Abstract: Embodiments simulate electrostatic painting on a real-world object. An embodiment begins by receiving an indication of paint deposition rate and an indication of maximum paint accumulation for a given real-world robotically controlled electrostatic paint gun. Next, paint deposition of the given real-world robotically controlled electrostatic paint gun in a virtual environment is represented which includes, for a subject time period, computing total paint accumulation (electrostatic and direct) on a given surface element of a model representing the real-world object. In turn, a parameter file is generated that includes parameters accounting for the determined total paint accumulation for the given surface element, where the generated parameter file enables precision operation of the given real-world robotically controlled electrostatic paint gun to paint the real-world object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating line and a method for applying a protective coating to hollow glass containers integrated in glass container manufacturing process. In particular it relates to a coating line and method for applying a cold end coating to hollow glass containers. More particularly the present invention relates to a coating line comprising horizontal spray guns for applying a cold end coating to hollow glass containers in a single line and such a method for applying a cold end coating to hollow glass containers.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a protective layer to a cotton module of compacted cotton moving in an unloading direction from a cotton module builder through an open end thereof along an unloading surface, the system including application apparatus having at least one applicator in fluid communication with at least one tank for applying a fluid contained in the at least one tank to at least a top surface of the cotton module, the fluid being applied to an exterior of the cotton module in a fluid state and solidifying into a water resistant layer prior to significantly permeating the exterior of the module, so as to capable of being removed therefrom prior to processing of the module.

Abstract: A powder coating system including a powder coating conveyor, a work piece; the powder coating conveyor including a hang hole tool having a conveyor portion and a work piece engaging portion. The work piece engaging portion is structured to engage a conveyor member supported by the conveyor structure. The work piece engaging portion has an outwardly extending shaft portion extending distally outward from an expanded portion. The work piece has a recess therein, the recess being shaped and sized to receive the work piece engaging portion in close fitting relation and the recess having a first inside dimension at a greatest depth of the recess and a second inside dimension at a least depth of the recess. The second inside dimension is greater than the first inside dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating a substrate using one or more liquid raw materials, includes: at least one atomizer for atomizing the one or more liquid raw materials into droplets, charging means for electrically charging the droplets during or after the atomization and a deposition chamber in which the droplets are deposited on the substrate, the deposition chamber being provided with one or more electric fields for guiding the electrically charged droplets on the substrate. According to the invention there is a charging chamber arranged upstream of the deposition chamber and provided with charging means for electrically charging the droplets.

Abstract: A coating film is formed on a surface of a coating object by adhering a coating powder to the coating object by spraying the coating powder from an electrostatic gun together with a compressed gas. A voltage not smaller than 80 kV but not larger than 100 kV is applied between the electrostatic gun and the coating object. Moreover, a current flowed between the electrostatic gun and the coating object is set to be not smaller than 10 ?A but not larger than 20 ?A. Further, a pressure of the compressed gas for spraying the coating powder is set to be not smaller than 3 kgf/cm2 but not larger than 6 kgf/cm2.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrostatic charging of a container for an electrostatic coating operation includes a support member for supporting a container during an electrostatic coating operation with the support member comprising a non-metallic conductive material or electrically semiconductive portion that directly contacts a surface of the container. The electrically semiconductive portion comprises non-metallic, resistive or low conductivity material and is coupled to a source of electrical energy such that the container is electrostatically charged to an opposite polarity to offset or reduce electrostatic charge build up produced by the electrostatic coating operation.

Abstract: A method for applying hot melt adhesive powder onto a sole or shoe part includes the steps of applying a cleaning agent, irradiating, applying a conductive liquid which has a conductivity at least 100 times higher than purified water which has a conductivity of 5.5·10?6 S/m, spraying hot melt adhesive powder; and heating. The method can save energy, reduce the working space, reduce the labor intensity and improve the working environment by continuously carrying out the spraying and the melting operation of the hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is an adhering method which comprises spray-coating an adherend with a powder adhesive and then using the adherend, thereby enabling the formation of an automobile interior part having good heat tolerance and high adhesion strength. The adhering method to be used for forming an automobile interior part involves a step for spray-coating an adherend (4) with a powder adhesive (6) with the use of an electrostatic powder spray gun (5). If necessary, the adhering method may further involve a step for inciting the powder adhesive, which has been spray-coated on the adherend, by heating with an infrared heater.

