Apparatus and method for electrostatic spraying of conductive coating materials
US7056387B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B13/0431
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and a method are provided for isolating an electrostatic sprayer from an electrically grounded coating product distribution circuit connected thereto. The apparatus includes an electrostatic sprayer carried by a maneuverable robot arm, the sprayer capable of spraying an electrically conductive coating product such as water-based paint onto a workpiece passing in adjacent proximity thereby, on command. The coating product is supplied from a remote source of supply through at least one distribution circuit connected to the sprayer. The apparatus includes therein, carried by the robot arm, an electrically insulative storage tank for the coating product in valved fluid communication with the sprayer. The insulated storage tank is connected to and positioned downstream from a length of electrically insulative supply conduit connected to the distribution circuit and also carried by the robot arm. This conduit includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning a portion, including all, of this length of supply conduit, in situ, after filling of the storage tank with coating product and before spraying. In this way, substantially all of the conductive coating product is removed from the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.