Patent ID: 6149071
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B05B,G05D

Abstract:
A spray control system for applying a coating composition to an object, comprising:an applicator having a nozzle and being coupled to receive a liquid coating composition under pressure;a flow control valve connected in-line with said applicator, said flow control valve having an input and being operable to control the flow of coating composition to said applicator in accordance with a control signal on said input;a flow meter connected in-line with said flow control valve and said applicator, said flow meter being operable to output a flow value indicative of the magnitude of the flow of coating composition to said applicator; andan electronic controller having an input connected to receive the outputted flow value from said flow meter and having an output connected to provide the control signal to said input of said flow control valve, said electronic controller being operable to determine a valve control signal for said flow control valve using the flow value and a selected setpoint representing a desired flow, said controller further being operable to associate the valve control signal with the selected setpoint and store the valve control signal in memory;wherein said controller further comprises at least one other input connected to receive a user-specified setpoint, with said controller being operable in response to receiving the selected setpoint to provide said flow control valve with the stored valve control signal associated with the selected setpoint and to thereafter regulate the flow of coating composition by adjustment of the valve control signal.