Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – With system fluid relief or return to supply – Recirculation within nozzle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-02-06
Morris, Lesley D. (Department: 3752)
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
With system fluid relief or return to supply
Recirculation within nozzle
C239S583000, C239S600000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182908
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to solenoid operated spray devices for directing small volume, finely atomized liquid at short operating intervals, and more particularly, to such spray devices that direct heated liquid coating material in continuous can manufacturing operations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Solenoid operated spray devices, such as those used for directing heated liquid coating materials in can manufacturing operations, typically include a needle valve that is reciprocated between on and off positions through actuation of the solenoid at rates of about 300 to 400 cycles per minute, consistent with the rate of advancement of cans, for successively spraying a coating of heated liquid into or on the cans. It is desirable to adjust the stroke of the needle valve for a particular coating and/or spray application.
Heretofore, effecting stroke adjustment in such spray devices has been cumbersome and sometimes causes damage to the valve needle or seat. One procedure, for example, requires removal of the spray tip, disassembly of a retaining nut, and rotation of a valve seat member relative to the spring biased valve needle to force the valve seat upwardly against the biasing force of the needle thereby changing the position of the valve seat, and hence, the distance the needle travels during each operating cycle, i.e. the stroke. Rotational movement of the valve seat against the needle can scuff or damage the valve seat and/or needle and adversely affect subsequent spray performance.
Furthermore, when the spray device is idled, such as during stroke adjustment or during interruption in the can manufacturing line, coating liquid within the gun will cool, such that upon resumption of the spray operation, the cooled liquid will be below the temperature necessary for achieving optimum spray performance and coating.
Servicing of such solenoid operated spray devices also can be a time consuming and costly procedure, often necessitating uncoupling of fluid supply and return lines, disconnection of electric power, and removal of the spray gun from its mounting. Such service procedures can cause significant interruptions in the high speed can manufacturing line.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved modular constructed solenoid operated liquid spray device which lends itself to on line service without disconnection of the fluid supply line or electric power.
Another object is to provide a solenoid operated liquid spray device as characterized above in which moving parts of the spray device and the valve shut off seat can be easily and quickly removed and replaced without complete disassembly and/or removal of the spray device from its mounting or liquid supply connection.
Still another object is to provide a solenoid operated liquid spray device of the foregoing type in which the stroke of the needle valve may be adjusted on line to compensate for wear without disconnecting liquid supply lines, mounting fasteners or the spray tip.
A further object is to provide a solenoid operated liquid spray device of the above kind in which the stroke of the needle valve can be easily adjusted without damaging or scratching either the needle or valve seat. A related object is to provide a spray device of such type in which the stroke of the needle valve can be adjusted without relative rotation between the valve seat and needle.
Yet another object is to provide a solenoid operated liquid spray device of the foregoing type that is operable for spraying heated liquids, such as coatings used in automated can manufacturing operations, and which effectively maintains liquid within the spray device at the proper elevated temperature during periods in which the spray device is idle.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 4430886 (1984-02-01), Rood
patent: 5078325 (1992-01-01), Waryu et al.
patent: 5183322 (1993-02-01), Haruch
patent: 5294057 (1994-03-01), Hamilton
patent: 5385304 (1995-01-01), Haruch
patent: 5595346 (1997-01-01), Haruch et al.
patent: 5707010 (1998-01-01), Manfre et al.
Leydig , Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Morris Lesley D.
Spraying Systems Co.
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