Abstract: An automated interior finishing apparatus has an upper section for mixing material, and a lower section for conveying the material. The upper section has a mixing compartment and a separate washing/storage compartment. Each compartment has a hinged lid that forms an air-tight seal. The mixing compartment has a shaft with an auger for mixing compound with water. The lower section has a motor for driving a progressive cavity pump, which receives mixed material from the mixing compartment. The pump delivers a smooth and uniform supply of material through an external supply hose. The apparatus is used as one component of an overall automated interior finishing system and method for completing surface finishes. For example, one end of the supply hose is connected to the outlet end of the pump for delivering mixed material to a hand tool at the opposite end, such as a flat taper.

Abstract: A system for cleaning both the exterior and the interior of drywall tools uses a standard bucket, a metal frame, and a set of brushes. The brushes are rigidly mounted to the frame, and the brush/frame assembly is placed inside the bucket. The system also has a foot-actuated pump having a supply hose that mounts to the bucket and a delivery hose that mounts to a tool to be cleaned. The system is used to clean both the exterior surfaces of the soiled tool and its interior chambers. The bucket is filled with water and the delivery hose is attached to an inlet port of the tool. The tool is lowered into the bucket and scrubbed against the brushes to clean the exterior of the tool. Simultaneously, the pump is actuated by the user to force water through the tool to clean compound out of its interior chambers.

Abstract: An automated interior finishing apparatus has an upper section for mixing material, and a lower section for conveying the material. The upper section has a mixing compartment and a separate washing/storage compartment. Each compartment has a hinged lid that forms an air-tight seal. The mixing compartment has a shaft with an auger for mixing compound with water. The lower section has a motor for driving a progressive cavity pump, which receives mixed material from the mixing compartment. The pump delivers a smooth and uniform supply of material through an external supply hose. The apparatus is used as one component of an overall automated interior finishing system and method for completing surface finishes. For example, one end of the supply hose is connected to the outlet end of the pump for delivering mixed material to a hand tool at the opposite end, such as a flat taper.