Abstract: A gas knife system for an additive manufacturing system can include one or more gas delivery members configured to move relative to a build area of the additive manufacturing system, and an inlet conduit configured to supply gas to the one or more gas delivery members while the one or more gas delivery members are moved relative to the build area. The system can also include one or more gas collection members configured to move relative to the build area of the additive manufacturing system, and an outlet conduit configured collect gas from the one or more gas collection members while the one or more gas collection members move relative to the build area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, which possesses an undercarriage which has front and rear—in the working direction—wheels or travelling gears, a machine frame which is borne by the undercarriage, and a working means. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine. The invention is based on the detection of objects O situated in the ground at a time at which the objects O can be readily detected. The construction machine according to the invention possesses a means for generating predictive object signals which are characteristic of the position of objects which lie in a portion of the ground which lies in the working direction A in front of the working region of the working means.

Abstract: An effective implementation is shown for a height adjustment system for a plurality of spray guns used in a line striper.

Abstract: The autonomous paint spraying machine is an autonomous mobile system for making paint markings on surfaces. The autonomous paint spraying machine includes a chassis having longitudinally opposed first and second edges, where the first edge has a linear contour and the second edge has an arcuate contour. A linear track is mounted on the chassis adjacent the first edge, and an arcuate track is mounted on the chassis adjacent the second edge. A paint receptacle is mounted on an upper surface of the chassis, and a plurality of driven wheels are mounted on a lower surface of the chassis. A controller is configured for controlling actuation and orientation of the plurality of driven wheels. First and second spray nozzles each receive paint from the paint receptacle. The first spray nozzle is slidably mounted on the linear track, and the second spray nozzle is slidably mounted on the arcuate track.

Abstract: A marking paint applicator apparatus is disclosed. The marking paint application may include an elongated support structure and a trigger mechanism, a receptacle for holding paint, and an actuating mechanism for selectively controlling release of the paint.

Abstract: Buried utility transmitters and associated locator devices, systems, and methods used for locating utility lines, pipes, and/or other conductors that are obscured from view are disclosed. In one embodiment a buried utility transmitter includes a module generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator, with the output current signal having modulated signaling. The transmitter system may include a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to the transmitter module or element or a body or frame of the transmitter system.

Abstract: An automatic extinguisher for the flame of a candle includes a fan sized and configured to be supported by a candle, and a controller connected to the electrical fan and operable to activate and de-activate the fan. The controller includes a timer for activating the fan after a pre-determined first time interval to direct air from the fan to the flame of the candle, and operable to de-activate the fan after a pre-determined second time interval shorter than the first time interval.

Abstract: A radial air purification system, a method of forming the purification system, and methods of removing at least one contaminant from a gas using the purification system are provided. The radial air purification system includes adsorbent media tubular supports that are fabricated using a fiberglass grating structure to provide increased strength, corrosion resistance, reduction in weight, and lower fabrication costs.

Abstract: A line striping system comprises a chassis, wheels, a spray system, a propulsion system and a steering system. The wheels are mounted under the chassis. The spray system is mounted on the chassis. The propulsion system is mounted on the chassis to drive a wheel. The steering system is coupled to the chassis. The steering system comprises a handlebar rotatatable to steer a wheel, and a speed bar pivotable to control the propulsion system.

Abstract: A fluid product dispensing system includes a liquid pump and a pneumatic pump that forces fluid product and pressurized air through a foaming device. The foam mixture forces a dispensing valve, located downstream, to open and thereby distribute product onto a user's hands. A control system turns off the pumps and open a pressure relief valve in the pneumatic conduit lines to relieve the buildup of pressure. The dispensing valve automatically resets, i.e. closes, to prevent the leakage of product from the nozzle.

Abstract: A ground marking system includes a position signal receiver configured to receive a position signal and generate current position information based on the position signal. A paint supply is configured to discharge paint onto ground beneath the paint supply. A first actuator is operatively connected to the paint supply for linearly moving the paint supply in both a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A second actuator is operatively connected to the paint supply for controlling the discharge of paint from the paint supply. A memory device stores predetermined positional data. A processor is in communication with the position signal receiver and the memory device, and is configured to control linear movements of the first actuator based on the current position information received from the position signal receiver and the predetermined positional data stored in the memory device, and adjust a position of the paint supply.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus for applying a one or two-part adhesive to a substrate includes a wand with a plurality of openings through which the adhesive is dispensed. An extension is connected in fluid communication to the wand. The extension directs a flow of adhesive to the wand.

