Patent Document

RELATED CASES  
       [0001]    Priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) is hereby claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/202,893 to Lohkamp, Mark R., filed on May 10, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for coating and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for coating food products.  
         BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART  
         [0003]    The food industry coats foods in a variety of different ways to apply coatings, such as batters, to food products. Representative patents showing various ways of applying batter to food include U.S. Pat. No. 1,870,099 to Croan; U.S. Pat. No. 2,287,067 to Schmidt; U.S. Pat. No. 3,103,311 to Kempf; U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,052 to Hough; U.S. Pat. No. 3,459,586 to Kiwiet et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,099 to Benson; U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,755 to Morine et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,367 to Morine et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,294 to Morine et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,083 to Miller; U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,217 to Jackson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,509 to Essex; U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,938 to Sarukawa et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,583 to Jarrett et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,848 to Chedville; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,890 to Makujina.  
           [0004]    One method of applying a coating to food involves dipping the pieces of food into a batter. Dipping methods are advantageous because they provide a coating over an entire piece of food. However, the dipping material gradually becomes contaminated by food product residue transferred from the food to the batter as successive pieces of food are dipped. Eventually, the batter must be disposed of, resulting in a relatively large amount of unused batter that is wasted.  
           [0005]    Another method of coating food involves spraying a batter through a nozzle directed at the food, which is transported on a conveyor belt underneath the nozzles. Nozzle methods typically provide coating on only one side of the food product. Moreover, the nozzles frequently become clogged with batter, especially if the batter includes particulate material. Thus, the viscosity of batter that may be applied using the nozzle method must be minimized in order alleviate clogging the nozzles. Moreover, the size of any particulate material contained in the batter must also be minimized in order to prevent clogging of the nozzles.  
           [0006]    Yet another method of applying coating to food involves the use of rotary atomizers, or spinning discs. Coating food using a rotary atomizer typically involves spraying batter through a nozzle onto the surface of a spinning disc, from which the batter is sprayed onto the food product. Typically, the food product is transported by the conveyor belt, as in the nozzle method.  
           [0007]    What is needed in the art is a device and apparatus for encapsulating or evenly coating all surfaces of a food product, with a relatively high viscosity fluid that may include particulate material, while minimizing waste and contamination.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0008]    The advantages provided by the present system and device include a method for encapsulating or providing substantially even coating on all sides of the food product. The device and method provide substantially even coating of articles regardless of their position on a conveyor belt. The method also provides minimal contamination to the batter, thus allowing recycle and re-use of previously dispensed batter from the spraying process. The devices and methods of the present disclosure also allow fluids with a wide range of viscosities to be applied to food products. Additionally, the design of the present rotary atomizing devices allow a wide range of particle sizes to be added to the fluid and dispensed from the device without clogging the fluid distribution nozzles.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a rotary atomizing device that includes two spaced apart opposed discs, each having a perimeter and an interior surface. A central hub is disposed between and connects each disc. A bore extends coaxially through the first disc, the central hub, and the second disc. A flange extends substantially perpendicularly from the interior surface of each disc at the perimeter of each disc.  
           [0010]    In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a rotary atomizing device that includes a disc having a perimeter and opposing outer surfaces. A frustum extends from each opposing outer surface. Each frustum has an outer surface and a face parallel to the disc. A bore extends coaxially through the disc. A flange extend substantially perpendicularly from each opposing outer surface of the disc at the perimeter of the disc. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the invention. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a rotary atomizing device according to the present disclosure;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 showing engagement with a bushing and drive shaft;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a side view of the central hub the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a rotary atomizing device according to the present disclosure;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one disc of the device of FIG. 6;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 7;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a capping disc of the device of FIG. 6;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the capping disc of FIG. 9;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an apparatus for applying fluid to a surface, with the cover in a closed position;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the apparatus if FIG. 11 with the cover in an open position;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 11;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the drawer of the apparatus of FIG. 11;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 15 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 showing relative engagement with a fluid distribution tube;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 16 is a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for applying fluid to a surface;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 17 is a back view of the apparatus of FIG. 16;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the cover portion of the apparatus of FIG. 16;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 19 is a top isometric view of the cover portion of the apparatus of FIG. 16.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an accessory for use with the rotary atomizing devices of the present disclosure;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 21 is a section of the accessory of FIG. 20;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 22 shows the accessory of FIG. 20 along line  22 - 22 ;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 23 shows the accessory of FIG. 20 along line  23 - 23 ;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 24 shows a sectional view of the accessory of FIG. 20 in cooperative engagement with one embodiment of a rotary atomizer according to the present disclosure; and  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 25 shows a sectional view of the accessory of FIG. 20 in cooperative engagement with additional rotary atomizers according to the present disclosure.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for applying a fluid material to an article using a fluid distribution or rotary atomizing device, and to an apparatus that includes the device, and to a method of using the device and apparatus. The rotary atomizing device allows fluids of varying viscosities to be applied to a surface. Regardless of the viscosity of the fluid, the rotary atomizing device is also useful for applying fluids that may include relatively large amounts of particulate material. The device has particular utility for applying batter to foods, especially relatively viscous batter, up to at least about 50 percent solids content.  
