied by a high voltage source or an internal voltage multiplier so the electrode of the gun may be alternatively powered by the high voltage output of the end section of the high voltage cable or the internal voltage multiplier. The gun has an internal chamber into which the internal voltage multiplier or end section of the high voltage cable may be alternatively placed. A resistor/electrode assembly is mounted onto the high voltage output of the internal voltage multiplier or end section of the high voltage cable. A retainer secures the internal voltage multiplier or end section of the high voltage cable within the internal chamber and also maintains the electrical contact between the resistor/electrode assembly and the high voltage output housed within the internal chamber.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun particularly adapted to the spraying of fast-drying paint mixtures while preventing the polymerization or setting up of the paint mixtures includes a gun body having defined therein a gun inlet for receiving paint, a gun spray orifice, an annular seat surrounding the orifice, and a supply passage communicating the gun inlet and the orifice. The gun also includes a valve assembly including a reciprocable valve member engageable with the valve seat to close the orifice and define a closed position of the valve member. The valve assembly further includes an electrode extending from the valve member through the orifice.

Abstract: The gun grip (18) and the gun barrel (2) are two bodies that are detachably connected with each other. The fluid line (26) is a stiff tube with two tubular shanks (27, 28) which at said angle extend obliquely to each other. The one tubular shank (28) is removably installed in a channel (25) of the gun grip (18), the other tubular shank (27) in a first channel (10) of the gun barrel (2), each from sides of the gun grip (18) and the gun barrel (2) that border on each other.

Abstract: In an electrostatic spray coating apparatus (10), liquid coating material is applied to a workpart inside of a spray booth (12). Alternating flows of liquid coating material, liquid solvent and air are conducted through various internal flow passages in a conduit (14) inside the spray booth. An electronic differentiator (24) is positioned adjacent a predetermined location along the conduit (14) and energized from an electrical source disposed outside of the spray booth (12) to differentiate between liquid and gas in the internal flow passage for nonintrusively detecting when the head of liquid flow reaches the predetermined location along the internal flow passage. This is accomplished by an electromagnetic field extending into the flow passage and sensing the changes in the electromagnetic field resulting from dielectric differences between liquid and gas in the flow passage.

Abstract: A paint hose extension to facilitate safe application of metallic paints with a hand held electrostatic spray gun. The hose extension extends between the spray gun and a hose connected to a grounded paint supply. The hose extension provides a predetermined long electrically insulated paint flow path between a high voltage paint charging electrode in the spray gun and the paint supply hose. An electrically conductive layer shields the hose between an electrically grounded handle on the spray gun and a remote metallic connector which attaches to the paint supply hose. The connector electrically connects the conductive layer with the grounded paint column at the connector.

Abstract: Consists essentially of a gun barrel (2) and a carrier (18) which can be fitted into a recess (20) on the rear, bottom end of the gun barrel (2), and of a voltage generator module (14). Formed in the gun barrel (2) is a first channel (10) for a fluid and above it, offset axially to the rear, a straight-line second channel (16) for accommodating the voltage generator module (14). A straight-line third channel (24) through the carrier (18) enables the connection of an electrical connector (40) to the primary side of the voltage generator module (14) by a simple plug connection, without disassembly of other parts. A straight-line fourth channel (25) in the carrier (18) communicates with the first channel (10). This makes all of the channels so short that all parts can be made from plastic without manufacturing problems and can be cleaned quickly.

Abstract: In electrostatic atomization of liquids wherein a stream of electrically charged liquid is atomized under the influence of the electrical charge, the stream is surrounded by a mist to increase the dielectric breakdown strength of the surrounding atmosphere. This permits use of higher charge levels and hence more efficient atomization. The mist may incorporate minute droplets of the liquid to be atomized. An insulating vapor may be formed from the liquid by heating a portion of the liquid and employed in place of or in addition to the mist.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing system includes an electrostatic high potential supply having an output terminal on which the supply maintains a high electrostatic potential, a source of coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material, and appropriate fluid and electric circuits for coupling the dispenser to the source of coating material and the output terminal to the dispenser to supply potential to the coating material dispensed by the dispenser. The fluid circuit coupling the dispenser to the source of coating material includes a peristaltic voltage block having multiple coils of a resilient conduit and a rotor for supporting an element for contacting each coil at multiple contact points. The peristaltic voltage block substantially divides the flow of coating material to the dispenser into discrete slugs of coating material substantially to interrupt the electrical path through the coating material from the terminal to the coating material supply.

