The present invention generally relates to methods of printing articles using three-dimensional printing and other printing techniques, and to articles formed from such techniques, including the printing of articles of footwear containing particles. Certain embodiments are generally directed to composites comprising particles (e.g., reinforcing particles), for example, rubber particles. The particles may be used, for example, to increase slip or abrasion resistance. The composites may also contain polyurethanes or other compounds, e.g., to facilitate fabrication, e.g., using three-dimensional printing and other printing techniques. Other embodiments are directed to methods of making or using such articles. For example, in some embodiments, a composite may be prepared by mixing particles (e.g., reinforcing particles) with at least a first fluid and a second fluid within a nozzle, such as a microfluidic printing nozzle, which may be used to direct the resulting product onto a substrate.

In one example, a nozzle of a fluid material dispenser has a first nozzle body and a second nozzle body. The first body has a first inlet end, a first outlet end, a first outer surface extending, and a first inner surface. The first inner surface defines a first channel that can direct a fluid material from the first inlet end to the first outlet end. The second body has a second inlet end, a second outlet end, a second outer surface, and a second inner surface. The second inner surface defines a second channel that can receive at least a portion of the first nozzle body therein such that the first outer surface is inwardly spaced from the second inner surface so as to define a space between the first outer surface and the second inner surface. The space can direct a gas to the second outlet end.

A spray gun including a nozzle portion in which a substantially V-shaped groove is formed in a circular section of a truncated conical front end with a cone angle ranging from 20° to 90°, and an internal hole is opened as a liquid ejecting port by forming the substantially V-shaped groove; and a gas cap including a cap face which is provided with an atomized gas opening portion having an opening diameter larger than the circular section, the gas cap forming a circular slit-like gap between the gas cap and an outer periphery of the truncated conical front end, the gap being configured to eject gas for atomizing liquid. The circular section of the truncated conical front end has a diameter ranging from 0.8 mm to 2.8 mm. The atomized gas opening portion has the opening diameter equal to or larger than 1.0 mm and smaller than 3.0 mm.

A system, including a spray cap configured to couple to a spray tool, wherein the spray cap includes a body and an air shaping passage through the body. The air shaping passage includes a flow control passage, an expansion chamber downstream from the flow control passage, and one or more air shaping outlets downstream from the expansion chamber.

A paint gun for atomizing (in particular by way of compressed-air-assisted atomization) and applying a coating material such as a paint has a material-guiding part, a non-material-guiding part, and a transmitting and/or receiving device for wireless signal transmission. In order to increase the functional reliability and provide optimal operability in the environment in which the coating material is applied, the transmitting and/or receiving device for wireless signal transmission is arranged at a distance from the material-guiding part and is associated with the non-material-guiding part. Alternatively or additionally, an increased functional reliability is achieved by designing the transmitting and/or receiving device for wireless signal transmission in accordance with two different radio standards. Furthermore, a material application system comprising such a paint gun as well as a method for operating same are described.

Various embodiments concern a sprayer having a blower that outputs a HVLP flow of air into a hose, the hose connecting with a spray gun. A pressure sensor measures pressure of the HVLP air within the hose via a tube that branches from a fitting to which the hose connects. If the sensor indicates that the pressure level has increased above a threshold amount, indicating that the trigger of the spray gun is not being actuated, then power output to the blower is reduced (e.g., stopped). HVLP air is trapped within the hose by two valves when the trigger is not actuated. When the sensor indicates that the pressure level has decreased, corresponding to release of the trapped HVLP air into the gun for spraying by actuation of the trigger, power to the blower is increased (e.g., resumed).

The invention relates to a spray gun apparatus (10) for spraying a fine film coating of liquid, such as paint, lacquer or bond, onto a surface. The spray gun comprises a main body (12) having a fluid throughbore (22), a gas throughbore (16), and a main trigger lever (80) for allowing a user to spray fluid from the gun. A fluid flow adjustment mechanism (52, 58, 74) facilitates adjustment of the quantity of fluid sprayed from the gun for a given displacement of the main trigger lever (80). An engagement surface (86) is provided on the trigger lever and adapted to engage with a corresponding engagement surface (90) of the fluid flow adjustment mechanism. Pivoting movement of the main trigger lever (80) results in translational movement of at least a portion of the fluid flow adjustment mechanism to thereby selectively spray fluid from the gun upon displacement of the main trigger lever.

An atomizing spray device includes a housing having plural inlets and one or more outlets fluidly coupled with each other by an interior chamber. The inlets include a first inlet shaped to receive a first fluid and a second inlet shaped to receive a slurry of ceramic particles and a second fluid. The interior chamber in the housing is shaped to mix the first fluid received via the first inlet with the slurry received via the second inlet inside the housing to form a mixture in a location between the inlets and the one or more outlets. The interior chamber in the housing also is shaped to direct the mixture formed inside the housing as droplets outside of the housing via the one or more outlets such that, based on a discharged amount of the first fluid in the droplets, the first fluid promotes evaporation of the second fluid as the droplets traverse from the housing toward a surface of a component.

Various embodiments concern a sprayer having a blower that outputs a HVLP flow of air into a hose, the hose connecting with a spray gun. A pressure sensor measures pressure of the HVLP air within the hose via a tube that branches from a fitting to which the hose connects. If the sensor indicates that the pressure level has increased above a threshold amount, indicating that the trigger of the spray gun is not being actuated, then power output to the blower is reduced (e.g., stopped). HVLP air is trapped within the hose by two valves when the trigger is not actuated. When the sensor indicates that the pressure level has decreased, corresponding to release of the trapped HVLP air into the gun for spraying by actuation of the trigger, power to the blower is increased (e.g., resumed).

Applicant discloses a novel method of spray applying multiple courses of a rapid cure, two part polymer sealant to an aircraft surface. The method sometimes uses a two part polymer mix for use in the aircraft industry that is applied with pneumatic mix and spray gun. The two part cartridge is used in the mix and spray gun so the mix is applied immediately upon mixing, but the two components are kept separated unless the gun is applying the mix. The multiple courses cure to form a clear sealant that allows for inspection of cracks and corrosion beneath the sealant. It cures quickly so that the coated part may be further processed, for example in the assembly line during aircraft build. Applicant further discloses multiple spray gun systems for applying such a two-part polymer mix to aircraft parts.