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, the device and method may be used to dispense a batter onto food products to coat the food products. The device and method allow an unexpectedly wide range of batter viscosities to be applied to the food products, as well as batters that include relatively large particles, without clogging the apparatus and minimizing contamination of the batter.  
         [0039]    One embodiment of a rotary atomizing device  10  according to the present disclosure is illustrated with reference to FIGS.  1 - 5 . FIG. 1 illustrates device  10  in a perspective view including two spaced apart opposed discs  12   a,b . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, spaced apart opposed discs  12   a,b  are substantially symmetrical about plane “P 1 ,” and each includes an inner surface  14   a,b , an outer surface  16   a,b , and a perimeter  18   a,b . In the present embodiment, the spacing S 1  between discs  12   a,b  is preferably about 2 inches, and each disc  12   a,b  preferably has a diameter D 1  of about 7 inches.  
         [0040]    A centrally disposed hub  20  having an outer surface  22  connects inner surfaces  14   a,b  of discs  12   a,b . An axial bore  24  extends through hub  20  in coaxial alignment with axis “a,” which is substantially perpendicular to plane P 1 . Preferably, bore  24  includes steps  24   a  and  24   b , for engagement with bushing  26  and drive shaft  30 , as shown in FIG. 3, the purpose of which will be explained in greater detail below. Bushing  26  is preferably a quick-mount keyless bushing or transtorque bushing. A plurality of apertures  32  preferably may be disposed radially about bore  24  of central hub  20  to allow engagement of central hub  20  to each disc  12   a,b  by fasteners  34 , which are illustrated herein as screws.  
         [0041]    As shown in FIGS.  2 - 4  taken together, outer surface  22  of central hub  20  includes two surfaces  22   a,b  that intersect at plane P 1 . Outer surfaces  22   a,b  are substantially symmetrical with respect to plane P 1 , and extend from plane P 1  toward perimeter  18   a,b , respectively, to define an angle θ 1 , which is preferably less than about 90 degrees, more preferably in the range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. Thus, outer surfaces  22   a,b  provide central hub  22  with a substantially vee-shaped, or hourglass-shaped outer surface  22 . The angle θ 1  of outer surface  22  of hub  20  may be important for maximizing the amount of fluid that may be distributed from device  10 , as will be explained in greater detail below. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, central hub  22  preferably has a diameter D 2  of about 2.5 inches.  
         [0042]    Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, flanges  36   a,b  extend substantially perpendicularly from each inner surface  14   a,b  along perimeter  18   a,b . Flanges  36   a,b  may have a width W 1  ranging from about ¼ inch to about 2 inch, more preferably about ½ inch to about 1½ inch. In the present embodiment, width W 1  is about ½ inch. For ease of machining, the intersection of inner surface of each disc  12   a,b  with flanges  36   a,b  preferably has a radius of about ¼ inch. It is thought that the radius enhances the movement of fluid towards the end of the flange, where it becomes atomized. However, a perpendicular intersection of inner surface of each disc  12   a,b  with flanges  36   a,b  is also possible.  
         [0043]    In some embodiments, inner surface  14   a,b  of each disc  12   a,b  may include a recess  38   a,b  into which shoulder  39   a,b  of central hub  20  may be received. Preferably, recess  38   a,b  may have a diameter sufficient to allow friction fitment of central hub  20  therein.  
         [0044]    Discs  12   a,b  and central hub  22  may be unitary or integral, depending on the material of construction and the method of constructing the discs. Preferably, when used in the food industry, device  10  is machined or molded from a food-grade material including plastics such as Delrin or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHW-PE) and metal such as 304/316 grade stainless steel. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of device  10  may vary as needed depending on the particular application in which it is used. All surfaces of device  10 , in the present embodiment, are substantially smooth and flat. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that it is possible for any or all of the surfaces of device  10  to include patterns or grooves machined therein, as is known in the art of rotary atomizing, if it will improve the performance of the devices.  
