Abstract: An optical spray painting practice gun emits a shaped optical beam onto a practice surface to simulate an actual paint spray on the surface. The gun preferably uses a class 2 diode laser to generate a laser beam which is reshaped by a collimating lens into a diverging beam that illuminates the practice surface. The collimating lens creates an elongated image on the practice surface having a length corresponding linearly to the distance of the practice gun nozzle to the practice surface as with a conventional spray gun. The illuminated image distorts when the practice gun is not perpendicular to the practice surface. The collimating lens is located in a rotatable collar so that the orientation of the elongated image on the practice surface can be adjusted. In other respects, the structure of the practice gun is preferably the same as a conventional spray gun.

Abstract: A spray gun for applying a liquid spray coating, such as paint, to a surface incorporates a light source and detection system for analyzing the position of the spray gun relative to a worksurface in order to optimize application of the coating to the surface. The light source is preferably in the form of a laser which emits a beam of light toward the worksurface. The laser is interconnected with the housing of the spray gun in a location over the spray gun handle so as not to effect the center of gravity of the spray gun. Optical sensors are mounted to the spray gun housing for receiving light reflected from the work-surface, and the sensors are interconnected with a processor for providing the operator with a real time visual indication as to compliance with predetermined paint application criteria. In addition, information can be stored to memory and downloaded for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A spray gun for applying a liquid spray coating, such as paint, to a surface incorporates a light source system for gauging the position of the spray gun relative to a worksurface in order to optimize application of the coating to the surface. The light source is preferably in the form of a laser which emits a pair of light beams toward the worksurface. The pair of light beams converge toward each other in a direction toward the surface, and the position of the beams on the surface is used by the operator to judge the distance of the spray gun from the surface. An adjustment mechanism is interconnected with one of the light beam sources, so as to adjust the point of convergence of the light beams. A closable door is associated with the spray gun housing at one of the light beam emitting locations, to selectively prevent emission of one of the light beams from the spray gun, such that a single light beam is emitted from the spray gun for use as a reference for spot application of the coating to the surface.

Abstract: An optical spray paint optimization system can be removably mounted to a spray paint gun, thus enhancing the ability of the user to guide the direction of the spray and also locate the nozzle at an optimum spray distance from the surface being painted. The preferred apparatus uses a diode laser, a beam splitter and a reflecting mirror to generate a reference beam and a gauge beam. The reference beam propagates in a fixed forward direction, but the direction of the gauge beam is adjustable by adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror. The reference beam and the gauge beam intersect at a convergence point which can be repositioned to a selected distance from the nozzle of the spray painting system by adjusting the path of the gauge beam, thus allowing the user to spray at the optimum spray distance by locating the convergence point on the surface being painted. The beams also aid in aiming the spray.

Abstract: A composite useful for structural components comprised of recycled high density polyethylene and herbaceous fibrous materials and a method to produce composites based on recycled high density polyethylene and chopped herbaceous fibers. An alternative structural composite is disclosed which is comprised of recycled low density polyethylene and chopped herbaceous fibrous material.

Abstract: This invention relates to cisplatin type fluorescently labeled compounds. In particular, the compounds are bis (5-aminofluorescein)-dichloroplatinum (II) or certain substituted analogues thereof. The compounds are useful as radiation sensitivity enhancers and as fluorescent biological tracers. The invention also relates to a unique, single step synthesis for preparing said compounds.

Abstract: Bis(5-aminofluorescein)dichloroplatinum(II), and substituted fluoresceinamine derivatives of this compound are disclosed as highly effective radiation sensitizers which enhance the effect of ionizing radiation on tumor cells, but uniquely do so without the usual accompanying high toxicity level to surrounding normal cells. A direct combination, single step reaction synthesis is disclosed for preparing bis(5-aminofluorescein)dichloroplatinum(II) from the reaction between an alkali metal tetrachloroplatinate(II) and 5-aminofluorescein.