Patents Examined by Kevin Weldon
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Patent number: 6085986Abstract: Oscillating disk devices for drip irrigation systems, heap leach mining systems, industrial cleaning high pressure washer or emulsifying systems are provided. The devices include an upper body portion having an inlet defining an intake passageway and a lower body portion having a discharge outlet defining a discharge opening and passageway. A disk (or disk combined with a spring) is positioned in a chamber between the upper and lower body portions. During the oscillation cycle, the disk oscillates with great energy at a low to medium frequency. This mechanical oscillation may be used to flush out irrigation or heap leach mining drippers and lines, and to create shock waves or mechanical vibrations that can be used for industrial cleaning applications, increase efficiency of high pressure water and mix or emulsify solutions.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Michael Yu
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Patent number: 6082463Abstract: A concealed extended coverage quick response sprinkler has a sprinkler body with an axial passage for water, a cap normally closing the axial passage, and a thermally responsive structure supported from a pair of frame arms retaining the cap in position. A deflector slidably supported from the sprinkler body includes a substantially planar imperforate plate with opposed peripheral edge portions disposed on opposite sides of a plane containing the frame arms which are bent away from the sprinkler body. The sprinkler has a K factor of about 11.4 and provides quick response for light hazards at spacings up to 18 feet and standard response for light hazards at spacings of 20 feet.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Ponte
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Patent number: 6082634Abstract: A wash spray apparatus that is particularly suitable for use in automatic car washes comprises an array of nozzles on a nozzle head. Water is supplied to the nozzle head through one or more flexible hoses, and the nozzle head is driven so that the spray from the nozzles moves through a conical path. The drive is effected by an hydraulic motor connected to the nozzle head through a nutating mechanism which produces the desired movement of the spray without rotation of the nozzle head.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Daniel J. MacNeil
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Patent number: 6082635Abstract: A nozzle having an undulating surface for enhancing the mixing of a primary flow with a secondary flow or ambient air, without requiring an ejector. The nozzle includes a nozzle structure and design for introducing counter-rotating vorticity into the primary flow either through (i) internal surface corrugations where an axisymmetric line through each corrugation is coincident with an axisymmetric line through the center of the flow passageway or (ii) through one or more sets of alternating convexities and cavities in the internal surface of the nozzle where an axisymmetric line through each convexity and cavity is coincident with an axisymmetric line through the center of the flow passageway, and where the convexities contract from the entrance end towards the exit end. Exit area mixing is also enhanced by one or more chevrons attached to the exit edge of the nozzle. The nozzle is ideally suited for application as a jet engine nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John M. Seiner, Mikhail M. Gilinsky
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Patent number: 6079635Abstract: Water display nozzle shields for allowing water display nozzles to be positioned and operated below the surface of the body of water without constant entrainment of water from the body of water affecting the nozzle characteristics. In one embodiment, a rotatable shield assembly is controllably rotatable between first and second positions. In the first position, the shield assembly is positioned over the nozzle of the water display and substantially sealed with respect thereto, the shield extending from adjacent the exit end of the nozzle which is positioned below the water level, to a position above the water level. When rotated to a second position, the nozzle shield, as well as the nozzle, are both disposed below the surface of the water so as to not be visible.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Wet Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Fuller, Chuck Schmitz, James Doyle, Ray Engelhardt, Mark Fitzsimmons
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Patent number: 6079632Abstract: A comprehesive product dispensing system including a product/carrier dispensing system. The product carrier dispensing system comprising a carrier dispensing system and a product dispensing system. The product dispensing system including a product dispensing device and a product dispensing control system. The product dispensing control system includes a flowmeter and a controller. The controller regulates the injection rate of product injected into the carrier and the flowmeter provides feedback to the controller for regulating the injection rate of product. Product is dispensed from product containers which may be filled via a closed transfer delivery system for safe product handling and transfer.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Ag-Chem Equipment Company, Inc.Inventor: Jianhua Yan
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Patent number: 6076671Abstract: A particulate aerosol dissemination device comprising a shreddable belt is isclosed. The belt has a plurality of individual cells aligned along the belt length and which extend across the belt width. The cells are separated by partitions extending between the cells across the belt width. The cells are capable of holding a solid aerosol filler comprising any one of the following: obscurant or smoke generating materials; pesticides; insecticides; fungicides; riot control agents; fertilizer; and feed. A method for disseminating a solid particle aerosol using the belt and a process for manufacturing the aerosol belt segments is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Raymond J. Malecki, William G. Rouse, Michael J. Orr, Daniel J. Hartman, Samuel Morgan
