Abstract:
A reduced wear single input valve includes a valve stem that has a first end and a distal end, and a valve housing that has an input port and an output port. The valve stem pass through a seal interfaced to valve housing at the output port side. A valve seat is within the valve housing has one side in fluid communication with the output port and an opposing side in fluid communication with the input port. A ball is urged against the valve seat by a force of a resilient member, thereby preventing flow of fluid from the input port through the valve seat and to the output port until an opposing force is applied on the ball by the valve stem, thereby counteracting the force of the resilient member. The valve stem is isolated from a pressure from the input port while the ball is seated.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is related to copending US patent application titled “System, Method, and Apparatus for Mixing and Spraying Resin and Catalyst” which was filed on even date herewith. This application is related to copending US patent application titled “Improved Seal” which was filed on even date herewith; attorney docket number 592.100. This application is related to copending US patent application titled “Spray Gun with Interchangeable Handle Grips” which was filed on even date herewith; attorney docket number 592.102. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of spraying pressurized fluid components and more particularly to a method, system and apparatus for improving a seal. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Devices that mix and spray pressurized fluids such as paints and resins have progressed in the art. Certain materials need to be mixed just before application, for example, a resin and a catalyst. If mixed before application, depending upon the time lag between the mixing and the application steps, the mixed resin and catalyst may settle, providing an uneven application, or even worse, may begin to harden. 
         [0004]    Resins have numerous uses including forming and coating boat hulls, spas/hot tubs, bath tubs, sinks, etc. A resin such as polyester is typically mixed with a catalyst such as methyl-ethyl-ketone peroxide and applied to a surface. Catalysts allow the resin to cure; otherwise, the resin would remain fluid and sticky. 
         [0005]    Early spraying systems emitted resin from one nozzle and catalyst from a second nozzle, in theory, mixing the resin and catalyst in air and after contact with the target surface. Such devices effectively spray the resin and catalyst, but uniform mixing of the resin and catalyst is important for proper application to various surfaces. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,063 to Stephen P. Kish is an example showing a spray gun in which the catalyst and resin are mixed in a stream of air emanating from a trigger gun. This is an example of an external mix gun. In an external mix gun, the resin and catalyst are atomized separately and directed toward each other. The resin and catalyst combine in the air before contacting the target. As discussed previously, this often results in an incomplete mixing of resin and catalyst. When the catalyst is atomized separately from the resin, much of the atomized catalyst disperses into the atmosphere and in the work environment where the application is taking place. This causes safety concerns for people breathing catalyst contaminated air leading to restricted use of external mix guns. 
         [0007]    A gun in which the resin and catalyst are mixed internally is often used when solvent emissions are a problem, because internal mixing reduces the amount of atomized catalyst escaping into the atmosphere. Internal mix guns typically have three inputs: resin, catalyst, and air, all three under pressure. In the past, the resin and catalyst are typically mixed in the manifold. The mixture of resin and catalyst are then expelled from a gun through a nozzle along with pressurized air. The resin and catalyst are atomized by the pressurized air. 
