Supports: racks – Knockdown – Stacked similar units
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-25
2001-07-03
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Knockdown
Stacked similar units
C211S189000, C312S265300, C312S265600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253934
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to powder spraying apparatuses. More particularly, the invention relates to stacking arrangements for powder spray controllers and adjustable covers therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrostatic spray systems apply powder paints and coatings to a variety of products including, for example, appliances, automotive components, metal office furniture/storage shelving, electrical transformers, and recreational equipment. A critical component of such spray systems is a spray gun and a spray gun controller. The spray gun and the spray gun controller are responsible for generating a corona-charging effect that is the basis of electrostatic spray systems.
In corona-charging systems, the power supply charges the gun electrode to a high voltage which produces an electric field between the spray gun and a part to be painted. Powder is sprayed through the area of the electric field. Passing through this area, the powder particles are charged and are drawn to the usually grounded part to be painted. In this manner, the part to be painted is coated with powder paint.
In a typical powder spray system, the various spray gun controllers are mounted in racks within an overall enclosure. Although such an arrangement is acceptable in many applications, it is not particularly space efficient. Moreover, electronic controllers are by design able to control the operations of a large number of guns in more complex spraying systems. A master controller can now be used in combination with a substantial number of spray controllers, but a conventional rack design simply takes too much space and makes repairs more time consuming. The various tubes and wires may be routed in rather convoluted and lengthy runs making maintenance and operation somewhat cumbersome.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide improved powder spray systems that incorporate a number of powder spray controllers and a master controller into a single, smaller and compact support unit. Preferably, the support unit should include expansion capability as a system is expanded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To the accomplishment of the foregoing objectives, and in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a stacking arrangement for at least two controllers in a powder spray system provides for the controllers to be vertically stacked one on top of the other, and an interlock mechanism between each pair of adjacently stacked controllers. In a preferred embodiment, the interlock mechanism comprises a tab and slot arrangement between each pair of adjacent top and bottom covers of stacked controllers. The tab and slot securely hold the stacked controllers together in a stable vertically aligned configuration. Locking plates are also provided to releasably secure the controllers together.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a vertically adjustable cover mechanism is provided for the stacked controllers. The cover mechanism encloses various lines that are connected to the controllers in the final assembly. The cover mechanism includes a vertically fixed cover part and an adjustable cover part that in one embodiment telescopically slides over the fixed cover part. The adjustable cover permits controllers to be added to or removed from the spray apparatus by vertically stacking the controllers, without having to acquire a custom length cover each time the vertical height is changed.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments in view of the accompanying drawings.
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Manual No. 33-5 for “100 Plus® Master Control Unit,” Nordson Corporation, Amherst, Ohio ©1991.
Versa-Spray® II Automatic Spray System product literature, Nordson Corporation, Amherst, Ohio ©1997.
Gema Automatic Powder System product literature, Gema, Indianapolis, IN ©1994.
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Allsop Robert J.
Lehman Merle C.
Schroeder Joseph G.
Calfee Halter & Griswold LLP
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Nordson Corporation
Pejic Nenad
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