Abstract: A clip for frictionally holding an air cap or a fluid tip on a spray gun when a retainer ring is removed and an improved nozzle assembly including the clip. For an air atomization type spray gun, the clip is positioned in a chamber defined between the air cap and the fluid tip for frictionally engaging both the air cap and the fluid tip. For an air assisted airless spray gun, the clip holds the fluid tip on the end of the barrel. The clip temporarily holds the air cap or the fluid tip in place when a retainer ring is removed during assembly or disassembly of the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An improved wrist mechanism for a robot arm is disclosed. A first drive mechanism is provided which includes a hollow upper knuckle portion adapted for rotation about a first axis. The upper knuckle portion terminates in an angled end. A second drive mechanism is provided which includes a first hollow torque tube journalled in the upper knuckle portion for rotation relative thereto and a lower knuckle portion having an angled end journalled to the upper knuckle portion curved end for rotation about a second axis. The first torque tube and the lower knuckle portion engage each other for rotation together, and the first and second axes of rotation intersect at a first point. A third drive mechanism includes a second hollow torque tube journalled in the first torque tube for rotation relative thereto, an intermediate drive member journalled in the lower knuckle portion curved end, and an output tube journalled in the lower knuckle portion for rotation about a third axis.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for forming a composite spark plug electrode having a thermally conductive metal core embedded within a corrosion-resistant metal sheath. Initially, a composite billet is formed by positioning a mass of the thermally conductive metal within a cup formed from the corrosion-resistant metal having a closed end and an open end. The corrosion-resistant metal at the open end of the cup extends further than the thermal conducting metal. The composite billet is passed open end first through an extrusion orifice. A head may be formed on the end of the resulting extrusion for welding to a wire terminal or an end of a wire terminal is positioned within the open cup end prior to passing the cup through the extrusion orifice for mechanically bonding the extrusion to the terminal. Excess metal on the end of the cup may be removed from the resulting composite electrode or it may be sheared from the electrode and repositioned axially along the electrode to form a shoulder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite spark plug center electrode having a sparking tip composed of a precious or semi-precious metal and a method for producing same is disclosed. A right circular cylindrical billet of a corrosion-resistant material is initially formed into a cylindrical cup having an opened end and a closed end. A small conical recess may be formed in the center of the exterior of the closed end during the formation. A hole is next formed in the closed end of the cup. A right circular cylindrical billet of a high thermal conductivity material is next inserted within the opened end of the cup and pressed to fit tightly against the sidewall and bottom of the cup cavity to form a composite billet. An insert formed of a precious or semi-precious metal is then inserted within the hole and pressed to fit tightly therein. The opened end of the cup is formed inwardly to partially encase the billet therein.

Abstract: A fluid tip and air cap assembly for use in a spray gun is disclosed. A spray cap having a central opening also defines an internal threaded opening. A fluid tip is connected to the spray cap by a plurality of mating threads. A tip member of the fluid tip is concentrically and axially aligned, in a predetermined relationship, with the central opening of the spray cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a motor is disclosed in this application. A means for loading the motor is provided and the loading means is operatively connected to the motor. A variable drive means is operatively connected between the motor and the drive means. The variable drive means is capable of changing the loading on the motor. A sensing means is provided for actuating the variable drive means so the loading on the motor can be varied to keep the motor operating at substantially the maximum capacity of the motor.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a pressed body (54) with a bore (56) therein and with a notch (58) in the exterior surface thereof. The body (54) is formed by isostatically pressing particulate material (52) in an elastic mold (14) so that the material (52) is compacted into a self-supporting mass. Used in conjunction with the elastic mold is a mold closure and core holder member (32) to which is fixed a rigid core (42) and a resilient notch defining bar (44).