Abstract: An object fabricating apparatus is comprised of at least one charged powder cloud generating system, at least one electrode proximate to the powder cloud generating system and comprising at least one shaped slot, and a voltage supply in communication with each electrode to electrostatically modulate the flow of charged powder to a conductive substrate electrically biased to provide an electrostatic attraction of the charged powder to the substrate. An object fabricating method is also disclosed that uses the object fabricating apparatus.

Abstract: A first application of a cleaning material is made to a surface of a substrate. The cleaning material includes one or more viscoelastic materials for entrapping contaminants present on the surface of the substrate. A first application of a rinsing fluid is made to the surface of the substrate so as to rinse the cleaning material from the surface of the substrate. The first application of the rinsing fluid is also performed to leave a residual thin film of the rinsing fluid on the surface of the substrate. A second application of the cleaning material is made to the surface of the substrate having the residual thin film of rinsing fluid present thereon. A second application of the rinsing fluid is then made to the surface of the substrate so as to rinse the cleaning material from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to application of enamel layers in the form of powder in an electric field and subsequent firing. A cleaned surface of a steel product is covered with a ground coat enamel layer in the form of powder in the electric field by an application gun until the layer reaches a thickness of 100 to 150 ?m. Subsequently, the electric field is interrupted in order to reduce a space charge around the metal product and, in the same manner, a minimum of another two layers of cover coat enamel powder is applied until a thickness of the total enamel powder layer reaches a minimum of 750 ?m, wherein the electric field is interrupted each time between each steps of cover coat enamel powder application.

Abstract: A method for producing a pharmaceutical dose form includes depositing a measured quantity of a first coating material on an external surface of the dose form in a patterned configuration. A measured quantity of a second coating material is deposited on the surface of the dose form in a patterned configuration in relationship to the first coating material. The first and second coating materials form a coating layer in overlying relationship with at least a portion of the external surface of the dose form.

Abstract: Workpieces, which are conveyed by a conveying device along a conveying path, are heated by a heating and degreasing coil. Then, resin powder is downwardly sprayed from a nozzle of a coating device to each corresponding one of the workpieces, which are conveyed by the conveying device. The workpieces are thereafter heated by a heating and curing coil. At each of the heating coils, a dummy member, which is made of an electrically conductive material, is displaced from a retracted position to a forward position, which is located between the corresponding heating coil and a corresponding adjacent part of the conveying path of the conveying device, when an empty one of mount locations of the conveying device reaches the forward position of the dummy member.

Abstract: An automated powder-coating system and method is provided. A series of conveyor belts are arranged end to end to transition one or more work pieces between the conveyor belts. Sensors are used to determine the current location of a work piece with respect to the series of conveyor belts. An induction heating coil for preheating work pieces and a powder-coating apparatus for powder coating work pieces are located adjacent to the conveyor belts. A control unit independently starts and stops the individual conveyor belts based on the current location of the work piece. A cooling area may also be included in the powder-coating system. The powder-coating system and method may be used to powder coat varying lengths of work pieces.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting apparatus for electrostatically painting a door on a vehicle body. The painting apparatus uses a robot arm that opens/closes the door. A high voltage is applied to the robot arm and the amount of any current between an electrode pin on the robot arm and the door is measured to determine the positional relationship between the door and the robot arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for an atomiser (1) for the coating of structural components, particularly of vehicle body parts, with the following steps: Application of a spray jet of a coating agent through the atomiser (1); discharge of a first guide air flow (11) for the formation of a spray jet; determination of at least one application parameter (?, ?, T, BC/CC, Qvarnish, n, U,) which reproduces a property (?, ?, T, BC/CC) of the applied coating agent or an operating variable (Qvarnish, n, U) of the atomiser (1) as well as influencing of the first guide air flow (11) as a factor of the application parameter (?, ?, T, BC/CC, Qvarnish, n, U,). Within the framework of the invention, there is the alternative option that fluctuations of the application parameters and, based thereon, variations of the spray jet width are taken into account by means of an adaptation of the path spacing (d) between the adjacent coating agent paths for the purpose of keeping the path overlapping constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms includes a mixer for mixing a sump of the powder material to electrostatically charge the powder material, the mixer including two substantially parallel elongate mixing shafts having oppositely angled mixing paddles thereon and being arranged to rotate in opposite directions; and a feeder for removing the electrostatically charged powder material from the sump and supplying it to the applicator, and a method for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms.