Abstract: A line marking apparatus incorporates a replaceable container (31) of line marking material. The apparatus comprises a body (3) including an opening provided with a first engaging member (21), and a replaceable container (31) for line marking material. The container comprises a base (33) and side walls (35) and is provided with an outlet (37) for the line marking material at a location remote from the base. The container is also provided in the region of the base with a second engaging member (49) adapted to co-operate with the first engaging member of the body for releasably suspending the container within the body in an inverted configuration.

Abstract: Spray hood assemblies may be adapted to be moved over undesired foliage so as to temporarily enclose them when liquids (e.g., agricultural chemicals such as herbicide) are sprayed. The spray hood assemblies may assist in ensuring that a high percentage of the sprayed liquids are deposited where they are intended to be sprayed rather than being blown away or onto adjacent desired plants.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an upper air guide hood and a lower air guide hood spaced from each other. Spray nozzles are arranged between these two air guide hoods. The air guide hoods hang above or just in the tops of the crops. During the migration of the apparatus the crop is as it were torn open by the wind and/or by contact with the apparatus, so that the spray liquid is distributed among the crop.

Abstract: A rolling liquid herbicide applicator with an adjustable shield is attached to a hollow pole having an adjustable width protective shield mounted to one end weighted, textured wheels for rolling over most terrains are attached to the adjustable width protective shield. On the opposite end of the hollow pole handle is a trigger. When the trigger is activated, an internal trigger stick is moved down through the hollow pole, thereby causing a “C” shaped piece to move upward. This upward movement pushes on a hard flat disk. The movement of the hard flat disk causes pliable cap center to move. The gravity flow of liquid herbicide from a liquid herbicide container causes the liquid herbicide to move through a tube and nozzle assembly. The adjustable width protective shield over the nozzle prevents overspray and accidental contact of the liquid herbicide on healthy desired vegetation.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a flowable substance as marking on road surfaces, and the like, comprising a container for the flowable substance which is conducted through a valve with a series of computer controlled, close adjacently arranged valve elements which can be activated individually with a series of activating members with connecting elements to the individual valve elements. The apparatus comprises a way of varying as an assembly the geometry of the movement of activating members of the valve members. The connecting elements are linked to a longitudinally extending member with an eccentric mechanism to regulate the active length of the connection between the activating member and the valve member for each of a plurality of valve members.

Abstract: A self-moved device (1) suitable for spraying a fluid substance on a surface (50), comprising a moving system (6) for motion on the surface (50), at least one tank (4) suitable for containing said fluid substance, a spraying system (5) for spraying the fluid substance, a management and control system (7) for managing and controlling said moving system (6) and said spraying system (5), wherein the management and control system (7) is suitable for guiding the motion of said self-moved device (1) on said surface (50) and for activating said spraying system (5) in a plurality of spots of said surface (50) according to a predetermined scheme.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying paint and reflective glass beads to a surface that comprises an airless paint sprayer system, a bead dispensing system, a chassis, a power source, and a user-activated control switch. The airless paint sprayer system comprises a paint reservoir, one or more airless spray heads for spraying paint onto the surface, and a pump for pumping paint from the reservoir to the spray heads. The bead dispensing system comprises a bead reservoir, one or more bead dispensing nozzles for dispensing beads onto the paint sprayed onto the surface by the spray heads, an air reservoir for holding pressurized air, one or more pneumatic cylinders configured for opening and closing a corresponding dispensing nozzle, and one or more flow control regulators for controlling air into and out of a corresponding pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: Provided are multi-channel valves comprising first and second siphon channels comprising first ends that are operably connected to each other; and (ii) at least one actuator, the actuator capable of movement between at least a first position (where the first siphon channel is occluded) and a second position (where the second siphon channel is occluded). Also provided are spray containers operable in a plurality of positions, the containers comprising multi-channel valves wherein movement of an actuator causes communication between a sprayer head and liquid contents of the container via at least one of two dip tubes to be disrupted, thereby facilitating the drawing of the liquid contents from the lowest point in the container.