         [0008]    I some prior spraying devices, the resin and catalyst are introduced into a mixing area where they combine as they flow toward a spray tip or nozzle. A pressurized air stream helps mix the catalyst and resin and also helps expel the catalyst/resin mixture from the nozzle. In such designs, if there is an imbalance in the pressure of the resin and catalyst, the combined resin and catalyst will back up into the supply that has lower pressure, especially if a clog occurs. Furthermore, it is undesirable to introduce catalyst at the same high pressures of the resin since the catalyst is often less viscous and, at times, a serious health risk. It is also difficult to mix the catalyst and resin in the mixing area because, often, the relatively high viscosity catalyst often creates a tunnel through the resin within the mixing area instead of completely mixing with the resin. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a system, method and apparatus that will seal a pressure side of a shaft from a non-pressure side of that shaft. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In one embodiment, a reduced wear single input valve is disclosed including a valve stem that has a first end and a distal end, and a valve housing that has an input port and an output port. There is a seal interfaced to valve housing at the output port side of the valve housing. The valve stem pass through the seal. A valve seat is within the valve housing. One side of the valve seat is in fluid communication with the output port and an opposing side of the valve seat is in fluid communication with the input port. A ball is urged against the valve seat by a force of a resilient member such that, the ball prevents flow of fluid from the input port through the valve seat and to the output port until an opposing force is applied on the ball by the valve stem, thereby counteracting the force of the resilient member. The valve stem is isolated from a pressure from the input port while the ball is seated against the valve seat. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a reduced wear single input valve is disclosed including a valve stem that has a first end and a distal end, the first end operatively coupled to a trigger, and a valve housing that has an input port and an output port. The input port is in fluid communication with a source of resin under pressure and the output port is in fluid communication with a spray nozzle. A seal is interfaced to valve housing at the output port side of the valve housing with the valve stem passing through the seal, thereby reducing leakage from the reduced wear single input valve. A valve seat is within the valve housing. One side of the valve seat in fluid communication with the output port and an opposing side of the valve seat is in fluid communication with the input port. A ball urged against the valve seat by a force of a resilient member such that, the ball prevents flow of the resin from the input port through the valve seat and to the output port until an opposing force is applied on the ball by the valve stem to counteract the force of the resilient member. The valve stem is isolated from the resin under pressure while the ball is seated against the valve seat. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a reduced wear single input valve is disclosed including a valve stem that has a first end and a distal end, the first end is operatively coupled to a trigger of a spray gun, whereas operation of the trigger moves the valve stem along an axis of the valve stem. Also included is a valve housing that has an input port and an output port. The input port is in fluid communication with a source of resin under pressure and the output port is in fluid communication with a spray nozzle. A seal is interfaced to valve housing at the output port side of the valve housing and the valve stem passes through seal, thereby reducing leakage from the reduced wear single input valve. One side of a valve seat within the valve housing is in fluid communication with the output port and an opposing side of the valve seat is in fluid communication with the input port. A ball is urged against the valve seat by a force of a spring such that, the ball prevents flow of the resin from the input port through the valve seat and to the output port until an opposing force from the trigger is applied by the valve stem to counteract the force of the resilient member. The valve stem is isolated from the resin under pressure while the ball is seated against the valve seat (e.g., the reduced wear single input valve is closed). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a spray gun. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a resin valve in a closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the resin valve in an open position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dual input valve (catalyst/air valve) in a closed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dual input valve in an open position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rod seal. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the spray gun. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the spray gun with interchangeable handle grips. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0023]    The following is a description of a dual component, mono-valve spraying system for dispensing of both liquid and air for applications where a spray gun or similar device is used in various industries such as the composite industry, adhesive industry, paint industry, coating industry, and polymer industry, etc. 
         [0024]    The exemplary spray gun (see  FIG. 7 ) is one embodiment of the various internal and external components disclosed that provide proper dispensing of plural components, often referred to a 2K Coatings and Material industry. In such, it is known to have a dispensing head that includes two or more valves to control the flow of two liquids that are dispensed together. In some examples of the prior art, the materials are mixed internally, while in other examples, the materials are mixed externally, after the leave the dispensing head. The use two independent valves have issues related to specific fluids as well as space requirements in hand-held spraying devices. 
         [0025]    The disclosed spray system utilizes a unique valve arrangement that provides for the control of two materials with a single actuator. In this, a single valve controls the release of air and a fluid that, when released, are channeled into a common outlet where they comingle before exiting the sprayer. Previous technology required two separate valves, one for the pressurized air and the other for the liquid. Prior attempts at a single actuator valve required a seal (e.g., o-ring) to be passed over an orifice in the valve, causing wear and/or gouging/nicking of the seal (o-ring). Such designs also required check valves, increasing the parts count, weight, and decreasing reliability. Again, for hand-held spray guns that are used for reasonable periods of time, the weight and size of the spray gun is important, and extra components lead to larger/heavier spray guns. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exploded view of a spray gun is shown. The exemplary spray gun disclosed is for illustrative purposes and does not limit any of the inventions disclosed, in that, there are several inventive components and/or subsystems that are disclosed with respect to the exemplary spray gun shown in  FIG. 1  and any or all such components and/or subsystems are anticipated for use in a variety of applications and are not limited to the exemplary spray gun. Additionally, it is anticipated that the size, shape, and assembly of the spray gun be varied to meet particular applications. 
