Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids, such as adhesives, sealants, caulks is actuated by an electromagnetic coil assembly (42,136) in conjunction with a magnet (38,126) mounted to a plunger (26,118). Energizing the coil assembly produces an electromagnetic field which cooperates with the magnetic field to cause the plunger to open. Closing results from reversing the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A beam of light is transmitted from a transmitter (30) which is broken as the moving fiber (22) passes through the beam. A receiver (32) receives the light and generates a signal in response thereto. The signal is processed to determine the status of the pattern generated by the moving fiber (22) of material. In response to changes in the status of the pattern, the rate at which the fiber is dispensed and/or the movement of the pattern can be adjusted as well as alarm conditions noted.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dispenser (10) for dispensing viscous heated fluids, such as hot melt adhesives. A fixed pole (50) extends from a fluid chamber (20). The coil (46) is located about a portion of the fixed pole (50) and spaced from the fluid chamber to isolate the coil from the fluid flow path of the adhesive. The coil is insulated from the heat which is conducted from the adhesive as well as provided with a heat sink (88) for dissipating heat. A plunger (32) is mounted within the fluid chamber for reciprocal movement therein to open and close dispensing orifice in response to the field generated by the coil.

Abstract: A method of applying a clear glass primer material and then a black glass primer material onto the marginal edge (40) of a vehicular window glass (42), such as a windshield and/or rear window of an automobile, in which a dispenser (38) is employed to discharge a clear primer material in discrete streams or drops and in which a black primer material is conformally coated onto the clear primer material by another dispenser (36). The clear and black primer materials are able to be applied to the window glass in a single pass operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conformally coating an associated generally planar substrate such as vehicle window glass with a coating material includes first (12), second (22), and third (32) coating guns. The first (12) and second (22) coating guns are aimed at opposite sides (42; 44) of the planar substrate and can simultaneously spray a coating thereon. The third coating gun (32) is aimed toward a third side (46), or edge, of the associated substrate. Therefore, the apparatus can simultaneously spray a coating material on target areas on opposite sides and an included edge of a planar substrate such as a vehicle windshield. The third coating gun has an axis which makes an angle .alpha. with a plane containing the substrate to be sprayed. The first and second guns are offset from each other a distance "X", so that overspray from one gun will not foul or coat the other gun.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated piston engine assembly, such as a pump assembly, including a fluid pressure operated piston engine and a fluid valve for coupling fluid under pressure to alternative portions of the piston chamber of the piston engine. The fluid valve includes a valve spool which is translated to effect the alternative modes of coupling pressurized fluid to the piston chamber. The translation is accomplished by a shifter assembly having a shifter rod attached to the valve spool. The shifter rod includes a pair of diametrically opposed magnets attached thereto. A fork is attached to the piston engine drive shaft at one end and is mounted for limited movement along the shifter rod between the pair of magnets of the shifter rod.

Abstract: The monitoring of energy radiating from a heated material, such as a hot melt adhesive, dispensed onto a substrate may be accomplished by an infrared sensor. The wand of the infrared sensor is located downstream of the dispensed material for receiving the radiant energy. The wand is provided with internal air for cooling and for providing laminar air flow in the vicinity of the lens to prevent the accumulation of airborne contaminants on the lens. The wand is also provided with a light aiming device.

Abstract: A method of applying a clear glass primer material and then a black glass primer material onto the marginal edge of a windshield and/or rear window of a vehicle, in which a dispenser is employed to discharge such primer materials in discrete streams or drops. The streams or drops impinge upon the surface of the glass such that any ricocheting or deflection of the material will remain within the area to be coated or is entrapped by a felt wick or pad without splashing or overspray onto the surrounding surfaces. An optical detector is employed to monitor the streams or drops of primer material dispensed.

Abstract: A beam of light is transmitted from a transmitter (30) which is broken as the moving fiber (22) passes through the beam. A receiver (32) receives the light and generates a signal in response thereto. The signal is processed to determine the status of the pattern generated by the moving fiber (22) of material. In response to changes in the status of the pattern, the rate at which the fiber is dispensed and/or the movement of the pattern can be adjusted as well as alarm conditions noted.

Abstract: A pressure transducer (58) generates an instantaneous pressure of a pressurized liquid, such as an adhesive, sealant, or caulk, being dispensed from a dispenser (52). The signal is received by a filter for filtering out non-bubble pressure disturbances. The filter includes comparators (106, 108); detection circuitry (112, 120) and timers (116, 124) or counters. An alarm indicating the passing of a bubble is indicated in response to signals which pass both the filters.

Abstract: A tractor (12) and trailer (14) coupled together in tandem towing relationship is provided with an air deflector system (10) attached to the tractor (12) for aerodynamically reducing the drag on such combination by enclosing the space between the cab (12a) of the tractor (12) and the trailer (14). A support means (40) is attached to the frame (42) of the tractor (12). A top air fairing (16) is movably attached to the support means (40) for extending from the top of the cab to the top of the trailer. Two side fairings (18a,18b) are movably attached to the support means (40) for extending from the rear of the cab (12a) to the trailer (14), and wherein the side fairings mate with the top fairing. A means is provided for moving the fairings (16,18a,18b) from one position to another based upon the alignment between the trailer (14) and the tractor (12).

Abstract: An indicator for monitoring both the temperature and the degree of wear of a brake. Specifically this invention may be used with multi-disk brakes, especially aircraft brakes. Upon brake actuation, a pressure plate compresses stationary and rotating members to provide braking. A probe member moves with and in contact with the pressure plate. The degree of wear of the brake stack is determined by the relative distance traveled by the probe. The probe member may be marked with indicia for indicating the wear or remaining brake life. The probe member also has a thermocouple embedded within it, thereby providing temperature indication of the brake stack. Signals from the thermocouple may be transmitted for indication and/or processing. Furthermore, this invention provides for modification of existing wear pins by the attachment of a thermocouple assembly.