Abstract: A paint distribution system comprising a circulating pump configured to supply pressure to the system, in which the circulating pump has an input, configured to receive input data signals; a measuring device for measuring one or more parameters of a paint, in which the measuring device has an input, configured to receive input data signals, and has an output, configured to transmit output data signals, and in which the measuring device is positioned on a paint supply line in fluid communication with a paint color change assembly; and a controller having an input, configured to receive input data signals, and an output, configured to transmit output data signals. The output data signals from the controller are transmitted to the circulating pump to maintain or adjust circulating pump settings to control supply pressure to the system and maintain or adjust the parameters of the paint within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A paint distribution system comprising a circulating pump configured to supply pressure to the system, in which the circulating pump has an input, configured to receive input data signals; a measuring device for measuring one or more parameters of a paint, in which the measuring device has an input, configured to receive input data signals, and has an output, configured to transmit output data signals, and in which the measuring device is positioned on a paint supply line in fluid communication with a paint color change assembly; and a controller having an input, configured to receive input data signals, and an output, configured to transmit output data signals. The output data signals from the controller are transmitted to the circulating pump to maintain or adjust circulating pump settings to control supply pressure to the system and maintain or adjust the parameters of the paint within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A liquid (e.g., paint) distribution system comprising: at least one liquid reservoir; at least one liquid exchange assembly, wherein the liquid exchange assembly comprises at least one liquid exchange module; a plurality of liquid circulation lines disposed between the liquid reservoir and at least one liquid exchange module, wherein each the liquid circulation line supplies at least one liquid to the liquid exchange module; at least one liquid change valve module; and at least one liquid supply line in fluid communication between the liquid exchange module and the liquid change valve module. The liquid exchange module is configured such that the number of the liquid supply lines in fluid communication between the liquid exchange module and the liquid change valve module is less than the number of liquid circulation lines from the liquid reservoir to the liquid exchange module.

Abstract: A liquid (e.g., paint) distribution system comprising: at least one liquid reservoir; at least one liquid exchange assembly, wherein the liquid exchange assembly comprises at least one liquid exchange module; a plurality of liquid circulation lines disposed between the liquid reservoir and at least one liquid exchange module, wherein each the liquid circulation line supplies at least one liquid to the liquid exchange module; at least one liquid change valve module; and at least one liquid supply line in fluid communication between the liquid exchange module and the liquid change valve module. The liquid exchange module is configured such that the number of the liquid supply lines in fluid communication between the liquid exchange module and the liquid change valve module is less than the number of liquid circulation lines from the liquid reservoir to the liquid exchange module.

Abstract: A liquid (e.g., paint) distribution system comprising: at least one liquid reservoir; at least one liquid exchange assembly, wherein the liquid exchange assembly comprises at least one liquid exchange module; a plurality of liquid circulation lines disposed between the liquid reservoir and at least one liquid exchange module, wherein each the liquid circulation line supplies at least one liquid to the liquid exchange module; at least one liquid change valve module; and at least one liquid supply line in fluid communication between the liquid exchange module and the liquid change valve module. The liquid exchange module is configured such that the number of the liquid supply lines in fluid communication between the liquid exchange module and the liquid change valve module is less than the number of liquid circulation lines from the liquid reservoir to the liquid exchange module.

Abstract: A tray adapted to fit within a conventional mailbox. The tray includes a flat elongated center body and two side members, each having perpendicular short and tall walls. The tray is adjustable to accommodate a variety of mailbox interior sizes, such that the side walls of the tray are both proximate to the interior side walls of the mailbox. Adjustment slots in the center body allow the side members to slide laterally to fit the width of the mailbox. Either the short walls or the tall walls of the side members can coupled to the body to increase the range of widths of the tray.