Abstract: Light reactive deposition uses an intense light beam to form particles that are directly coated onto a substrate surface. In preferred embodiments, a coating apparatus comprising a noncircular reactant inlet, optical elements forming a light path, a first substrate, and a motor connected to the apparatus. The reactant inlet defines a reactant stream path. The light path intersects the reactant stream path at a reaction zone with a product stream path continuing from the reaction zone. The substrate intersects the product stream path. Also, operation of the motor moves the first substrate relative to the product stream. Various broad methods are described for using light driven chemical reactions to produce efficiently highly uniform coatings.

Abstract: A method of electrostatically applying a powder material to a solid dosage form comprises the following steps: applying a bias voltage to generate an electric field between a source (1) of the powder material and the solid dosage form (5); applying an electrostatically charged powder material to the solid dosage form (5), the powder material being driven onto the solid dosage form (5) by the interaction of the electric field with the charged powder material, an the presence of the charged powder material on the solid dosage form serving to build up an electric charge on the solid dosage form (5) and thereby reduce the electric field generated by the bias voltage between the source (1) of powder material and the solid dosage form (5), and continuing the application of the electrostatically charged powder material to the solid dosage form (5) until the electric field between the source (1) of powder material and the solid dosage form is so small that the driving of the powder material by the electric field onto

Abstract: A film is formed on a planar surface by applying a granular layer on the planar surface by using electrostatic forces, and then finishing the granular layer to form the film. A converting line may be rebuilt to have devices employing this method. A multilayer sheet-like product comprising a film layer may be produced.

Abstract: A method for preliminary treatment of particles of a powder in a dry surface treatment process before applying the powder particles on a surface of a substrate by utilizing an electric field created by electrodes. The Electrodes are located at opposite sides of the substrate in such a way that at least one first electrode is located at the side of the substrate to be coated, and at least one second electrode is located at the opposites side of the substrate. The particles of the powder are pre-charged before bringing them into the electric field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a gun. The apparatus includes a dummy round configured for insertion into a firing chamber of a gun, a locking component configured for coupling with the dummy round, and an elongated sleeve rotatably coupled with the locking component. The locking component includes a keyed head positioned within a longitudinal channel of the elongated sleeve. The locking component and elongated sleeve are insertable through the discharge end of a gun's barrel. An actuating mechanism, such as a key is insertable through the channel of the elongated sleeve to engage with the keyed head and rotate the locking mechanism relative to the elongated sleeve. Rotation of the locking mechanism effects a friction lock between the locking mechanism and the dummy round.

Abstract: A method of applying a powder coating to a medium density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard door includes attaching a first hanger to the door, providing an electrical source to the door through the first hanger, and conveying the door, via the first hanger, into a coating booth. The door is then powder-coated in the coating booth while being electrostatically charged. The powder-coated door is then cured to cause the powder to adhere to the door.

Abstract: A powder coating control system comprising a plurality of gun controls associated with a like plurality of powder spray guns. Each of the gun controls stores a plurality of presets spray parameters. Each of the gun controls responds to part identification signals and part position signals to select in real time one of the stored presets of spray parameters and trigger its respective powder spray gun ON and OFF to apply a powder coating to the moving part in accordance with the selected set of spray parameters. The control system further permits a gun purge cycle to be programmed either before or after the powder coating process is executed. The control system automatically initializes and brings each of the gun controls to an operable state on-line with the system control.

Abstract: A method for isolating non-conductive oxide constituents of paint from the product support hook surfaces of an electrostatic painting conveyor, coats the hooks with a conductive coat of primer paint having from 10% to 80% finely divided conductive materials in a combustible base, and after using the product support hooks for spray painting product units until a non-conductive paint coating builds-up, removes the build-up and the primer coat in a burn-off oven, so as to provide conductive hook surfaces for repeating the process cycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impregnation method for producing in particular a composite material comprising a fiber or filament array and a continuous matrix, rigid or flexible, with which said array is in close contact. The method is characterized in that said matrix is incorporated in said array in powder form before being transformed to constitute the continuous matrix. It consists in placing the powder and said fiber or filament in an electrostatic field with an alternating current voltage of at least 20 kV for at least 5 s.

Abstract: This station (10) comprises at least two areas (11, 12) for cleaning/filling a reservoir, each adapted to receive a sub-assembly (7) formed by a reservoir (8) and a sprayer (9) while this sub-assembly (7) is disconnected from the robot. A device or devices (51, 52) for cleaning and/or filling the reservoir and/or the sprayer in each of these areas are provided, while these areas (11, 12) are adapted to be brought (F2, F3) into a position of connection of a sub-assembly (7), disposed in one (11) of them with the cleaning and/or filling device or devices (51, 52). The process consists, inter alia, in positioning (F6) a coating product supply unit (52), in a position of connection with the first sub-assembly (7) received in an area (11) of the station (10) of cleaning/filling.

