Abstract: The twin chopper of the present invention consists of a pair of roving choppers, each chopper being disposed on either side of a resin spraying nozzle. Each chopper comprises a rotatably driven cutter roller, a rotatable friction roller cooperating with the cutter roller, and an idler roller cooperating with the friction roller for feeding roving strands between the friction roller and the cutter roller. The outlet of the first chopper is so disposed relative to the nozzle as to discharge cut rovings over and onto the flat spray of resin while the outlet of the second chopper is so disposed relative to the nozzle as to discharge cut rovings under and onto the flat spray so that the resin spray is coated with roving cuts on both sides thereof from both choppers as the spray is directed onto the open mold surface.

Abstract: An abrasive suspension jet cutting nozzle is provided including an abrasive suspension inlet having a protrusion with an inlet conduit formed therein for receiving an abrasive suspension fluid. Also included is a substantially annular high pressure propellant inlet adapted to receive the abrasive suspension inlet in fixed relationship therewith. The high pressure propellant inlet has an inlet conduit for receiving abrasive suspension fluid. Further provided is an insert positioned within the high pressure propellant inlet with a recess adapted to receive the protrusion of the abrasive suspension inlet. The insert has at least one channel for directing the abrasive suspension fluid between the protrusion of the abrasive suspension inlet and the recess of the insert for combining with the abrasive suspension fluid such that both exit the nozzle.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a spray gun adapted for spray-applying fiber-reinforced resins with ceramic fiber loadings of at least about 55 wt-%. Such novel spray gun has an inlet for admitting the fiber-reinforced resin; an air inlet for atomizing the fiber-reinforced resin; a catalyst inlet; and an outlet for expelling catalyzed fiber-reinforced resin from the spray gun. The spray gun also has a straight-line delivery channel in fluid communication with the resin inlet, the catalyst inlet, and the outlet. A flow actuator is provided for selectively actuating admission of the fiber-reinforced resin and the catalyst into the spray gun. The resin inlet and the catalyst inlet are disposed for admitting resin and catalyst, respectively, in line into the straight-line delivery channel.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a reinforcement strand includes the steps of chopping the reinforcement strand into discrete reinforcement fibers, directing the discrete reinforcement fibers into a dispensing nozzle so that the discrete reinforcement fibers travel along a path extending generally along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle, introducing a fluid into the nozzle in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, thereby creating a vortex of the fluid surrounding the discrete reinforcement fibers in the nozzle, dispensing the discrete length reinforcement fibers from the nozzle as a flow, and controlling the flow of fibers dispensed from the nozzle by controlling the fluid introduced into the nozzle.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 and method for enhancing entrainment of a fluid near a face 18 of the nozzle 10, where the nozzle 10 includes a nozzle body 18 defining a nozzle opening 14 for ejecting a fluid therethrough. At least one indentation 20 is formed in the nozzle face 18 adjacent to, but spaced from, the nozzle opening 14 and includes a contoured surface 22 defined by first and second side surfaces 24 and 26 that converge toward the nozzle opening 14 to form a leading edge 28 closest to the nozzle opening 14. The imaginary extension 30 of at least a portion of the contoured surface 22 converges at a focal point 32 distal the nozzle face 18, defining an entrainment path. The focal point 32 is closer to an imaginary projection 34 of the nozzle opening 14, extending outwardly from and normal to the nozzle face 18, than the leading edge 20 is to the nozzle opening 14. Thus, fluid near the nozzle face in the indentation 20 is entrained into the entrainment path 30 and fluid ejected through the nozzle opening 14.

Abstract: A selectively attachable dust suppressing misting device for use with percussive tools, such as air hammers or jack hammers, includes a frame having a first tube section connected to a fluid source. The misting device includes one or more misting nozzles connected to the first tube section to allow fluid to flow out of the misting device. The misting nozzles are rotatable to allow fluid to be sprayed in a desired direction. The device also includes at least one adjustable clamp for securing the device to various diameters of percussive tools. Preferably, a second clamp is mounted to a housing slidable on the first tube section to allow the second clamp to be moved with respect to the first clamp.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is disclosed which includes a housing 12 having inlet opening 13 in fluid communication with at least one outlet opening 14 adapted to receive a nozzle body 42. The housing also includes a housing face 16 in surrounding relationship to the outlet opening 14. At least one indentation 18 is formed in the housing. The indentation 18 has a contoured surface 20 defined by first and second side surfaces 22 and 24 in the housing face 16 converging away from the outlet opening 14, and third and fourth side surfaces 26 and 28 in an internal wall 30 of the outlet opening 14 that converge away from the housing face 16. A nozzle body 42 may be releasably disposed within the outlet opening 14. The nozzle body 42 includes a nozzle opening 44 for ejecting a fluid and a nozzle face 46 in surrounding relationship to the nozzle opening 44. At least one indentation 38 is formed in the nozzle face 46 adjacent to, but spaced from, the nozzle opening 44.

