A heat-pipe electric-power generating device capable of converting thermal energy to electrical energy is provided. The minimum flow rate is a measure of the combined effects of the surface tension, viscosity, elasticity, and dilitant behavior of the coating fluid which influence the stretch and acceleration of the fluid, that in turn, characterize the runnability of the fluid for a full scale curtain coating process. The shield is secured in position over the latch mechanism by means of the guide member in combination with a shield locking bracket having an opening for accepting the padlock bight during the locking procedure.