Spray apparatus and method of operation for spraying heavy viscous material

摘要

A spray apparatus and method is disclosed for spraying heavy viscous material. The apparatus includes a pressure tank containing a supply of the material. Pressurized air is supplied to the upper end of the tank for forcing the material down through an outlet port at the tank's lower end and into a supply hose leading to a spray gun. A follower plate floating on the upper surface of the material carries a stopper cone which is aligned with the outlet port. As the material level nears the lower end of the tank, the follower plate moves the stopper cone against the outlet port to immediately and positively shut material flow off. A cleaning tool is provided and includes an air valve in combination with a sponge adapted for fitting into the hose. The sponge is pushed by air pressure through the hose for a first cleaning pass, and the air flow is controlled by a hand-operated air valve. The air valve is then disconnected and a water supply is then used to push the sponge through the hose for at least an additional cleaning pass.