Patent ID: 7717057

Claim:
An apparatus for making coated articles comprising: an article conveyor that transports said articles through a flow coating system; and a flow coating system comprising: a first flow coating unit which comprises: a first tank or vat containing an aqueous solution/dispersion coating material wherein said first tank or vat is in fluid communication with a first fluid guide; wherein said coating material flows off of said first fluid guide forming a sheet or falling shower curtain which is applied onto said articles; a first coating material collector which receives unused coating material; a first curing/drying unit which comprises: a first oven or chamber in which a first infrared heating lamp and a first fan or blower are located; wherein said articles are moved through the first oven or chamber by the article conveyor; a second flow coating unit which comprises: a second tank or vat containing an aqueous solution/dispersion coating material wherein said second tank or vat is in fluid communication with a second fluid guide; wherein said coating material flows off of said second fluid guide forming a sheet or falling shower curtain which is applied onto said articles; a second coating material collector which receives unused coating material; and a second curing/drying unit which comprises: a second oven or chamber in which a second infrared heating lamp and a second fan or blower located; wherein said articles are moved through the second oven or chamber by the article conveyor; wherein at least one of the aqueous solution/dispersion coating materials comprises a thermoplastic epoxy resin; and further wherein the article conveyor rotates said articles while transporting them through at least one of said first and second flow coating units and at least one of said first and second curing/drying units.