Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring a filter for absorbing paint particles produced during spray painting with a spray gun in a paint spray booth coupled to an exhaust pump, the method includes the steps of: 1) installing a filter between the booth and exhaust pump; 2) determining the initial pressure drop across a filter prior to use of the spray booth; 3) determining the maximum allowable pressure drop for the filter prior to the requirement that spraying activities must be terminated by adding the initial pressure drop of the filter to the maximum allowable increase in pressure drop across the filter before the of spraying activities must be terminated; 4) providing a warning when a first portion of the maximum allowable pressure drop is reached; and 5) preventing the use of the spray gun when a second portion, greater than the first portion, of the maximum allowable pressure drop is reached.

Abstract: The invention is a system for mixing first and second components of a coating to be applied to a surface in a precise ratio. The system includes a mixer within which the first and second components are combined to form a mixture. A first supply transmits the first component at a first flow rate to the mixer, the first supply producing a first flow rate signal representative of the first flow rate. A second supply which transmits the second component at a second flow rate to the mixer, the second supply producing a second flow rate signal representative of the second flow rate. First and second flow control valves are connected between the first and second supplies, respectively, and the mixer for controlling the first and second flow rates from the first and supplies in accordance with a timed duty cycle.

Abstract: A portable flushing apparatus for cleaning the interior of a gas distribution tube. The apparatus includes a first reservoir structure housing a first solvent an a first conduit leading therefrom for selectively transporting solvent to the interior of the tube to be cleaned. A second reservoir structure houses a second solvent generally employed in a final cleaning flush, and has a second conduit leading therefrom for selectively transporting solvent to the interior of the tube. A gas supply conduit is included for selectively transporting purging gas to the interior of the tube. A downstream conduit collects or for releases for testing fluid from the tube. The entire apparatus can include a wheeled carrier.

Abstract: A portable flushing apparatus for cleaning the interior of a gas distribution tube. The apparatus includes a first reservoir structure housing a first solvent and has a first conduit leading therefrom for selectively transporting solvent to the interior of the tube to be cleaned. A second reservoir structure houses a second solvent generally employed in a final cleaning flush, and has a second conduit leading therefrom for selectively transporting solvent to the interior of the tube. A gas supply conduit is included for selectively transporting purging gas to the interior of the tube. A downstream conduit collects or for releases for testing fluid from the tube. The entire apparatus can include a wheeled carrier. A liquid collector can be situated beneath the gas distribution tube for capturing any spilled solvent.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided portable fluid application and rinse apparatus for applying a first fluid and for rinsing with a second fluid. A first storage reservoir retains the first fluid and has an outlet. A first application conduit communicates with the outlet of the first storage reservoir. The first application conduit receives the first fluid from the outlet of the first storage reservoir and dispenses the first fluid therethrough. A first drain pan receives the first fluid. A second storage reservoir retains the second fluid and has an inlet and an outlet. A second application conduit communicates with the outlet of the second storage reservoir. The second application conduit receives the second fluid from the outlet of the second storage reservoir and dispenses the second fluid therethrough. A concentration measuring device measures the concentration of the second fluid.

Abstract: An aerosol can puncturing machine comprising a lower housing section which is adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol can, and an upper housing section which is removably attachable to the lower housing section. The upper and lower housing sections fully encase the aerosol can when attached to each other. Connected to the lower housing section is a locking mechanism which is movable between an unlocked position wherein the upper housing section is detachable from the lower housing section, and a locked position wherein the upper housing section is maintained in locked engagement to the lower housing section. Also connected to the lower housing section is a puncturing mechanism which is operable to selectively puncture the aerosol can encased within the attached upper and lower housing sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cleaning of spray guns and components thereof, and more particularly, a preferably portable and compact apparatus including an enclosed cabinet structure for the contained cleaning of paint spray guns and various accessories thereof in order to minimize the emission of volatile organic compounds from cleaning solvents.