Modular layer for coating glass containers

Abstract

A modular apparatus for coating glass articles with a chemical compound includes a coating bell section (10a) comprising a series of interconnected walls (12) defining an inner chamber (18, 20a, 20b) with an inlet (32) and an outlet (44), a blower (24) located at least partially in the inner chamber (18, 20a, 20b) for conveying air from the inlet (32) to the outlet (44); and a connector (50) for connecting the coating bell section (10a) to an identical coating bell section (10b). The connector (50) for the connection is defined on at least one of the interconnected walls (12) of the coating bell section (10a).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a modular coating hood for coating glass containers. The adjustable modular coating hood for coating glass containers comprises at least two or more removably and / or releasably connected sections. The at least two sections connect to each other to provide a modular apparatus for coating glass articles with a chemical compound and may be disassembled and reconnected as desired. The removably and / or releasably connected sections preferably are substantially identical or more preferably identical.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the process of manufacturing a glass container, the exterior surface of the glass container is typically coated with a metal-oxide coating, for example, to improve its structural integrity.

[0003] The coating process is traditionally performed in a coating hood.

[0004] Coating hoods are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2015 / 0101537; U.S. Patent Nos. 4,389,234; 5,081,953; 5,140,940; 5,454,873; 5,599,369; 5,584,903; and PCT Patent App. Pub. No. WO 1996020142, for example. Coating hoods are also disclosed PCT Patent App. Pub. No. WO 01 / 25503, PCT Patent App. Pub. No. WO 96 / 33955, and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 8,842,793.

[0005] In an assembly line style operation, coating vapor is sprayed onto the exterior surface of a glass container as the glass container passes through a tunnel formed in a coating hood.

[0006] Due to fabrication, inventory and internal capital constraints, coating hood manufacturers ordinarily supply coating hoods in a limited number of specific fixed lengths, e.g., two foot length, eight foot length, etc., and the customers select the most appropriate fixed length for their current application. In many situations, a customer is provided with a coating hood that is either too large or barely sufficient for their current need. The customer can not readily alter the length of the coating hood. Also, due to the long operating lifetime of coating hoods, customers are also restricted to using the same fixed length hood when their productions schedules change.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need in the industry, particularly the glass coating industry, to provide an adjustable coating hood for coating glass containers which is readily and easily modified by the user depending upon user needs and which is easily cleaned and serviced. The apparatus may be used for hot or cold end coatings of containers.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a coating hood for coating glass articles, and methods therefore of the appended claims.

[0009] A modular apparatus for coating glass articles with a chemical compound is disclosed. The modular apparatus comprises: a coating hood section (10a) including a series of interconnected walls (12) defining an interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (44), a blower (24) positioned at least partially in the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) to carry air from the inlet (32) towards the outlet (44); and means (50) for connecting the coating hood section (10a) to an identical coating hood section (10b), said means (50) for connecting being defined on at least one of the interconnected walls (12) of the coating hood section (10a).

[0010] Said means (50) for connecting are positioned on opposing side walls of the coating hood section.

[0011] Said means for connecting may be selected from the group consisting of a connector, a slot, a tang, a tab, a bolt, an opening, a fastener, a screw, a raised surface, a clamp, a clip, a magnet, and a protrusion.

[0012] Said identical coating hood section (10b) comprises said means (50) for connecting, and said means (50) for connecting on said identical coating hood section (10b) are configured to be releasably connected to said means (50) for connecting on said coating hood section (10a).

[0013] The interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a suction chamber (20a) communicating with said inlet (32), and a blowing chamber (20b) communicating with said outlet (44).

[0014] The interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a transfer chamber (18) communicating with said suction chamber (20a) and said blowing chamber (20b).

[0015] The blower (24) is at least partially positioned in the transfer chamber (18).

[0016] The suction chamber (20a) may include a series of individual slots (36) through which the chemical compound passes, and the blowing chamber (20b) may include a series of individual slots (48) through which the chemical compound passes.

