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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/852,381, filed Sep. 11, 2015, entitled “Spray Apparatus,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/081,995, filed Nov. 19, 2014, entitled “EZ Patch Spraying Apparatus,” which application is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to aerosol textured spray guns providing professional grade quality. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are many known methods for applying a texture finish to a drywall surface. For a large area, contractors typically use trailer-mounted spray machines to finish drywall surfaces. These machines have large capacity tanks where powdered material is mixed with water. The material is pumped through a hose to the spray gun. The finish can be varied from fine to heavy by changing tips in the spray gun nozzle, adjusting air pressure, or by changing the viscosity of the texture material. This application is typically done only by a professional at the time of building the structure. 
         [0004]    Hopper guns are often used for mid-sized texture jobs and for touch-ups. A hopper is similar to a trailer-mounted machine but on a smaller scale. It uses a portable hopper and compressed air to spray texture on the drywall surface. Changing air pressure and nozzles are also used to achieve desired texture pattern, which requires the applicator to have skill similar to the trailer mounted machine applicator. The use of a compressor or the ability to clean the hopper is sometimes difficult or not possible as electricity and water may not be available. Also, storm water regulations may not permit cleaning the hopper on site. Current aerosol texture spray can technology provides a convenience to the applicator by not having to use a bulky or heavy compressor and clean the hopper texture spray gun after a patch is complete. 
         [0005]    Aerosol texture spray cans are primarily designed to apply texture to finish drywall patches in an attempt to match existing wall texture patterns. Current texture spray can technology is accomplished by mixing a propellant and texture together in an aerosol can that is expelled through a dip-tube and then a spray tip. This eliminates the need in dealing with compressors, hoses, cleaning, and other cumbersome equipment for jobs where they are not warranted or feasible. While spray cans are convenient, they have some significant drawbacks. 
         [0006]    Current texture spray can technology is accomplished by mixing a propellant and texture together in an aerosol can that is expelled through a dip-tube and then a spray tip. 
         [0007]    The current propellant commonly used for this is an aerosol known as DME (Dimethyl ether). Because the propellant and texture are mixed together in the aerosol can, the propellant is part of the liquid that contributes to the flow and viscosity of the texture from the can. When the liquid propellant is expelled or released from the spray can, the gas is designed to expand thus giving the spray velocity or propellant for the material from the can&#39;s spray nozzle. 
         [0008]    A major disadvantage of combining the texture material and the propellant together is that the propellant is still expanding and escaping from within the textured material once it is applied to the wall patch. This creates what is known in the drywall industry as pin-holing (as seen in  FIG. 1 ). Pin-holing is a negative attribute in professionally applied work and is often unacceptable and the applicator is required to repair the pin-holing to a professional standard. This issue is not able to be resolved by a practical amount of defoamer in the texture material formula. 
         [0009]    In addition, because current aerosol spray can technology does not incorporate a “positive” shut-off mechanism at the tip of spray tips, the mixed propellant and texture material continues to build up and flow at the tip of the spray tip as the propellant gas continues to expand within the texture material (as seen in  FIG. 2 ). This causes “spitting” of the texture material once the aerosol valve is activated again (as seen in  FIG. 3 ). The “spitting” of material causes larger spots of texture pattern that are not uniform in pattern. “Spitting” of material is a negative attribute in professionally applied work and is often unacceptable. The professional applicator is often required to repair the non-uniform texture pattern to a professional standard. 
         [0010]    Further, the aerosol texture spray can industry trend has been to offer an increasing amount of square footage coverage. This is where more texture material is offered in a single can. Current technology has practical and physical limitations as to the amount of square footage coverage they can offer. A typical aerosol texture spray can that contains increased square footage coverage comes with 25 ounces of texture material plus the appropriate amount of aerosol propellant. This larger texture volume can measure approximately 12 inches in height and weighs approximately 1.5 pounds. In order to further increase square foot coverage by an additional 50% the texture spray can would have to be 18 inches in height and weigh approximately 2.25 pounds. An 18-inch high texture spray can create logistical issues especially on store shelves and is a practical inconvenience for the applicator to use. This also causes increased shipping costs since many spray cans are delivered direct to stores. 