         [0027]    The spray gun handle  32  is affixed to the gun head assembly  31  by a plurality of cap screws  18 . Handle grips  70  are affixed to the sides of the spray gun handle  32  by fasteners  33 . The trigger  13  is attached to a trigger arm  14  by a fastener  19 . The trigger arm  14  is pivotally held to the spray gun handle  32  by a trigger mount  2  and pivot pin  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the pivot pin  30  is a quick release pin  30 . The trigger mount  2  is fastened to the spray gun handle  32  by, for example, a cap screw  15 . A trigger guard  10  includes a trigger stop  11  that is held in position on the trigger guard  10  by two retainer rings  12 , allowing rotation of the trigger guard  10 . A spring plunger  20  set into the trigger stop  11  mates with detents on the trigger guard  10 , providing 90 degree stops for the trigger stop  11  as it is rotated around the trigger guard  10 . The trigger stop  11  is used in an upright position (body of the trigger stop  11  is positioned to interfere with the trigger  13 ) to prevent accidental actuation of the trigger  13  or to lock the trigger  13  in the open position during long periods of spraying to reduce fatigue. The trigger guard  10  is held to the trigger handle  32  by fasteners  21  (e.g. pan head screws). Two clips  12  maintain the location of the trigger stop  11  on the trigger guard  10 . 
         [0028]    For completeness, though not required for operation, some spray guns include ports for extra valves that supply an air signal to a safety valve or send air to a fiberglass chopper motor. These ports are not visible in  FIG. 1 , but optional covers  34 / 35  are shown that cover such ports, when present. 
         [0029]    The catalyst fitting  17  and resin fitting  1  attach to the gun head assembly  31  and are sealed with o-rings  25 . Compressed air enters the gun head assembly through a compressed air fitting  5 . To prevent catalyst from flowing back through the compressed air lines, an optional check valve  29  is placed in fluid communications between the compressed air fitting  5  and the gun head assembly  31 . Pressurized air enters the air fitting  5  and as will be discussed, under control of a dual input valve, mixes with catalyst, thereby causing the catalyst to “atomize” into droplets. 
         [0030]    An air supply port for what is called Air Refinement that is used to trim in the edges of the spray pattern coming out of the spray gun is provided through a fitting  37  (e.g., a barbed fitting) that is in fluid communications with an elbow  43  (e.g., a swivel elbow). This pressurized air is used to aim the spray, but is not mixed with the catalyst/resin before the catalyst/resin is sprayed. 
         [0031]    A catalyst tip  23  is mounted to the front of the gun head assembly  31  by a retaining ring  9  and sealed with one or more o-rings  7 / 8 . At the center of the catalyst tip  23  is held a spray tip  22  which is sealed to the gun head assembly  31  by one or more additional o-rings  25 . 
         [0032]    As will be described in detail, there are two separate valve assemblies housed by the gun head assembly  31 , the operation of which is described in  FIGS. 2-5 . Both valves are operated in tandem by the movement of the trigger arm  14 . When the trigger  13  is pulled towards the handle  32 , the trigger arm  14  swivels around the pin  30  resulting in an actuating pressure on both valve stems  4 / 26 . The valve stems  4 / 26  are held within chambers of the gun head assembly  31  by an upper sealing system that includes rod seal caps  40 , rod seals  41 , o-rings  38 / 49 / 46 / 47 / 6 / 24 , and cartridges  3 / 39 . The dual input valve stem  4  includes a captured o-ring  60 , as will be discussed. 