Abstract: A line marker includes a main body and a rod. The main body has a wheel axle set at a bottom of its front side and rear side respectively and the wheel axle has two wheels fitted at its two ends. The main body also includes a paint-spraying base having a positioning hole and a pressing block located below and paralleled the positioning hole with a proper distance for pressing a spraying head to start spraying. The rod is connected with the main body by its lower portion, having a lever fixed at its upper end, connected with a pulling line by its one end. The pulling line has its other end connected with the pressing block to activate it to move. So, controlling the lever to pull the pulling line, the pressing block can be moved to activate the paint spray can to carry out spraying.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying substances to target areas are disclosed. The system includes a hood supported by a frame and moveable relative thereto between open and closed positions, and one or more spray heads coupled to the underside of the hood and configured to spray the target area when the hood is in the closed position, the spray heads and the hood configured such that the hood provides a wind barrier for the spray from the spray heads. The system further includes a liquid tank for holding the substance to be applied to the target area, an agitation system for desired mixing of the tank contents, and fluid pathways for delivery of the contents of the tank to the spray heads for application to the target area.

Abstract: A line striper (10) is provided with a relatively small engine (16) operating a reciprocating piston pump (20) and having a centrifugal clutch (18) which actuates when a predetermined engine speed has been reached. A pressure bypass device (22) which opens at either a fixed or adjustable pressure is provided to bleed off excess pressure and maintain a consistent spraying pressure. A double acting trigger (30) is provided for the operator to actuate the spray gun (40) and raise the engine speed simultaneously.

Abstract: A rolling liquid herbicide applicator with an adjustable shield is attached to a hollow pole having an adjustable width protective shield mounted to one end weighted, textured wheels for rolling over most terrains are attached to the adjustable width protective shield. On the opposite end of the hollow pole handle is a trigger. When the trigger is activated, an internal trigger stick is moved down through the hollow pole, thereby causing a “C” piece to move upward. This upward movement pushes on a hard flat disk. The movement of the hard flat disk causes pliable cap center to move. The gravity flow of liquid herbicide from a liquid herbicide container causes the liquid herbicide to move through a tube and nozzle assembly. The adjustable width protective shield over the nozzle prevents overspray and accidental contact of the liquid herbicide on healthy desired vegetation.

Abstract: A line marker has a wheeled frame on which an outrigger arm is pivotally carried. The outrigger arm carries a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle can be placed in a rear spray position or in a front spray position depending upon whether the outrigger arm extends rearwardly or forwardly from a pivot hub therefor. The outrigger arm can be placed in the front or rear spray positions along either side of the frame. The line marker includes a reservoir for holding a marking liquid that is sprayed from the spray nozzle. The reservoir includes a drain outlet that is positioned to drain unused marking liquid back into a standard five gallon paint bucket.

Abstract: A line marker includes a main body and a rod. The main body has a wheel axle set at a bottom of its front side and rear side respectively and the wheel axle has two wheels fitted at its two ends. The main body also includes a paint-spraying base having a positioning hole and a pressing block located below and paralleled the positioning hole with a proper distance for pressing a spraying head to start spraying. The rod is connected with the main body by its lower portion, having a lever fixed at its upper end, connected with a pulling line by its one end. The pulling line has its other end connected with the pressing block to activate it to move. So, controlling the lever to pull the pulling line, the pressing block can be moved to activate the paint spray can to carry out spraying.

Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for marking marks on a surface of a field playing surface. The device includes a frame attachable to a field line marking machine that includes a paint supply. A guide system having a length dimension is carried by the frame member. The guide system is oriented horizontally. A field paint coating apparatus is carried within the guide system carried by the frame member for movement over a fixed distance along the guide system. The field paint coating apparatus is connected to the paint supply carried by the field line marking machine and serves to paint marks accurately, precisely and reproducibly on a field playing surface.

Abstract: A line striper (10) is provided with a relatively small engine (16) operating a reciprocating piston pump (20) and having a centrifugal clutch (18) which actuates when a predetermined engine speed has been reached. A pressure bypass device (22) which opens at either a fixed or adjustable pressure is provided to bleed off excess pressure and maintain a consistent spraying pressure. A double acting trigger (30) is provided for the operator to actuate the spray gun (40) and raise the engine speed simultaneously.

Abstract: A hand trigger (16) is pivotally mounted on the handlebar (12) of the striper (14). A pair of selectors (26) are pivotally mounted at the trigger pivot points. The selectors (26) are made from a spring or spring-like steel, which allows the selectors (26) to springingly deform for gun selection and adjustment yet return to their original position and shape. This allows delayed gun activation, disabling of one or both guns from the trigger (16) and functioning as a one-handed gun selector.