[0017] An injector (420) may be positioned to deliver the chemical compound into the blowing chamber (20b).

[0018] A divider (22) may be positioned between the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20a).

[0019] The coating hood section may further comprise a wall (31) dividing the transfer chamber (18) from the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20a).

[0020] A method for assembling two identical coating hood sections (10a, 10b) together comprising: connecting a means (50) for connecting on one of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10b) to a means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10b) is also disclosed.

[0021] The method further comprises: connecting a means (50) for connecting of another identical coating hood (10a, 10b) to another means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10b).

[0022] A method for disassembling two identical coating hood sections (10a, 10b) is also provided, which comprises: disconnecting a means (50) for connecting on one of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10b) from a means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10b).

[0023] The method further comprises: disconnecting a means (50) for connecting of another identical coating hood (10a, 10b) from another means (50) for connecting on the other of the two identical coating hoods (10a, 10b).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0024] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. Included in the drawing are the following figures: FIGs. 1, 2 and 3 show a partially schematic view of a double-vapor-loop coating hood for bottles according to the prior art. FIG. 4 depicts a method of operating the double vapor loop coating hood of FIGs. 1-3 according to the prior art. FIGs. 5 and 6 depict isometric views of a modular single vapor loop coating hood including two modular coating hood sections. FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of the modular coating hood of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 depicts a side elevation view of the modular coating hood of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 depicts a top plan view of a modular double-vapor-loop coating hood including four modular coating hood sections. FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the double-vapor-loop modular coating hood of FIG. 9 that is modified to generate a primary loop and a recycle loop. FIG. 11 depicts a top plan view of the double-vapor-loop modular coating hood of FIG. 9 that is modified to generate a continuous loop. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0025] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which shows exemplary embodiments of the invention selected for illustrative purposes. The invention will be illustrated with reference to the figures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of the present invention.

[0026] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical,", "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivative thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both removable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0027] The present invention will be best understood by a brief initial discussion of a coating hood of the prior art. FIGs. 1-3 show a partially schematic view of a double- vapor-loop coating hood 400 for bottles according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,234. The coating hood 400 generally includes two opposing hood sections 401a and 401b that are substantially identical. Although not shown, a central hood portion is positioned between the opposing hood sections 401a and 401b. Further details of the central hood portion can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,268. The bottles 103 pass through an enclosed space that is defined between the opposing hood sections 401a and 401b. The enclosed space limits the escapement of the coating compound into the atmosphere.

[0028] The features of the hood section 401b will be described hereinafter, however, it should be understood that the hood sections 401a and 401b are substantially identical. Thus, the foregoing description of the hood section 401b also applies to hood section 401a. The hood section 401b includes a plenum housing 402. The plenum housing 402 includes a rectangular shaped base portion 407a and a manifold portion 407b that extends from the front end of the base portion 407a.

[0029] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, three substantially enclosed interior chambers 403a-403c are defined in the plenum housing 402. The interior chamber 403a of the housing 402 is defined by the following walls of the housing 402: top wall 405h, bottom wall 405g, front wall 405f, outer wall 405a, rear wall 405b, and interior wall 405c. The interior chamber 403b of the housing 402 is defined by the following walls of the housing 402: top wall 405h, bottom wall 405g, front wall 405f, interior wall 405c, interior wall 405d, and rear wall 405b. Lastly, the interior chamber 403c of the housing 402 is defined by the following walls of the housing 402: top wall 405h, bottom wall 405g, front wall 405f, outer wall 405e, rear wall 405b, and interior wall 405d.

[0030] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, the interior chambers 403a and 403c are in fluid communication by virtue of a C-shaped hollow passage 406. Thus, fluid vapors travel from interior chamber 403a to chamber 403c via hollow passage 406.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, a series of openings or slots 411a and 411b are defined on the front wall 405f of the plenum housing 402. Slots 411a are configured as blowing slots, whereas slots 411b are configured as suction slots. The blowing slots 411a may be referred to herein as an outlet or outlets, and the suction slots 411b may be referred to herein as an inlet or inlets.