         [0033]    The mono input valve stem  26  operates a ball valve by way of a ball  27  that is biased in the closed position within the gun head assembly  31  by a mono valve spring  28  that is held within the gun head assembly  31  by a cap  16 , sealed by an o-ring  42 . 
         [0034]    The dual input valve stem  4  is biased in the closed position within the gun head assembly  31  by a dual valve spring  36  that is held within the gun head assembly  31  by a cap  16 , sealed by an o-ring  50 . An optional o-ring  51  provides an enhanced seal to the dual input valve. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , cross-sectional views of a resin valve in a closed position ( FIG. 2 ) and an open position ( FIG. 3 ) are shown. Resin enters the gun head assembly  31  from the resin fitting  1  through a resin input port  80  into an area on the pressure side of the ball  27 . Note that in a preferred embodiment, the ball  27  is made of ceramic or silicon nitride ceramic, though other suitable materials are anticipated. The pressure of the resin and the bias of the mono valve spring  28  hold the ball  27  against the ball valve seat  84  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), preventing flow of resin. 
         [0036]    When the trigger  13  is operated (pulled towards the handle  32 ), the trigger arm  14  swivels around the pin  30 , thereby displacing the mono valve actuating rod  26  in a direction towards the ball  27 , thereby dislodging the ball  27  from the ball valve seat  84  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Once the ball  27  is dislodged from the ball valve seat  84 , resin flows from the resin input port  80  around the ball  27  and ball valve seat  84  and out a resin output port  82  to the spray tip  22 . Note, that in a preferred embodiment, the resin flows around the mono valve actuating rod  26 , in effect lubricating the mono valve actuating rod  26 , but also requiring a sealing system including the rod seals  41 . The rod seals  41  prevent the resin from leaking out of the rod seal caps  40 , as will be explained along with  FIG. 6 . Also, because the mono valve actuating rod  26  and rod seals  41  are on the low pressure side of the ball  27 , the mono valve actuating rod  26  and rod seals  41  are not exposed to the high pressure from the resin input port  80  when the mono valve is in the closed position (e.g. the ball  27  is seated in the ball valve seat  84 ). 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , cross-sectional views of a catalyst/air valve (dual input valve) in a closed position ( FIG. 4 ) and in an open position ( FIG. 5 ) are shown. Catalyst enters the gun head assembly  31  from the catalyst fitting  17  through a catalyst input port  90  into an area on the pressure side of the catalyst valve  97  (formed on the dual input valve stem  4 ). The pressure of the catalyst and the bias of the dual input valve spring  36  hold the catalyst valve  97  against the catalyst valve seat  94  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), preventing flow of catalyst from the catalyst input port  90  through to the mixing chamber  100 . An optional o-ring  51  further enhances this seal. 
         [0038]    Compressed air enters the gun head assembly  31  from the compressed air fitting  5  through a compressed air input port  98  into an area on the upper pressure side of the dual input valve stem  4 . The pressure of the catalyst and the bias of the dual input valve spring  36  hold the compressed air valve  99  of the dual input valve stem  4  and seated o-ring  60  against the compressed air valve seat  95  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), preventing flow of compressed air from the compressed air input port  98  through to the mixing chamber  106 . 
         [0039]    When the trigger  13  is operated (pulled towards the handle  32 ), the trigger arm swivels around the pin  30 , thereby displacing the dual input valve stem  4  in a direction towards the dual input valve spring  36 , thereby dislodging both catalyst valve  97  from the catalyst valve seat  94 , and the compressed air valve  99  and seated o-ring  60  from the compressed air valve seat  95  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). Once the catalyst valve  97  is dislodged from the catalyst valve seat  94 , catalyst flows from the catalyst input port  90  into the mixing chamber  106 . Likewise, once the compressed air valve  99  and seated o-ring  60  dislodge from the compressed air valve seat  95 , compressed air flows from the compressed air input port  98  into the mixing chamber  106 . The catalyst and compressed air mix within the mixing chamber  106  and flow out through a dual valve output port  92  to the spray tip  22 . 
