Abstract: Various arrangements for visual control of a network-enabled irrigation system are presented. In some embodiments, a video stream of an outdoor location that can include a lawn may be captured. The video stream of the outdoor location may be transmitted to a cloud-based irrigation management server system. The lawn may be monitored for a period of time using the video stream. Based on monitoring the lawn for the period of time, a visual change in a state of the lawn may be identified. Based on the visual change in the state of the lawn, an adjustment of an irrigation program of the network-enabled irrigation system may be determined. An irrigation control message may be transmitted to the network-enabled irrigation system that alters an irrigation schedule for the lawn.

Abstract: An anti-icing system for an aircraft structure includes a cavity that has an exterior surface subject to ice accretion and a bleed source that is configured to provide a fluid to the cavity via a duct. The system includes multiple temperature sensors, disposed at the aircraft structure, with each temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with an aircraft structure location. A controller is in communication with the temperature sensors. The controller is programmed to compare outputs of the temperature sensors and to determine a temperature sensor fault condition.

Abstract: Provided is an emitter (120) comprising a flow path that leads from an intake path (221) for taking in irrigation liquid that is within a tube to a recessed section (252). The flow path comprises opening/closing sections (248) that are arranged with a gap (249) therebetween. The gap (249) communicates with a discharge section. When the opening/closing sections (248) are pushed by the pressure of the irrigation fluid within a recessed section (242), the tip sections of each of the opening/closing sections (248) are brought into contact and one part of the gap (249) is blocked. The flow rate of the irrigation fluid within the emitter (120) is controlled by the remaining amount of said irrigation fluid that is capable of passing through the gap (249).

Abstract: A rinse monitoring and control system for a self-propelled sprayer is configured to allow automatic rinsing of plumbing components and tubing of the sprayer with a liquid rinse by automatically controlling the timing and sequencing of electronic valves upon receiving a rinse command. Aspects of the rinsing can be configured by an operator, such as the whether the product tank is rinsed, the duration of each rinse, and the number of rinse cycles. The valves and liquid flow can be monitored in real time from a touchscreen HMI during the rinsing. Accordingly, the sprayer can be thoroughly rinsed by pressing a single button to generate the rinse command, without requiring the operator to manually actuate valves and/or recall stages of the rinse sequence.

Abstract: A fluid jet nozzle for a decoking tool, a decoking tool and method of operating same. The nozzle includes a nozzle assembly for use in a fluid jet decoking tool. The assembly includes a housing to hold one or more nozzles that are used to spray or otherwise distribute decoking fluid. An internal flowpath that extends from an inlet of the nozzle to an outlet of the nozzle defines a tapered shape such that when the decoking fluid passes through the nozzle, the flowpath produces a predominantly coherent flow pattern in the fluid.

Abstract: A steam turbine exhaust chamber cooling device includes a plurality of spray nozzles, and the plurality of spray nozzles inject spray water from an injection port to the turbine exhaust chamber. Here, a center line of the injection port is inclined with respect to a radial direction of a turbine rotor so that the plurality of spray nozzles inject the spray water in a direction counter to a rotation direction of the turbine rotor. An inclination angle ? at which the center line of the injection port is inclined to a forward side of the rotation direction with respect to the radial direction of the turbine rotor is in a relationship represented by the following formula (A), 25°???45°??(A).

Abstract: A bifurcation path and a flow path which communicates with the head main body through the bifurcation path are provided. The bifurcation path includes an upstream-side path and a downstream-side path. In a plan view of a flow-path forming surface including the bifurcation path and the flow path, the flow path is disposed in a state where an angle between a flowing direction in the flow path and a flowing direction in the downstream-side path is an acute angle. In addition, an angle between a first wall surface of the flow path, which is the wall surface located downstream from the upstream-side path, and a second wall surface of the upstream-side path, which is the wall surface connected to the first wall surface, is equal to or less than 90°. Furthermore, the second wall surface of the upstream-side path has an R shape.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of making, comprising: exposing a raw material having a first viscosity to a first pressure and a first temperature such that the raw material after the exposure has a second viscosity, wherein the raw material comprises particles comprising at least one electrically conductive material, and wherein the second viscosity is sufficiently low for the raw material to be adapted for a hydrodynamic cavitation process; and subjecting the raw material having the second viscosity to the hydrodynamic cavitation process to make a product material having a third viscosity. Apparatus employed to apply the method and the exemplary compositions made in accordance with the method are also provided.

