Patents (University of Northern Iowa)

Document Type

Patent

Publication Date

2-4-1997

Patent Number

5598972

Abstract

An optical spray paint optimization system can be removably mounted to a spray paint gun, thus enhancing the ability of the user to guide the direction of the spray and also locate the nozzle at an optimum spray distance from the surface being painted. The preferred apparatus uses a diode laser, a beam splitter and a reflecting mirror to generate a reference beam and a gauge beam. The reference beam propagates in a fixed forward direction, but the direction of the gauge beam is adjustable by adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror. The reference beam and the gauge beam intersect at a convergence point which can be repositioned to a selected distance from the nozzle of the spray painting system by adjusting the path of the gauge beam, thus allowing the user to spray at the optimum spray distance by locating the convergence point on the surface being painted. The beams also aid in aiming the spray.

Application Number

08/504370

Assignee

University of Northern Iowa Foundation

Assignee City

Cedar Falls

Assignee State

Iowa

Assignee Country

United States

Filing Date

7-19-1995

Language

en

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