Patent ID: 6098902
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: B05B

Abstract:
A fluid spraying apparatus, comprising: a body assembly having (a) through (c) following:(a) a first passage for transporting a fluid for spraying to a first nozzle of a plurality of fluid nozzles capable of being interchangeably incorporated in said apparatus, wherein each said nozzle has an interior channel with a first end of the interior channel receiving the fluid and a second end of the interior channel providing an exit for the fluid from the apparatus during operation;(b) a second passage for transporting a propellant to a chamber between an incorporated one of said fluid nozzles and an air cap, of a plurality of air caps capable of being interchangeably incorporated in said apparatus, wherein each said air cap substantially encloses a portion of said incorporated fluid nozzle adjacent the incorporated fluid nozzle's second end, and wherein an opening of said chamber adjacent said second end provides an exit for the propellant in a manner that enhances a transformation of the fluid into a spray;(c) a third passage for transporting a spray controlling amount of the propellant, wherein said third passage transports the propellant at least partially along a path to one or more outlets that are arranged so that the propellant exiting said outlets contacts the spray exiting said chamber for changing the extent of the spray in a direction substantially traverse to a direction of the fluid exiting the first fluid nozzle;a plurality of different fluid nozzle carriers, wherein each said carrier is capable of being interchangeably connected to said body assembly and to a corresponding one of said fluid nozzles so that a first intermediate passage within said carrier is provided between said first passage and the fluid nozzle for transporting the fluid;a plurality of different adapters, wherein each said adapter is capable of being interchangeably connected to said body assembly for providing an extension of said third passage for transferring the propellant from said third passage to the outlets.