Arc preventing electrostatic power supply
US5138513A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B5/053
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An arc preventing electrostatic power supply suitable for operating an electrostatic paint atomizer such as a rotary atomizer. High voltage control is based on the high voltage current, as measured in the ground return path. The power supply is controlled to provide a substantially constant high voltage DC output up to a predetermined current and an output voltage which rapidly drops off as the current increases above the predetermined current. The magnitude of an AC component superimposed on the high voltage DC current is detected to determine incipient arcing. Upon detecting an incipient arcing condition, the output voltage is interrupted for a predetermined short time. When the output voltage is turned back on, it is ramped up from a low level back to the normal high voltage level. While the output voltage is less than a predetermined low level, the sensitivity of the incipient arc detection circuit is increased. The output voltage is again interrupted for the predetermined short time whenever an incipient arcing event is detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.