Abstract: A novel fluid supply cup comprises a flexible liner integral with a container having an opening and a vent. A novel method of manufacturing a lined container comprises the steps of molding a container having a vented thick-walled portion and an integral flexible thin-walled liner, and folding the thin-walled liner into the thick-walled portion. Finally, a novel method of applying a fluid comprises the steps of providing a flexible liner integral with a container having an opening and a vent, loading fluid into the liner, engaging the container with a fluid applicator, flowing the fluid out of the liner into the fluid applicator, collapsing the liner, and flowing the fluid of the fluid applicator.

Abstract: An adjustable adapter includes two arms, each having an axis, a surface substantially normal to the axis, wherein the surfaces of the arms face each other, an end and a passageway for fluid communication between the end and the opening, wherein one of the arm ends is for connection to an inlet of an applicator and the other arm end is for connection to an outlet of a container, and a fastener for pivotally coupling the arms. One of the arm surfaces is provided with a groove in fluid communication with both arm openings. The groove is sealed to prevent fluid from leaking from between the surfaces. When the fastener is in a rotation-resisting mode, the fastener forces the surfaces of the arm toward one another sufficiently to increase friction and resist rotation therebetween, and when the fastener is in a rotation-permitting mode, the fastener releases the surfaces sufficiently to decrease friction and permit rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A spray gun having a fluid flow control valve which is preferably located in a spray head. The flow control valve eliminates the need to change the spray head or fluid tip to change the flow rate in a suction feed and/or gravity feed paint spray gun when different materials are sprayed. The valve has a member which is rotatable over no greater than 3600.degree. and preferably over about 90.degree. for adjusting the flow rate. Calibration marks may be provided for setting the valve for flow rates produced by standard fluid discharge orifice sizes.

Abstract: For an HVLP paint spray gun, an improved suction feed nozzle assembly including a fluid tip and an air cap. The air cap directs an annular flow of atomization air around a fluid discharge orifice formed by a tubular portion on the fluid tip to aspirate fluid from the orifice and to atomize the fluid. The air cap also directs pattern shaping air at the atomized paint. According to one feature of the invention, the spacing of the pattern shaping air orifices from the fluid discharge orifice is made sufficiently great that undue turbulence is not induced in the atomization air in the aspiration zone to maximize the fluid flow rate. According to a second feature of the invention, the fluid orifice in the fluid tip has a straight cylindrical portion and an expanding conical section connecting the cylindrical section to an annular flat front face of the tubular portion of the fluid tip.

Abstract: A replaceable baffle for dropping high pressure air to low pressure air for atomization and for pattern shaping in a high volume low pressure (HVLP) air paint spray gun. The baffle has a first plurality of orifices for distributing and dropping the air pressure to a low pressure for atomization and has orifices arranged in two stages for dropping the air pressure to a low pressure for pattern shaping. The baffle may be replaced with a baffle having different sized orifices to permit use of different air cap and/or fluid tip designs on the spray gun when applying paints having different flow properties.

Abstract: An improved high volume low pressure air (HVLP) operated paint spray gun of the type having adjustable fan air and suitable for operation from a high pressure air source. The high pressure air passes from a high pressure chamber through first or second parallel calibrated orifices to supply both low pressure atomization air and low pressure fan air for controlling the shape of the spray pattern. In one embodiment, both orifices supply air to a low pressure chamber which in turn supplies both atomization air and fan air. A fan air control ring adjusts the flow of low pressure air to fan jet orifices. Rotating the fan air control ring controls both air flow through the second orifice to the low pressure chamber and air flow from the low pressure chamber to the fan jet orifices. In a second embodiment, one orifice supplies only low pressure atomization air and the other orifice supplies only low pressure fan air. A valve adjusts the flow of fan air.

Abstract: An improved pressure feed remote paint cup for use with a spray gun. The cup consists of a pressure tank with a large opening for filling and cleaning and a lid for closing the opening. The lid is secured to the tank with a separate threaded ring. The lid has an integral handle which facilitates holding from a point of balance during use. A pressure regulator and a pressure gauge are mounted on the handle.

Abstract: An improved pressure gauge which constantly indicates gas pressure in a line. A tubular adapter is attached in a gas supply line. The adapter is provided with a passage which permits gas to flow into an annular chamber defined between an outer sleeve secured to the line adapter and a tubular plunger. The plunger, an annular seal, and a spring are retained on the adapter by the sleeve. The seal, plunger and spring are arranged concentrically about the adapter. Gas pressure entering the chamber forces the seal to engage the plunger which, when sufficiently high, compresses the spring, moving and exposing the plunger. The outer surface of the plunger is provided with numbers and lines thereon which indicate gas pressure at the gauge.