Abstract: A spray gun with electrokinetic charging of powdered material for the purpose of electrostatically coating workpieces with a powder coating. As the powder flows pneumatically through a channel of insulation material in the form of an annular gap, the plastic powder to be applied is charged by superimposition of triboelectric effects with ionization processes initiated by these effects at a passive ionizer electrode, and completed by friction against a semiconductive insert within the annular gap. Thus, the effective area of the electrostatic induction ionizer is expanded, the charge on the powder is increased and spark-like sliding discharges in the flow channels as well as dielectric breakdowns of the channel wall are prevented.

Abstract: In an electrostatic particle spraying apparatus, a hand-held triggering mechanism is provided with a self-contained source of high D.C. voltage and a coupling sleeve into which a conventional aerosol spray can is inserted. A trigger mechanism is squeezed by a mechanism operator and closes a switch that completes an electrical connection between the D.C. voltage source and an electrode of the mechanism, creating an electric potential in the electrode. The electrode is positioned in the projected path of particle spray from the aerosol can, and continued depression of the trigger lever causes a hammer to contact and depress a nozzle tip of the aerosol can, releasing the pressurized fluid contents of the can from the nozzle tip in a projected path of particle spray. A distal end of the electrode extends into the projected path of particle spray.

Abstract: An installation for spraying coating product, such as water-soluble or metallic paint to be sprayed onto automobile bodies, comprises a coating product change unit on a downstream side of which is at least one distribution pipe. This feeds at least one sprayer for the coating product. An intermediate storage tank for the coating product formed in the distribution pipe(s) consists of a section of the pipe itself. An arrangement is provided for feeding rinsing product into the distribution pipe(s) and, by virtue of a selective connection device, the coating product is propelled by the rinsing product during spraying.

Abstract: A high-voltage electrostatic painting apparatus (10) for coating an article (12) inside a spray booth (14). The apparatus (10) includes a flow rate meter (34) disposed within the electrostatic environment for measuring the rate at which paint is supplied to a discharge atomizer (18). The meter (34) includes two intermeshing rotors (44, 46) disposed within a sealed non-ferromagnetic housing (54). The two rotors (44, 46) rotate in response to liquid paint flowing through the housing (54). A magnetic coupling (64) acts through the housing (54) to drive an optical signal producing disc (62). A pick-up sensor (82) senses the optical signal from the disc (62) and sends that signal outside the booth (14) to a master control unit (40) via a fiber optic conductor (90). The master control unit (40) automatically adjusts a flow rate regulator valve (92) to provide a constant rate of paint flow to the discharge atomizer (18).

Abstract: A coating material dispensing system includes an electrostatic high potential supply having an output terminal on which the supply maintains a high electrostatic potential, a source of coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material, and appropriate fluid and electric circuits for coupling the dispenser to the source of coating material and the output terminal to the dispenser to supply potential to the coating material dispensed by the dispenser. The fluid circuit coupling the dispenser to the source of coating material includes a peristaltic voltage block having multiple coils of a resilient conduit and a rotor for supporting means for contacting each coil at multiple contact points. The peristaltic voltage block substantially divides the flow of coating material to the dispenser into discrete slugs of coating material substantially to interrupt the electrical path through the coating material from the terminal to the coating material supply.

