Optical Spray Paint Optimization System and Method

Author:  R. Klein II, D. Sevey, A. Badakhshan, R. Bauer
Source:  US Patent 5,598,972
Doc ID:  1997001
Year of Publication:  1997
Abstract:  
An optical spray paint optimization system can be removably mounted to a spray paint gun, thus enhancing the ability of the user to guide the direction of the sparay and also locate the nozzle at an iptimum spray distance from the surface being painted. Ther perferred apparatus uses a diode laser, a beam splitter and a guage beam. The reference beam propagates in a fixed forward direction, but the direction of the guage beam is adjustable by adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror.The reference beam and the guage beam intersect at a convergence point which can be repositioned to a selected distance from the nozzle of the spray painting system by adjusting the path of the guage beam, thus allowing the user to spray at the optimum spray distance by locating the convergence point on the surface being painted. The beams also aid in aiming the spray.