         [0011]    In addition, the aerosol texture spray can industry typically utilizes DME (Dimethyl ether). One of the main advantages for its use is that DME is compatible with water-based materials. Because most of the texture materials on the market are water-based, DME mixes well with the texture material in the aerosol can and provides the necessary pressure to achieve the appropriate spray pattern. One of the major disadvantages of DME is that it is highly flammable. The auto ignition temperature of DME is approximately 662° F. Note; the temperature of an idly burning cigarette is over 1000° F. Certain compatible aerosols that mix with the water-based texture materials also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not environmentally friendly or healthy for the applicator. Because typical spray can technology mixes the propellant with the texture material in the can to achieve an appropriate spray texture pattern, the choices of propellants are limited as well. 
         [0012]    Since the appropriate mixture of DME or suitable propellant must be mixed with the texture material to achieve the required spray pattern, a further disadvantage of current spray can technology is that the mixture of texture material to propellant cannot be adjusted by the applicator. It is a fixed ratio in the aerosol can. 
         [0013]    Professional texture hopper guns allow for the amount of texture material to be varied in relation to their air source. This is important when matching the existing texture of a wall while doing repair work. To better match existing textures, professionals often “feather” the texture around the patched area. Feathering is accomplished by keeping the air pressure constant while limiting the amount of texture material that is sprayed from the texture hopper gun so that the edges of the patch have lighter and lighter amounts of texture material towards the outer edges of the patch. This visually blends the new texture subtly with the original texture that was applied at the time of construction so that the patch is less noticeable. 
         [0014]    Furthermore, it is common in the texture spray can industry to have a high number of product returns. This is not only inconvenient for the consumer or applicator, but it is costly and time consuming for the stores that sell the aerosol texture spray cans. The high number of returns is due to the nature of the product. Texture material is typically much thicker than paint due to the high solids needed to create the texture pattern. The heavy texture is typically pushed by the propellant through a dip-tube or “feed-tube” that extends down into the can. The heavy bodied texture must then pass through a relatively small valve to the spray tip. This often leads to product malfunctions and clogging. Many times a dried piece of the texture material can clog the spray can valve. Slight activation of the material valve can occur as well during the assembly of the spray can which can cause a small amount of material to become hardened in the valve components. In addition, because the aerosol and material are mixed together, there is a disadvantage in the current technology since there is a limitation on how big the valve openings can be to achieve a desired texture pattern due to the level of propellant needed to create the force to spray. 
         [0015]    Thus, there remains a need for a spray apparatus that applies a texture material to a wall, which better represents, and that can better match, the professional textures originally applied to the walls or surfaces when the structure was originally built and that can functionally and practically facilitate additional square foot coverage of the texture material. Consumers and retailers would also benefit from a more reliable product with fewer returns to the store. In addition, there remains a need for an environmentally friendly and a safer, non-flammable texture delivery system that is also more economical and safer to ship and handle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a spray apparatus with optimized professional material performance and texture pattern without the negative drawbacks. The spray apparatus comprises a housing contain the transfer wheel, a propeller, a firing pin, and an actuator. The actuator rotates the propeller. The propeller injury rotates the transfer wheel which scoops up the material to be sprayed. The spray material is transferred onto the propeller. The propeller about against the firing pin which creates potential energy in the propeller. When the propeller is able to slide underneath the firing pin, the propeller flings the spray material onto the wall. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art spray texture with undesirable pin holes. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a prior art spray nozzle with leaking spray material. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a prior art spray texture with a spitting. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are close ups of various embodiments of the transfer wheel. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a close-up view of an embodiment of the propeller. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9A-9C  are close up views of embodiments of the firing pin. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  shows the spray material being deposited into the spray apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 11A-11D  shows the spray apparatus in use. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13A  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with a gate in the closed configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13B  shows the embodiment in  FIG. 13A  with the gate in the open configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13C  shows a close-up of the area labeled  13 C in  FIG. 13A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the spray apparatus  50  of the present invention comprises a housing  100 , a transfer wheel  200  rotatably mounted to the housing  100  to take up material  10  (such as viscous spray material to be applied to walls) in the housing  100 , a propeller  300  rotatably mounted to the housing  100  to receive the material taken up by the transfer wheel  200 , a firing pin  400  attached to the housing  100  to create resistance for the propeller  300 , and an actuator  500  mounted to the housing  100  to rotate the propeller  300 . In general, the transfer wheel  200 , the propeller  300 , the firing pin  400 , and the actuator  500  are arranged relative to each other such that actuation of the actuator  500  causes rotation of the propeller  300 , rotation of the propeller  300  causes the transfer wheel  200  to scoop up the material  10  in the housing  100  and transfer it to the propeller  300 . Continuous rotation of the propeller  300  causes the propeller  300  to temporarily abut against the firing pin  400  causing the fin  304  of the propeller  300  to bend backwards until the fin  304  is able to slide underneath the firing pin  400 , which in turn leads to the fin  304  to springing abruptly forward, thereby flinging the material  10  in the forward direction. 
