Patents (University of Northern Iowa)

Document Type

Patent

Publication Date

9-14-1999

Patent Number

5951296

Abstract

An optical spray painting practice gun emits a shaped optical beam onto a practice surface to simulate an actual paint spray on the surface. The gun preferably uses a class 2 diode laser to generate a laser beam which is reshaped by a collimating lens into a diverging beam that illuminates the practice surface. The collimating lens creates an elongated image on the practice surface having a length corresponding linearly to the distance of the practice gun nozzle to the practice surface as with a conventional spray gun. The illuminated image distorts when the practice gun is not perpendicular to the practice surface. The collimating lens is located in a rotatable collar so that the orientation of the elongated image on the practice surface can be adjusted. In other respects, the structure of the practice gun is preferably the same as a conventional spray gun. A DC battery is contained in the removable paint container for the practice gun and supplies power to the laser when a trigger-actuated electric switch is engaged. Placing the battery in the removable container helps to simulate proper spray gun weight and weight distribution.

Application Number

08/965104

Assignee

University of Northern Iowa Foundation

Assignee City

Cedar Falls

Assignee State

Iowa

Assignee Country

United States

Filing Date

11-6-1997

Language

en

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