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PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present disclosure claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 61/258,022, filed Nov. 4, 2009, and titled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A FLUID TO A SURFACE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is generally directed to an apparatus and method for dispensing or applying a fluid to a surface. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to applying or spraying a marking solution to a surface to print an information pattern. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Surfaces, such as pavement, commonly include an information pattern to convey information. Information patterns may be in the form of symbols, words, or combinations thereof. For example, information patterns may include arrows or letters, such as “stop”. Additionally, information patterns may include company logos or trademarks. 
         [0004]    One approach to applying information patterns includes marking a pavement surface using a stencil and using an application device (for example, a paint gun or brush) to apply paint to pattern-defining apertures of the stencil. However, this approach suffers from several drawbacks. For example, this approach can be inadequate in protecting workers from airborne solvents or air-particulate as the information pattern is applied, this approach can take a long time, this approach can require substantial set up resulting in reduced mobility, this approach can limit the pattern applied based upon the stencil used, and combinations thereof. 
         [0005]    Another approach involves utilizing hand-held devices such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,686, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The hand-held device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,686 suffers from several drawbacks. For example, the hand-held device is limited in size to a medium that is the size of paper or a poster and the hand-held device is not equipped to print on a rough surface. 
         [0006]    Another approach involves utilizing global positioning systems (GPS) such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,934, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The GPS system suffers from drawbacks that it is unable to provide positioning precision and accuracy to form a desirable image. 
         [0007]    Yet another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,375, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,375 involves marking a surface to accurately determine the size of a large area, scanning the marking of the surface, and applying an image. Such an approach suffers from several drawbacks. For example, marking the surface delays the process of applying paint to the surface. Also, scanning the marking requires that the device include a scanner and corresponding systems for analyzing the surface. In addition, the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,375 involves an apparatus that moves in a non-linear manner, thereby extending the duration of the application process. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a method and apparatus that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art and, for example, is capable of applying a fluid to a surface that can be applied while protecting workers, can be done quickly, can be done without substantial set up, can apply several patterns, and combinations thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to an exemplary embodiment, a fluid application apparatus includes a spray head system configured to be raised to a transport configuration and lowered toward an application configuration for applying a fluid to a surface. 
         [0010]    According to another exemplary embodiment, a spray head system is configured to be raised to a transport configuration and lowered toward an application configuration for applying a fluid to a surface. 
         [0011]    According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of applying a fluid to a surface includes adjusting a spray header system between a transport configuration and an application configuration, wherein the adjusting modifies a distance between the spray header system and the surface. 
         [0012]    An advantage of an embodiment includes being capable of applying a fluid to a surface without harming workers. 
         [0013]    Another advantage of an embodiment includes applying fluid to a surface at a quicker rate in comparison to previous methods. 
         [0014]    Another advantage of an embodiment includes versatility allowing fluid to be applied to a surface without substantial set up and allowing fluid to be applied in numerous patterns without on-site set up. 
         [0015]    Another advantage of an embodiment includes additional protection of mechanical features by including adjustability between a transport configuration and an application configuration. 
         [0016]    Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus in a transport configuration according an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus without a housing in a transport configuration according an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of an apparatus without a housing in a transport configuration according an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an apparatus without a housing in a transport configuration according an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus without a housing in a transport configuration according to the disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an apparatus without a housing in an application configuration an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of an apparatus without a housing in an application configuration an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus without a housing in an application configuration according to an exemplary embodiment the disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8A  illustrates an enlarged section A of  FIG. 8  according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0026]    Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art and, for example, is capable of applying a fluid to a surface that can be applied while protecting workers, can be done quickly, can be done without substantial set up, can apply several patterns, and combinations thereof. The method and apparatus reduce or eliminate delays in the process of applying paint to the surface, avoid using expensive or heavy components such as scanners for analyzing the surface, and are capable of printing in a substantially linear manner, thereby expediting the duration of the application process. 