         [0034]    The Housing 
         [0035]    In the preferred embodiment, the housing  100  is defined by a front wall  102 , a back wall  104  opposite the front wall  102 , a bottom wall  106  adjacent to the front wall  102  and the back wall  104 , a top wall  108  opposite the bottom wall  106 , and adjacent to the front wall  102  and the back wall  104 , a first side wall  110  adjacent to the front wall  102 , the back wall  104 , the bottom wall  106 , and the top wall  108 , and a second side wall  112  opposite the first side wall  110  and adjacent to the front wall  102 , the back wall  104 , the bottom wall  106 , and the top wall  108 , wherein the front wall  102 , the back wall  104 , the bottom wall  106 , the top wall  108 , and the two side walls  110 ,  112  define a cavity  114  of the housing  100 . The housing  100  comprises a lower section  116  bound by the bottom wall  106 , an upper section  120  bound by the top wall  108 , and a middle section  118  therebetween. 
         [0036]    The front wall  102  at the upper section defines an opening  122  into the cavity  114 . Viscous material  10  flung from the propeller  300  exits the housing  100  through this opening  122 . 
         [0037]    The housing  100  further comprises a fill hole  124  through which the material  10  can be introduced into the housing  100 . Preferably, the hole  124  is strategically positioned so as not to interfere with the propeller  300  when the viscous material  10  is introduced into the housing  100 . For example, the hole  124  may be positioned on the housing  100  below the opening  122 . In the preferred embodiment, the hole  124  may be positioned below the propeller  300 . The hole  124  may be positioned in the lower section  116  on one of the side walls  110 ,  112  or the front wall  102 . In the lower section  116 , the walls  110 ,  112 ,  106  of the housing  100  define a trough  126  to hold the material  10 . 
         [0038]    The hole  124  may be closed with a cover  128  that can be opened and closed, such as a door, a hatch, a window, a re-sealing flap, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the cover  128  is a re-sealing flap defining a central orifice  130 . During a state of rest, the central orifice  130  is small enough that the viscous material  10  would not pass in or out of the orifice  130 . When a poignant pressure is applied to the central area of the cover  128 , the orifice  130  is allowed to grow. This would allow a tip of some delivery device  12  to be inserted through the orifice  130  to deposit the material  10  inside the housing  100 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . After the material  10  is deposited into the housing  100  and the delivery device is removed from the orifice  130 , the orifice  130  returns back to its resting state. Even if the material  10  loaded into the housing raises above the orifice  130 , the material  10  would still not be able to leak out of the orifice  130  due to the viscosity of material  10  and the size of the orifice  130  in its natural state. 
         [0039]    By way of example only, the cover  128  may be a plastic sheet of flexible material affixed over the fill hole  124 . Vertical and horizontal slits  133 ,  135  may be created in the cover  128  from one end of the holes  124  to the opposite end and through the center. The vertical and horizontal slits  133 ,  135  divide the cover  128  into four distinct pieces each having a terminal point meeting at the center of the cover. Since the terminal points are unconnected at the center, the small orifice  130  is created there. When a delivery device is pressed against the cover  128 , the four distinct pieces are pushed inwardly thereby increasing the size of the orifice  130 . This allows the tip of the delivery device to enter into the housing  100 . Once the material  10  from the delivery device is delivered into the housing  100 , the delivery device is pulled away from the cover  128 . This allows the four distinct pieces to return back to their original positions thereby decreasing the size of the orifice  130 . In some embodiments in which the amount of the material raises higher than the level of the hole  124 , the material  10  itself will apply pressure against the four distinct pieces facilitating closure of these four distinct pieces back to their original configuration. 
         [0040]    Once the material  10  is delivered inside the housing  100 , the material  10  resides in the lower section  116  of the housing  100 . In the preferred embodiment, the transfer wheel  200  is located closer to the back wall  104  of the housing  100 . Therefore, in some embodiments, the front end  132  of the bottom wall  106  of the housing  100  may be raised to cause any material  10  to flow towards the back wall  104 . This maximizes the material  10  available to be scooped up by the transfer wheel  200 . 
