Patents Examined by Christopher G. Trainor
  • Patent number: 5305957
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the fine dispersion of liquid or powder in a gaseous medium, preferably in air. The liquid or powder is placed into an ejection tube (2) and pressurized gaseous propellant (4) is conducted at explosion-like speed behind the charge (1). The apparatus has an ejection tube (2) containing the liquid or powder charge (1), a propellant container (3) connected with one end of the ejection tube (2). The ejection tube (2) and propellant container (3) are interconnected by at least one transfer port (8) closed by a quick-action locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Istvan Szocs
  • Patent number: 5305958
    Abstract: In the prior art, there is U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,611 which discloses a uni-directionally controlled hydraulically-actuatable center-pivot irrigation apparatus, having strategically located three-way valves. The instant invention discloses a dual-directionally controlled hydraulically-actuatable center-pivot irrigation apparatus having strategically located four-way valves, a dual-directional-valve, and other ancillary features interposed along hydraulic-control lines for the center-pivot irrigation apparatus. Accordingly, there are ancillary means for controlling the angular directional movement of the irrigation apparatus through a dual-directional-valve conveniently located at the center of a field to be irrigated by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Theodore V. Olson
  • Patent number: 5305956
    Abstract: An oscillatory sprinkler includes a base frame, an oscillatory unit, a water output tube, and a tubular socket. The water output has one end attached to the oscillatory unit and the other end pivotally attached to the base frame to allow oscillatory motion of the water output tube upon actuation of the oscillatory unit. The water output tube further has a plurality of water outputs. The tubular socket is rotatably mounted on the water output tube, having a plurality of faces. A strip with a plurality of sprinkling nozzles is removably attached to each face. Retaining members are provided in each face to retain the tubular socket in a desired position relative to the water output tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Po H. Wang
  • Patent number: 5303866
    Abstract: The integrated modular spraying system is suitable for applying chemicals, including liquids and dry flowables, to various remote locations. The system includes an integrated modular tank which is preferably rotomolded from thermoplastic. A well is formed in the side of the tank and is further defined by two opposing buttresses which receive and support a freely rotating hose spool. A pump is located in a recess in the tank for pumping chemicals from the tank through the flexible hose. The hose can be peeled off from the hose spool for a substantial length to enable an operator to spray a chemical at locations remote from the integrated modular spray apparatus. After application of the chemical is complete, the hose spool can be rotated to rewind the flexible hose about the spool. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is suitable for applying dry flowables, including various insecticidal dusts and powders, using an air pump instead of a liquid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Bill J. Hawks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5303869
    Abstract: A multiple nozzle and strap assembly is adapted to be coupled with a nozzle body of a sprayer. A strap has an opening for receiving the nozzle body and a nozzle for coupling with the nozzle body for obtaining a selected discharge pattern. Another strap can be provided with a different nozzle for obtaining another discharge pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: H. D. Hudson Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert C. Hudson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5303865
    Abstract: A plural component external mix air-assisted/airless spray gun has an airless tip from which resin is emitted in a fan-shaped spray and an injector nozzle for directing an unatomized stream of catalyst into the resin adjacent to the airless tip. The catalyst injector nozzle is built into an ear of an air cap and the air cap is keyed to the airless tip to guarantee the positional relationship between the injector nozzle and the airless tip. Injecting a stream of unatomized catalyst into the resin stream immediately downstream from the airless tip provides thorough mixing of the catalyst into the resin, increased utilization of the catalyst and decreased emissions of catalyst fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bert
  • Patent number: 5301846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible spray bottle (10) for nasal spray, onto the bottle neck (14) of which a spray cap (12) is placed. The top wall (17) of the spray cap (12) contains a spray opening (20) and, on the underside, a connection piece (18) for a dip tube (21). A mixing-air passage (30, 31) extends between the connection piece (18) and the dip tube (21), with the result that a liquid/air mixture leaves the spray opening (20). An annular flange (15) of the spray cap (12) contains an air-admitting passage (23) which extends radially in the flange and is angled inside the spray cap towards the interior of the bottle (10). The angled part contains an air-admitting valve with a valve body (28) which is pressed against a valve seat (27) in the case of positive pressure in the container and seals off the air-admitting passage (23). In the open position of the air-admitting valve, the valve body (28) rests on supporting arms (29) which make possible the passage of air through the air-admitting passage (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Perfect-Valois Ventil GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5299739