         [0040]    The dual input valve controls the flow of two materials with actuation of only one stem, the dual valve stem  4 . In this, the dual input valve opens and closes the flow of both a fluid and pressurized air. When open, the air and fluid are channeled to a mixing chamber  106  where they comingle and then exit the valve housing  31  through the dual valve output port  92 , to a nozzle of, for example, a spray or dispensing gun. 
         [0041]    Previous technology used either separate valves to control flow of both materials, or a single valve with only dynamic o-rings or seals. The separate valves of the prior art, bulk becomes an issue because two separate valves are used, which is a liability with a hand-held dispensing gun because of weight and size. With the single valve of the prior art, problems often occur when dynamic soft seals or o-rings pass over orifices that deliver or vacate the fluids, often causing gouging or “nicking” of these seals. This problem is exacerbated when one of the materials is incompatible with the other or there are contaminants in the materials (i.e., an oil or water vapor in the compressed air from the compressor which causes seal swelling). In addition, check valves are often needed which also add bulk, are often not reliable, and increase the number of necessary parts and, hence, size and weight. 
         [0042]    The operation of the disclosed dual input valve is initiated by movement of the dual input valve stem  4  that has two tapered pistons (catalyst valve  97  and compressed air valve  99 ) that moves back and forth along an axis. The dual input valve is held within a housing (part of the head assembly  31 ) and held closed by, for example, a compression spring  36  and further by some degree of fluid pressure from the catalyst input port  90 . The dual input valve is opened by applying pressure to an actuating rod (dual input valve stem  4 ) which in turn causes the spring  36  to compress. When the pressure to the actuating rod is released the spring  36  urges the dual input valve stem  4  back to the closed position. The dual input valve uses both a dynamic and a static seal in a manner that eliminates the problems discussed above. With the primary component (fluid such as a catalyst), the catalyst valve  97  (e.g., the larger tapered piston) engages a static internal seat, the catalyst valve seat  94 . For the secondary component (compressed air), compressed air valve  99  (e.g., the smaller tapered piston) and a captured o-ring  60  engages the compressed air valve seat  95  (e.g., a smooth taper on the inside of the valve housing). 
         [0043]    When the dual input valve is opened, the seals are not compressed (catalyst valve  97  separates from the catalyst valve seat  94  and the compressed air valve  99  separates from the compressed air valve seat  95 ), improving longevity and wear characteristics for the seals, and reducing manufacturing costs involved in chamfering of internal orifices or machining internal grooves. The dual input valve is compact and requires far fewer parts to accomplish the task of controlling the flow of two materials (e.g. catalyst and compressed air). This reduces manufacturing costs, reduces weight and space of the valve, especially when used in hand-held applications, and improves the ease of maintenance for the dual input valve. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of a rod seal  41  is shown. In the exemplary spray gun, there are two rod seals  41 , one for the dual input valve stem  4  and one for the mono valve actuating rod  26 . For brevity, the valve stem  4  is shown in this example. The seal has a lip  41   a  and a body  41 . The rod  4  (e.g. the dual input valve stem  4  or the mono valve actuating rod  26  or, in general, any cylindrical object or shaft) passes through an aperture that follows the axis of the tapered cylindrical body  41 . The body  41  of the rod seal (or shaft seal) tapers, preferably linearly, from a higher diameter at an end where the tapered cylindrical body  41  meets the lip  41   a  to a lower diameter at a distal end at the pressure side of the seal  41   c  (e.g. air pressure side for the dual input valve or resin pressure side of the mono valve). Likewise, the lip  41   a  and body  41  have a tapered cylindrical aperture having a greater inner diameter at the lip  41   a  end and tapering in a preferably linear fashion to a lesser inner diameter at a distal end at the pressure side of the seal  41   c , preferably the lesser inner diameter is approximately the same as an outer diameter of the shaft  4 , providing for a tight seal between the inner diameter at the distal end and the shaft  4 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the spray gun is shown. Again, the exemplary spray gun disclosed is for illustrative purposes and does not limit any of the inventions disclosed, in that, there are several inventive components and/or subsystems that are disclosed with respect to the exemplary spray gun shown in  FIG. 7  and any or all such components and/or subsystems are anticipated for use in a variety of applications and are not limited to the exemplary spray gun. Additionally, it is anticipated that the size, shape, and assembly of the spray gun be varied to meet particular applications. 