         [0041]    In general, the bottom wall  106  has a flat exterior side  134  and a flat interior side  136  that defines the floor of the housing  100 . The flat exterior side  134  allows the housing  100  to stand on its own. In some embodiments, the bottom wall  106  may be adjustable from a flat, horizontal configuration to an angled configuration. In some embodiments, only the floor  136  may be adjustable. In other embodiments, the entire bottom wall  106  may be adjustable. Thus, when there are plentiful amounts of material inside the trough  126 , the floor  136  may be in its flat, horizontal configuration to maximize space. As material  10  is used up, the floor  136  may be raised to allow material  10  to concentrate near the transfer wheel  200 . 
         [0042]    The top wall  108  has an exterior side  138  and an interior side  140  defining a ceiling. In some embodiments, the ceiling  140  of the housing  100  may be angled relative to bottom wall  106  in its flat, horizontal configuration. In particular, the ceiling  140  and the bottom wall  106  (when flat against the ground) may create an angle A ranging from approximately 10 degrees to approximately 30 degrees with the front end  142  of the ceiling  140  being higher than the back end  144  of the ceiling  140 . Preferably, the angle A may range from approximately 15 degrees to approximately 20 degrees. Having an angled ceiling may reduce the chances of any material  10  that had splashed onto the ceiling  140  from dripping back onto the propeller  300  or in front of the propeller  300  where the drip could interfere with the material being flung. By having the ceiling  140  angled, any material that inadvertently splashes onto the ceiling  140  may migrate along the ceiling  140  towards the lower back end  144  and eventually down the back wall  104  back into the trough  126 . 
         [0043]    On the exterior side  138  of the top wall  108 , a handle  146  may be attached or integrally formed. The handle  146  allows the housing  100  to be held in a convenient manner while actuating the actuator  500 . The handle  146  can also be placed on any other wall  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  110 ,  112 . In some embodiments, any wall or combination of walls  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  110 ,  112  can be dimensioned and/or contoured so as to be gripped to function as a handle. 
         [0044]    For economy of space, the back wall  104  may be curved to accommodate the rotation of the propeller  300 . As such, the curvature of the back wall  104  may be analogous or parallel to the rotational path of the propeller. 
         [0045]    The housing  100  is generally made of plastic material, but any other rigid material, such as wood or metal can also be used using methods known in the art. Preferably, at least one of the side walls  110 ,  112  of the housing  100  is transparent so as to be able to see inside. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the side walls  110 ,  112  of the housing  100  is removable from the rest of the housing  100 . Preferably, the removable side wall can be snap fit onto the remainder of the housing  100  for quick and easy assembly, as well as quick and easy disassembly so as to be able to access the inner components of the invention. Therefore, one of the side walls  110 ,  112  may have a clip  160  to hook on to a groove  162  of the main body. 
         [0046]    The Transfer Wheel 
         [0047]    Located on the inside of the housing  100  at the lower section  116  is the transfer wheel  200  that can take up viscous material  10  residing in the lower section  116  of the housing  100  for transference to the propeller  300 . In the preferred embodiment, the transfer wheel  200  is located adjacent to the back wall  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , the transfer wheel  200  comprises a hub  202  defining a hub axis H, and a plurality of transfer flaps  204 . The hub axis H may be perpendicular to the first and second side walls  110 ,  112 . The transfer flaps  204  project substantially radially outwardly from the hub  202  and are intermittently and angularly spaced apart about the hub axis H like spokes on a wheel. 
         [0048]    In the preferred embodiment, the hub  202  is generally cylindrical in shape having a curved outer surface and a length L 1 . The transfer wheel  200  is attached to the housing  100  in such a manner that allows the transfer wheel  200  to rotate about the hub axis H. Therefore, when viewed from the side, the hub  202  can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7A , angularly intermittently spaced apart about the outer surface of the hub  202  are a plurality of grooves  206  extending the length of the hub  202 . In the preferred embodiment, each groove  206  has a cylindrical shape with an open slit  208  created in the outer surface. Each transfer flap  204  may have a generally rectangular shape defined by a first end  210 , a second end  212  opposite the first end  210 , and two side ends  214 ,  216  opposite each other and adjacent to the first and second ends  210 ,  212 . The first end  210  of the transfer flap  204  may be attachable to the hub  202 . Preferably, the first end  210  is formed into a cylindrical shaped rod. This rod can be slid into the groove  206  with the remainder of the transfer flap projecting out from the open slit  208 . This allows each transfer flap  204  to be independently replaceable. Other fastening mechanisms can be used that allow the transfer flaps  204  to slide in, snap in, clip in, or otherwise fasten to the hub  202 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the transfer flaps  204  may be integrally formed with the hub  202 . In some embodiments, the transfer flaps  204  may be integrally formed with or attached to a cylindrical sleeve  218 . The sleeve  218  may be mounted on to an end cap  219  that can be mounted on the housing  100 . The sleeve  218  can rotate about the end cap  219  or rotate with the end cap  219 . Although the end cap  219  is shown having a well, the end cap  219  may be flat. The end cap  219  can prevent the viscous material  10  from entering into the hub  202  or the cylindrical sleeve  218 . 
