Method and apparatus for delivering paint to an applicator and flushing same

US7584771B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Durr Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Frank Herre · Oberriexingen, DE
• Rainer Melcher · Oberstenfeld, DE
• Herbert Martin · Waiblingen, DE
• Michael Baumann · Herrenberg, DE
• Richard Ostin · Farmington, US
• Robert F. Heldt · Oxford, US
• Manfred Michelfelder · Höpfigheim, DE
• Joachim Hering · Gammertingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 8, 2009
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B05B12/14
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The disclosed apparatus includes a supply line (22) between a source of liquid paint (64) and an applicator (62) having at least two pigs (20A and 20B) and a source of liquid solvent (60) which delivers solvent (60) between the two pigs (20A and 20B) and the pigs (20A and 20B) are driven by paint (80) from adjacent the paint source (64) to the applicator (62). The apparatus further includes a second source of liquid solvent (60) which delivers solvent (60) between the pigs (20A and 20B) adjacent the applicator (62) and the pigs (20A and 20B) are returned through the supply line (22), thereby flushing the supply line (22). In the disclosed embodiment, the source of liquid paint (64) is a piston dosing device (70) which receives paint (80) from a color changer or the like and delivers a predetermined volume of paint (80) to the applicator (62). The delivery line (22) preferably includes a friction resistant inner layer, an intermediate dielectric layer and a protective outer layer.