Abstract: A washing attachment for a compressed fluid spray gun is disclosed. The washing attachment includes a conduit, having a compressed fluid passageway positioned on the discharge end of the spray gun. An elongated member defining first, second and third passageways is in communication with the conduit with the second passageway in communication with the compressed fluid passageway. The first passageway is in communication with a source of cleaning fluid, a valve regulates the flow of cleaning fluid to the first passageway. The second passageway also communicates with the first passageway establishing a region of reduced pressure for drawing cleaning fluid into the first passageway. The first, second and third passageway terminate in discharge apertures adjacent the elongated member discharge opening. An opening in the elongated member communicates with the third passageway and is connected to a source of water.

Abstract: A method for assembling a spark plug 20, 66 which includes providing a ground electrode 24 on a spark plug shell 22 having a predetermined final configuration and position and then mounting an insulator 34 in the shell. The distance from a step 38 in an insulator bore 37 to the ground electrode is measured. Based upon this measurement and a desired dimension for a spark gap 56, the dimension on a center electrode 48, 68, 74 between a shoulder 50, 76 and a tip 52, 80 is adjusted so that when the center electrode is disposed in the insulator bore with the shoulder seated on the bore step, the tip forms the desired spark gap with the ground electrode. The center electrode then is assembled into the insulator.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic spraying apparatus for robot mounting is disclosed. The electrostatic spraying apparatus has a drive assembly connected to a spray gun assembly. The spray gun assembly has a base and a detachable barrel. The drive assembly acts to rotate the spray gun assembly through a plurality of preselected paths of movement. In addition, all coating contaminated parts can be removed from the apparatus by removing the detachable barrel.

Abstract: A pneumatic switch (25) responsive to the vacuum in a closed crankcase (20) of a reciprocating piston engine (15) for indicating when there is less than a predetermined quantity of oil (21) in the crankcase. The switch includes a housing (30) defining a cylinder (35), a closed end (48) and an open end (74). A piston (36) reciprocates and rotates in the cylinder through a path determined by a cam (51) and a follower (52). Crankcase vacuum is applied to a chamber (47) between the piston and the closed housing end to move the piston against a calibrated spring (50). An electric switch (70, 71 and 76) indicates when the piston is in the portion of its path of motion when the engine is operating and there is less than the predetermined quantity of oil in the crankcase.

Abstract: An improved spark plug, capable of suppressing radio-frequency electromagnetic interference from internal combustion engine ignition systems such as those commonly used in motor vehicles, is disclosed. The plug comprises a shell releasably engageable with an engine, an insulator mounted in the shell, a center electrode seated within the insulator and a ground electrode structurally integral with the shell and in spark gap relationship with the center electrode. The spark plug is further characterized in that at least a portion of its insulator has a dielectric constant sufficiently high that the effective dielectric constant of the insulator is at least 30, and the relationships among the elements of the spark plug and the effective value of the dielectric constant of the insulator are such that the spark plug has a capacitance of at least 20 picofarads. Preferably, the spark plug has a capacitance of from 20 to 100 picofarads, most desirably from 30 to 80 picofarads.

Abstract: An improved platform (10) for mounting a motor (13) and a driven device (11) to facilitate adjusting tension on a drive belt 20. The motor (13) is mounted by means of bolts (14) which pass through a motor base (30) and slots (26 or 27) in the mounting platform (10) and engage openings (32) in a sub-plate (31). A screw (22) positions the sub-plate (31) to tension the belt (20). Two of the mounting platform slots 26 are offset relative to two other mounting platform slots 27 to maintain motor alignment as the belt tension is adjusted.

Abstract: A coating applicator is disclosed which includes a rotary atomizer on a driven shaft. The shaft operates at high speeds. Coating material is supplied to the rotary atomizer. A pair of spaced bearings rotatably mount the shaft and a seal assembly is positioned between the rotary atomizer and the front bearing. The seal assembly includes a bearing cover having a cutting edge. A mating cap member surrounds the shaft and has a sealing shoulder which is engaged by the cutting edge. Exhaust air is used to cool the bearings, pressure the interior of the applicator and enhance the seal assembly.