Abstract: The power supply to the motor of a glass chopper is rerouted so that the motor cannot be operated unless the cover enclosing the cutter blades is in place. The stud which normally supports the cover is replaced with a conduit which has an axial passage from end to end. A fitting attaches the cover to the conduit to hold the cover in position over the cutting blades. The fitting is adapted to secure a power supply line to said cover. Thus, the motor can only be actuated when the cover is in position enclosing the cutting means at which time the power supply line is in communication with the motor through the conduit. When the cover is removed from its protective position, the power supply line actuating the motor is disconnected and the glass chopper can be safely serviced.

Abstract: A system for cutting and spraying a plurality of resin strands with an emulsion. The system includes a spray gun that has a cutter assembly that cuts a single resin thread into a plurality of individual strands. The cutter assembly is constructed to cut the strands into varying lengths. The strands are blown from the gun by a housing that is connected to a source of pressurized air. The housing has a pair of openings that are adapted to blow the strands parallel with the gun, so that the resin lies flat on the working surface. The gun also has a pair of nozzles attached to the housing and coupled to a progressive cavity pump that supplies an emulsion. The nozzles are adapted to spray the emulsion into the path of the resin spray, so that the resin and emulsion are mixed onto the working surface.

Abstract: A water spray nozzle (1) for location in a receiving bore (2) of a pick box (3) of a rotary cutting head (4) of a mining machine, comprising an elongate and generally cylindrical body member (5) having at one end an entry nose (6) and at the other end an enlarged extraction head (7), in use, intended to remain outside the receiving bore (2). A radial, water inlet orifice (8) intermediate the ends of the body member (5) leading to a water receiving chamber (25). A water sealing ring (9) located in a retaining groove (10) in the body member (5) between the water inlet orifice (8) and the nose (6) . A water discharge orifice (11) is in communication with the chamber (25). A reduced diameter formation (12) on the body member (5) has a resilient, nozzle-retaining ring (13) of material and/or dimensions such that it is compressible and/or deformable, into a nozzle retaining mode, without additional retaining means.

Abstract: Coating a substrate with a reinforced resin matrix comprised of liquid resin and reinforcing material can be accomplished with an apparatus where the liquid resin and the reinforcing material are mixed external to the apparatus prior to impacting the substrate. The liquid resin is directed through a cylinder 12 and then through an orifice 7 in nozzle 1, while the reinforcing material is carried in a gas stream through cavity 13, around cylinder 12, and past the nozzle 1. As the reinforcing material passes the nozzle 1, it is drawn into the liquid resin. Due to the distribution of the reinforcing material around the liquid resin flow, the reinforcing material is substantially homogeneously wetted by the liquid resin prior to impacting the substrate.

Abstract: A hand-held spray gun for directing a mixture of viscous liquid, such as asphalt, and glass particles onto a substrate surface as an integrated coating. The gun includes an elongated barrel, a spray nozzle at a discharge end of the barrel for creating a discharging spray pattern of liquid particles from a pressurized liquid source, a cutter assembly mounted on the barrel intermediate its ends for receiving a continuous glass roving and cutting such roving into particles for direction into the barrel, a fan mounted adjacent an upstream end of the barrel for directing an air flow through the barrel, and a gasoline-powered engine mounted adjacent the fan for simultaneously driving the fan and cutter assembly.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for injecting dry lightweight particulate material into a stream of catalyzed resin. The dry lightweight particulate material is stored in a fluidizing tank. The fluidized dry particles are conveyed from the tank under a controlled vacuum created by a low pressure venturi pump. An anti-static conveying tube delivers the dry lightweight particulate material to an adjustable delivery tube which terminates with a nozzle. The nozzle delivers a low velocity controlled spray pattern which coincides with the stream of pressurized resin. The nozzle is positioned at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the resin stream and injects the dry lightweight particulate material into the stream. Within the venturi pump and opposite to the main low pressure, low volume inlet, is a second pressurized inlet. This inlet directly controls the degree of vacuum, thereby precisely determining the amount of dry lightweight particles delivered to the resin stream.

Abstract: A pneumatic spray gun (10) having a mixing assembly (14) including a resin valve (18) and a catalyst valve (20) formed by valve passages (44,46) formed in a valve rotor (36). A pneumatic trigger assembly (24) and slide assembly (28) control rotation of the valve rotor to open the resin valve momentarily before the catalyst valve. A distribution plate (174) distributes the catalyst within the resin before the mixture flows into a mixer (22).

Abstract: Apparatus for use in spray-up construction of a fiberglass article in an open mold includes a manually operable spray gun for spraying liquid resin and liquid catalyst, and for chopping and emitting fiberglass roving together with the resin. A positive displacement resin and catalyst pump operated by an airmotor pumps resin and catalyst to the spray gun. A pneumatic electrical switch on the air-motor monitors air exhaust therefrom and is closed upon each air-exhaust pulse. The number of air-exhaust pulses of the air-motor is proportional to the cumulative amount of resin pumped. An electronic counter electrically connected to the pneumatic switch counts the number of switch closings and drives an LCD numerical display which displays the number of pulses counted. The LCD display is located on the spray gun where it can be seen by the operator during operation of the spray gun, such that the operator is continually apprised of the amount of resin which has been dispensed.

