Methods, systems, and devices for using a specialized sensor for detecting activation of a fluid dispenser and for using gathered data therefrom for a variety of purposes, including determining when to refill the dispenser, tracking and analyzing operation thereof, matching operation to expected or anticipated operation, and identifying specific users and specific incidents of use associated therewith. Also provided are use of remote data repositories and/or processing devices that for processing and use of such data.

An apparatus and method for locating a position of a coating applicator in a coating process for applying coating material to an article. At least one positioning member is attached to a spray applicator at one end and carries a marker at an opposite end capable of depositing a visible track on a markable surface removably attached to the surface of the article to be coated. The positioning member provide a resilient biasing force on the marker to maintain the marker in contact with the surface of the article despite surface topography changes as the article and the marker move relative to each other. The visible track(s) define a centerline or the overall spray pattern of the spray applicator.

An apparatus and method for locating a position of a coating applicator in a coating process for applying coating material to an article. At least one positioning member is attached to a spray applicator at one end and carries a marker at an opposite end capable of depositing a visible track on a markable surface removably attached to the surface of the article to be coated. The positioning member provide a resilient biasing force on the marker to maintain the marker in contact with the surface of the article despite surface topography changes as the article and the marker move relative to each other. The visible track(s) define a centerline or the overall spray pattern of the spray applicator.

This method for painting a surface (S62) of a component (6) with a pattern includes at least the following steps consisting in applying a first coating product on at least a portion of the surface, automatically applying at least one portion of a mask (12) on a portion (Z62) of the surface, applying a second coating product and on the surface and removing the mask (12). Preferably, the mask (12) is at least partially automatically applied in the form of at least one layer (122, 124, 126) of non-atomized fluid, the layer being obtained by moving (A1) an applicator (16) delivering the non-atomized fluid along the portion (Z62) of the surface (S62) where the mask (12) is to be applied.

This method for painting a surface (S62) of a component (6) with a pattern includes at least the following steps consisting in applying a first coating product on at least a portion of the surface, automatically applying at least one portion of a mask (12) on a portion (Z62) of the surface, applying a second coating product and on the surface and removing the mask (12). Preferably, the mask (12) is at least partially automatically applied in the form of at least one layer (122, 124, 126) of non-atomized fluid, the layer being obtained by moving (A1) an applicator (16) delivering the non-atomized fluid along the portion (Z62) of the surface (S62) where the mask (12) is to be applied.

The invention relates to a modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle. The modular system has a control module including a control unit and a control module. The control unit is configured to generate a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in an herbicide and mixing module configured to mix an herbicide mixture and to generate a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly. The herbicide and mixing module has a plurality of containers for receiving different herbicides. The nozzle assembly has a first set of nozzles for spraying herbicides, and the control module, the herbicide and mixing module, and the nozzle assembly can each be individually fixed to a carrier element in a reversible manner.

The invention relates to a modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle. The modular system has a control module including a control unit and a control module. The control unit is configured to generate a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in an herbicide and mixing module configured to mix an herbicide mixture and to generate a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly. The herbicide and mixing module has a plurality of containers for receiving different herbicides. The nozzle assembly has a first set of nozzles for spraying herbicides, and the control module, the herbicide and mixing module, and the nozzle assembly can each be individually fixed to a carrier element in a reversible manner.

This solution is for painting the external walls of a building, and adopts a lightweight six axis robotic arm mounted on a mini-gondola hoisted by a pulley system with the controlling motor located within the mini-gondola, while another set of motor located on the pulley system at the roof-top end drives the mini-gondola to traverse laterally on a set of twin-rails on the roof-top of the building. Four vacuum suction cups mounted on the mini-gondola through linear actuator are used to secure the mini-gondola to the wall. Each linear actuator has three ultrasonic distance sensors that measure and manage the distance between the mini-gondola and the wall to be painted. Once the gondola is in position, the robotic arm will be activated to start the painting process.

The method can include: sampling measurements of a vehicle in-situ, generating a model based on the measurements, and determining a wash path based on the model. The method can optionally include washing the vehicle according to the wash path.

The method can include: sampling measurements of a vehicle in-situ, generating a model based on the measurements, and determining a wash path based on the model. The method can optionally include washing the vehicle according to the wash path.