Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
For use in an apparatus for the sequential electrostatic coating of individual members, a flow switching device, said flow switching device comprising a supply line having a continuous powder-gas admixture supply, a delivery line for receiving the powder-gas admixture for directing the same against a member to coat the member with powder, a return line for receiving the powder-gas admixture when a member is not in position to be coated, a diverter line having one end continuously connected to said supply, switch means for selectively positioning the other end of said diverter line into alignment with said delivery line and said return line, said flow switching device being improved by said delivery line and said return line each having incorporated therein adjacent said diverter line means for providing continuous gaseous flow therethrough even when said diverter line is not associated therewith for eliminating the customary dead air resistance to flow of the powder-gas admixture when said diverter line is initially shifted into communication therewith.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
For use in an apparatus for the sequential electrostatic coating of individual members, a flow switching device, said flow switching device comprising a supply line having a continuous powder-gas admixture supply, a delivery line for receiving the powder-gas admixture for directing the same against a member to coat the member with powder, a return line for receiving the powder-gas admixture when a member is not in position to be coated, a diverter line having one end continuously connected to said supply, switch means for selectively positioning the other end of said diverter line into alignment with said delivery line and said return line, said flow switching device being improved by said delivery line and said return line each having incorporated therein adjacent said diverter line means for providing continuous gaseous flow therethrough even when said diverter line is not associated therewith for eliminating the customary dead air resistance to flow of the powder-gas admixture when said diverter line is initially shifted into communication therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein each of said means for providing continuous gaseous flow is in the form of a vacuum flow transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The flow switching device of claim 2 wherein each vacuum flow transducer has a pressurized gas supply with the gas supplied to said vacuum flow transducers being of the same quality as that forming part of said powder-gas admixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The flow switching device of claim 3 wherein said gas is an oil free low moisture content substantially dry air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein said switch means include said diverter line being in the form of a readily deflectable tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein said switch means include said diverter line being in the form of a readily deflectable tube, and a double acting linear fluid motor coupled to said tube for deflecting said tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein said switch means include said diverter line being in the form of a readily deflectable tube, said tube having a free end which is spaced from that one of said delivery line and said return line with which it is aligned.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes a powder dispenser and said return line is coupled to said powder dispenser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein said delivery line and said return line have axes arranged to insert along said diverter line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The flow switching device of claim 1 wherein said delivery line and said return line have axes arranged to insert along said diverter line, said delivery line and said return line having inlets disposed immediately adjacent one another.