Abstract: Fuel is activated prior to combustion in an engine by an electrical arc established across an annular gap between two electrodes, and sustained for a significant portion of the injection cycle. The vaporized or gaseous fuel is directed through a spiral recess to be caused to flow vortically and cause the arc to migrate about the annular gap to reduce electrode erosion and increase exposure of the fuel to the activating effects of the arc. The arc is formed by separating contacting electrodes which applying a current to the electrodes. One of the electrodes is movable under the influence of the pressurized fuel to cause separation from the other fixed electrode, so that the arc is established as fuel begins flowing. The electrodes have opposing rimmed cavities, with fuel flow shifting the arc radially inwardly, migrating to extend between the inner wall of each cavities, and around which the arc rotates under the influence of the vortical fuel flow.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying apparatus in which an electrode is mounted adjacent to the sprayhead, means are provided for causing a first electrical potential to be applied to liquid emerging from the sprayhead, and further means are provided for applying a second electrical potential to the electrode. The difference between the first and second potentials is sufficient to cause an intense field to be developed between the emerging liquid and the electrode, sufficient to atomise the liquid. The electrode has a core of conducting or semiconducting material sheathed in a "semi-insulating" material. This "semi-insulating" material has a dielectric strength and volume resistivity sufficiently high to prevent sparking between the electrode and the sprayhead and a volume resistivity sufficiently low to allow charge collected on the surface of the material to be conducted through the "semi-insulating" material to the conducting or semiconducting core.

Abstract: The nozzle assembly of an electrostatic spray gun has an adapter which is made of an electrically insulating material and has a front surface facing in the direction of propagation of material issuing from the orifice of the nozzle. The adapter has a frustoconical extension which surrounds the orifice and whose external surface defines with the front surface of the adapter an annular space for the tips of electrodes which ionize air flowing toward the spray of material that issues from the orifice. The locations of the tips of electrodes (preferably very close to the front surface of the adapter) and the inclination of the external surface of the frustoconical extension determine the location of contact of ionized air with the spray. The tips of the electrodes are shielded from mechanical damage by being located in the annular space.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified spray guns, particularly electrostatic spray guns, for implementation of the vaporous amine catalyst spray method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,222. In particular, the present invention broadly is directed to a spray gun for spraying atomized liquid, e.g. vapor permeation curable paint, with the assistance of a vaporous amine flow via an amine flow path established in the gun wherein the improvement including a device actuable in the absence of the vaporous amine flow to cause a heated non-amine gas, preferably heated air, to flow through and purge the amine flow path within the gun for maintaining a desired flow path temperature adequate for suppressing amine condensation in said flow path. The spray gun can be a hand spray gun or an automated spray gun utilizing air atomization or mechanical atomization, operating under electrostatic spray conditions if desired.

Abstract: An air atomizing electrostatic coating gun which atomizers a liquid paint by using air flows and thereafter applying atomized liquid paint to an object to be coated by using an electrostatic force. In this coating gun, all of a rod valve, a driving piston, an air cylinder and valve support members of a needle valve device are made of insulating materials having good insulating properties, and an electrode for charging paint particles is attached to the valve. A nozzle-needle valve assembly which is integrally constructed by attaching a paint nozzle to a cylindrical extension of the air cylinder which is formed at a front end portion thereof, is inserted and fitted into a generally cylindrical cavity in a front end portion of the gun body from the front side thereof.

Abstract: An electrostatic particle spray gun having, in one preferred embodiment, a conical deflector of insulative material mounted in the nozzle in the particle path for forming a conical particle spray pattern. A resistive sheet connected to a high voltage electrostatic supply is sandwiched between the forward and rearward ends of the deflector, leaving only the perimeter of the sheet exposed at the peripheral region of the conical deflector. The perimeter of the resistive sheet functions as a multi-point circular electrode for charging the particles such that improved coating transfer efficiencies are achieved. Also, because of the resistive nature of the resistive sheet, the sheet constitutes a resistor in the electrical current path between the center of the sheet where it connects to a high voltage terminal and the circular periphery of the sheet which serves as the multiple point charging electrode, thereby minimizing unsafe electrical discharges should the electrode inadvertently approach a grounded object.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electro-kinetic charging of powder-like materials having a pair of supply channels, an input zone for each channel, one for the powder dispersed in a gas flow and one for another gas flow and which are shaped as dual annular nozzles with a pipe-shaped separating wall therebetween acting as an electrostatic ionizing electrode and made from an electrically semiconductive material having anti-sticking properties and, wherein the adjoining flow channel is formed as an annular channel by a pipe from an insulating material, and a centrally arranged rod, wherein the ratio between rod and pipe diameters is on the range from 0.75 to 0.9.