Abstract: Wind speed, wind direction, and field boundary information are detected and used to identify a monitor area indicative of a likely overspray condition. Control signals are generated to deploy an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), with a sprayed substance sensor, to the monitor area. The UAV is controlled to reposition it, as a spraying machine moves through the field being sprayed. When an overspray condition is detected, an overspraying signal from the UAV indicating the detected overspray condition is received and overspray processing is performed, based upon the received overspray signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the position-controlled guidance of at least two pivotably movable cantilevered arms of an agricultural distribution machine over a ground surface wherein a relative position of the at least two pivotably movable cantilevered arms in relation to the ground surface is respectively detected and a realignment of the at least two cantilever arms is carried out via autonomous regulation based on the detected relative position of each cantilevered arm in response to a pivoting motion in relation to the ground surface. The method provides that the autonomous regulation is temporarily interrupted for at least one of the two pivotably movable cantilevered arms, wherein a positioning of one of the two pivotably movable cantilevered arms is carried out in a manually controlled manner during the interruption.

Abstract: A control module for a water harvesting system can be operatively connected to a water level sensor in a water collection cistern, the pump/master valve (P/MV) output port of an irrigation controller, a pump start relay that controls a pump coupled to the cistern, and a pair of master valves that are coupled to station valves for delivering water to a plurality of sprinklers. The control module uses a processor, a plurality of switching circuits, and an operational program stored in a memory to cause the landscape vegetation to be watered with water from the water collection cistern or a municipal water supply, depending on the level of water detected in the water collection cistern. The control module can include a display that can indicate a graphic depiction that represents an actual level of the water in the water collection cistern.

Abstract: It is possible to feed an injection objective substance to a depth of a skin structure of an objective living body without using any injection needle. A syringe having no injection needle comprises an enclosing unit which encloses the injection objective substance, a pressurizing unit which pressurizes the injection objective substance enclosed in the enclosing unit, and a flow passage unit which defines a flow passage so that the injection objective substance, which is pressurized by the pressurizing unit, is allowed to inject to an injection target area.

Abstract: A biological and non-biological aerosol real time monitor includes a laser light source assembly configured to emit a laser beam and generate a line-shaped laser spot at a particle excitation position of an air flow to be measured; a sealed photoelectric measurement chamber, wherein the laser light source assembly is assembled at a laser entrance port of the sealed photoelectric measurement chamber, the air flow intersects with the optical axis in the traveling direction of the laser beam-at the particle excitation position; a scattered light signal reflecting mirror and a fluorescence signal reflecting mirror bilaterally provided with a measurement point as the center which is formed by the intersection of the laser beam and the air flow; a scattered light signal detector and a fluorescence signal detector respectively mounted behind a center opening of the reflecting mirrors to detect a scattered light signal and a fluorescence signal.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a plurality of chemicals includes a respective storage tank for each chemical. A respective metering, rotary positive displacement pump is in hydraulic communication at an inlet thereof with an outlet of each tank. An outlet of each pump is connected to a respective discharge hose. At least one heater is in thermal contact with each discharge hose. At least one temperature sensor is provided for measuring a temperature of each chemical in each respective discharge hose. A pressure sensor is provided for measuring pressure at an inlet end and at an outlet end of each discharge hose. A processor is in signal communication with each temperature sensor, each pressure sensor, a metering signal output of each pump and in control communication with each heater.

Abstract: A sprinkler adjustment member includes a plurality of nozzle tubes aligned in a sprinkler base. An adjustment piece is assembled with the sprinkler base. The adjustment piece controls and guide the plurality of nozzle tubes correspondingly and the adjustment piece swings so as to drive the plurality of nozzle tubes moving at an angle and different water distribution patterns are provided. The sprinkler base is pivotally disposed on a receiving member and for adjustment angle with a pendulum movement. A place base is connected with the receiving member and the receiving member is capable of pivoting on the place base, such that the sprinkler moves and tilts at multi-angles and multi-directions for providing various sprinkling patterns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette includes: a first tubular body forming a vaporizer chamber, a removable mouth piece disposed on the first tubular body, a vaporizer assembly disposed inside of vaporizer chamber, having a positive terminal with an e-liquid conduit hole, a negative terminal, 2 sets of e-liquid media, and 2 heating wires wound around e-liquid media, a squeezable e-liquid tank adapted for storing e-liquid with an e-liquid conduit to provide e-liquid to e-liquid media in vaporizer chamber, a second tubular body forming a squeezable e-liquid tank container; and a connecting and sealing assembly for connecting first tubular body and second tubular body. When a user squeezes the squeezable e-liquid tank to soak e-liquid media with e-liquid, user starts e-cigarette smoking by switch on a battery power source to provide electrical power heating wires 25 to vaporize e-liquid and generate e-cigarette vapor for user.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of the body of a container and a groove configured to receive a portion of a valve stem of the container. The recess includes a tapered upper end configured to fit a neck of the container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed proximate the groove, which defines lateral sidewalls and a rear sidewall and has an open forward end to receive the valve stem.

Abstract: A liquid material application device can alleviate programming work for drawing a line. The device includes a discharge head (50) for discharging a liquid material, a worktable (25) on which a workpiece is placed, a robot (20) for moving the discharge head and the worktable relative to each other in XYZ directions, and a control unit including an arithmetic device and a storage device for storing an application program, the liquid material application device applying the liquid material to be drawn in the form of a line on the workpiece while the workpiece and the discharge head are moved relative to each other, the control unit includes a first control unit (30) for moving the workpiece and the discharge head relative to each other in accordance with the application program, and a second control unit (40) for controlling a discharge amount of the discharge head.

Abstract: An apparatus for configuring dispersing equipment for applying liquid solutions to vegetation, comprising: a plurality of nozzles for dispersing liquid in the form of liquid droplets; a plurality of magnets for applying a magnetic field to the liquid droplets; where the nozzles are configured to produce liquid droplets sized less than 400 microns and preferably less than 150 microns and more preferably within the range of 10 microns to 50 microns; where each magnet in the plurality of magnets has a magnetic remanence of at least 0.9 and preferably at least 1.25; where the plurality of magnets are moveably mountable on the spray equipment to vary the field strength and polar orientation to adapt for application conditions and purposes; where the liquid solution includes at least water, and where the nozzles are positionable to produce air turbulence and a spray cloud consisting of liquid droplets impacting target vegetation during spraying.

Abstract: A seal system includes a housing defining a bore having an inner bore surface. A rotating shaft is rotatably received in the bore and includes a recessed annular groove. A seal body has an unassembled form having a ring shape, wherein in an assembled state the seal member is received in the annular groove of the rotating shaft with the seal member flipped with a first side surface facing radially inward toward the annular groove and a second side surface facing radially outward toward the bore, the first side surface along a cylindrical outer diameter surface being lifted off of a bottom surface of the annular groove so that the second side surface along the outer diameter surface engages the inner bore surface while the second side surface along an inner diameter surface is spaced from the inner bore surface.

Abstract: An atomizer for use in waste water evaporation includes a motor having a rotor shaft, at least one conduit for receiving the waste water, a housing supporting the motor and the at least one conduit, and a hub having a plurality of holes for distributing waste water in the form of water droplets. The motor is a variable speed motor and is cooled by waste water flowing through the at least one conduit. The hub is connected to the rotor shaft and spins at a variable speed with the rotor shaft. The atomizer may be used in a waste water evaporation system that further includes an anemometer and a control system. The control system receives a wind speed input from the anemometer and provides a signal to the variable speed motor to adjust the speed of the variable speed motor and hub, thereby adjusting the water droplet size in response to varying wind conditions.

Abstract: A swirl element for swirling fluid in a nozzle has a swirler body. The swirler body defines a feed channel including an axially oriented channel surface and a swirl chamber in fluid communication with the feed channel. The swirl chamber defines a radially oriented swirler surface substantially normal to the channel surface. The swirl chamber and the axially oriented channel are in fluid communication through a tangential slot for imparting swirl on fluids passing from the feed channel into the swirl chamber. The tangential slot includes a smoothly rounded surface transitioning from the channel surface to the swirler surface for providing a smooth, substantially separation free transition in fluid flow from the channel into the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A radiation-reflecting road marking, comprising: metal particles having a diameter of between 0.5-2.5 mm, wherein the metal particles are particles comprising aluminum, magnesium, zinc or an alloy thereof. Also, a method for producing the radiation-reflecting road marking, where the radiation-reflecting road marking is a cold plastic, by mixing components of a two-part system, if necessary, to form a mixture, applying the mixture to a road surface, and adding the metal particles and optionally glass beads during or directly after an application of the cold plastic to the road surface.