[0032] Two blowers 408 and 409 are mounted to the housing 402. Each blower 408 and 409 has a rotating fan blade 404 that is attached to a motor by a shaft. The fan blade 404 of the blower 408 is positioned in interior chamber 403b, and the fan blade 404 of the blower 408 is positioned in interior chamber 403c. The motors of the blowers 408 and 409 are optionally positioned outside of the housing 402.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, an injector 420 is mounted to the top wall 405h of the housing 402 adjacent to the fan blade 404 of the blower 408. The proximal end of the injector 420 is fluidly connected to a conduit 430 (a portion of which is shown) through which liquid coating chemical is distributed from a liquid coating supply (not shown). In FIG. 1, the side wall 405e of the housing 402 is partially cut-away to reveal the distal end of the injector 420.

[0034] The distal end of the injector 420 of the hood section 401b is positioned downstream of the blower fan blade 404, and is spaced axially by a distance 'Dl' from the blower fan blade 404. The distal end of the injector 420 extends into the interior of the manifold portion 407b of the housing 402 by a distance 'D2.'

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one method of operating the double vapor loop coating hood 400, the blowers 408 and 409 of each hood section 401a and 401b are first activated. The coating chemical is then delivered into the chamber 403b of each hood section 401a and 401b via the injectors 420. Thereafter the bottles 103 are conveyed along a path between the hood sections 401a and 401b, as indicated by arrow 454.

[0036] As noted above, the coating hood 400 has a double vapor loop. The primary loop 450 is depicted by air streams 450a-450d, whereas, the recycle loop 452 is depicted by air streams 452a-452d.

[0037] In the primary loop 450, the pressure side of the blowers 408 in the hood sections 401a and 401b propel air streams 450c and 450a past the injectors 420 of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively. Upon mixing with the coating chemical that is distributed by the injectors 420, the air streams 450c and 450a become entrained with vaporized coating chemical. The coating entrained air streams 450c and 450a are propelled out of the blowing slots 441a that are associated with the interior chambers 403b of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively, by the pressure side of the blowers 408. The coating entrained streams 450c and 450a pass over the bottles 103 that are positioned in front of those blowing slots 441a that are associated with the interior chambers 403c of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively, thereby coating the bottles 103 with the vaporized coating chemical.

[0038] The vacuum side of the blowers 408 of the hood sections 401a and 401b draws the air streams 450a and 450c through the suction slots 441b and into the interior chambers 403b of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively. The vacuum side of the blowers 408 of the hood sections 401a and 401b draws the coating entrained air streams 450b and 450d through the interior chambers 403 of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively. The primary loop then repeats as the pressure side of the blowers 408 propels the air streams 450c and 450a past the injectors 420 of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively.

[0039] As described above, the coating entrained air streams 450a and 450c contact the bottles 103. As the coating entrained air streams 450a and 450c contact the bottles 103, a portion of the coating entrained air streams 450a and 450c scatters outward toward the outer periphery of the hood sections. That scattered portion of the coating entrained air streams 450a and 450c is captured in the recycle loop 452.

[0040] In the recycle loop 452, the pressure side of the blowers 409 in the hood sections 401a and 401b propel air streams 452a and 452c out of the blowing slots 441a that are associated with the interior chambers 403c of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively. The air streams 452a and 452c mix with the scattered portion of the coating entrained air streams 450a and 450c of the primary loop 450. The coating entrained streams 452a and 452c of the recycle loop 452 pass over the bottles 103 that are positioned in front of those blowing slots 441a that are associated with the interior chambers 403c of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively, thereby twice coating the bottles 103 with the vaporized coating chemical.

