Abstract: The nozzle is designed for fitting on the end of a metered dispense valve which is used in fluid delivery systems such as lubricant dispensers for use in vehicle servicing and the like. The device in this application accommodates thermal expansion between the meter and nozzle by providing an air pocket which may absorb the thermal expansion.

Abstract: A spray gun is easily convertible between a number of configurations. A removable fluid insert may be placed in interchangeable (airspray and HVLP) spray heads with the fluid insert being either a pressure fed device which depends downwardly from the front end of the gun into a pressurized cup or via a connection to a pressurized fluid source or may have an upwardly directed insert which will take fluid from a gravity cup. A simple air swivel also adds ergonomic benefits.

Abstract: The invention is concentrated at the front end of such an air spray or HVLP gun and in particular details the relationship between the exterior of the fluid nozzle and the inside of the air cap. In particular, the fluid nozzle has a generally frustoconical outer surface which forms an included angle of about 50.degree.. The inside of the air passage at its rearward end has an included angle of about 20.degree. and then curves gently to the point where it is adjacent to the front of the air cap to form a domed inner surface.

Abstract: The construction and operation of the control of this invention is designed to minimize pressure changes at pump changeover by sampling pump pressure characteristics for each pump cycle, calculating a compensating motion profile and applying the profile to the motor which drives the pump. This control can be used with any pump which has the following characteristics: positive displacement, repeating cycle characteristics, rotary motor drive and an output pressure cycle curve which never falls to zero.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and easy to operate plural component dispensing apparatus is made up of one or more double sided pumps, such as an air-operated double diaphragm pump. The manifolding on the pumps is divided so that each side of the pump pumps one of the components of the plural component material with an integrator (18) attached to the outputs of the two sides to bring the out-of-phase output of the pump into phase. Diaphragm type isolation valves (116) are optionally provided on the output of each side of the pump in order to prevent back flow of mixed material. In the event that ratios other than 1:1 are required, more than one such pump may be used together in order to result in a variety of ratios.

Abstract: A line striper is attached to a vehicle with a two point hitch and has a swivelable rotatable wheel mounted thereunder to support the striper on the ground. A main beam is releasably clamped and may be slid from side to side depending on operator preference. The gun boom may then be located on the desired side. A delay feature on the control allows the operator to look ahead on a sighting camera and pick the point at which he or she desires striping to start (or stop or any other operation). The controller then compensates for the calibrated distance between the sight point and the spray gun and then starts and stops the gun at the appropriate time given road speed.

Abstract: A device for dispensing multiple fluids in, for instance, a vehicle service facility is provided with a plurality of control modules. Each of those modules is capable of being connected to a number of pumps, a number of solenoid valves and a number of meters. This system may be set up such that to dispense one fluid a pump may be turned on from a first control module, that pump being connected to a valve connected to a second control module and even a meter connected with a third module. Of course, the pump, valve and meter may, if desired, all run off of the same module as well. By user programming, the user selects connected sets for each fluid. This architecture minimizes the amount of wiring and other connections as different modules may be closed to different parts of the plumbed section. Provision is made for security on the operator pendants and outputting of data for billing and record keeping.

Abstract: This cleaning system is designed to automated and minimize or eliminate the excessive amount of manpower associated with other suction processes. It is a combination of paint recovery, and flushing methods in a automated manner. It is designed to minimize the paint lost as a result of color changing of circulation systems, as well as minimize the associated time and solvents used to in the cleaning process. This is accomplished by inserting a first pig into the circ system at the end of a desired painting cycle to push out the paint and propelling the first pig through the system using a solvent. The location of the first pig is then sensed and the first pig collected from the system. A second pig is injected into the system to separate the solvent from a new cycle of paint.

Abstract: An air operated double diaphragm pump is provided with an air valve assembly which allows the valve cup to move in a rectangular pattern.

Abstract: A system for cleaning of piping system using turbulent flow is provided by providing an input of a fixed flow rate of compressed air and a fixed flow rate of cleaning fluid. The fixed fluid flow is provided by either using an electric pump which may be controlled to do so or by restricting the air outlet of an air operated pump such that only a given amount of fluid will be delivered regardless of the pressure of the system into which the fluid is being delivered.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic ionizing system for use in connection with a spray gun, having a conductive needle positioned near the center of the spray gun spray pattern, the needle having a diameter of less than about 250 micrometers and a needle tip sharpened to have a radius of curvature of less than about 50 micrometers, and a second electrode spaced approximately one centimeter from the needle.

Abstract: A reciprocable liquid pump having a priming cylinder affixed beneath the lower valve housing, and a priming piston rod affixed to the lower end of the pump piston valve assembly. A priming piston and priming valve are affixed to the lower end of the priming piston rod, the priming piston being slidable over a limited range of movement along the priming piston rod and having a central opening with a beveled valve seat. The priming valve forms a conical valve surface which is engageable against the priming piston valve seat to provide a controllable flow path through the center opening of the priming piston.

Abstract: A method of calibrating and measuring volume flow through a gear-type flowmeter, having a magnetic sensor affixed to the flowmeter to detect incremental movement of the flowmeter teeth. The sensor is connected to an analog-to-digital converter and computer processor, which receives and stores samples of the sensor signals. The samples are compared with subsequently received samples to derive relative gear positions and to calculate volume flow based on the relative gear positions. The samples may also be analyzed and compared with previous samples to detect flowmeter wear and wobble conditions.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump housing is designed for molding out of plastic and utilizes a ribbing design which allows a high degree of strength while using a minimal amount of material and/or material having lesser strength. The rib design has an outer circumferencial rib about the periphery of the pump housing and a plurality of radial extending ribs extend outwardly from the center of the housing to the outer circumferencial rib. Fastener apertures are used to tie together the parts of the pump and the fastener apertures are located between the radial extending ribs in the outer circumferencial rib. An intermediate circumferencial rib is provided adjacent the outer circumferencial rib. The height of the ribs increases from the center of the housing outwardly to the outer circumference. The radial and the circumferencial ribs are the same height at locations where they intersect. This high strength design also allows use of one piece inlet and outlet manifolds without undue flexing or leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring volume flow through a gear-type flowmeter, having a magnetic sensor affixed to the flowmeter to detect incremental movement of the flowmeter teeth. The sensor is connected to an analog-to-digital converter and computer processor, which receives and stores samples of the sensor signals. The samples are compared with subsequently received samples to derive relative gear positions and to calculate volume flow based on the relative gear positions. The samples may also be analyzed and compared with previous samples to detect flowmeter wear and wobble conditions.