Patents Examined by Thach H. Bui
  • Patent number: 6908048
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) for supplying a powdery coating product to a sprayer (1) in an installation spraying such a product. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least two modules (11, 14) connected each to a source (B1-B4) of coating product and forming each part (112, 113) of a common manifold (C) connected to said sprayer (1) for circulating said product (P1-P4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Sames Technologies
    Inventors: Michel Di Gioia, Francois Vasseur
  • Patent number: 6905082
    Abstract: A sprayer device includes an opening formed by a peripheral wall, and a mouth for receiving water. A head is rotatably attached to the peripheral wall and includes a number of ports to be selectively aligned with the mouth, and to selectively receive water from the mouth. The head includes an outer peripheral portion having a number of apertures, a cover is secured to the head. A buffering plate is spaced from the cover to form a gap between the cover and the buffering plate. The cover includes one or more inlets for allowing the water to selectively flow through the inlets of the cover and flow into the gap formed between the cover and the buffering plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Sheng Li Wu
  • Patent number: 6899282
    Abstract: An injection spraying system for mixing additives in controlled amounts to water for spraying, which improves handling and calibrating of the concentration of the mixture. The system includes a water tank, mixing globe, pump device, unloader chamber and a worm reduction element for reducing pumping of one gallon of water into one revolution of a drive shaft. The shaft extends through a clutch device and a plurality of injection chambers. The injection chambers supply and meter the amount of additives injected. Rotation of the shaft through the injection chambers loads a set amount of additives for suction into a mixing globe. The unloader chamber controls the spraying cycle and by-pass cycle of fluid flow through the system. The present invention provides a versatile injection spraying system for multiple tasks. The types and amounts of additives sprayed can be easily adjusted without requiring adjustments to sensitive metering or measuring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond G. Hill
  • Patent number: 6899283
    Abstract: A liquid droplet ejection method and apparatus comprising a base member and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element. The interior of the base member includes a pressurizing chamber and an ejection opening. When the interval from the last pressurizing operation to the current pressurizing operation exceeds a predetermined time, applied voltage to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is increased at a first increase rate so that liquid within the pressurizing chamber is pressurized for ejection at a first pressurizing increase rate. When the interval from the last pressurizing operation to the current pressurizing operation is shorter than the predetermined time, the applied voltage is increased at a second increase rate smaller than the first increase rate so that the liquid is pressurized for ejection at a second pressurizing rate which is relatively small. This ensures proper pressurization of a liquid whose viscosity increases over time, achieving proper ejections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Ohnishi, Toshikazu Hirota, Yoshihiro Iseki
  • Patent number: 6896211
    Abstract: A bell cup includes an interior defined by an axially rearward metal back region, an axially forward metal discharge edge, and a metal side region extending from the back region toward the discharge edge and terminating at the discharge edge. The back region includes a port having a forward end through which coating material to be atomized is supplied to the interior, and a metal intermediate portion between the forward end and the side region. The intermediate portion is oriented axially further away from the discharge edge than the forward end is axially from the discharge edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Seitz
  • Patent number: 6896066
    Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a sprinkler head and a sprinkler head controller. The sprinkler head has a heater and a thermal fuse, the heater is configured to generate first and second heat based on first and second currents. The thermal fuse melts by the second heat, and the sprinkler head is configured to discharge an extinguishing liquid therethrough in response to the melting of the thermal fuse. The sprinkler head controller is connected to the sprinkler head, and is configured to provide the first current to the heater and detect the amount of current flowing through the heater, and diagnose the status of the sprinkler head based on the detected current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Jong Jin Gil
  • Patent number: 6896067
    Abstract: A fire suppressing system having at least one suppressant source, at least two control valves in communication with the suppressant source, and at least two distributors, each distributor being in communication with one of the control valves. The control valves are movable between at least three of first, second, third, and fourth positions. Functionally, in the first position, each of the control valves passes suppressant therethrough, but does not pass suppressant to its distributor. In the second position, each of the control valves does not pass suppressant therethrough, but passes suppressant to its distributor. In the third position, each of the control valves passes suppressant therethrough, and passes suppressant to its distributor. In the fourth position, each of the control valves does not pass suppressant therethrough and does not pass suppressant to its distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: James Bowyer, Robert Dunster, David S. Rausch, William Mahony