[0041] As noted previously, the interior chambers 403a and 403c of each hood section are fluidly connected by passage 406. Thus, it follows that the vacuum side of the blowers 409 that are positioned in the interior chambers 403c of the hood sections 401b and 401a draw the coating entrained air streams 452a and 452c through the suction slots 441b that are associated with the interior chambers 403a of the hood sections 401b and 401a, respectively. The vacuum side of the blowers 409 then draw the air streams 452d and 452b through the passage 406 and into the interior chambers 403c of the hood sections 401b and 401a, respectively. The recycle loop then repeats as the pressure side of the blowers 409 in the hood sections 401a and 401b propel air streams 452a and 452c out of the blowing slots 441a that are associated with the interior chambers 403c of the hood sections 401a and 401b, respectively.

[0042] As described in the Background section, each hood section 401 is an integral unit having a fixed length. Each hood section 401 includes two blowers 408 / 409 and at least three chambers 403. It is neither possible nor practicable to disassemble a portion of an individual hood section 401 for cleaning, service or repair.

[0043] The present invention is further described below, in connection with the FIGs. 5-8, which depict a coating hood 10 for bottles. It is noted that various manifold walls are shown cut-away in FIGs. 5 and 6.

[0044] The coating hood 10 generally includes at least two or more opposing hood sections 10a and 10b. Preferably, the hood sections 10a and 10b are identical or substantially identical. Although not shown, a central hood portion is positioned between the opposing hood sections 10a and 10b. Further details of the central hood portion can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,268. The bottles 103 pass through an enclosed space that is defined between the opposing hood sections 10a and 10b. The enclosed space limits the escapement of the coating compound into the atmosphere.

[0045] The features of the hood section 10a will be described hereinafter, however, it should be understood that the hood sections 10a and 10b are identical or substantially identical. Thus, the foregoing description of the hood section 10a also applies to hood section 10b.

[0046] The hood section 10a includes a plenum housing 12, and a single blower 24 that is mounted to the plenum housing 12. The plenum housing 12 includes a substantially rectangular-shaped base portion 14 and a manifold portion 16 that extends from the front end of the base portion 14. The base portion 14 and the manifold portion 16 are interconnected by welds, for example. The plenum housing 12 may be formed from steel or aluminum sheet metal panels, for example.

[0047] A single substantially rectangular-shaped interior transfer chamber 18 is defined in the base portion 14. The fan blade blades 26 of the blower 24 are positioned within the interior chamber 18. The blower 24 operates in the reverse direction as that shown in FIG.4, however, it should be understood that the blower 24 may be operated in the same direction as that shown in FIG. 4.

[0048] Two chambers 20a and 20b are defined in the manifold portion 16 and are physically separated by divider 22. The suction chamber 20a of the manifold portion 16 is partially enclosed by the walls of the housing 12 including divider 22. The suction chamber 20a extends between an inlet end 32 and an outlet end 30. The outlet end 30 is a funnel-shaped opening provided in a wall 31 of the housing 12 that separates the suction chamber 20a and the transfer chamber 18. The outlet end 30 includes an opening 33 (see FIG. 6) that substantially registers with the fan blade blades 26 of the blower 24. A series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, more preferably six, blower slots 36 are provided in the suction chamber 20a. The suction slots 36 are formed between adjacent structures of the housing 12 in the form of the dividers 38, the divider 22 and the housing wall 40.

[0049] Although not shown, an injector (like injector 420) may be mounted to the hood section 10a for distributing a chemical into the suction chamber 20a. The chemical may be distributed through the injector in a liquid state, which is later vaporized as it travels through the coating hood. Alternatively, the chemical may be distributed through the injector in a gaseous or vapor state.

[0050] The blowing chamber 20b of the manifold portion 16 is partially enclosed by the walls of the housing 12 including divider 22. The blowing chamber 20b extends between an inlet end 46 and an outlet end 44. As best seen in FIG. 6, the inlet end 46 of the blowing chamber 20b opens into and is in fluid communication with the interior transfer chamber 18 of the base portion 14. A series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, and more preferably six, blowing slots 48 are provided in the blowing chamber 20b. The blowing slots 48 are formed between adjacent structures in the form of the dividers 38, the divider 22 and the housing wall 49.

