Patent ID: 11934210
Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
Field: Chemical engineering (Chemistry)
Classification: CPC G  B  F  H | IPC B  G  H

Claim 12:
13. A method for usage monitoring, the method comprising:
selectively receiving, with a handheld computer device, at least some or all of a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer, wherein the paint sprayer comprises:
a spray gun having a trigger, the spray gun configured to spray paint upon actuation of the trigger;
a hose that supplies the paint to the spray gun;
a frame;
a pump supported by the frame, the pump having a piston that outputs the paint under pressure to the spray gun via the hose, the piston pump supported by the frame;
a motor that drives the pump, the motor supported by the frame; and
a memory configured to store the plurality of fluid output values representing fluid output volumes by the paint sprayer over time,

the method further comprising:
in a first time instance, operating the handheld computer device in an accessible mode in which the handheld device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible; and
in a second time instance, operating the handheld computer device in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.