  • Patent number: 6896194
    Abstract: A method of producing fuel injectors for internal combustion engines provides for establishing a working life of each injector conforming with the working life of the internal combustion engine on which it is installed. Each injector has an injector body having a seat; a valve body housed inside the seat so as to form an annular chamber, for receiving high-pressure fuel, and a gap communicating with the annular chamber; and a seal housed inside the annular chamber to seal the gap. The seal is sized as a function of the permanent deformation to which the seal is subjected during use of the injector, so as to achieve a working life of the injector substantially equal to the working life of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Ricco
  • Patent number: 6896199
    Abstract: A vehicle exterior surface wash apparatus includes a source of pressurized fluid having a pump which is operable in one of two different outlet flow directions and/or one of two different outlet flow pressures. Distribution conduits extend from the pump to fluid nozzles for dispensing fluid over selected exterior surfaces. A valve is connected in each fluid distribution path to select one of the fluid paths for fluid flow depending upon the valve position. An optional heater may be interposed with the fluid distribution path to supply heated fluid to at least one of the exterior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee A. Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 6892956
    Abstract: A fuel injector for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine encompasses a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, a valve needle actuable by the actuator, the valve needle cooperating with a valve-closure member to form a sealing seat together with a valve-seat member, and a restoring spring by which the valve needle is acted on in a closing direction. The valve needle is pressure-equalized in that the force exerted by the fuel pressure on the valve needle in the opening direction is approximately equal to the force exerted by the fuel pressure on the valve needle in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Fevzi Yildirim, Guenther Hohl, Michael Huebel
  • Patent number: 6889775
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of converting Halon-based fire suppression systems by substituting HFC 125 for the Halon without the need for changing the in place existing distribution piping. An amount of HFC 125 greater than the amount of Halon utilized in the fire suppression system is provided, which is under a pressure to effect exhaustion of the HFC 125 of the system within a time range exceeding about 10 seconds and up to about 25 seconds and which meets the standard fire extinguishing requirements for Class A and Class B fires. An existing fire suppression system is analyzed for flow characteristics to find TD of that system. The greater quantity C+ of HFC 125 required for the retrofitted system is determined by the formula C+=((TD?10)/(2×TCRIT)?TD×100) wherein TCRIT=0.Y×(TD?10)/(C+/100))+TD. The method may also be utilized to determine the amount of HFC 125 required for the retrofitted fire suppression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Bradford T. Stilwell, John K. Schaefer, Paul H. Kohne
  • Patent number: 6886761
    Abstract: A drip irrigation hose formed with a plurality of outlets for discharging the water at longitudinally-spaced locations along the length of the hose includes a plurality of emitter elements secured to the hose at longitudinally-spaced locations along its length to define a plurality of turbulent flow passageways each in communication with the interior of the hose for discharging water from a hose outlet at a slow rate. Each of the turbulent flow passageways is defined by a relatively elastic first material co-extruded with a relatively inelastic second material both bonded to the hose with the relatively elastic material being pressure-deformable, as compared to the relatively inelastic material, to change the turbulent flow passageway of each emitter element in response to the pressure of the water in the hose at the respective emitter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Amir Cohen
  • Patent number: 6883724
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for production, extraction and delivery of an aerosol mist with ultrafine droplets. A high frequency wave generating device or other process generates very small particles or droplets from a reservoir of liquid or material to be atomized. A helical flow of a carrier gas medium such as air is directed into a container and creates a high throughput aerosol of air and fine droplets. The aerosol is delivered through a suitable outlet such as by deflecting the aerosol upwards and providing a tube centrally situated with respect to the helical flow such that the aerosol will discharge through the tube in high quantity of throughput and high quality of stable aerosol of very fine mist droplets. The methods described utilize in-situ extraction of fine mist droplets using helical flow behavior as opposed to forced convection ejection of mist or inertial separation of droplets by separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Nanomist Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kayyani C. Adiga, Rajani Adiga, