Fire Sentry Corporation

Anthony B Williams

David A Castleman

Chris A Selstad

A system and method for detecting and controlling ungrounded parts during the electrostatic coating process in order to improve production flow, provide an overall cost saving by efficient use of the coating material and prevention of accidental fires and false shutdown during production. The system of the present invention comprises a detection system for detecting any ungrounded parts prior to entering a coating environment, such as a painting booth. The detection system in accordance with one embodiment, comprises an array of detectors, specifically, an ultraviolet sensor, a radio-frequency wave sensor, an acoustic sensor and a light sensor, which upon sensing specific characteristics generate representative signal waveforms. These waveforms are than compared with stored waveforms relating to profiles of sparking or corona discharge characteristics. Correlation circuits may correlate data obtained by two or more sensors in order to ensure that the spark or corona discharge is caused by an ungrounded part. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the detection system comprises a measuring device, such as a sensitive electric field meter, for measuring the electrical potential field between each part to be coated and ground.

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La Habra, CA, United States of America

Anthony B Williams