         [0051]    To facilitate pickup of the viscous material  10 , the transfer flaps  204  may have a textured surface. In some embodiments, in between each transfer flap  204  may be one or more nubs  220 . Each nub  220  may extend radially from the hub  202  and extend substantially the length of the hub  202 . In the preferred embodiment, the projection of the nubs  220  past the hub  202  may be shorter than that of the transfer flaps  204 . In addition, the nubs  220  may also be textured. Adding texture to the surface of the transfer flaps  204  and/or providing the nubs  220  (with or without textured surfaces) prevents the viscous material  10  from sliding off the transfer wheel  200 . As the transfer wheel  200  rotates, the transfer flaps  204  collect the viscous material  10  in the lower section  116  of the housing  100  and pass portions of the viscous material  10  to the propeller  300 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7C , the transfer wheel  200  may not have any transfer flaps  204  or nubs  220 . Rather, the hub  202  itself may be textured. The texturing on the hub  202  may provide sufficient friction to pick up viscous material  10  and transfer the viscous material  10  to the propellers  300 . Texturing of the hub  202 , the transfer flaps  204 , or the nubs  220  can be achieved by creating any kind of non-smooth surface. For example, the surfaces may contain a plurality of bumps, divots, protrusions, waves, and the like, that may increase the friction of a surface. 
         [0053]    The Propeller 
         [0054]    The propeller  300  is rotatably mounted to the housing  100  and positioned above the transfer wheel  200 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the propeller  300  comprises a spindle  302  and a plurality of fins  304 . The spindle  302  defines a spindle axis S. The spindle axis S may be parallel to the hub axis H. The fins  304  project radially outwardly from the spindle  302  and are intermittently and angularly spaced apart about the spindle axis S. In the preferred embodiment, the spindle  302  is generally cylindrical in shape having a curved outer surface and a fixed length L 2 . The spindle  302  is attached to the housing  100  in such a manner that allows the spindle  302  to rotate about the spindle axis S. Therefore, when viewed from the side, the spindle  302  can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In some embodiments, angularly intermittently spaced apart about the outer surface of the spindle  302  is a plurality of grooves  306  extending the length of the spindle  302 . In the preferred embodiment, each groove  306  has a cylindrical shape with an open slit  308  formed into the outer surface. 
         [0055]    Each fin  304  may have a generally rectangular shaped base  310  defined by a first end  312 , a second end  314  opposite the first and  312 , and two side ends  316 ,  318  opposite each other and adjacent to the first and second ends  312 ,  314 . The first end  312  of the base may be attachable to the spindle  302 . Preferably, the first end  312  is formed into a cylindrical shaped rod. This rod can be slid into the groove  306  with the remainder of the base  310  projecting out from the open slit  308 . This allows each fin  304  to be independently replaceable. In some embodiments, the fins  304  may be integrally formed with the spindle  302  as discussed for the transfer wheel. 
         [0056]    Projecting from the second end  314  of the base  310  of each fin  304  is a set of arms  320 . Each arm  320  within a set is spaced apart from each other along the length of the base  310 . Preferably, each set of arms may contain 1 to 5 arms  320 . More preferably, each set of arms may contain 2 to 4 arms  320 . In the most preferred embodiment, each set of arms contains three arms  320 . Each arm  320  is generally a flat, elongated rectangle having a proximal end  322  connected to the second end  314  of the base  310  and a free, distal end  324  opposite the proximal end  322 . 