         [0028]    According to the disclosure, the medium or surface can be any size, can be rough, or a combination thereof. The surface may be any surface, such as a road surface, suitable for receiving the applied fluid. In one embodiment, the surface is a road surface, and the fluid is applied in a controlled pattern to form an information pattern. In another embodiment, the fluid is applied onto the surface in multiple passes. The information pattern may include symbols and/or words. The precision and accuracy of embodiments of the present disclosure permit formation of a desirable image. In one embodiment, the information pattern may include, but is not limited to company logos, trademarks, symbols, and lettering. The resolution of the information pattern may be a predetermined resolution (for example, permitting discernible viewing from up to about 1 foot away, up to about 10 feet away, up to about 100 feet away, or between about 10 feet and about 100 feet away). 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  100  according to the disclosure in a transport configuration. As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  includes a frame  110 , a fluid application system  120  supported by the frame  110 , and a housing  130  attached to the frame  110 . The frame  110  is attached to two wheels  210 . In another embodiment, the frame  110  may be attached to. two or more wheels  210 . The housing  130  may provide a surface for markings, such as advertisement or logos. In another embodiment, the housing  130  may be omitted. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 2-5  show various views and/or embodiments of the apparatus  100  in a transport configuration with the housing  130  ( FIG. 1 ) removed to facilitate viewing of the various components. As is best shown in  FIG. 3 , the fluid application system  120  includes a power unit  101 , a fluid supply  104 , a hydraulic system  105 , a fluid pumping system  106 , a control system  108 , a pneumatic system  111 , and a spray head system  114 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , the power unit  101  includes a power generator  102  and a power unit fuel supply  103 . The frame  110  includes a main frame section  142  and a spray head frame section  144 . The spray head frame section  144  includes rear bumper  146 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the fluid supply  104  includes a first fluid supply container  104   a  and a second fluid supply container  104   b . In other embodiments, the fluid supply  104  may include one or more fluid supply containers. 
         [0032]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the hydraulic system  105  includes an oil accumulator  115 , an oil reservoir  117 , and a oil coiler  119 . The hydraulic system  105  operates by transporting oil between the oil reservoir  117  and the oil coiler  119  with the oil accumulator  115  permitting a predetermined pressure and/or flow rate to be maintained. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the fluid pumping system  106  includes a first pump  106   a  and a second pump  106   b.  In another embodiment, the fluid pumping system  106  may include one or more pumps. The pumping system  106  further includes a fluid distribution system  107 . The fluid distribution system  107  provides fluid communication between the fluid supply  104  and the spray head system  114 . The fluid distribution system  107  may include fluid distribution components such as, but not limited to piping, valves, and manifolds. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the control system  108  includes a microprocessor  152 , a video recording unit  154  (for example, permitting remote operation and/or remote interactivity), valve drive electronics  156  and a power supply  158 . The microprocessor  152  may be a computer, central processing unit (CPU) or electronic circuit board capable of executing command functions. The microprocessor  152  may include an input device, such as, but not limited to one or more USB ports, one or more ethernet ports, one or more disk drives, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the input device may include a wireless system for receiving data input for the control system  108 . The microprocessor  152  may also include .a keyboard or other manual data entry device to manually receive a data input or commands. The microprocessor  152  may further include a monitor for monitoring the input data and/or operational data of the apparatus  100 . The power supply  158  may be a battery. 
         [0035]    The microprocessor  152  may include a memory module. The memory module may include an internal memory module, an external memory module, or a combination thereof. For example, the memory module may be RAM, ROM or other memory for receiving and storing coded programs for executing the method of the present disclosure. 
         [0036]    The control system  108  further includes a machine control interface that communicates with the microprocessor  152  and various encoders that drive the various components of the fluid application system  120 , including the power unit  101 , the fluid supply  104 , the hydraulic system  105 , the pumping system  106 , the pneumatic system  111 , and the spray head system  114 . For example the microprocessor  152  provides control inputs to the valve drive electronics  156  to control hydraulic and pneumatic valves in the hydraulic system  105  and pneumatic system  111 , respectively. 
         [0037]    The control system  108  includes data or accepts data corresponding to the information pattern applied or sprayed by the spray head system  114 . The control system  108  includes command functions for controlling the operation of the airless spray guns  910  ( FIG. 8A ) to spray or print the information pattern. 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the pneumatic system  111  includes a first air accumulator  112  and an air compressor  113 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pneumatic system  111  further includes a second air accumulator system  679  and an air valve system  686 . The second air accumulator system  679  includes a first small volume air accumulator  680  and a second small volume air accumulator  685 . The air valve system  686  includes a first air valve system  687  and a second air valve system  688 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the apparatus  100  further includes a spray head system position assembly  122 . The spray head system  114  is disposed substantially within the spray head frame section  144  in the transport configuration. The spray head system position assembly  122  includes a first bar linkage  502 , a second bar linkage  503 , a third bar linkage  504 , a fourth bar linkage  507  and an actuator  515  configured to lower the spray head system  114  into the spray or application configuration position. The actuator  515  may be a motor, hydraulic device, pneumatic device or other positioning component that can be actuated to lower and raise the spray head system  114  to and from the application configuration. In another embodiment, the spray head system position assembly  122  may include an electrical device, a pneumatic device, another suitable device, or any suitable combination thereof to lower and raise the spray head system  114 . In yet another embodiment, the spray head system position assembly  122  may additionally or alternatively be manually lowered and raised. 