Abstract: An improved spray gun for mounting on a programmable industrial robot. A housing and manifold are attached to the robot and a spray head is removably attached to the manifold. The manifold includes fluid passages for supplying liquid, atomization air, fan air and pilot air to the spray head and for returning fluid from the spray head. A remotely controlled regulator is located in the manifold liquid passage and a remotely controlled valve is located in the manifold fluid return passage. One or two electrically actuated pilot valves supply pilot air to simultaneously operate atomization air and pattern shaping air control valves in the manifold passages and to operate a trigger valve in the spray head. A power supply module may be located in the housing for applying an electrostatic voltage through the manifold to the spray head for charging the coating liquid.

Abstract: A hybrid fluid jet apparatus is disclosed which is particularly useful in uniformly applying liquid dye to a fabric substrate. The applicator is controlled in an electrostatic control mode while operating below the practical limit of speed for electrostatic operation to achieve uniform fabric coverage. When fluid is being supplied to the substrate at its maximum flow rate in the electrostatic control mode, the applicator senses that the "full flow" condition has been reached. The applicator is then controlled to operate in a non-electrostatic control mode to control the fluid flow rate by modulating the fluid pressure received at the orifice array in accordance with the required fluid flow rate needed to achieve a uniform application of fluid to the substrate.

Abstract: A paint color change system and method for sequentially supplying different color electrically conductive paints to an electrostatic applicator. Paint is supplied through a supply hose to a first isolated reservoir and the supply hose is purged and dried to form a voltage block. While paint is supplied through a first delivery hose from the first reservoir to an applicator, a second reservoir is cleaned, paint is supplied to the second reservoir through a supply hose, and the supply hose is purged of paint and dried to form a voltage block. Upon completion of coating with the first color paint, the first delivery hose is purged of paint and dried to form a voltage block and paint then is supplied from the second reservoir through a second delivery hose to the coating applicator. If the same color paint is applied from both reservoirs, the first delivery hose can be cleaned and dried after paint delivery from the second reservoir has started to permit continuous coating.

Abstract: A hand-operated electrostatic spraygun comprises a gun body, a pistol tube of insulating material, a handle, an insulation-clad high-voltage generator and a connection for paint delivery and is contructed such that the gun is particularly small, lightweight and can be effortlessly held in the hand. The gun body, preferably composed of aluminum, is an essentially cylindrical body which comprises the connection for paint delivery in the region of its forward end adjacent its forward face. The pistol tube, preferably formed of plastic, is secured to the forward face of the gun body in a manner to be secured against twisting and comprises a clover leaf-shaped cross section having two to four "leaves". The high-voltage generator is secured at the rear region of the end body to the underside thereof, whereby the cladding of the high-voltage generator is shaped as a pistol grip and forms a handle for the spraygun.

Abstract: An electrode for use in a fluid-jet marking apparatus includes a flexible and tensionable electrode member mounted in confronting, substantially parallel alignment to a linear array of fluid droplet streams. The mounting of the flexible and tensionable electrode member is accomplished by a pair of mounting arms in spaced-apart relationship, one of the arms being pivotal while the other arm is immovable. The one pivotal arm is thus displaced relative to the other immovable arm so as to responsively tension the electrode member therebetween.In order to increase the vibrational frequency of the flexible and tensionable electrode member and/or to substantially decrease the vibrational amplitude thereof, at least one intermediate arm having a terminal end in operative contact with the electrode member is provided.

Abstract: A spray head for a spray nozzle including a hood providing a surface extending forward from the nozzle and also supporting insulating mountings for electrodes energizable to exert an inductive charging field or spray from the nozzle. The surface is earthed or earthy in operation to encourage collection of stray or return spray and stop stray or return spray affecting the charging field by landing on the electrodes or their mountings. The collected spray may be retained as liquid or caused to flow to projections to again leave the spray head as small droplets. The field from the electrodes may shape the spray.

Abstract: A lance extension venturi sleeve is disposed preferably within the rear one-third of the lance extension of a powder spray gun. The sleeve increases the velocity of the powder stream and provides an abrupt opening to the larger lance extension tube. The velocity increase and the turbulence so created increase the homogeneity of the powder in the stream and produce a more uniform powder spray pattern or powder "cloud" for even powder coating of articles to be coated.