Abstract: Sensors (18, 20 and 22) and an interactive display (12) are added to an airless gas powered line striping machine (10) to provide the operator with a variety of information about the operating parameters. In addition to the pressure sensor/transducer (14) required to control the pressure through a clutch, the system includes a sensor (reed switch in the preferred embodiment) (18) to count pump strokes or drive revolutions, a sensor (22) to monitor when the gun trigger is activated and a sensor (26) to monitor wheel rotation (hall effect sensor detecting pulses from gear mounted on wheel in the preferred embodiment). A digital display (12) is included to read out measured and calculated values.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided for dispensing plural component materials having first and second (and optionally third) components and a desired ratio between the components. The apparatus has first and second reciprocating pumps (4), each of the pumps (4) being connected to a source of one of said components, first and second reciprocating drivers (5), each driver (5) being connected to drive one of the pumps and forming a driver-pump set, a position sensor (6) attached to each driver-pump set, each position sensor (6) outputting increments of resolution corresponding to a fixed volume being pumped by the driver-pump set to which it is connected, and a controller attached to the drivers and the position sensors to alternately move one of the driver-pump sets one said increment and the other of the driver-pump sets the product of one increment and the ratio.

Abstract: A conventional airless tip (18) is located in line in the fluid line (20) immediately down stream of the static mixer (16) in a plural components metering and mixing system (12). A pressure drip of 10-30 bar across the spray tip (18) provides enhanced mixing for aqueous and other hard-to-mix plural component materials.

Abstract: In a propulsion unit having a hydrostatic drive, a pair of pedals are clamped to the axle in such a manner as to be comfortably positioned for the feet of the operator. The angular position of each pedal relative to the axle may be adjusted such that the two pedals may have different angular orientations if desired. One pedal may be comfortably positioned for directing forward motion of the vehicle while the other may be more comfortable for reverse motion.

Abstract: Interlocking tabs are provided on the backside of a spray gun air cap to mate with corresponding slots in the barrel of the gun. The tabs and slots are spaced at 90° (or other spacing if desired) to confine the air cap to vertical or horizontal orientations. The barrel and retaining ring are provided with a custom coarse thread which both allows quicker removal and replacement of the air cap as well as substantially eliminating the ability to cross-thread the air cap on the barrel.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) is capable of robotically dispensing plural component materials such as sealants and adhesives with the same precision as single component products and yet will maintain ratio assurance and integrity for mixing the two materials. First look at the flow rate and if the flow rate is too high, decrease is needed on one of the components. The ratio error is then looked at and the flow rate/pressure differential for the material which is there in excess is decremented. Another level of control is provided in that the ratio error is continually examined and the direction of the ratio error is used for additional control. This provides very precise control of ratio and flow and helps prevent oscillation, hunting and other undesirable characteristics in such a system.

Abstract: A self-aligning mechanical pointer (10), includes a frame (12) attached to the front of a vehicle (14). A guide wheel (16) rides on a road surface and is rotatably carried by a wheel holder (18). The wheel holder (18) is connected to a swing arm (20), which pivots on frame (12) at point (22). An adjustable linkage member (24) connects swing arm (20) to a second swing arm (26). A guide rod (28) provides a sight means for an operator to align the pointer (10) with an intended target.

Abstract: An electrostatic method for increasing the transfer efficiency of spray finishing using lower voltages than are normally required and used with electrostatic spraying. The positioning and construction of ground electrodes (16) behind the air cap (18) helps ensure a clean operation.

Abstract: An airless spray pump is provided with a single-acting piston pump which allows the use of a low-cost yoke drive. Motor and pump shaft are offset for most efficient force utilization.

Abstract: An HVLP spray gun includes a coaxial combination air valve assembly 30 for controlling total air flow as well as pattern air flow which is frictionally retained in the gun body 12.

Abstract: A reversible airless spray tip is provided with a housing for mounting to the front of a spray gun, a sealing saddle insertable into the housing, a seal associated with the saddle and a rotatable cylinder having a handle and containing an airless tip. The cylinder is insertable in the housing and has a protrusion on said cylinder for engaging and releasably retaining said seal for insertion into said housing.

Abstract: A ram plate which allows easy lifting and dropping of the plate even when a complete seal has been made with high-viscosity liquids inside a barrel. The system contains two alternative methods of depressurizing the internal liquids in order to more efficiently avoid vacuum and suction effect when the user attempts to raise the plate. The bleed stick components of the plate are completely independent of vent ports components. Such bleed stick components are levers which, when depressed, will move a cover and expose the internal liquids to outside air pressure via air vents. The vent port components operate through both gravity and potential energy of an internal spring, which place a given amount of downward pressure on a pneumatic cylinder which may or may not be enough pressure to move the cylinder and expose a vent to the outside atmosphere pressure.

Abstract: The extended reach pressure relief spray valve mounts on the end of any length extension tube with any brand of spray gun or feeder valve. As the fluid is pumped through the spray gun and extension tube and into the spray valve, the pressure increases until it reaches an adjustable pressure relief set point (such as 1000 psi). At that point the valve opens and begins spraying. The relief spray valve doesn't require any long needles or cables to actuate the valve that results in a very simple extended reach pole gun. The relief spray valve opens by fluid pressure. Such fluid pressure can be easily adjusted by the user. The valve can be installed on any length pole. The spray relief valve is located next to the spray tip to minimize the paint from spitting and provides a sharp spray pattern. The spray relief valve is also built with a 180-degree swivel spray head for easy turn directional spraying.