Abstract: An air-assisted, airless atomization, plural component spraying system and method includes a first source of a first component, e.g., a resin; a second source of a second component, e.g., catalyst for the resin; spraying means to mix the resin and catalyst and direct the mixture to a substrate and a source of compressed air. The spraying means includes a nozzle assembly which comprises a liquid nozzle for forming liquid into a fan-like film with expanding edges extending from a liquid orifice, and a nozzle assembly for directing a flow of compressed air and catalyst at the fan-like film closely adjacent the liquid orifice. In an internal mix system, compressed air is directed to impinge upon the expanding edges of the fan-like stream of mixed resin and catalyst downstream of the impingement of a flow of compressed air on the fan-like stream to capture particles in small, uniform spray pattern.

Abstract: A compact spray gun using a single air supply port to actuate two piston valves and act as an air refinement system. An externally adjustable cartridge type packaging assembly needle piston valve seals the resin. A spool valve portion of a catalyst piston valve having O-ring seals is separable external from the piston portion. Leak detection ports are provided so the operator can easily determine when to adjust or replace the packing or O-ring seals. The catalyst piston valve controls the mixing of the catalyst and air from a second air supply port. In a preferred embodiment, the resin piston valve controls a valve which provide air to the chopper system simultaneously with spraying of the resin.

Abstract: A compact spray gun using a single air supply port to actuate two piston valves and act as an air refinement system. An externally adjustable cartridge type packaging assembly needle piston valve seals the resin. A spool valve portion of a catalyst piston valve having O-ring seals is separable external from the piston portion. Leak detection ports are provided so the operator can easily determine when to adjust or replace the packing or O-ring seals. The catalyst piston valve controls the mixing of the catalyst and air from a second air supply port. In a preferred embodiment, the resin piston valve controls a valve which provide air to the chopper system simultaneously with spraying of the resin.

Abstract: A method of spraying fiber-containing fluids that results in smoother, more uniform coatings. The method comprises displacing a fiber-containing fluid through a nozzle assembly at about 69 KPa to about 386 KPa. The fibers have a length of about 1 mm to about 6 mm. The nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle extension, an elbow joint, and a nozzle in series communication through at least two hollow fluid passages. A first fluid passage exits at a first nozzle outlet having a diameter of about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. A second gas passage exits at a second nozzle outlet and directs a gas at the fiber-containing fluid to atomize the fluid. Control means are disposed upstream of the nozzle assembly for controlling the fiber-containing fluid flow and the gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing plural component materials, especially rigid urethane structures, from reactive components. The system includes a source of a first component, a source of a second component, a sprayer for mixing the components and for dispensing the mixture therefrom, and a delivery system for delivering the components to the sprayer. The delivery system is designed to continuously recirculate the components from their respective sources to the sprayer and back to the sources and includes positive displacement piston pumps simultaneously driven by a single motor. The system further includes means for calibrating the rates of flow of the components in the delivery system and a chopper to direct reinforcing glass fibers into the component mixture dispensed from the sprayer.

Abstract: A roving cutting steering mechanism for use with a plural component spray gun for producing fiberglass reinforced products. A roving cutter is mounted on a plural component spray gun with a support plate and a bracket which is easily vertically adjustable by loosening a bolt mounting the bracket on the gun body. Horizontal adjustment is provided by a cam fitting a slot in the end of a bracket which shifts a mounting plate horizontally. The roving cutter being mounted on the plate is steered to align the path of cuttings ejected from the roving cutter to the optimum position for intersecting the fluid path of material being sprayed by the spray gun. Quick easy adjustment both vertically and horizontally of a roving cutter allows optimizing the mixture of roving cuttings with a spray of plural components being applied to a surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling the cutting of an object comprising pressurizing a fluid; forming from said pressurized fluid a fluid jet adapted to cut the object; directing the said object-cutting jet towards the object and, when it is not desired to cut the object, preventing the object-cutting jet from reaching the object while maintaining the pressurization of the fluid.

Abstract: A tool for cutting a material along a path with a liquid jet directed onto the material for hydromechanical or hydraulic mining or for cutting mineral or bituminous material is disclosed. The tool includes a housing having an interior chamber with an opening adjacent the chamber. A nozzle body is mounted to the housing through the opening for swiveling motion about a swivel axis. The nozzle body has a first portion including a cylindrical stem symmetrically disposed about the swivel axis within the chamber and a second portion extending through the opening including a nozzle having a nozzle bore for discharging the liquid jet. A drive, operatively connected to the first portion, is provided for swiveling the nozzle body about the swivel axis.