Abstract: A method for painting a panel using a paint applicator defines a painting pattern with a plurality of points on a surface of a panel to be painted, the pattern extending in a predetermined direction and the points defining opposite edges of the pattern extending in a predetermined direction, with at least one edge of the pattern being adjacent an edge of the panel. The applicator is moved relative to the panel to apply the paint in the painting pattern having a desired film thickness. The pattern including a first plurality of pattern segments and a second plurality of reinforcing segments, the pattern segments being connected together each extending between an associated pair of the points on the opposite edges of the pattern, and the reinforcing segments each extending between an associated pair of the points adjacent the edge of the panel. A plurality of different painting patterns can be stored in a memory for selecting the one pattern to be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a graphite, binder precursor and low polarity solvent that upon hardening form layers of an electrically conductive material. The compositions of the present invention are sprayable by an internally charged electrostatic sprayer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing golf club heads comprises a process of coating golf club heads with a paint by passing the golf club heads through a space in which the paint is sprayed by an electrostatic spray coating machine so that the charged spray of the paint is attracted to the rotating golf club heads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating sheet material with thermoset material. In certain embodiments, first and second different induction furnaces are provided, with the coated sheet first proceeding into and through the first furnace, and then into and through the second furnace. The first furnace may be maintained at a temperature less than the second furnace, so that out-gassing of volatile materials is achieved in the first furnace and thereafter heightened cross-linking conversation rates are achieved in the second furnace at higher temperature(s).

Abstract: The use of a solid state waveform generator together with a suitable non-inverting amplifier provides a very versatile system for depositing particles on a substrate by an upward deposition, or “UP”, technique.

Abstract: Fine abrasive powders can be made more free-flowing and better adapted to electrostatic upward projection deposition in the production of coated abrasives by the control of the volume resistivity of the powder to a level that is not greater than 1014 ohms.cm by incorporation of a silica powder.

Abstract: A towel dispensing machine for dispensing wet towels, including a cutting mechanism to cut the towels to the desired length and a liquid dispensing device for wetting the towels to produce individual cut, wet towels. Preferably, the towels are also rolled by a rolling mechanism before being dispensed. Additionally, the liquid can be heated to dispense hot wet towels. A method for producing wet towels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling triggering of spray guns in an automatic spray coating system, includes a hand-held pendant having input controls for entering spray gun “on” and spray gun “off” control parameters based upon observation of parts as they are conveyed past the spray guns by a conveyor. Gun triggering controls for optimized spray patterns, including extended and restricted spray patterns and combinations thereof, are entered and saved in a gun triggering controller according to an operator's inputs which include START SPRAY, STOP SPRAY, SAVE and SET PICKOFF controls. Multiple gun control parameters are stored as unique part coating recipes in the controller and are executable in look-ahead sequence based upon part identification as parts are conveyed toward the spray guns. The multiple gun control parameters are calculated by the controller from a fixed Pickoff distance from a part identification sensor to the spray guns.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing golf club heads comprises a process of coating golf club heads with a paint by passing the golf club heads through a space in which the paint is sprayed by an electrostatic spray coating machine so that the spray of the paint is electrified against the heads.

Abstract: A process and station for changing product in an installation for spraying coating product, by bringing a first reservoir towards a suitable area of a cleaning/filling station, separating a sub-assembly composed of the first reservoir and a first spray associated therewith, with respect to the robot, connecting with the robot a second, similar sub-assembly composed of a second reservoir and a second spray, adapted to be used for spraying coating product during cleaning and/or filling of the first reservoir and the first spray, and proceeding with cleaning and/or filling of the first reservoir and the first spray in the area.

Abstract: A method for controlling triggering of spray guns in an automatic spray coating system, includes a hand-held pendant having input controls for entering spray gun “on” and spray gun “off” control parameters based upon observation of parts as they are conveyed past the spray guns by a conveyor. Gun triggering controls for optimized spray patterns, including extended and restricted spray patterns and combinations thereof, are entered and saved in a gun triggering controller according to an operator's inputs which include START SPRAY, STOP SPRAY, SAVE and SET PICKOFF controls. Multiple gun control parameters are stored as unique part coating recipes in the controller and are executable in look-ahead sequence based upon part identification as parts are conveyed toward the spray guns. The multiple gun control parameters are calculated by the controller from a fixed Pickoff distance from a part identification sensor to the spray guns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged to between about 1×10−7 to about 3×10−3 coulombs per kilogram. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature.

