Abstract: Disclosed systems provide cost effective dispensers of construction sealant, sausage tubes and other products having varied and even unknown levels of viscosity. A variable ratio drive cam pivots in response to the trigger tension caused by the viscosity of the material to be dispensed. In a relative high force mode, encountered with high viscosity payloads, the drive cam slightly pivots, keeping the distance traveled by the drive rod relatively small in response to a pull of the trigger. This results in a relatively high thrust ratio. Conversely, in dispensing a product with a relatively low viscosity, the drive cam pivots by a greater degree, causing a longer movement of the drive rod in response to the distance traveled by the trigger resulting in a lower thrust ratio. The system works well in caulking guns, bulk loading tools and multi tube tools, such that multiple tools are not required.

Abstract: A paint grid for removing excess fluid from a roller type applicator. The paint grid comprises a sheet of material having a plurality of openings therein. The sheet has a length and a width that is less than its length. The sheet has a substantially planar central portion and sloped edge margins extending from the central portion. The sloped edge margins include a sloped edge margin extending lengthwise along one edge of the sheet and a sloped edge margin extending widthwise along another edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A paint container liner system including disposable liners and an open container for receiving at least one of the disposable liners, the liners being sized and configured to fit into the inside of the container and around the rim of the container, the liners being maintained in position in the container by a suction generated during installation in one embodiment and by a noncuring adhesive interposed between the liner and container in another embodiment, the liners also being stretched around the rim of the container and in another embodiment configured with a rounded bottom to retain the liner in place during use, the system also including a container cap with a slot for supporting a paint brush during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A caulk gun is provided with a forward-biasing mechanism to maintain contact between the caulk tube and the piston rod. The forward biasing mechanism is of simple construction and is piggy-backed to the trigger housing of the caulk gun. The operation of the forward-biasing mechanism relies on a friction grip which surrounds the piston rod. This friction grip is urged in the forward direction by a spring contained within the housing of the forward-biasing mechanism, and thereby biases the piston rod in the forward direction, while relieving the back pressure inside the caulk tube.