Abstract: A method of actuating a double-action pump assembly with a reciprocating plunger includes signaling the reciprocating plunger to stop for a changeover period; while the pump is stopping, signaling the first inlet and outlet valves to close; while the first inlet and outlet valves are closing, signaling the second inlet and outlet valves to open, such that the second inlet and outlet valves begin to mechanically open at least a dwell period after the first inlet and outlet valves have entirely closed; and signaling the reciprocating plunger to begin moving while the second inlet and outlet valves are closing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a remote monitoring system for a fluid applicator system is disclosed. The fluid applicator system is disposed to heat and pump spray fluid, and to transmit reports including sensed temperatures, pressures, and other operational parameters of the fluid applicator system via a wireless network. The remote monitoring system comprises a data storage server, and an end user interface. The data storage server is configured to receive and archive the reports. The end user interface is configured to provide a graphical user interface based on the reports. The graphical user interface illustrates a status of the fluid handling system, sensed and commanded temperatures of the fluid handling system, sensed and commanded pressures of the fluid handling system, and usage statistics of the fluid handling system.

Abstract: A spray gun includes a gun body having a front body portion and a spray cap assembly attached to the front body portion of the gun body. The spray cap assembly includes a nozzle assembly and a spray cap positioned over the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle piece configured to attach to the front body portion of the gun body and an air flow guide surrounding the nozzle piece. The spray cap interfaces with the air flow guide. The air flow guide is configured to engage with the nozzle piece so that the air flow guide is prevented from moving past the nozzle piece.

Abstract: A ground sprayer includes a front portion and a rear portion. A marking fluid is stored in a fluid reservoir removably mounted in the front portion. A pump disposed in the front portion draws the marking fluid from the fluid reservoir through a manifold, and the pump drives the marking fluid out of a nozzle. An actuator is disposed in the rear portion and can activate the pump based on a command from the user. The rear portion includes a handle such that the user can fully support and operate the ground sprayer with a single hand.

Abstract: A check valve comprises a housing, a fluid passage, a seat, a valve member and a stop. The fluid passage extends through the housing. The seat is disposed in the fluid passage. The valve member is positioned in the passage to engage the seat. The stop extends through the housing to engage the valve member. The stop is accessible from outside the housing to adjust a distance the valve member can travel from the seat. In one embodiment, the stop includes a variable stop feature, such as an offset pin or a cam. In another embodiment, the stop includes a pump control valve. In yet another embodiment, the housing includes markings to indicate a position of the stop. The valve member comprises a ball or a poppet in different embodiments.

Abstract: A waste oil transfer system includes a system controller configured to determine the authorization status of a waste oil transfer request. The system controller requests a current fluid level in a storage tank from a tank level monitor mounted on the storage tank. The tank level monitor is configured to generate current fluid level information and provide that information to the system controller. The system controller determines the available space in the storage tank and compares the available space to the transfer volume to determine if the storage tank can receive the transfer volume. The system controller then activates a pump to initiate the transfer if the system controller determines that the transfer is authorized or denies the transfer.

Abstract: A handheld fluid meter includes a cartridge valve controlling the flow of fluid through the handheld meter. The cartridge valve includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed within the valve cartridge. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The overmolded stem tip is a compliant material. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a check valve that prevents over compression of a gasket. The check valve comprises a valve housing, a valve cover, and a gasket that seals between the valve housing and the valve cover. A ball fits within the valve housing. The check valve further comprises a ball stop that limits compression of the gasket as the valve cover is tightened with respect to the valve housing. The ball stop serves as a standoff between the valve housing and the valve cover that allows some compression of the gasket as the valve cover is tightened with respect to the valve housing, but at some degree of tightening the incompressible engages both the valve cover and the valve housing to prevent further tightening. Over-compression distorts the gaskets, possibly compromising its sealing function and possibly damaging the gasket.

Abstract: A spray gun adapter establishes fluid communication between a fluid pump of a handheld airless spray gun and an applicator accessory. The adapter comprises an adapter body, a head attached to the adapter body, and a protrusion. The adapter body comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, a radial inlet located in a sidewall of the adapter body between the upper and lower portions, and an adapter bore having a first diameter in fluid communication with the radial inlet. The head attached to the adapter body is attached at the upper portion of the adapter body. The head comprises a cavity in fluid communication with the adapter bore and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, an adapter outlet located in the upper portion of the adapter body and in fluid communication with the cavity, and a handle extending radially from the head. The protrusion extends radially from the adapter body between the upper portion and the lower portion of the adapter body.

Abstract: A sprayer includes a spray gun and a hopper. An air source provides compressed air to the sprayer to both eject fluid from the spray gun as a spray and to pressurize the hopper. The spray gun includes an airflow controller for controlling the flow of the compressed air to a nozzle of the spray gun, a pressure regulator for regulating a pressure of the compressed air flowing to the hopper, and a relief valve between the pressure regulator and the hopper. The hopper receives the compressed air through a port in the hopper, and the compressed air assists the flow of material out of the hopper and into the spray gun.

Abstract: A metering pump includes a motor having a motor shaft extending through a drive housing, a carriage assembly disposed around the motor shaft and within the drive housing, a plunger return block mounted to the carriage assembly, a piston disposed along an axis, a carriage bearing disposed on the motor shaft and within the carriage assembly and slidably coupled to the carriage assembly, a cam coupled to the motor shaft to rotate with the motor shaft, and a bearing disposed around the cam to rotate therewith and to contact the stroke adjuster and the plunger return block. The piston also includes a stroke adjuster mounted to the carriage assembly, a plunger having a button-shaped protrusion end, and a drive shaft having a first end connected to the stroke adjuster and a second end having a hook protrusion configured to receive and engage the plunger button-shaped protrusion end.

Abstract: A method for a system having a plurality of primary fluid sources and a fluid output with a common pump includes halting pumping of a first fluid, isolating the common pump from the fluid output and the primary fluid sources, connecting an inlet of the common pump to a solvent source and a compressed air source, and an outlet of the common pump to a waste fluid dump, filling the common pump with a first purge volume of solvent, cycling the common pump in a flush mode, operating the common pump in a timed flow mode, and connecting an inlet of the common pump to a second primary fluid source, and an outlet of the common pump to the output line, and starting pumping of a second fluid from the second primary fluid source through the output line.

Abstract: A handheld fluid meter includes a cartridge valve controlling the flow of fluid through the handheld meter. The cartridge valve includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed within the valve cartridge. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The overmolded stem tip is a compliant material. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.

Abstract: A pump rod has a head extending from a neck, and the head is received within a drive slot of a drive link. The head includes a projection, and has an area smaller than an area of the head. The projection contacts an inner surface of the drive slot. The drive link may include a projection aligned with a centerline of the drive link. The drive link projection contacts a head of the pump rod. The projections provide a reduced contact area between the pump rod and the drive link, thereby reducing any side-loading on the pump rod and increasing a lifespan of the wear parts.