         [0057]    The arms  320  are generally flexible and elastic. Therefore, the arms  320  can be bent and will return back to its natural position. This flexibility and elasticity allows the fin  304  to perform its function of flinging material  10  out of the housing  100 . In some embodiments, the distal end  324  comprises a paddle  326 . The paddle  326  provides a flat surface area on to which the material  10  can be transferred to from the transfer wheel  200 . Preferably, the paddle  326  is generally rectangular in shape. However, any other shape can be used, such as circular, oval, star-shaped, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like. The paddle  326  has a width W 1  that is larger than the width W 2  of its respective flexible arm  320 . 
         [0058]    Selecting the proper paddle  326  size with a particular shape and/or surface area based on the material  10  composition and/or viscosity may determine the texture characteristics of the material  10  upon application. For example, high viscosity material  10  may only need a paddle  326  with a small surface area, whereas low viscosity material  10  may require a paddle  326  with a larger surface area. To make it easier for the user, the fins  304  may be color coded to help the user identify the proper fin  304  necessary to get the desired results based on the composition and/or viscosity of the material  10 . Color coded labels may be provided on the housing  100  or in a user&#39;s manual that instructs the user on how to select the proper fin  304 . In some embodiments, color coding can take into account the flexibility of the arms  320  since the flexibility or stiffness of the arm  320  also plays a role in the ability to fling the material  10  out of the housing  100 . 
         [0059]    The Firing Pin 
         [0060]    The flinging effect is due, in part, to the firing pin  400 . In general, as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the firing pin  400  is an elongated member  402  attachable to the housing  100  above the propeller  300 . The elongated member  402  defines a pin axis P. The firing pin  400  is far enough away from the propeller  300  so that only the paddles  326  can contact the firing pin P. The firing pin P is attachable to the housing  100  to create resistance for the fins  304  as the fins  304  rotate about the spindle axis S. The arms  320  of the fins  304  are flexible and the firing pin  400  is fixed and rigid. As the fins  304  rotate in a first direction, one of the fins  304  will contact the firing pin  400  as shown in  FIG. 11B . Upon contact with the firing pin  400 , the arms  320  of the fin  304  begin to bend backwardly in a second direction opposite to the first direction because of the rigidity of the firing pin  400 , as shown in  FIG. 11C . Eventually, the arms  320  are bent so far that the paddle  326  slides underneath the firing pin  400 . As rotation of the fin  304  continues, the paddle  326  slides past the firing pin  400  and the potential energy created by bending the arm  320  backwardly is released and the arm  320  flings abruptly forward causing the material  10  on the paddle  326  to fling forwardly and out the opening  122 , as shown in  FIG. 11D . 
         [0061]    The amount of potential energy created in the arms  320  of the fin  304  is determined not only by the flexibility of the arms  320 , but also the dimensions of the firing pin  400 . The closer the firing pin  400  is to the fins  304 , the more potential energy that can be built up in the arms  320  of fins  304 . Therefore, in order to be able to control the amount of potential energy built up in the arms  320  of the fins  304 , the firing pin  400  can be made adjustable. In some embodiments, the relative location of the firing pin  400  can be adjusted. For example, a first through hole  148  may be created through the side walls  110 ,  112  at a specific location in the upper section  120  of the housing  100  above the fins  304 . A second through hole  150  may be created through the side walls  110 ,  112  that are in front of and slightly higher than the first through hole  148 . Since in the preferred embodiment, the top wall  108  is angled, this adjustment causes the firing pin  400  to be further away from the fins  304 . Therefore, in this example, the amount of potential energy built up into the fins  304  can be decreased by adjusting the firing pin  400  from the first through hole  148  to the second through hole  150 . 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the firing pin  400  may have different characteristics. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 9A-9C , the firing pin  400  may comprise at least two protuberances  404 ,  406  projecting away from the elongated member  402 , and preferably extending the length of the elongated member  402 . The two protuberances  404 ,  406  may be of different sizes. The user can orient the firing pin  400  so that one of the two protuberances  404 ,  406  is directed towards the fins  304 . In one embodiment, the protuberances  404 ,  406  may be on opposite sides. The user can remove the firing pin  400  from the housing  100 , rotate the firing pin  400  180 degrees about the pin axis P, and re-insert the firing pin  400  back into the housing  100  so as to be in the opposite orientation. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9C  the protuberances  404 ,  406  may be on cam lobes  408  so that the firing pin  400  does not have to be removed from the housing  100  in order to change the effective protuberance  404 ,  406 . Rather, the firing pin  400  may be rotated about the pin axis P to change the effective protuberance. Therefore, the user can easily adjust the extent of the firing of the material  10  caused by actuation of the actuator  500 . One of the holes  148 ,  150  would have to be adjusted so that the cam lobe can fit through the hole and lock in place in at least two different configurations. 