         [0045]    Another embodiment of a rotary atomizing device  100  according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS.  6 - 10 . Device  100  includes a plurality of sequentially arranged discs  102 . In preferred embodiment, capping discs  104  may be positioned at opposing ends of the sequence of discs  102 . The structure of discs  102  allow them to be coupled together in sequential arrangement, which increases the amount of fluid that may be applied to a surface or allows the application of fluid to a larger surface area than may be possible with device  10 .  
         [0046]    A single disc  102  will be described now with reference to FIGS.  7 - 8 . As shown, disc  102  is substantially symmetrical in construction about plane “P 2 .”. Each disc  102  includes opposing side surfaces  106   a,b  having a perimeter  108 . A centrally disposed frustum  108   a,b  may be disposed on each side surface  106   a,b . Frustums  108   a,b  each have a top surface  110   a,b  and an outer surface  112   a,b . An axial bore  114  extends through frustums  108   a,b  in coaxial alignment with axis “a 2 ,” which is substantially perpendicular to plane P 2 . Flanges  116   a,b  extend substantially perpendicularly from each side surface  106   a,b  along perimeter  108 . Preferably, a plurality of apertures  118  are formed in top surfaces  110   a,b  of each frustum  108   a,b  for receiving pins  120 , as explained in greater detail below.  
         [0047]    A single capping disc  104  will now be illustrated with reference to FIGS.  9 - 10 . As shown, disc  104  includes a perimeter  108  and two opposing sides  120   a,b . Side  120   a  is substantially similar in construction to side surface  106   a  of disc  102 , whereas side  120   b  is substantially planar. Thus, side  120   a  includes centrally disposed frustum  108   a  having atop surface  110   a  and an outer surface  112   a . An axial bore  114  extends through frustum  108   a  in coaxial alignment with axis “a 3 ,” which is substantially perpendicular to plane P 3 . Bore  114  includes a step  122  for receiving a transtorque bushing. Flange  116   a  extends substantially perpendicularly from side surface  120   a  along perimeter  108 . Preferably, a plurality of apertures  118  are formed in top surface  110   a  of frustum  108   a  for receiving pins  120 .  
         [0048]    As in the previous embodiment, the dimensions of discs  102  and capping discs  104  may vary depending on the particular application in which they are used. In the present embodiment, each disc  102  and  104  has an outer diameter D 1  of about 7 inches. The diameter D 2  of the central hub is preferably about 2.5 inches, and the spacing S 1  between each sequential disc  102  and between disc  102  and capping disc  104  and is preferably about 2 inches.  
         [0049]    As in the previous embodiment, discs  102  and  104  may have a unitary or integral construction, depending on the material of construction and the method of constructing the discs. Preferably, when used in the food industry, device  100  is machined or molded from a food-grade material including plastics such as Delrin or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHW-PE) and metal such as 304/316 grade stainless steel. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of device  100  may vary as needed depending on the particular application in which it is used.  
         [0050]    All surfaces of device  100 , in the present embodiment, are substantially smooth and flat. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that it is possible for any or all of the surfaces of device  10  to include patterns or grooves machined therein, as is known in the art of rotary atomizing, if it will improve the performance of the devices.  
         [0051]    FIGS.  11 - 14  illustrate another aspect of the present disclosure, which is an apparatus  150  for coating articles with a fluid material, preferably for coating articles of food with batter. An exemplary apparatus  150  is shown in perspective view in FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown, apparatus  150  includes a frame  152  supporting a chamber  154  having an inlet end  156  and an outlet end  158 . Chamber  154  includes a base  160  connected to a cover  162 . Base  160  preferably has downwardly sloping sides  160   a,b  that intersect at the lower end  162  of base  160  above a fluid reservoir  164 . Cover  162  may be hingedly connected to base  160  in preferred embodiments. A control panel  166  may be suitably disposed on cover  162  to enable an operator to operate various controls. Power to apparatus  150  may be supplied by any suitable means.  
         [0052]    A plurality of the previously described rotary atomizing devices  10  are disposed within cover  162  and base  160 . Although illustrated herein with several rotary atomizing devices, those of skill in the art will recognize that only one may be necessary, depending on the particular application. Similarly, any number of devices  10  may be included in an apparatus, if needed or desired. As shown best in FIG. 13, two devices  10   a,b  are disposed in cover  162 . Each device  10   a,b  is supported on drive shafts  168   a,b  that extend through cover  162  to connect to motor  170   a,b  which drives shafts  168   a,b.    