[0051] Each divider 38 of the chambers 10a and 10b is substantially hull-shaped in cross section (as seen in FIG. 7) and extends along the height dimension 'H' (see FIG. 6) of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 5, each divider 38 is connected to the top wall 39 and the bottom wall 41 of the housing 12. While the dividers 38 may be hollow, as shown, it should be understood that air is prevented from entering the interior of the dividers 38. The dividers 38 may be removably connected to the housing 12. It should also be understood that the shape and number of dividers 38 and corresponding suction slots 36 may vary from that which is shown and described and are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

[0052] Each hood section 10a / 10b includes means 50 for connecting to an adjacent hood section. Connected hood sections l0a / l0b are shown in FIGs. 9 and 10. Means 50 is shown schematically in FIGs. 5 and 6. By way of non-limiting example, means 50 may be a connector, a slot, a tang, a tab, a bolt, an opening, a fastener, a screw, a raised surface, a clamp, a clip, a magnet, a protrusion, and / or any other fastening means that is / are known to those skilled in the art. Means 50 preferably provides a releasable and / or removeable connection between connected hood sections l0a / l0b such that the hood sections may be connected or disconnected / disassembled as desired. However, means 50 could also provide a permanent connection, if so desired by an end user.

[0053] Means 50 is provided on the opposing side walls 40 and 49 of each hood section l0a / l0b. Alternatively, it is disclosed means 50, which may also be provided on top wall 39 and / or the bottom wall 41 of each hood section l0a / l0b. One or more means 50 may be provided on each wall 39, 40, 41 and / or 49 for securing the connected hood sections l0a / l0b. Means 50 may be provided on the corner(s) of a particular wall 39, 40, 41 and / or 49.

[0054] By virtue of the modular hood sections l0a / l0b described herein, the coating hood manufacturer can produce substantially identical or identical hood modules that can be later attached together or removed by the customer to create a necessary hood length for a particular application. Following installation, hood sections l0a / l0b can be removed from an existing installation to allow for different production speeds, or for replacement, repair or cleaning of a single hood section l0a / l0b, as needed. Any number of modular hood sections l0a / l0b may be connected together from two or more, at any time and as needed. Alternatively, a non-modular hood section (not shown) may be connected to one of the modular hood sections l0a / l0b.

[0055] Although not shown, each modular hood section l0a / l0b may include a handle or inset for lifting.

[0056] Operation of the coating hood 10 will now be described for the embodiment described above. The flow of fluid through the coating hood 10 is depicted by the arrows in FIG. 7. In operation, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, rotation of the fan blade of the blower 24 of the hood section 10a causes fluid to be delivered into the suction chamber 20a of the hood section 10a via inlet end 32 and then through the suction slots 36. Fluid is also delivered into the suction chamber 20a of the hood section 10a by virtue of the blowing action of the blower 24 of the hood section 10b. Referring still to the hood section 10a, the fluid is then distributed into the interior transfer chamber 18 via inlet end 30. The fluid is then delivered past the fan blades, into the blowing chamber 20b of the hood section 10a via the inlet end 46 and then through the blowing slots 48. The fluid is then distributed out of the blowing chamber 20b via the outlet end 44 and onto the bottle 103.

[0057] At the same time, rotation of the fan blade of the blower 24 of the hood section 10b causes fluid to be delivered into the suction chamber 20a of the hood section 10b via inlet end 32 and then through the suction slots 36. Fluid is also delivered into the suction chamber 20a of the hood section 10b by virtue of the blowing action of the blower 24 of the hood section 10a (as discussed above). The fluid is then distributed into the interior transfer chamber 18 of the hood section 10b via inlet end 30 of the hood section 10b. The fluid is then delivered past the fan blades, into the blowing chamber 20b of the hood section 10a via the inlet end 46 and then through the blowing slots 48. The fluid is then distributed out of the blowing chamber 20b via the outlet end 44 and onto the bottle 103.