Abstract: A process and station for changing product in an installation for spraying coating product, by bringing a first reservoir towards a suitable area of a cleaning/filling station, separating a sub-assembly composed of the first reservoir and a first spray associated therewith, with respect to the robot, connecting with the robot a second, similar sub-assembly composed of a second reservoir and a second spray, adapted to be used for spraying coating product during cleaning and/or filling of the first reservoir and the first spray, and proceeding with cleaning and/or filling of the first reservoir and the first spray in the area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting parts wherein a plurality of paint coats are applied to a part utilizing a single spray booth for all of the coat applications. The painting apparatus includes a main line track structure extending from a loading station to an unloading station; a closed loop branch track structure having a portion thereof juxtaposed to a portion of the main line track structure between the loading and unloading stations; a paint station located at the juxtaposed portions of the main line and the branch track structure; a plurality of carriers adapted to receive parts to be painted at the paint station and mounted for movement along the main line track structure and the branch track structure; and switch means operative to transfer a carrier between the main line track structure and the branch line track structure.

Abstract: A method of powder coating at least one surface of a non-conductive object having a plurality of sequential steps. The first step is pretreating the surface of the non-conductive object to ensure that the surface is suitably cleaned. The second step to apply a sufficient quantity of moisture on the surface of the non-conductive object to facilitate adhesion of a powder coating to the surface. The next step is to spray a polymer coating powder on the moistened surface of the non-conductive object. This spraying step is done immediately following the application of moisture but prior to a complete evaporation of the applied moisture. The fifth step is to evaporate any remaining applied moisture from the non-conductive object prior to curing. The last step is to cure the coating on the surface of the non-conductive object without decomposing the powder and then either cool or allow the non-conductive object to cool naturally.

Abstract: A method for powder spray-coating objects utilizes pneumatic conveyance of powder from an injector to a spraying system having a spray coating zone through which objects are consecutively conveyed in an automated system. Power conveyance is interrupted between the consecutive objects as object gaps enter the spray coating zone while the conveying air flow is maintained by injection of controlling air into a vacuum zone of the injector which reduces the injector vacuum to a degree causing interruption of powder conveyance. Flushing compressed air may be injected between the injector and the spray device of the spraying system to automatically flush powder to maintain system integrity. Equipment for powder spray coating of objects utilizing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature. Thereafter, the fastener is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the fluoropolymer to thereby coalesce the deposited powder into a continuous film coating which adheres, upon cooling, to the pre-selected area of the fastener.

Abstract: An atomized fluid, such as a mist of water, is applied to a preheated substrate, such as wood, a wood product, paper, or ceramic just prior to or contemporaneously with electrostatically applying a coating powder to the substrate. The atomized fluid is absorbed or adsorbed by the substrate so as to enhance the charge-carrying capacity of the substrate to an extent necessary to promote efficient electrostatic application of the coating powder to the substrate.

Abstract: Method of electrostatically coating a substrate wherein the substrate is brought to a coating station at which it is held substantially electrically isolated from its surroundings adjacent a source of particulate coating material. The substrate and the coating material are held at a potential difference to each other sufficient to coat the exposed surface of the substrate with particles of coating material.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of detecting workpieces in an electrostatic coating system, comprising at least one electrostatic coating device, which applies a high voltage to a high voltage electrode, in which the high voltage electrode generates a spray current including electrostatic charges for charging particles of a coating medium to be sprayed, an electrically conductive workpiece to be coated is moved past the coating device, the spray current of the high voltage electrode is determined and it is detected in accordance with the magnitude of the spray current whether the workpiece is in front of the coating device.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of controlling a coating device, which discharges a coating medium such as a powder or wet lacquer to a workpiece, in which in accordance with the shape of the workpiece the shape of the cloud of the coating medium discharged is automatically adjusted by changing at least one of the velocity, and the quantity, and the mass flow of the coating medium discharged or shaping air. The invention further refers to a coating installation capable of operating by this method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for producing an even and homogenous coating of liquids or powders on small free-falling objects that are not earthed. The process and the device according to the invention are primarily intended for surface coating of medicinal products and foodstuffs.