Abstract: An amphibious pumping vehicle comprising: a floatable vehicle body; ground engaging propulsion structure configured to raise and lower relative to the vehicle body; a fluid pump; a first fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid through the air, the fluid nozzle connected by a fluid conduit to the fluid pump; and, a power source configured to provide power to both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the fluid pump. The vehicle is particularly well suited to pumping and recirculating fluid within manure lagoons and is able to be driven up out of the lagoon when the lagoon level has been lowered.

Abstract: In embodiments, an application vehicle includes an application system for applying a product during an agricultural application. The application system (used in conjunction with the application vehicle) includes a priming module that determines a priming location. When the application vehicle is in proximity to the priming location, the priming module primes aspects of the application system so that it is ready to apply the product when the application vehicle reaches a region in which the product is to be applied.

Abstract: A swirler for swirling fluid in a nozzle has a swirler body. The swirler body defines an inlet end, an outlet end opposed to the inlet end, and a circumferential periphery. The circumferential periphery extends axially from the inlet end to the outlet end. The outlet end defines a first swirl chamber. The inlet end defines a second swirl chamber.

Abstract: An appliance specific laser aiming device for visual spray pattern testing of fire suppression spray nozzles has a hollow cylindrical body with a first end threadably fitted to an adapter that is fitted to the existing spray nozzle. A laser module within the cylindrical body projects a light beam through the interior and out of the lens on the second end. The second end has dial adjustment. A hollow housing with grip removably and rotatably fits to proximal the first end. Rotating the hollow housing positions a chosen nozzle depiction for setting to match specific spray nozzle characteristics wherein one device tests a plurality of nozzles, including those of various manufacturers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical feeder that includes a housing having a housing chamber, a sieve plate residing within the housing chamber, and a funnel residing on an upper surface of the sieve plate. The funnel includes upper and lower openings, an interior funnel space, and at least one funnel sidewall aperture. The sieve plate includes a plurality of sieve plate apertures at least a portion of which are in fluid communication with the interior funnel space via the lower funnel opening. During operation, a feed liquid passes up through at least a portion of the sieve plate apertures and into the interior funnel space where it contacts a solid chemical material, so as to form a treated liquid that includes dissolved chemical material, at least a portion of which passes out through the funnel sidewall aperture(s) and exits the chemical feed through an outlet.

Abstract: A liquid spray boom having a plurality of spray nozzles and a flow monitoring system for monitoring the liquid flow to each of the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles each have a respective flow metering passage through which liquid to the nozzle passes a magnetic turbine in the metering passage rotatable as an incident to and in relation to liquid directed through the flow metering passage for generating changing magnetic fields, a hall effect sensor associated with each magnetic turbine for sensing the changing magnetic fields, and a control module for receiving signals from the sensor for monitoring the liquid flow to each spray nozzle and providing an alert indication in the event that the flow fails to meet predetermined requirements.

Abstract: A rain shut-off for a mechanical irrigation system such as a center pivot irrigation system, a corner irrigation system, or a linear irrigation system. The rain shut-off includes a rain gauge which transmits rainfall information to a rain controller. The rain controller will shut down the drive towers of the irrigation system, the water pump engine and the oil dripper system upon a predetermined amount of rainfall occurring within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of moving at least two irrigation spans across a ground surface of a field may include receiving an initial movement control signal corresponding to a user-selected fluid application rate, determining the user-selected fluid application rate from the initial movement control signal, determining a position of at least one span in the field, modifying the initial movement control signal to a modified movement control signal according to a predetermined modification factor, with a value of the modification factor varying according to a position of the span in the field such that the modification factor varies among span positions, and sending the modified movement control signal to the drive motor control. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A CNG control ECU has a pulse signal determination device determining a pulse width and an output timing of a pulse signal, an electricity control device controlling a supply of electricity to a solenoid, and a current value sensing part sensing a current value of the solenoid. Further, the CNG control ECU has an estimation part estimating an injection start timing and an injection full opening timing on the basis of a differential value of the current value, a first calculation part calculating a first correction part, and a full opening time difference calculation part calculating a full opening time difference. Still further, the CNG control ECU has a correction injection quantity calculation part calculating a correction injection quantity and a second calculation part calculating a second correction value. A correction part makes a correction of adding the first correction value to the output timing and a correction of adding the second correction value to the pulse width.