         [0040]    The apparatus  100  further includes a position indication device  810  attached to the spray head system position assembly  122 . The position indication device  810  can be any suitable mechanical device capable of identifying a relative position for the apparatus  100 . In one embodiment, the position indication device  810  is substantially devoid of electronic components thereby increasing the ability of the apparatus to avoid damage from rough road surfaces. The position indication device  810  includes an encoder caster wheel  820  and an encoder  830 . The position indication device  810  provides position data to the control system  108  ( FIG. 5 ). The position data may include, but is not limited to, the distance of travel of the apparatus  100  and speed of travel of the apparatus  100 . As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , which shows an embodiment of the apparatus  100  in an application configuration, the apparatus  100  further includes a caster wheel  822  attached to the spray head system position assembly  122 . The caster wheel  822  assists in positioning the spray head system  114  at a consistent distance from the surface  510 . In another embodiment, the apparatus  100  may include one or more caster wheels  822 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6-8A  show various views and/or embodiments of the apparatus  100  in a spray or application configuration with the housing  130  removed to facilitate viewing of the various components. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the spray head system  114  can be lowered to a spray configuration position proximate a surface  510 . Such raising and lowering of the spray head system  114  permits the apparatus  100  to be moved at a faster speed while in transport configuration while substantially protecting the spray heat system  114  from damage. In addition, such raising and lowering permits the spray head system  114  to apply fluid with a high resolution. The spray head system  114  is lowered by actuating the actuator  515  and moving the first bar linkage  502 , the second bar linkage  503 , and the third bar linkages  504  to a lowered position. In the lowered position, the encoder caster wheel  820  contacts the surface  510  providing position data to the control system  108  ( FIG. 5 ). In another embodiment, in lowered position the encoder caster wheel  820  and one or more additional the caster wheels  822  contact the surface  510 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 8A , the spray head system  114  includes an airless spray gun  910 , a filter  920 , a nozzle guard  930 , and a nozzle  940 . In one embodiment, the filter  920 - is a paint filter. The spray head frame section  144  includes a spray head main frame section  182  and a spray gun guard  184 . 
         [0043]    In an exemplary method of operating the apparatus  100 , the apparatus  100  is adjusted from the transport configuration ( FIGS. 1-5 ) to the application configuration ( FIGS. 6-8 ) by lowering or deploying the spray head system  114 . In one embodiment, the spray head system  114  may be lowered in response to a command in the data input (for example, as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0044]    The apparatus  100  is put in motion by an outside force (not shown), such as, but not limited to a truck, car, tractor or other self-propelled vehicle. As the apparatus  100  moves, the encoder caster wheel  820  informs the control system  108  of the relative position of the spray head system  114  to the surface  510 . A dump valve is automatically actuated, which pressures the hydraulic system  105 , which in turn pressurizes the fluid system via the pumping system  106 . As the apparatus  100  continues to move, the control system  108  actuates the pneumatic valve system  686  in a computed pattern. Each valve (not shown) is tied to a spray gun  910 . As each spray gun  910  is pneumatically pressurized, a pneumatic cylinder in the gun opens a zero-flow valve, which releases pressurized fluid to be applied to the surface  510 . 
         [0045]    The surface  510  may be a suitable surface for receiving the applied fluid. In one embodiment, the surface  510  may be a manufactured surface, such as, but not limited to an asphalt, concrete, artificial turf, or other suitable surface. In another embodiment, the surface  510  may be a natural surface such as a grass surface or field surface. 
         [0046]    The fluid may be selected from a group including, but not limited to, a marking fluid, a cleaning fluid, a fertilizer solution, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the marking fluid may be a paint, dye, ink or other suitable marking liquid. The marking fluid may be a permanent or temporary marking liquid. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the spray head system  114  is a print head, the fluid is a marking fluid, and the surface is a manufactured surface. The apparatus  100  applies the marking fluid to the surface  510  in a controlled manner to form a controlled or information pattern upon the surface  510 . 
         [0048]    While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Summary:
A fluid application apparatus, a spray head system, and a method of applying a fluid to a surface are disclosed. The fluid application apparatus, the spray head system, and the method involve applying a fluid to a surface and adjusting the spray header system between a transport configuration and an application configuration, wherein the adjusting modifies a distance between the spray header system and the surface.