    Abstract: An ultrasonic wave nebulizer for converting water or liquid to mist has a disc-shaped piezoelectric vibrator (1) which has a pair of surfaces one of which is defined as an operation surface. A mesh (3) is located close to said operation surface so that a gap (G) or a thin water or liquid film is defined between the mesh and the operation surface. The gap spacing is smaller than the diameter of water drop which is composed by surface tension of water when no mesh were located. Upon excitation of the vibrator with high frequency, the water film is converted to mist. Fresh water is supplied in said gap spacing through capillarity. The exciting frequency is almost the same as the resonant frequency of the vibrator. The present nebulizer is useful for a small atomizer which operates with small power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Takahashi, Makoto Ono
  • Patent number: 5299737
    Abstract: A spraying device having an automatic flushing system. A pressurized tank of formulation is mounted on a wheeled frame and connected to a plurality of nozzles via a three-way valve. The valve is further connected to a container of flushing medium. A programmable controller operates the three-way valve to periodically interrupt formulation flow and allow flushing medium flow through the conduits and nozzles to prevent clogging thereof. A pair of liquid sensors in the formulation conduit detect cessation of formulation flow triggering a timer operating the three-way valve causing flow of flushing medium upon completion of the formulation application. The formulation tank includes a vertically adjustable outlet tube controlling the amount of applied formulation. A centrifugal fan blows air past the nozzles carrying the emitted droplets into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Curtis Dyna-Fog Ltd.
    Inventors: Conrad D. McGinnis, Dennis A. Roudebush
  • Patent number: 5299740
    Abstract: A plural component airless spray gun for mixing and dispensing coreactive liquid materials has a mixing chamber into which coreactive components are introduced and mixed, an airless tip at a forward end of the chamber and from which the mixed components are emitted in a fan-shaped spray, and a mechanical purging rod that is actuable to clean residual mixed components from both the mixing chamber and the airless tip. The purging rod which has a main body of a diameter slightly less than that of the mixing chamber, and a forward end that defines a probe of a diameter that is slightly less than the dimension of the minor axis of an elongate orifice of the airless tip. During spraying, the purging rod is retracted rearwardly of the mixing chamber and of coreactive fluid inlets to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Bert
  • Patent number: 5299743
    Abstract: A body spray nozzle is disclosed wherein the spray pattern can be easily adjusted and the nozzle can be oscillated in a support in a shower fixture. A movable valve element which is cup-shaped is positioned in a valve body and with the base thereof to the inlet side of a stationary valve element. Rotation of the movable valve element is effected from the front of the valve housing which directs different flow paths to a nozzle portion. Two or more of the body spray nozzles are interconnected with linkage members for oscillation by an oscillating source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Sieth, Michael D. Steinhardt, Kathleen S. DeKeyser, David K. Rische
  • Patent number: 5297732
    Abstract: A fragrance-emitting container has a container body, a container lid and a fragrance reservoir well. A fragrance reservoir is positionable in the reservoir well. Screw threads, a sliding friction attachment or other means are used for securing the lid to the container body. A seal is provided between the body and lid to seal in the fragrance when the container is closed. The fragrance emitter is incorporated into the container so that the container contents can be kept substantially free of fragrance producing chemicals which may irritate the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Gary S. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5297733
    Abstract: A flame spray gun comprising a trigger-operated valve for selectively controlling the flow of conveying air to an eductor disposed in the powder flow nozzle, thereby providing the operator with substantially instantaneous control over the powder feed rate through the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Plastic Flamecoat Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Burks, Mark T. Dobek
  • Patent number: 5297730
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling weeds and undergrowth, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a heater whereby liquid spray material is first heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. and then sprayed on the substance to be controlled. The apparatus is further characterized by its construction to include an insulating apron for maintaining the heated spray material in close contact with the substance onto which it is sprayed, while at the same time insulating the heated spray and treated substance from ambient conditions. A variety of fluid conduits and controls are provided so that a variety of spray liquids may be applied in predetermined fashion. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Aquaheat Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5297731