Abstract: A self-propelled irrigation system includes a drive tower configured to cross over a drainage ditch or other watercourse in an irrigated field without the use of a bridge or other support structure to support the load of the drive tower.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle platform and system for selectively performing an in-season management task in an agricultural field while self-navigating between rows of planted crops, the autonomous vehicle platform having a vehicle base with a width so dimensioned as to be insertable through the space between two rows of planted crops, the vehicle base having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is pivotably coupled to the second portion, and each of portion is operably coupled to at least one ground engaging wheel.

Abstract: A system for cleaning gas turbine engines is described. More specifically, methods and apparatuses for cleaning stationary gas turbines and on-wing turbofan engines found on aircraft are disclosed that includes a trailer-mounted, automated low-pressure water delivery system, additive and detergent injection system, nozzle and manifold technology, and active waste water effluent collector system. The system will deliver the liquid cleaning medium at a specific pressure, temperature, and flow rate to optimize the atomization that occurs at the nozzles.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an adjustable speed irrigation system having a control panel, at least one water conduit, at least one tower, and a position sensor. A user inputs a user-defined end destination at the user-defined arrival time into the control panel. The control panel receives a current position of the irrigation system from the position sensor. The control panel compares the current position to the user-defined end destination and calculates a new optimum ground speed required to reach the user-defined end destination at the user-defined time based on the current position of the irrigation system. The control panel then sends a signal to a speed control unit to adjust the speed of the irrigation system to match the new optimum ground speed.

Abstract: An anti-freezing apparatus and an anti-freezing method using the same are provided. The anti-freezing apparatus includes: a nozzle which sprays anti-freezing liquid to a wind shield; a storage container which stores the anti-freezing liquid; a pump which delivers the anti-freezing liquid stored in the storage container to the nozzle; and a controller which controls the driving of the pump in a stop state and allows the anti-freezing liquid to be sprayed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A system for supplying energy is provided. The system comprises a shelter for users of an outdoor recreational area. The shelter has a roof portion and photovoltaic cells disposed on the roof portion, the photovoltaic cells being arranged to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The system also comprises an energy distribution system arranged to receive converted electrical energy from the photovoltaic cells, and to receive grid electrical energy from a power distribution network. The energy distribution system is arranged to provide converted electrical energy to an electrically powered component of the system at times when there is sufficient converted electrical energy to power the component, and to provide grid electrical energy to the component at times when there is insufficient converted electrical energy to power the component.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a valve configured for use as part of a water delivery system includes activating a heating element that is configured to heat a body of the valve to a temperature sufficient to kill organisms that may be present on internal surfaces of the valve, wherein the heating element and the valve are configured to be provided within the water delivery system.

Abstract: A liquid spraying apparatus includes a chassis having a front, a rear, opposite sides and a handle generally at the rear of the chassis. Wheels are rotatably mounted on the chassis for moving the spraying apparatus in a path over a subjacent surface. A tank is mounted on the chassis for holding liquid to be sprayed. An elongated spray boom is mounted at least at one side of the chassis. The boom has an inner end pivotally mounted to the chassis for movement of an outer end in a generally horizontal plane between an outboard position projecting outwardly of the chassis and an inboard position generally alongside the chassis. At least one spray nozzle is provided on the boom. Conduits are provided for feeding liquid from the tank to the nozzle. Positioning detents are provided for holding the boom in at least one intermediate position between the outboard and inboard positions to vary the width of the spray pattern as the apparatus is moved in the path over the subjacent surface.

Abstract: A material dispensing vehicle with a material wetting apparatus includes a rubber spray nozzle having an input valve portion and an output valve portion. The input valve portion is attached to a liquid dispenser nozzle of a vehicle. The output valve portion includes a plurality of fluid evacuation holes. The spray nozzle is adjustably mounted on a spray nozzle mount having each of a mounting bracket, an alignment bracket, and a pair of adjustment supports. The mounting bracket and the alignment bracket are disposed on a hinge. The pair of adjustment supports retain the alignment bracket at an angle relative the mounting bracket. The vehicle includes a spinner spreader having a rotary element configured to centrifugally disperse a material onto a road. The spray nozzle is configured to disperse a volume of a liquid onto the material prior to the material coming into contact with the spinner spreader.

Abstract: An image transformation and multi-view output system and associated method generates output view data from raw image data using a coordinate mapping that reverse maps pixels of the output view data onto the raw image data. The coordinate mapping is stored in a lookup table and incorporates perspective correction and/or distortion correction for a wide angle lens used to capture the raw image data. The use of the lookup table with reverse mapping improves performance of the image transformation and multi-view output system to allow multi-view video streaming of images corrected for one or both of perspective and distortion.

Abstract: A steam dispersion apparatus includes a steam chamber communicating in an open-loop arrangement with a first steam source for supplying steam to the steam chamber. The steam chamber includes a steam dispersion location at which steam exits therefrom at generally atmospheric pressure. A heat exchanger communicates in a closed-loop arrangement with a second steam source for supplying steam to the heat exchanger at a pressure generally higher than atmospheric pressure. The heat exchanger is located at a location that is not directly exposed to the air to be humidified, the heat exchanger being in fluid communication with the steam chamber so as to contact condensate from the steam chamber. The heat exchanger converts condensate formed by the steam chamber back to steam when the condensate contacts the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A convenient, water-saving and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, regulation data (any mandated and voluntary watering restrictions), and property-specific data, with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG controller provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. Compliance is automatic and obligatory, meeting the water saving goals of the local water authority. Optionally presented is a web-based wizard used to determine a customized water budget/schedule that is input into the FROG controller through a data storage unit or wireless input.

Abstract: An automatically alignable conformal, cup-shaped fluidic nozzle engineered to generate an oscillating spray is configured as a cylindrical cup having a substantially open proximal end and a substantially closed distal end wall with a centrally located power nozzle defined therein and between first and second distally projecting alignment tabs or wall segments. Optionally, the fluidic circuit's oscillation inducing geometry is molded directly into the sealing post's distal surface and a one-piece cup provides the discharge orifice.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of repairing a sprinkler system with faulty wiring between the controller and a one or more of the valves, and associated repaired systems. The method includes identifying the faulty electrically conductive line having electrical discontinuity between the controller and a corresponding first valve, and identifying a non-faulty electrically conductive line having electrical continuity between a controller and corresponding second valve. Control over the first valve is achieved by sharing the non-faulty electrically conductive line between the second valve and the first valve. Forked wiring segments are inserted on both the controller end and the valve end of the non-faulty line. Each inserted wire segment includes a diode to permit current to flow in only one direction allowing both valves to be controlled through only a single shared “hot” line.

Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of pozzolan and granular material such as sand.

Abstract: A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus comprises a head having an discharge port surface on which a discharge port is provided for discharging a liquid, and a liquid moving unit arranged apart from the discharge port surface and configured to be movable along the discharge port surface, wherein, the liquid moving unit moves a liquid on the discharge port surface to a collecting position in which the discharge port is not provided, with a moving of the liquid moving unit.

Abstract: A nozzle system comprising a nozzle apparatus (610) and a pipeline (614), the nozzle apparatus attached to the pipeline such that there is fluid communication therebetween, the nozzle apparatus having a first inlet (631), a second inlet (622) and an outlet, wherein the nozzle apparatus extends into the pipeline such that at least a portion of the first inlet (631) is in the centre of the pipeline, that is within 15% of the central axis of the pipeline; and the second inlet (622) is within the pipeline but outwith the centre of the pipeline, the second inlet comprising a filter with at least one, normally at least four, linear apertures (625) therein, often parallel to a main axis of the nozzle apparatus (610). Preferably the first inlet is a larger aperture than the second inlet, and is provided on an end of the nozzle apparatus and the second inlet is provided on a side of the nozzle apparatus.