         [0046]    The spray gun handle  32  is affixed to the gun head assembly  31  by a plurality of cap screws  18  (not visible in  FIG. 7 ). Handle grips  70  are affixed to the sides of the spray gun handle  32  by fasteners  33 . The trigger  13  is attached to a trigger arm  14  by a fastener  19 . The trigger arm  14  is pivotally held to the spray gun handle  32  by a trigger mount  2  and pivot pin  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the pivot pin  30  is a quick release pin  30 . The trigger mount  2  is fastened to the spray gun handle  32  by, for example, a cap screw  15 . A trigger guard  10  includes a trigger stop  11  shown in a locked position (e.g., preventing the trigger  13  from being activated) and easily rotated to allow activation. The trigger stop  11  is used in an upright position (as shown) to prevent accidental actuation of the trigger  13  or to lock the trigger  13  in the open position during long periods of spraying to reduce fatigue. 
         [0047]    The catalyst fitting  17  and resin fitting  1  are shown attached to the gun head assembly  31 . Compressed air enters the gun head assembly through a compressed air fitting  5  (not visible). Pressurized air enters the air fitting  5  (not visible) and under control of the trigger and dual input valve, mixes with a catalyst thereby causing the catalyst to “atomize” into droplets. 
         [0048]    An air supply port for what is called Air Refinement (used to trim in the edges of the spray pattern coming out of the spray gun) is provided through a fitting  37  (e.g., a barbed fitting) and through an elbow  43  (e.g., a swivel elbow). This pressurized air is used to aim the spray, but is not mixed with the catalyst/resin before the catalyst/resin is sprayed. 
         [0049]    A catalyst tip  23  is mounted to the front of the gun head assembly  31  by a retaining ring  9 . At the center of the catalyst tip  23  is held a spray tip  23 . 
         [0050]    Both the mono valve and dual input valve are operated in tandem by the movement of the trigger arm  14 . When the trigger  13  is pulled towards the handle  32 , the trigger arm  14  swivels around the pin  30  resulting in an actuating pressure on both valve stems  4 / 26 . The valve stems  4 / 26  are held within chambers of the gun head assembly  31  by an upper sealing that includes cartridges  3 / 39 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the spray gun with interchangeable handle grip inserts  70 / 70 A is shown. Often, a resin/catalyst sprayer is used to apply resin/catalyst over a large area such as a hot tub, spa, large container, boat hull, etc. For such large objects, long periods of spraying are performed with little time for rest because many resin/catalysts set quickly once mixed and one would not want such a reaction to occur within the spray gun. It is therefore a goal of the disclosed system to be of minimum weight and, hence, the basic design of the mono valve and dual valve, reducing chamber size and part counts. 
         [0052]    It is anticipated that different users will have varying hand sizes. A handle designed for a large hand is difficult to grasp by a user with a small hand and a handle designed for a large hand is difficult to grasp by a user with small hands. Furthermore, even though the human anatomy is able to compensate for these size differences, long term use of the wrong size handle potentially adds to fatigue and often leads to cramps or muscle spasms. To reduce such fatigue, the disclosed design has interchangeable handle grip inserts  70 / 70 A. For example, if the spray gun is to be used by a user with small hands, the smaller handle grip insert  70  is attached to the handle by fasteners  33 . Likewise, if the spray gun is to be used by a user with larger hands, the larger handle grip insert  70 A is attached to the handle by fasteners  33 . Any number of handle grip inserts  70  is anticipated including various sizes, different colors (e.g., to distinguish different materials used with the spray gun), and, in some embodiments, having company logos, colors, etc., to customize to the target user in any way necessary. 
         [0053]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0054]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.