Patent ID: 9375735
Filing Date: 2016-06-28
CPC Classification: B05B

Claim Text:
1. An edge-protecting mechanism for protecting the outer atomizing edge of a rotary bell cup atomizer in rotary bell cup atomizing apparatus comprising: a cylindrical tubular cover incorporated into the housing of said atomizing apparatus and extending axially therein, the inside diameter of said cover being greater than the outside diameter of said bell cup, and means for extending said cover to a forward position forwardly of said edge during non-atomizing idling operation of said atomizer, the cover thereby circumferentially covering the atomizing edge of said atomizer, and including at least one air channel extending generally axially within said housing from a rearward air supply to an air chamber extending circumferentially around said cover, said cover having a flange therearound, the apparatus including a plurality of air passages therein oriented radially about said cover and extending from said circumferential air chamber rearwardly so as to direct air passing therethrough rearwardly to and against said flange, said air being supplied upon atomization, the force of said air thereby retracting said cover upon and during atomization, to pneumatically retract said cover to a rearward position rearwardly of said edge during atomizing operation of said atomizer, thereby exposing the atomizing edge to the environment, whereby, during atomization said cover is retracted and atomization proceeds conventionally, and during periods of idle from atomization said cover extends forwardly to said position forward of said edge, thereby protecting said atomizing edge from external damaging forces.