[0058] The coating hood sections l0a / l0b may be arranged to provide a single primary loop, as shown in FIG. 7, or, the hood sections l0a / l0b may be connected to one or more hood sections l0a / l0b to create various other loop configuration embodiments as shown in FIGs. 9-11. The alternative loop configuration embodiments are described hereinafter, and it should be understood that only the primary differences between the alternative loop configuration embodiments and the coating hood of FIGs. 5-8 will be described.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows four hood sections l0a / l0b that are connected to form two separate primary loops, as depicted by the arrows. In FIG. 9, one primary loop is depicted by solid line arrows, and the other primary loop is depicted by broken line arrows.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first row of hood sections l0a / l0b, which are shown at the top of FIG. 9, are housed within a frame 59a. Similarly, the second row of hood sections l0a / l0b, which are shown at the bottom of FIG. 9, are housed within a frame 59b. The previously described means 50 on the individual hood sections l0a / l0b may be connected to mating connecting means provided on the respective frames 59a / 59b. The frames 59a / 59b may be provided in a variety of different lengths, shapes and sizes. Although the frames 59a and 59b are not shown in the other coating hood embodiments, it should be understood that the frames 59a and 59b may be used with those coating hood embodiments. The frames 59a / 59b are an optional feature of the invention.

[0061] FIG. 10 shows four hood sections l0a / l0b that are connected to form both a primary loop 58 and a recycle loop 60. In FIG. 10, the recycle loop 60 is depicted by broken line arrows, whereas the primary loop 58 is depicted by solid line arrows.

[0062] To convert the coating hood of FIG. 9 into the coating hood of FIG. 10 having a recycle loop 60, one may, for example, (i) add a divider 62 in each base portion 14 to prevent the movement of fluid between adjacent chambers 20a and 20b of a respective coating hood section l0a / l0b, (ii) add external conduits 64 between the outermost chambers 20a / 20b in order to create the recycle loop 60, and (iii) add external conduits 66 between the innermost chambers 20a / 20b in order to create the primary loop 58. The external conduits 64 and 66 are tubes that connect to openings formed in the rear wall 68 of the housings 12.

[0063] If a user does not desire to incorporate a recycle loop, then the dividers 62 and the conduits 64 and 66 may be removed, and the openings in the rear wall 68 may be concealed by one or more plates (not shown) to return the coating hood back to its configuration shown in FIG. 9.

[0064] FIG. 11 shows four hood sections l0a / l0b that are connected to form a single continuous loop. The coating hood of FIG. 11 is similar to the coating hood of FIG. 10, with the exception that the second (lower) row of coating hood sections 10a2 / 10b2 in FIG. 11 does not include the external conduits 64 and 66 and the dividers 62.

[0065] In operation, as depicted by the arrows in FIG. 11, by virtue of the blowers, fluid travels from chamber 20b of hood section l0al, across the bottles and into chamber 20a of hood section 10b2, into the transfer chamber 18 of hood section 10b2, to chamber 20b of hood section 10b2 and across the bottles and into chamber 20a of hood section l0al, through external conduit 66, into chamber 20b of hood section l0bl, across the bottles and into chamber 20a of hood section 10a2, into the transfer chamber 18 of hood section 10a2, to chamber 20b of hood section 10a2, across the bottles and into chamber 20a of hood section l0bl, through the external conduit 64 and finally returned to chamber 20b of hood section l0al .

[0066] Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the coating hood sections l0a / l0b may be configured and arranged in a variety of ways to achieve any desired purpose.