         [0053]    Base  160  includes a support member  172  for supporting several of the foregoing rotary atomizing devices. As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 when taken together, support member  172  has a drawer-like construction which allows it to be slidably removed from base  160  using, for example, handle  174 . Two devices  10   a  and two devices  10   b  are disposed on opposites of drawer  172 . Each of the four devices  10   a,b  are supported on drive shafts  176   a,b  extending through the wall of drawer  172  to connect to motors  178   a,b,  which rotatably drive shafts  176   a,b . A fluid dispensing tube  180  (not illustrated in each drawing) may be disposed within each device  10   a,b  proximate the outer surface of the central hub. Dispensing tube  180  may have a diameter ranging from about ⅛ inch to about 1 inch, more preferably about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch. In the present embodiment, the diameter of dispensing tube  180  is about ½ inch. One exemplary arrangement of a fluid dispensing tube  180  between discs  12   a,b  is illustrated in FIG. 15.  
         [0054]    Fluid dispensing tube  180  may distribute a fluid drawn from fluid reservoir  164  containing a source of fluid to be dispensed by a variety of suitably connected fluid dispensing lines. As illustrated in FIGS.  11 - 13 , two motor driven pumps  182 ,  184  are supported on frame  152 . Pump  182  draws fluid from reservoir  164  through line  186  and dispenses the fluid through lines  188  which extends through the face of drawer  172  to fluidly connect to devices  10   a,b,  as shown best in FIG. 14. Similarly, pump  184  draws fluid from reservoir  164  through line  190  (see FIG. 13) and dispenses the fluid through lines  192   a,b  which are fluidly connected to devices  10   a,b  within cover  162 . The foregoing dispensing lines may have a diameter ranging from about ½ inch to about 2 inch, more preferably about ¾ inch to about 1½ inch. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the dispensing lines is about ½ inch.  
         [0055]    A conveyancing assembly indicated generally at  194  includes a motor  196  for rotatably driving a plurality of rollers  198  disposed at various locations within base  160  and about which a conveyor member  199 , which is illustrated herein as a belt. Belt  199  is operably disposed for transverse movement within base  160  from inlet end  156  to outlet end  158 . Such conveyancing assemblies are well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Preferably, rollers  198  are disposed such that conveyor member  199  substantially conforms to the sides  160   a,b  of base  160 .  
         [0056]    Preferably, when used in the food industry, the components of apparatus  150  that come into contact with food may be constructed from a food-grade material including plastics such as Delrin or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHW-PE) and metal such as 304/316 grade stainless steel. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of apparatus  150  may vary as needed depending on the particular application in which it is used.  
         [0057]    In operation, power to the system is provided, and articles to be coated, preferably food articles, are placed on the conveyor belt. The rotary atomizing devices  10   a,b  may be set to rotate at a rate of about 1500 RPM to about 2000 RPM, with about 1725 RPM being optimal. Generally, at slower rates of rotation, large droplets are dispensed from the discs instead of a fine mist of batter. Moreover, the direction in which the batter is dispensed is narrower, resulting in build-up of thicker, more uneven coating on the food product. Also generally, at high rates of rotation, the dwell time of the batter in the device is insufficient to allow it to acquire sufficient momentum to be atomized and thereby dispensed as a fine mist.  
         [0058]    Batter may then be drawn from the reservoir and distributed to each rotating rotary atomizing device in both the cover and the base, while the conveyor belt begins moving. Typical line speeds in the food industry range from about 50 RPM to about 100 FPM. The present methods provide expanded lines speed capability ranging from about 5 FPM up to about 200 FPM or more, in some instances. The increased line speeds that are possible with the present method are due in part to the increased capacity of the present rotary atomizing devices and systems, as well as the increased dwell time of the batter in the rotary atomizing devices. Those of skill in the art will recognize that modifications may be required to operate at such line speed. For example, it may be necessary to use a different conveyor belts, or to change the rotation rate of the atomizers, to changing the number and position of the rotary atomizing devices, to change the spacing between the rotary atomizing devices and the conveyor belt. Such modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and may be achieved using routine experimentation.  
