Patent ID: 6090450
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B05B

Abstract:
A method of applying at least one coating material onto at least one workpiece using a coating material application system including a coating material supply device, a coating material applicator, a feed line connected between said supply device and said applicator, a substantially form-stable separating element adapted to be pushed through said feed line, and first and second receiver stations that are interposed in said feed line and that respectively enclose first and second chambers which are in flow-through communication with said feed line and which are respectively dimensioned to be able to receive said separating element therein while allowing fluid flow through said respective chamber past said separating element, said method comprising the following steps:a) supplying a first coating material from said coating material supply device, flowing said first coating material through said feed line to said coating material applicator, and applying said first coating material from said applicator onto at least one workpiece, while holding said separating element in an initial position in said first chamber and flowing said first coating material past said separating element through said first chamber;b) discontinuing said supplying of said first coating material from said supply device such that a residual amount of said first coating material is in said feed line between a first side of said separating element in said initial position and said coating material applicator;c) supplying a first pushing medium into said feed line between said coating material supply device and a second side of said separating element opposite said first side;d) releasing said holding of said separating element in said first chamber and continuing to supply said first pushing medium into said feed line, so as to push said separating element through said feed line toward said coating material applicator while pushing said residual amount of said first coating material ahead of said separating element through said feed line toward said coating material applicator, and catching said separating element in said second chamber and preventing said separating element from moving further toward said coating material applicator than a final position in said second chamber;e) terminating said step d), wherein said separating element is located in said final position when said step d) is terminated; andf) moving said separating element back through said feed line to return said separating element from said final position to said initial position.