Abstract: A needle assembly for an airless spray gun is provided with a needle which is centerless ground and electropolished to greatly increase life. Further life enhancements are gained by use of a plastic needle bushing in the needle clamp and provision of a specific length to diameter geometry for the needle yields enhanced life as well.

Abstract: A device for smoothing pressure fluctuations from a liquid pump, the device having a liquid chamber connectable to the pump and having an air chamber connectable to a source of pressurized air through an internal valve, the liquid chamber being separated from the air chamber by a diaphragm, the diaphragm connected to the valve, to permit pressurized air to equalize liquid pressure surges and to supplement liquid pressure drops, and to automatically adjust for changes in average liquid pressure delivery conditions.

Abstract: An electric drive pump is designed for use in hazardous environments. The assembly is housed, including the motor controller and power supply, in an explosion proof housing. The rotary output of the motor has a cam thereon which is bracketed by a pair of followers attached to the reciprocating pump. If desired, a polytetrafluoroethylene stick is spring biased against one of the followers so as to provide lubrication to the assembly.

Abstract: A dispenser system wherein the dispensed material is supplied to a valved nozzle through flexible hoses. The valved nozzle is located in a dispenser gun usually hand held and a swivel distributor interconnecting the hoses to the dispenser gun structure achieves superior ergonomic characteristics.

Abstract: The invention includes an electrically isolated electrically less-conductive component fluid-flow course and an electrically-grounded electrically more-conductive component fluid-flow course. The electrically more-conductive component fluid-flow course may be additionally electrically isolated at the preference of an operator. The invention includes an electrostatic spray gun a mixer positioned proximal to the electrostatic spray gun, and a first conduit which holds alternating segments of electrically more-conductive component and electrically less-conductive component. The alternating segments function in series to additively provide a combined resistance which electrically blocks the high-voltage potential generated at the electrostatic spray gun.

Abstract: A spray gun apparatus having air passages for the atomization of liquid passing through a liquid outlet orifice, and having air passages for directing air flow against the atomized particles emitting from the spray orifice, wherein the atomizing air passages are separated from the fan air passages, and an adjustable control valve selectively controls the volume of air through the fan air passages. The spray apparatus has an air spray nozzle including a spray nozzle concentrically fitted into an air cap, both parts being precisely aligned along a common axis; the air cap includes a contoured groove for smoothly directing air flow to fan air orifices.

Abstract: A control system for a mechanically-driven liquid pump coupled to an air spray gun wherein the control system includes an air pressure monitor to detect air flow to the spray gun and an electrically-operated solenoid valve to relieve liquid pressure in the spray gun liquid delivery line when the spray gun is inoperable, and to control a clutch mechanism to drive the pump when the spray gun is operable or when the pump is being primed; the air pressure monitor including a diaphragm-operated switch connected to permit the diaphragm to detect air flow to the spray gun.

Abstract: A spray gun is designed for use with a texture pumping unit which requires of air through the spray gun in order to start the pump. A bleed valve is provided which alternatively directs air to the front of the gun or may be bled to the outside to allow the pumping unit to operate without the gun actually spraying atomized material.

Abstract: A self-contained liquid manifold attachable to a drive mechanism for a reciprocable pump, the manifold having a pumping cylinder, pressure transducer, pressure control mechanism, drain valve and control mechanism attached thereto, and liquid delivery outlets all forming a part thereof. The manifold and its associated components are removable from the reciprocable drive mechanism by detaching two fasteners. The pressure transducer and control mechanism includes a piston and cylinder removably indexed in a manifold bore, and an electrical switch in an adjacent housing with a ball bearing on the piston and a push rod resting on the ball bearing, the other push rod end constrained by a ball and spring combination.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun for the application of paints and other coatings has a high voltage power supply having a contact at the front end thereof. A flange on the end of the power supply surrounds the contact and a rubber boot seal snaps over the flange. Located within the rubber boot is a conductive rubber pin which contacts with a conductor located in the barrel of the gun. Utilization of this design minimizes capacitance in the front end of the gun and also virtually eliminates air volume in the area which in turn limits the production of harmful ozone.

Abstract: A tip guard is provided to protect a user of an air-assisted airless paint spray gun from injury. The shape of the tip guard is designed such that use of the tip guard is not detrimental to the fluid spray pattern emitted from the tip of the air-assisted airless paint spray gun. Use of the tip guard does not affect the size or shape of the fluid spray pattern, nor cause accumulation of paint upon the tip guard. The tip guard has a base having a shoulder and an aperture adapted for engagement to the air cap and tip of an air-assisted airless paint spray gun. The base further has a pair of transition portions extending axially forward from said aperture, where notches formed in the transition portions are adapted to engage the forwardly-extending horns of the air cap of an air-assisted airless paint spray gun. Each transition portion further has a pair of vanes extending forwardly and radially outwardly from the transition portion, where each of said pair of vanes is then joined by a crossbar.

Abstract: A pressure gauge and indicator switch wherein a Bourdon tube and electrical switch are sealably contained within a liquid-filled compartment, and a liquid pathway is provided between the Bourdon tube and an external fitting. The electrical switch leads are connectable outside the compartment, and the Bourdon tube is mechanically linked to a pressure indicator so as to provide an analog reading of actual pressure within the Bourdon tube, and the Bourdon tube is mechanically linked to the pressure switch so as to provide a switch actuation whenever the pressure within the Bourdon tube reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.

Abstract: An external air valve for a reciprocating air motor is provided with a the ability to transfer heat from incoming compressed air into the valve cups to prevent icing and a low friction mechanism for the valve slide to enhance reliability. The design has a housing which forms an air chamber, and located in the air chamber is a slide member containing two cups which alternately cover ports leading to the upper and lower chambers of the air motor piston. The slide has slotted rollers to reduce pneumatic loading and decrease friction during sliding. The shift rod is provided with a central valve spring located in an aperture in the slide, along with spring retaining plates to provide and assist in shifting the valve in conjuction with a detent to assure that the valve is positioned in one of two operating positions. The pressurized chamber, in conjunction with fins, apertures and other heat transfer apparatus in the slide assures that heat is applied to the cups of the slide in order to prevent icing.

Abstract: A hardened needle and seat are provided in a dispense valve wherein the seat is spring loaded such that when the needle is pulled back against the seat, the seat moves away from the dispense opening causing a "snuff back" effect. Hardened seats and needles are utilized to provide long life and one or more components may be run using the same general valve mechanism at predetermined ratios.

Abstract: A device for dispensing oils, antifreeze and other fluids from drums or other bulk containers has a rotary air motor which powers a gerotor-type pumping element. The pumping element has at least one magnet thereon and an electronics package is provided which counts the number of magnetic pulses which occur during the rotation of the gerotor and converts it over to the quantity of material pumped. A valve controls the flow of air to the air motor which in turn allows an operator to control the dispensing of fluid from the outlet of the pumping element.