Abstract: An accessory cart having a J-shaped frame for removable mounting of a spray gun to convert a conventional airless paint sprayer into a line striper to paint lines on parking lots, curbs, warehouse floors and other pavement surfaces, and which can alternately be used in conjunction with a traditional line striper in cramped spaces or between parked cars, and which is easily converted from a 3-wheeled device to a 2-wheeled device for painting curved lines, and which permits adjustable positioning of the spray gun at a desired location on the cart to optimize the spray pattern in a particular application.

Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.

Abstract: An adapter by which a conventional paint marking stick that carries a can of spray paint to mark a roadway surface in need of repair is detachably connected to a conventional digital counter having at least one wheel to roll over the surface so as to measure the size thereof. The adapter includes a base with a pair of legs projecting outwardly therefrom in a first direction and a cylindrical post projecting outwardly from the base in an opposite direction. In the assembled relationship, the pair of legs of the adapter are slidably received within a hollow jacket that surrounds one end of the paint marking stick and the cylindrical post of the adapter is moved into an existing mounting collar of the digital counter. Accordingly, a workman in the field need only use a single hand to cause the paint marking stick to roll along the surface to be repaired while, at the same time, measuring the dimensions of the area and activating the can of spray paint to mark the outline of the area.

Abstract: A line marker carries a spray nozzle assembly for marking or painting a line on a horizontal surface. The spray nozzle assembly includes a mounting bracket that is clamped to a support arm in various pivotally adjusted positions. The mounting bracket carries both the spray nozzle and a pair of side shields. The spray nozzle is vertically adjustable up and down on the mounting bracket. The side shields have slides that slide transversely through the mounting bracket to provide horizontal adjustability of the side shields towards and away from one another. A clamping plate bears against the slides of the side shields when the clamping plate is tightened on the mounting bracket to hold the side shields in place on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A line marker carries a spray nozzle assembly for marking or painting a line on a horizontal surface. The line marker has a hydraulic circuit which includes a reservoir for holding marking liquid therein and a tank for holding water therein. A pump can pump marking liquid through the spray nozzle during a marking mode of operation or water through the spray nozzle during a flush mode of operation. In the marking mode, at least some marking liquid is recirculated back through the reservoir to help keep the marking liquid in the reservoir agitated and mixed. In the flush mode, water is blocked from entering the reservoir and is recirculated back into the water flow from the tank. In the clean out mode, the hydraulic circuit is operated as if in the marking mode, except that the reservoir is rinsed with an external source of water with the rinse water circulating through the hydraulic circuit and back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A carriage designed for supporting a power washer wand and its nozzle a predetermined, though adjustable, distance from a surface which is to be cleaned by high velocity water exiting a discharge orifice of the nozzle. The carriage is defined by a one-piece body molded from substantially high strength synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material. The carriage body includes a platform having a converging front end nose upwardly from which projects a wand support having a channel in which a power washer wand is located and adjustably clamped. The platform includes two wheels at a rear end thereof and a single wheel beneath the front end nose.

Abstract: A sprayer has a spray shield and a spray shield retainer. The spray shield is removably attached to the spray shield retainer for efficient storage when not in use. The spray shield can be contoured to the body of the sprayer. The spray shield is configured for attachment to a spray wand proximate to a nozzle.

Abstract: A measuring and marking apparatus for firewood includes an upstanding tubular body having a handle, defining a channel to carry an inverted aerosol can of marking material and journaling a measuring wheel having a circumferential length equal to a desired length of firewood. The measuring wheel is journaled between wheel forks carried by and extending from the lower body portion. A protruding dog carried on a face of the measuring wheel engages an actuator carried by the body and communicating with the nozzle of the aerosol can so that each rotation of the measuring wheel causes a dispersal of marking material onto the surface being measured and marked.

Abstract: Mobile chemical sprayers dispense liquid chemicals over a large area, such as a lawn or garden, in a short period of time. Individuals applying chemicals are not tethered to a fixed tank by a long hose, but can instead continuously move and apply chemicals simultaneously using a mobile chemical sprayer. This facilitates a more uniform distribution of chemical, and eliminates the need to spend time moving the tank or repositioning the hose.

