Abstract: An active surge chamber for use in a paint supply system comprising a paint channel, a fluid chamber connected to a pressurised fluid supply, a diaphragm, a spring, and means responsive to movement of the diaphragm for effecting connection and disconnection of the pressurised fluid supply to the fluid chamber and for relieving pressure of fluid in the chamber. The paint channel is sealingly separated from the fluid chamber by the diaphragm. The spring has a spring rate such that the force exerted on the diaphragm by the spring restricts movement of the diaphragm over a selected range of pump outlet pressures in order to attenuate the movement of the diaphragm and reduce the susceptibility of the system to unwanted oscillation. Pressure fluctuations in a paint flow induced by usage of a reciprocating pump upstream of the active surge chamber are minimised.

Abstract: An active surge chamber for use in a paint supply system comprising a paint channel, a fluid chamber connected to a pressurised fluid supply, a diaphragm, a spring, and means responsive to movement of the diaphragm for effecting connection and disconnection of the pressurised fluid supply to the fluid chamber and for relieving pressure of fluid in the chamber. The paint channel is sealingly separated from the fluid chamber by the diaphragm. The spring has a spring rate such that the force exerted on the diaphragm by the spring restricts movement of the diaphragm over a selected range of pump outlet pressures in order to attenuate the movement of the diaphragm and reduce the susceptibility of the system to unwanted oscillation. Pressure fluctuations in a paint flow induced by usage of a reciprocating pump upstream of the active surge chamber are minimised.

Abstract: A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the center of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports. Positioned against a surface of the valve plate is a valve closure component which is configured to slide across the surface selectively obstructing the multiple ports. The valve closure component is held in place by a metal peg hingedly mounted in slots provided in parallel extension of the U shaped frame. Linear tension springs connect the hinged wire pusher with U shaped frame adjacent the pivot point. The springs bias the position of the valve closure component against the valve plate in an off center position.

Abstract: A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the center of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports. Positioned against a surface of the valve plate is a valve closure component which is configured to slide across the surface selectively obstructing the multiple ports. The valve closure component is held in place by a metal peg hingedly mounted in slots provided in parallel extension of the U shaped frame. Linear tension springs connect the hinged wire pusher with U shaped frame adjacent the pivot point. The springs bias the position of the valve closure component against the valve plate in an off center position.

Abstract: A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the center of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports.

Abstract: A paint gun assembly including a spray head and a connecting manifold. The spray head includes a bore terminating in a radially extending space of gradually increasing radius. The bore receives a shaft that has an axially extending bore which connects with radially extending bores in which balls are contained. The shaft also contains a plunger with a rounded end, engaging the balls. When forced into the axial bore, the plunger forces the balls into the radially extending bores and out into the tapered, radially extending space. The plunger engages a cam which is exposed at a surface of the manifold body and includes a hexagon drive to adjust the angular rotation of the cam using a suitable key. The manifold body provides a recess for receiving a retaining pin, whose end is received in the cam guide profile. Axial movement of the cam is resisted by a compression spring.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing 1 within which are provided an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3. Connecting the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 is an air passage way 4 which includes a pressure take off point 9. The air inlet 2 includes' a threaded bore section 2a into which is screwed a coupling device 7 for coupling with the air outlet of a compressed air supply. The air outlet 3 is also configured to receive a coupling device 8 for coupling with the air inlet of a paint spray gun. A digital pressure gauge 5 is housed in a top surface of the housing 1 as shown in the figures. The gauge samples air pressure at the pressure take off point 9 through conduit 9a. Screw threaded into a bore 11 in the housing is a needle valve 6 which can be adjusted by means of valve adjustment means 10a, 10b to move further towards or away from the pressure take off 9.

Abstract: A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the centre of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports. Positioned against a surface of the valve plate is a valve closure component which is configured to slide across the surface selectively obstructing the multiple ports. The valve closure component is held in place by a metal peg hingedly mounted in slots provided in parallel extension of the U shaped frame. Linear tension springs connect the hinged wire pusher with U shaped frame adjacent the pivot point. The springs bias the position of the valve closure component against the valve plate in an off centre position.