         [0064]    The actuator  500  is mounted to the housing  100  and causes the propeller  300  to rotate in a first direction about the spindle axis S. The actuator  500  may be any device that causes the propeller  300  to rotate. For example, the actuator  500  may be a handle, a dial, a button, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator  500  is a handle having a proximal end  502  and a distal end  504 . The proximal end  502  of the handle  500  is connected to the spindle  302 . The distal end  504  can be grasped by the user and rotated about the spindle axis S to cause the spindle  302  to rotate in the same direction. This allows the user to continually spray the material  10  onto the wall. The user can control the intensity and speed with which the fins  304  rotate. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the actuator  500  may be automated utilizing a small motor  510  connected to the spindle  302 . The actuator  500  may have a switch  512  that starts the motor  510  causing spindle  302  to rotate in a first direction. The switch  512  may have a reverse direction as well. The motor  510  may also have a speed controller  514 , for example, in the form of a dial, to adjust the speed of the propeller  300 . 
         [0066]    The firing pin  400 , the propeller  300 , and the transfer wheel  200  are arranged relative to each other such that rotation of the propeller  300  about the spindle axis S causes a first fin  304  to abut against one transfer flap  204 . The abutment causes the transfer wheel  200  to rotate in a second direction about the hub axis H opposite the first direction, while a second fin  304  abuts against the firing pin  400  causing the second fin  304  to bend in the second direction until further rotation causes the second fin  304  to abruptly spring forward in the first direction. If there is material  10  residing on the paddles  326 , then the material  10  will be flung forwardly and out the opening  122 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C , a gate  600  may be provided to separate the material  10  from the transfer wheel  200  after the material  10  has been deposited into the lower section  116 , but before the user is ready to spray a wall. The gate is positioned between the transfer wheel  200  and the front wall. Preferably, the gate is positioned in between the transfer wheel and the fill hole  124 . The gate is movable from an open configuration in which the material  10  can flow towards the transfer wheel  200 , and a closed configuration in which the gate blocks the flow of the material towards the transfer wheel  200 . The gate may open by rotating, swinging open, or sliding upwardly. 
         [0068]    In the preferred embodiment, the gate  600  lifts up and down to move between the open and closed configuration. The gate  600  may be a flat wall that spans transversely across the width of the housing  100  from the first side wall  110  to the second side wall  112 . Preferably, the side edges  602 ,  604  of the gate  600  are substantially close enough to or touching their respective side walls  110 ,  112  such that material  10  cannot pass in between the side edges  602 ,  604  of the gate  600  and the side walls  110 ,  112 . However, the side edges  602 ,  604  of the gate  600  are not so tight against their respective side walls  110 ,  112  that the gate  600  cannot slide up and down along the side walls  110 ,  112 . 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, each side wall  110 ,  112  may have a groove created in the side walls  110 ,  112  on the interior sides to receive the side edges  602 ,  604  of the gate  600 . Preferably, the grooves are perpendicular to the bottom wall  106 , although the grooves may be oblique to the bottom wall  106 . The grooves create a track along which the gate  600  may slide up and down. 
         [0070]    Preferably, the each side wall  110 ,  112  comprises a slot  606 ,  608  to facilitate opening and closing the gate  600 . In embodiments with the groove, the slots  606 ,  608  are directly above and in line with its respective groove. The slots  606 ,  608  may extend upwardly to about the level of the fill hole  124 . Protruding laterally outwardly from each side edge  602 ,  604  of the gate  600  is a knob  610 ,  612 . The knobs  610 ,  612  can be inserted through their respective slots  606 ,  608  so as to protrude outside their respective side walls  110 ,  112 . The knobs  610 ,  612 , therefore, create handles for the user to grab to open and close the gate  600 . The user is able to gradually open the gate  600  to the height desired to control the amount of material  10  that can be transferred to the transfer wheel  200 . 