         [0059]    Batter from the food distribution tubes in both the cover and the base is sprayed onto the central hub of each rotary atomizing device. When the batter comes into contact with the outer surface of the central hub, the batter is deflected such that it impacts the flanges of discs. The flanges increase the dwell time of the batter in the disc, allowing the batter to gain the momentum necessary to be atomized as the batter leaves the disc. Thus, the inclusion of the flange in the disc design allows more viscous batters to be dispensed. The increased momentum provide the necessary energy for the batter to be atomized into a fine mist, resulting in a uniform coating on the articles to be coated. The flanges prevent batter from being dispensed too rapidly from the disc which would result in, for example, large droplets of batter, drips of batter, and non-uniform coating generally. Typically, fluids having a viscosity of up to about 12-14 seconds in a #3 Stein Cup (available from Stein/DSI, which is a subsidiary of FMC Food TECH, located in Sandusky Ohio), and/or a solids content of about 50 percent may be dispensed using the present devices and methods.  
         [0060]    Thus, using the present method, articles of food may be coated substantially uniformly on all sides, with a relatively viscous fluid or batter, at a relatively high rate that is compatible with most food production lines. The design of the rotary atomizing device allows relatively viscous fluids, or batters to be atomized. The design of the rotary atomizing device also accommodates a relatively high volume of fluid or batter without dripping onto the food.  
         [0061]    FIGS.  16 - 19  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a coating apparatus. As seen in the figures, apparatus  250  differs from apparatus  150  in size and shape, but otherwise includes substantially the same components, with the exception of the inclusion of rotary atomizing devices  100  rather than devices  10 . Where possible, reference numerals indicating the same or similar components as in the previous embodiment have been changed by replacing the number “1” with the number “2.” Thus,  152  becomes  252 , and so on.  
         [0062]    Utilization of rotary atomizing devices  100  in apparatus  250  provides increased fluid distribution capacity, allowing the coating of relatively large amounts of articles or alternatively, coating at faster speed. As shown in FIGS.  16 - 20  when taken together, cover  262  of apparatus  250  includes a plurality of devices  100  mounted for rotation on drive shafts  268  which are rotatably driven by motor  270 . Devices  100  may be spaced apart from one another within cover  262  (best seen in FIG. 18), and staggered with respect to one another within cover  262  so as not to interfere with the fluid distributed by adjacent devices  100  (best seen in FIG. 19). Similarly, base  260  of apparatus  250  also includes a plurality of sequentially arranged rotary atomizing devices  100  which are mounted for rotation on drive shaft  276  driven by motor  278 .  
         [0063]    As in the previous apparatus, the components of apparatus  250  that come into contact with food may be constructed from a food-grade material including plastics such as Delrin or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHW-PE), and metal such as 304/316 grade stainless steel. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of apparatus  250  may vary as needed depending on the particular application in which it is used.  
         [0064]    FIGS.  20 - 25  illustrate another aspect of the present disclosure which is directed to an accessory  300  for use in cooperation with either of devices  10 ,  100  and thus with apparatus  150 ,  250 . As shown in FIG. 20, accessory  300  may include a substantially ring shaped portion  302 . As shown in isometric view in FIG. 21, ring shaped portion  302  includes two sections  306 ,  308  connected by fasteners  310  which are inserted into apertures  308 . Section  308  includes and aperture  312  into which the fluid distribution tube  180  may be fixedly attached. As shown in FIGS.  22 - 23 , section  306 ,  308  each have a substantially flat inner surface  314   a,b  from which sloped surfaces  316   a,b  and  318   a,b  extend outwardly. Section  306  preferably has a substantially curved outer surface  320 , whereas section  308  has a substantially flat outer surface  322 .  
         [0065]    FIGS.  24 - 25  illustrate one exemplary arrangement using ring-shaped portion  302  in cooperation with disc  102  and capping disc  104 . As shown, discs  102 ,  104  may be mounted on a rotatable hollow drive shaft  324 , which may be coupled to, for example, a fluid distribution manifold to receive fluid or batter in the hollow drive shaft  324 . Discs  102 , 104  are connected by pins inserted into the apertures on each opposing side of discs  102 , 104 . Before the pins are inserted, the ring-shaped portion  302  must be mounted about the frustoconical portion. Of course, although not illustrated herein, accessory  300  may also be disposed between discs  12   a,b  of device  10 .  
         [0066]    During operation of an apparatus, fluid is distributed directly from hollow drive shaft  324  to ring-shaped portion  302 , which acts as a gutter to collect and distribute fluid to the interior surfaces of the rotating discs of devices  10 ,  100 . Thus, any fluid that is distributed from the hollow drive shaft  324  and which is not immediately flung onto the cone or inner surfaces of the discs is collected. This prevents fluid that does not yet have the required momentum to be atomized from dripping onto the articles to be coated. Thus, accessory  302  effectively increases the dwell time within devices  10 ,  100 , of fluid dispensed from fluid distribution tubes  180 .  
         [0067]    While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1