Abstract: A low flow, high pressure fluid regulator in which fluid is passed successively through two impeller chambers, each having a pressure differential operated impeller for monitoring changing inlet and outlet fluid pressures to maintain a constant fluid flow rate. The impeller in the second impeller chamber limits the pressure drop of fluid discharged from the first impeller chamber.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a piston moveable in a cylindrical chamber between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The piston head has a maximum diameter smaller than the wall of the chamber to define a fixed orifice. The opposite end of the piston has a sleeve which partially blocks the outlet opening depending upon the position of the piston in the chamber which in turn depends upon the pressure differential across the fixed orifice.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning or purging of automated spray painting or coating equipment is disclosed which significantly reduces the solvent and time required to change from one color or coating material to another. The method of the present invention utilizes a ratio mixing valve to intermix a compressed gas such as air and a liquid solvent in a predetermined ratio which is then passed through the manifolds and supply lines of the painting or coating equipment to effect a thorough and complete cleaning thereof thus readying the equipment for use of the next paint color or coating material.

Abstract: Improved flow control valves are disclosed which are exceedingly accurate in maintaining a constant predetermined flow rate regardless of inlet and outlet pressures. The valves are preferably designed to enable them to be fabricated almost entirely from suitable polymeric composition materials. One embodiment disclosed is extremely well suited for ultra-pure applications which require extreme care to avoid any possible contamination of the liquid flowing therethrough. Another embodiment is disclosed which is designed to achieve substantially zero leakage flow thereby rendering it particularly well suited for use in applications requiring exceedingly precise flow control and in particular relatively low flow rate applications wherein leakage flow is of greater significance.

Abstract: An adjustable ratio mixing valve is disclosed which incorporates an automatic pressure compensating arrangement whereby the fluid pressure immediately upstream of each of the metering orifices is maintained in substantial equilibrium. This arrangement then enables the respective fluids to be intermixed in any desired volumetric ratio by merely suitably adjusting the open flow area of the metering orifices. In one embodiment the metering orifices are each externally adjustable to enable relatively easy changes in the mixing ratio to be made and may also be interconnected whereby flow volume may be changed while maintaining the desired present mixing ratio. In another embodiment, rapidly acting on/off valving is provided integral with the valve so as to render it uniquely suited for cyclic fluid flow.

Abstract: Improved flow control valves are disclosed which are exceedingly accurate in maintaining a constant predetermined flow rate regardless of inlet and outlet pressures. The valves are preferably designed to enable them to be fabricated almost entirely from suitable polymeric composition materials. One embodiment disclosed is extremely well suited for ultra-pure applications which require extreme care to avoid any possible contamination of the liquid flowing therethrough. Another embodiment is disclosed which is designed to achieve substantially zero leakage flow thereby rendering it particularly well suited for use in applications requiring exceedingly precise flow control and in particular relatively low flow rate applicatins wherein leakage flow is of greater significance.

Abstract: A system for accurately mixing two or more liquids and for dispensing the mixture. The system is generally adapted for use in paint spraying operations. The flow of one of the components is accurately measured by means of a flow meter and the measured value provides a signal to control a valve which, in turn, controls the flow of the other liquid. Periodically the volume of the first mentioned liquid is measured for a given time period so as to make necessary adjustments in the flow meter-valve interconnection. An improved arrangement is provided for purging a mixing manifold immediately prior to the completion of the dispensing cycle so that none of the mixture will be wasted. The control arrangement includes improved air operated two and three-way valves.

Abstract: A system for accurately mixing two or more liquids and for dispensing the mixture. The system is generally adapted for use in paint spraying operations. The flow of one of the components is accurately measured by means of a flow meter and the measured value provides a signal to control a valve which, in turn, controls the flow of the other liquid. Periodically the volume of the first mentioned liquid is measured for a given time period so as to make necessary adjustments in the flow meter-valve interconnection. An improved arrangement is provided for purging a mixing manifold immediately prior to the completion of the dispensing cycle so that none of the mixture will be wasted. The control arrangement includes improved air operated two and three-way valves.