Claims

1. A coating hood (10) for coating glass articles with a chemical compound, obtained by assembling substantially identical coating hood sections (10a, 10b): wherein each coating hood section (10a, 10b) includes a series of interconnected walls forming a housing (12) and comprising a top wall (39), a bottom wall (41) and two opposite side walls (40, 49); the housing includes a substantially rectangular-shaped base portion (14) and a manifold portion (16) that extends from the front end of the base portion (14); the housing defines an interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (44); the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a suction chamber (20a) and a blowing chamber (20b) defined in the manifold portion (16), wherein the suction chamber (20a) communicates with said inlet (32), and the blowing chamber (20b) communicates with said outlet (44); the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) comprises a transfer chamber (18) defined in the base portion (14), wherein the transfer chamber (18) communicates with said suction chamber (20a) and said blowing chamber (20b); a blower (24) is positioned at least partially in the interior chamber (18, 20a, 20b) to carry air from the inlet (32) towards the outlet (44); means (50) for connecting the coating hood section (10a, 10b) to a substantially identical, adjacent coating hood section (10a, 10b) are positioned on the opposite side walls (40, 49) of each coating hood section; wherein the coating hood (10) comprises a first row of at least two adjacent, substantially identical coating hood sections (10a, 10b), a second opposing row of at least two adjacent, substantially identical coating hood sections (10a, 10b), and a central hood portion positioned between the opposing coating hood sections (10a, 10b); and wherein the adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b) are removably and / or releasably connected to each other by the means (50).

2. The coating hood (10) according to claim 1, wherein said means for connecting are selected from the group consisting of a connector, a slot, a tang, a tab, a bolt, an opening, a fastener, a screw, a raised surface, a clamp, a clip, a magnet, and a protrusion; preferably said means for connecting are connectors.

3. The coating hood (10) according to any preceding claims, wherein the blower (24) is at least partially positioned in the transfer chamber (18).

4. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein the suction chamber (20a) includes a series of individual suction slots (36) through which the chemical compound passes, and the blowing chamber (20b) includes a series of individual blowing slots (48) through which the chemical compound passes.

5. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein an injector (420) is positioned to deliver the chemical compound into the blowing chamber (20b) of each coating hood section (10a, 10b).

6. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein the section hood comprises a divider (22) positioned between the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20a).

7. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein the modular apparatus further comprises a wall (31) dividing the transfer chamber (18) from the blowing chamber (20b) and the suction chamber (20a).

8. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein the suction chamber (20a) comprises a series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, more preferably six, individual suction slots (36), and a series of four to ten, preferably five to eight, more preferably six, blowing slots (48).

9. The coating hood according to claim 8, wherein the suction slots (36) are formed between adjacent structures in the form of dividers (38), the divider (22) and one of the side walls (40).

10. The coating hood according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the blowing slots (48) are formed between adjacent structures in the form of dividers (38), the divider (22) and one of the side walls (49).

11. The coating hood according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each divider (38) is substantially hull-shaped in cross section and extends along the height dimension (H) of the housing (12).

12. The coating hood according to any claims 9 to 11, wherein each divider (38) is connected to the top wall (39) and the bottom wall (41) of the housing (12)13. The coating hood according to any claims 9 to 12, wherein the dividers 38 are hollow.

14. The coating hood according to any claims 9 to 12, wherein the dividers (38) are removably connected to the housing (12).

15. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein each row of adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b) is arranged to form a separate primary loop.

16. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein the first row of adjacent coating hood sections is housed within a frame (59a) and the opposing second row of adjacent coating hood sections is housed within a frame (59b).

17. The coating hood according to any preceding claims, wherein the coating hood sections (10a, 10b) are arranged to form both a primary loop (58) and a recycle loop (59).

18. A method for assembling at least two substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b) together, according to any claims 1 to 17, comprising: connecting a means (50) for connecting on one of the two substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b) to a means (50) for connecting on the other of the substantially two identical coating hood sections (10a, 10b); optionally connecting a means (50) for connecting of another substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b) to another means (50) for connecting on the other of the two substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b).

19. A method for disassembling at least two substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b), according to any claims 1 to 17, comprising: disconnecting a means (50) for connecting on one of the two substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b) from a means (50) for connecting on the other of the two substantially identical, adjacent coating hood sections (10a, 10b); optionally disconnecting a means (50) for connecting of another substantially identical, adjacent coating hood (10a, 10b) from another means (50) for connecting on the other of the two substantially identical, adjacent coating hoods (10a, 10b).

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