Abstract: A device for inserting a utility marker is described that includes an elongated handle with upper and lower ends; a marker extractor adjacent the handle lower end that is moveable along a vertical pathway, and a marker magazine adjacent the handle lower end adapted to hold a plurality of markers including a leading marker adjacent the marker extractor pathway. The extractor, when moved to its extended position by pushing on the plunger, extracts the leading marker from the marker magazine, and inserts the lower end of the marker into the ground. Simultaneously, a valve actuator at the lower end of the handle is moved to an operative position to open the valve of an aerosol can, spraying paint adjacent to the marker. In one embodiment of the invention, the magazine is adapted to enclose a continuous roll of markers. In another embodiment, a housing adjacent the marker extractor pathway receives a replaceable magazine of stacked markers.

Abstract: A three wheeled carriage supports an air compressor, a container for reflective glass beads and a primary hose enclosing secondary hoses delivering plural paint components to a spray gun. The three wheeled carriage has a handle bar operable by one person with three switches, one to control the flow of reflective glass beads to a bead spray gun, another to control the flow of paint components to form a stripe by external mix of the paint components and a third to control an angle of turn for a front wheel. A trailer follows the three wheeled carriage, the trailer containing an air compressor and receptacles for two paint components and input into the secondary hoses. Wheeled dollies support the primary hose between the trailer and the three wheeled carriage.

Abstract: A road-marking device which sprays thick ribs of paint to a road surface, transversely to the road axis, to form rumble strips is disclosed.

Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.

Abstract: A device for inserting a utility marker is described that includes an elongated handle with upper and lower ends; a marker extractor adjacent the handle lower end that is moveable along a vertical pathway, and a marker magazine adjacent the handle lower end adapted to hold a plurality of stacked markers including a leading marker adjacent said marker extractor pathway. The extractor, when moved to its extended position by pushing on the plunger, extracts the leading marker from the stacked markers, and inserts the lower end of the marker into the ground. Simultaneously, a valve actuator at the lower end of the handle is moved to an operative position to open the valve of an aerosol can, spraying paint adjacent the marker. A unique marker for use with the device is also described, the marker including an extraction projection that is engageable by the lower end of the marker extractor.

Abstract: A reflective bead dispensing apparatus which works in conjunction with any prior art airless walk behind striping equipment. This reflective bead dispensing and paint dispensing apparatus is attachable to the rear of a vehicle. Compressed air and the vehicle's electrical system control all operations. The bead dispensing apparatus has an telescoping boom capable of pivoting around the point of attachment and extends outwardly from the point of attachment. At the end of the telescoping boom is the wheeled paint carriage which contains an air compressor, air tank, warning light, flood lights, the brake/hazard/turn signal lights, paint spray gun mounts, and reflective bead hoppers and dispensers. The carriage can pivot around the attachment point to the boom. The reflective beads are applied onto the wet paint already applied to the surface. The carriage pivots between a lowered position during striping operations and a locked upright position during relocation.

Abstract: A spray wand and stand is described, in which a canister holder is adjacent a bottom portion of an elongated framework. A stand is situated adjacent the canister holder and provide ground contact points with the framework that function to hold the framework in a position in which a handle end of the framework is elevationally above the canister holder.

Abstract: An improved portable locator is described which is configured for locating relative to a position beneath the surface of the ground. The improvement includes a marking arrangement for marking the surface of the ground. In one aspect, the portable locator is configured having a marking arrangement which utilizes a replaceable aerosol paint canister. Spray of paint from the canister may be initiated, for example, electrically or using a suitable mechanical actuation linkage. In another aspect, an operator of the portable locator is able to mark the surface of the ground using the portable locator and while holding the portable locator in generally the same position and/or stance as the locator is used for locating purposes.

Abstract: Wheeled applicators for marking lines on various surfaces are detailed. Each applicator may include a head adapted to receive an aerosol dispenser containing line-marking fluid and a spray nozzle with a normally-closed valve. The head and dispenser further may be disposable.

Abstract: A line marking shoe (1) adapted in use to be advanced relative to a ground surface in a line marking direction to mark a line onto the ground surface in the line marking direction (A) includes a sole part (3) having a discharge opening region (13) formed in it for discharge of line marking material onto the ground surface The discharge opening region includes a number of discharge opening areas and the discharge opening areas are so dimensioned and arranged that discharge of line marking material onto the ground surface through different discharge opening areas produces lines of different widths on the ground surface.