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Patent number: 6076741Abstract: A device for forming and rendering luminous a jet of water projected from the device. An optical lens element is provided through which water is directed before being formed into a jet. The lens element also functions to receive light from light emitting elements which are mounted about an upstream water conductor such that the light is focused on the jet of water.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Paul Dandrel, Genevieve Marie nee Duveau Dandrel
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Patent number: 6076751Abstract: An atomizer for mounting on an output shaft of a motor to be rotated by the motor includes a front surface, a back surface, a coating material cup into which coating material to be atomized by the atomizer is dispensed, and at least one passageway from the cup to the front surface to permit the flow of coating material from the cup to the front surface as the atomizer is rotated. The front surface terminates at a discharge edge from which the coating material is discharged as the atomizer is rotated. The atomizer/shaft comprises an electrically conductive first electrode, an electrically non-conductive portion, and a semiconductive coating provided on the back surface. The semiconductive coating terminates adjacent the edge.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Ronald M. Austin, Varce E. Howe, David R. Huff
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Patent number: 6076744Abstract: A full cone spray nozzle having a vane which comprises a plurality of vane segments each disposed in a respective quadrant of a vane chamber and formed with respective flat ramp surfaces and concave surfaces which divide the incoming liquid into two flow streams and impart vortical and turbulent movement to the liquid such that the liquid discharged from the nozzle has a conical spray pattern with liquid particles distributed throughout the spray pattern. The vane chamber is formed with outwardly extended recesses adjacent and across from concave surfaces of the vane segments for ensuring maximum free tangential passage of solids through the vane without affecting the liquid flow rate. In one embodiment the recesses are in the form of slots in a cylindrical mounting ring of the vane segments and in another embodiment the recesses are outwardly extending grooves in a cylindrical wall of the nozzle body which defines the vane chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.Inventor: Michael S. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6076743Abstract: The present invention provides an improved showerhead that can select the type of water steam by a single hand. A movable flapper is mounted in the showerhead, and a button connected to the flapper is pivotally mounted on the outside of the shell of the showerhead. A first outlet is defined on one surface of a water-separating plate and connects with a slant hole of a spacing block, a second outlet is defined on one surface of the water-separating plate and connects with a plurality of holes on the plate. Therefore, the water stream can be force to exit from the first or the second hole by rotating the flapper so that the water stream will exit through the slant hole in the spacing block or the plural holes in the water-separating plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Tai E International Patent and Law OfficeInventor: Chen-Yueh Fan
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Patent number: 6073861Abstract: A pressurized fluid cleaning system includes a fluid source, a discharge line leading to a spray discharge element, and a motor driven cleaner such as a cleaning brush to clean the spray discharge element. A sensor in the discharge line responds to fluid back pressure above a pre-established level (or to flow rate below a pre-established level) to actuate a cleaner "on" switch. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid sensor in an overflow line from the fluid source responds to fluid in the overflow line to actuate the cleaner "on" switch. The sensors are also connected to a warning device and to a delayed response system "off" switch to shut down the entire system for human intervention.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Heliojet Cleaning Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Barry M. Wright, Blake Nicodemus
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Patent number: 6070808Abstract: A mobile spraying and cleaning apparatus is provided in the form or a wheeled cart. The cart includes a lower housing that supports and carries a reservoir. The reservoir sits atop the housing over a chamber that contains a fluid pump. Cleaning fluid from the reservoir flows by gravity feed to the pump, and pressurized cleaning fluid is discharged through a spray nozzle coupled to the end of a hose. By wheeling the cart into an area to be cleaned, the user can then use the pressurized spray to clean the area. Preferably, the unit is molded of durable plastic and presents a smooth, attractive exterior that is easy to keep clean and professional looking. If desired, an anti-microbial agent can be added to the plastic to inhibit microbial growth on the unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Hygeian Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Richard D Kildow
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Patent number: 6070812Abstract: A fluid injection valve includes a valve seat having a conical concave surface and a valve seat surface, a needle having an edge surface and an annular contact surface whose diameter is Ds, an orifice plate having a perforated surface disposed in a downstream portion at a distance h from the edge surface of the needle and at a distance H from valve seat surface. Thus, a fluid chamber is defined by the perforated surface of the orifice plate, the edge surface of the needle and the conical concave surface of the valve seat. The perforated surface has a plurality of first orifices having a diameter d on a first circle whose diameter is DH. The fluid chamber is formed to have the following relationships among the diameters Ds, DH, d and the distances h, H: 1.5<Ds/DH<6, h<1.5 d, and H<4 d.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yasuhide Tani, Yukio Mori