         [0071]    In some embodiment, one or both side edges  602 ,  604  of the gate  600  may have a stop  614 . At one or both of the slots  606 ,  608 , on one or both side walls  110 ,  112  may be a corresponding catch  616 . The stop  614  and catch  616  can work together to hold the gate  600  open at specified intervals. Therefore, rather than opening the gate  600  in a gradual manner, the gate  600  can be opened in a step-like fashion. By way of example only, the stop  614  may be a projection protruding from the gate  600  or one of the knobs  610 ,  612  and the catch  616  may be a divot in one of the side walls  110 ,  112 . Preferably, the there may be a plurality of divots  616   a ,  616   b  linearly spaced apart in a vertical direction. When the gate  600  is closed, the projection stop  614  can reside in the first divot  616  to be locked in the closed configuration. As the user applies an upward force, the stop  614  slides out of the divot, rides along the side wall  110 ,  112 , and falls into the next divot  616   a  to open the gate  600  by a small increment. If the user wants a wider opening for the material  10  to pass through to the transfer wheel  200 , the user can slide the gate  600  upwardly until the stop  614  enters the second divot  616   b . This can continue until the user has opened the gate sufficiently to create the desired level of flow towards the transfer wheel  200 . Many other ways can be used to allow the gate  600  to open in a step-like fashion. For example, the stop  614  may be on the side walls  110 ,  112  and the catch  616  may be on the gate  600 , the stop  614  may be a spring-loaded peg and the catch  616  may be holes into which the peg can be inserted, the stop  614  may be a series of ribs on the gate and the catch  614  may be a series of divots or channels, and vice versa. 
         [0072]    In the preferred embodiment, at about the level of the fill hole  124 , there may be an overflow barrier  620  extending transversely across from one side wall  110  to the opposite side wall  112 . The overflow barrier  620  may also extend from the gate  600  towards the front wall  102 . The overflow barrier  620  prevents the material  10  from flowing over the top of the gate  600  if the housing  100  is tilted towards the back wall  104 . In some embodiment, the overflow barrier  620  may extend all the way to the front wall  102  creating a sealed chamber for the material  10 . 
         [0073]    The spray apparatus is sufficiently small and portable so that a user can hold the spray apparatus with one hand by the handle  146  and direct the opening  122  towards the target wall, while actuating the actuator  500  with the other hand. In use, as shown in  FIG. 10-11D , the user makes sure the gate is closed and then inserts a material delivery device  12  into the fill hole  124 . The material delivery device  12  contains material  10  to be applied to a wall  14 . The material  10  from the delivery device is discharged into the lower section  116  of the cavity  114  of the housing  100  through the fill hole  124 . Since the gate is closed the material  10  does not make contact with the transfer wheel  200 . When the user is ready to use the spray apparatus  50 , the user grasps the knobs of the gate and raises the gate to a desired level to allow the material to flow towards the transfer wheel  200 . Due to the location of the transfer wheel  200  in the lower section  116 , at least a portion of the transfer wheel  200  will reside in the material  10  when the gate is opened. Upon actuation of the actuator  500 , the propeller  300  will start to rotate in a first direction, as shown in  FIG. 11B . Due to the relationship between the propeller  300  and the transfer wheel  200 , the propeller  300  will begin rotating the transfer wheel  200  in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, as shown in  FIG. 11B . As the transfer wheel  200  rotates, the transfer flaps  204  will scoop up the material  10 . The paddles  326  on the propeller  300  will wipe some of the material  10  off of the transfer flap  204  and the material  10  will sit on the paddle  326  as the propeller  300  continues to rotate, sending the paddle  326  to the upper section  120  of the housing  100 . At the upper section  120 , the paddle  326  will abut against one of the protuberances  404 ,  406  of the firing pin  400 . This will cause the flexible arms  320  to bend backwards as shown in  FIG. 11C . As the propeller  300  continues to rotate, eventually the paddle  326  will slide underneath the protuberance  404 ,  406  and spring forward in an abrupt manner. This will propel the material  10  residing on the paddle  326  in the forward direction and out through the opening  122  as shown in  FIG. 11D . The material  10  will land on the wall  14  and provide the perfect texture pattern on the wall. When complete, the housing  100  can be easily disassembled for cleaning. 
         [0074]    The forgoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment of embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.

Summary:
An improved spray apparatus designed to optimize the pattern of the texture material and the performance of the spray apparatus to look and perform similar to a hopper texture gun or texture spray rig used by professionals. The spray apparatus, has a housing defining a cavity. A transfer wheel is rotatably mounted to the housing, the transfer wheel having a hub defining a hub axis, and a plurality of transfer flaps. A propeller is rotatably mounted to the housing and positioned above the transfer wheel, the propeller having a spindle and a plurality of fins. A firing pin is attached to the housing above the propeller. An actuator is mounted to the housing to cause the propeller to rotate. A gate may be provided to control the flow of the material to the transfer wheel.