Patent ID: 8777128
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: B05B

Abstract:
1. A device for spray applications, comprising: a nozzle configured to emit a first fluid stream in a downstream direction away from the nozzle, the nozzle including a face having a nozzle opening that establishes a location where the first fluid stream exits the nozzle; at least one feed port situated near the nozzle for introducing an agent into the first fluid stream to be carried by the first fluid stream in the downstream direction, the at least one feed port including an end having a feed port opening that establishes a location where the agent exits the at least one feed port; at least one cleaning port situated near the nozzle for emitting a second fluid stream in a generally upstream direction toward at least one of the nozzle or the at least one feed port, the second fluid stream following a primary trajectory directed at least partially across the nozzle face and not into the nozzle opening for cleaning an exterior of the nozzle face or following a primary trajectory directed at least partially across the end of the at least one feed port and not into the feed port opening for cleaning an exterior of the at least one feed port end; a mounting member positioned at least partially downstream of the nozzle, the mounting member supporting the at least one feed port in a fixed position relative to the nozzle, the mounting member also supporting the at least one cleaning port in a fixed position relative to the nozzle and relative to the at least one feed port; a plurality of feed ports and a plurality of cleaning ports circumferentially spaced about the nozzle, wherein there are twice as many feed ports as cleaning ports, and each of the second fluid streams is directed at a selected one of the feed ports; and a plurality of cleaning orifices adjacent the nozzle that each emit a third fluid stream in the downstream direction, wherein there are an equal number of cleaning ports and cleaning orifices, and wherein the third fluid streams are directed at other selected ones of the feed ports, respectively, such that each feed port is at least partially in a path of at least one of the second fluid streams or one of the third fluid streams.