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Patent number: 6068058Abstract: A fire extinguisher nozzle including a horn defining a discharge chamber and a discharge member mounted to the horn. The discharge member includes an entry passageway for receiving fire extinguishant from a source therefor. The entry passageway communicates with a plurality of transverse discharge passageways and a central, axial passageway for delivering the fire extinguishant into the discharge chamber of the horn. Improved throw characteristics for fire extinguishants are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventors: Ernest E. Ellis, Jr., Michael C. Sain, Mark L. Robin, Steven T. Ginn
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Patent number: 6068057Abstract: In the dry pipe sprinkler valve arrangement disclosed in the specification, a dry pipe sprinkler line is normally supplied with air at a pressure in a range from about 5 psi to about 20 psi and is connected through a check valve, a dry pipe valve and a manual control valve to a water supply line. The dry pipe valve has a clapper which is normally retained in the closed position by a latch member. An actuating valve having a diaphragm which receives air pressure from the sprinkler line on one side and engages an orifice to which water from the water supply is applied on the other side permits the latch member to release the clapper when the air pressure falls as a result of opening of a sprinkler in the sprinkler line. When the system is being reset after operation the latch is either automatically movable or manually movable by an external handle to restore the clapper to its seated position without requiring opening of the dry pipe valve housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.Inventor: John A. Beukema
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Patent number: 6068197Abstract: A pivoting lateral move irrigation system which operates to water in the pivot mode. The irrigation system includes a conduit extending over the field to be irrigated, and a series of support towers which are spaced along the length of the conduit and support the conduit. The power tower is designed for lateral movement and includes a pivoting top according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the irrigation system is a ditch fed system which moves laterally to a canal or ditch, from which water is obtained for irrigation. The power panel includes switches to allow the machine to pivot at the end or corner of the canal. According to the present invention, during pivoting, the irrigation system operates to irrigate, i.e., provide water to the field, during the pivot operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Hlavinka Equipment CompanyInventor: Harold N. Tolson
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Patent number: 6065547Abstract: A fire extinguisher nozzle including a horn defining a discharge chamber and a discharge member mounted to the horn. The discharge member includes an entry passageway for receiving fire extinguishant from a source therefor. The entry passageway communicates with a plurality of transverse discharge passageways and a central, axial passageway for delivering the fire extinguishant into the discharge chamber of the horn. Improved throw characteristics for fire extinguishants are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignees: MetalCraft, Inc., Great Lakes Chemical CorporationInventors: Ernest E. Ellis, Jr., Michael C. Sain, Mark L. Robin, Steven T. Ginn
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Patent number: 6065688Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric valve capable of producing podic mass-flow modulation of a gaseous, liquid, or mixed-phase medium over wide ranges of frequencies, pressure, and flow rates. Such mass-flow modulation can be used to periodically shed large-scale vortices at the outlet and to manipulate their dynamics allowing the user to actively control fluid mixing and transport further downstream. The device has a piezoelectric wafer that in a relaxed state abuts the upstream end of the outlet tube separating the pressurized fluid in the plenum with the outlet. The device has an apparatus for applying electric field to the wafer, which distorts the wafer and ruptures the seal forming a throat area that controls the fluid mass flux. Due to the fast response of the piezoelectric material to an electric field, the throat area can be modulated rapidly in time making the device operable even at high frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Kenneth J. Wilson, Timothy P. Parr, Robert A. Smith, Kenneth Yu, Klaus C. Schadow
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Patent number: 6065685Abstract: A spray nozzle of the type adapted to feed a liquid to a material being sprayed therefrom comprises a tubular spray conduit around which is arranged an annular feed port, this feed port being closed in a liquid-tight manner by resilient material openable by liquid pressure and whose degree of opening, and therefore the quantity of liquid fed to the material, rises linearly with increasing liquid pressure. Preferably, the resilient material is provided by a membrane ring (7) which is a flat ring with inwardly-tapering radial ridges (8b) raised thereon, the gaps between the ridges being filled with an elastomeric material, such that a series of resilient segments (9) is created. Under liquid pressure, the segments are compressed equally, giving a nearly completely annular flow of liquid into the material. The nozzle is particularly useful for the spraying of concrete, especially by the dry method.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: MBT Holding AGInventor: Otto Tschumi