Coating apparatus and method for dispensing a liquid, and draining and cleaning a coating apparatus
US5683508A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41F31/08
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved coating apparatus which uniformly applies inks and other compositions onto substrates. The apparatus has the facility of an automated washing cycle for cleanup between different coating compositions. It includes an applicator for applying a liquid to a substrate; a supply pump which draw the liquid from a reservoir to the applicator means; a return pump which draw the liquid away from the applicator to a drain or back to the reservoir; and a flow controller which independently controls the pumping action of each of the supply pump and the return pump such that a return pumping force is maintained which is greater than an applied supply pumping force. The pumps and a series of three-port valves are automechanically adjusted to sequentially cause the apparatus to draw a liquid from a reservoir and direct the liquid to the applicator, drain the liquid from the apparatus, circulate a cleaning solution about the apparatus and drain the cleaning solution from the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.