    Abstract: An apparatus for making artificial snow includes a flexible pipe which encloses a plurality of longitudinal conduits receiving and holding water therein. The pipe is cooled by a coolant liquid so that ice crystals form in the water on the surfaces of the conduits. A frame member is provided, oriented transversely to the axis of the pipe, which is movable axially along the pipe. Rollers provided on the frame member dislodge the ice crystals from the surfaces of the conduits. A seeve member is provided to strain the dislodged ice crystals from the water. The ice crystals are then conveyed to a desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Alfio Bucceri
  • Patent number: 5295628
    Abstract: In a discharge nozzle (1) through an inner nozzle opening (44) liquid is sprayed in a spray cone against a pointed conical guidance surface (47) in a chamber (29) and in its zone at the nozzle opening (44) said spray cone is transversely exposed to the action of a compressed air flow from a transverse inlet (27). Roughly facing the transverse inlet (27) in a slot-shaped channel portion (30) of the chamber (29) an air flow is passed from a longitudinal inlet (28) to a chamber outlet (52), to which is transferred the aerosol produced in the chamber (29), which is accelerated and then, after deflection at (31), is directed in the opposite direction against the impact surface (34) of an impact atomizer (20), where there is a deflection (32) in the opposite direction and then the very fine aerosol is immediately discharged through an end channel portion (37) and an outlet (38) into the open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Zuckschwerdt
  • Patent number: 5295626
    Abstract: A spray apparatus including an airless spray system, a spray gun having an on and off control, and a center spray device coupled to the spray gun for providing a spray, the improvement which includes: a center valve device coupled to the center spray device for turning the center spray device on and off; a first extension device coupled to the spray gun for providing an extension from the spray gun; first spray device for providing a spray attached to the first extension device; a first device for directing pressurized liquid from the spray gun to the first spray device coupled to the first spray device; and a first valve device for turning the first spray device on and off coupled to the first spray device. The improved airless spray system reduces the cost of spray painting with an airless spray system and increases productivity, while maintaining an even spray fan beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Rick Mirabito
  • Patent number: 5295627
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injector and novel method for assembly and calibration having a solenoid assembly with a pole piece, a valve assembly including an armature, and a working air gap separating the valve assembly from the pole piece when the injector is in a de-energized state. A shim having a thickness equivalent to the length of the working air gap is placed between the pole piece and the valve member during construction of the injector. Following assembly, a solvent is introduced into the injector to dissolve the shim, which is constructed of a material readily dissolvable in the desired solvent, to define the working air gap and, therefore, the static flow through the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Brent J. Wahba
  • Patent number: 5292068
    Abstract: A one-piece nozzle adapted for use within an adhesive dispenser includes a nozzle body formed with a throughbore having a discharge outlet within a nozzle tip portion which emits a bead of adhesive. A nozzle cap mounts the nozzle body to the adhesive dispenser such that an adhesive passageway within the dispenser communicates with the throughbore in the nozzle body and a plunger valve associated with the adhesive dispenser extends into the nozzle body in position to engage a seat formed at the nozzle tip. A number of air jet bores are drilled in the nozzle body, each communicating with an air passage formed between an outer surface of the nozzle body and an inner surface of the nozzle cap, which discharge jets of air into contact with the adhesive bead producing an elongated adhesive fiber deposited in a spiral pattern onto a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Raterman, Scott R. Miller, Roger A. Ziecker
  • Patent number: 5292066
    Abstract: A sealing gun (31) of a sealant application unit, which controls the flow of the sealant in accordance with the value of an input signal, is attached to the end of a robot arm. The value of a signal applied to the sealant application unit (30) is controlled in association with acceleration/deceleration control of the moving speed of the sealing gun. The moving speed (TSA) of the sealing gun and the flow (SC) of the sealant discharged from the sealing gun are in direct proportion; therefore, the bead width becomes uniform independently of the moving speed (TSA) of the sealing gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Torii, Tatsuo Karakama, Hitoshi Mizuno