Abstract: A paint gun assembly including a spray head and a connecting manifold. The spray head includes a bore terminating in a radially extending space of gradually increasing radius. The bore receives a shaft that has an axially extending bore which connects with radially extending bores in which balls are contained. The shaft also contains a plunger with a rounded end, engaging the balls. When forced into the axial bore, the plunger forces the balls into the radially extending bores and out into the tapered, radially extending space. The plunger engages a cam which is exposed at a surface of the manifold body and includes a hexagon drive to adjust the angular rotation of the cam using a suitable key. The manifold body provides a recess for receiving a retaining pin, whose end is received in the cam guide profile. Axial movement of the cam is resisted by a compression spring.

Abstract: A retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun includes a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of the spray gun when the gauge is mounted on the spray gun and a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of the spray gun.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing 1 within which are provided an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3. Connecting the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 is an air passage way 4 which includes a pressure take off point 9. The air inlet 2 includes' a threaded bore section 2a into which is screwed a coupling device 7 for coupling with the air outlet of a compressed air supply. The air outlet 3 is also configured to receive a coupling device 8 for coupling with the air inlet of a paint spray gun. A digital pressure gauge 5 is housed in a top surface of the housing 1 as shown in the figures. The gauge samples air pressure at the pressure take off point 9 through conduit 9a. Screw threaded into a bore 11 in the housing is a needle valve 6 which can be adjusted by means of valve adjustment means 10a, 10b to move further towards or away from the pressure take off 9.

Abstract: A retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun includes a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of the spray gun when the gauge is mounted on the spray gun and a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of the spray gun.

Abstract: A retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun includes a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of the spray gun when the gauge is mounted on the spray gun and a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of the spray gun.

Abstract: A system for dispensing coating material includes a source of coating material to be dispensed and a device for dispensing the coating material. The coating material is provided from the source under pressure to the device. The device includes a body having a passageway therethrough. A valve includes a valve seat provided in the passageway and a valve member for engaging the valve seat to close the valve and moving away from the valve seat to open the valve. In one embodiment, the valve seat and valve member are so dimensioned that when the valve member is against the valve seat, a portion of the valve member facing the valve seat is exposed to the pressurized coating material. In another, the valve seat, a downstream-most portion of the valve member, and a shoulder on the valve member are so dimensioned that the shoulder isolates the downstream-most portion from the liquid under pressure when the downstream-most portion is against the valve seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun comprising a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of a spray gun when the gauge is mounted on a spray gun and a means for attachment to a spray gun, wherein the means for attachment comprises a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of a spray gun.

Abstract: A surge suppression apparatus includes a housing, and a flexible diaphragm. The housing is divided into first and second sub-chambers by the diaphragm. The first sub-chamber is connected to a supply of liquid under pressure. The second sub-chamber contains a gas under pressure. The apparatus further comprises a gas reservoir in communication with the second sub-chamber so as, in use, to provide an effective volume which is substantially larger than that of the second sub-chamber.

Abstract: A surge suppression apparatus (1) comprising a chamber (7) for receiving a liquid subject to pressure variation effects that are to be suppressed and an inlet (9) through which liquid is suppliable to the chamber (7), the arrangement being such that, in use, inlet flow exiting the inlet (9) is directed towards a wall (7c) of the chamber (7) at an oblique angle to that wall.

Abstract: A surge suppression apparatus including a chamber divided into first and second sub-chambers by a diaphragm, a diaphragm follower maintained in contact with the diaphragm and, in use, following the movement of the diaphragm in response to a pressure differential between the first and second sub-chambers, the position of the diaphragm follower relative to the chamber wall determining the existence or otherwise of a communication pathway between the second sub-chamber and a gas inlet and the second sub-chamber and a gas outlet.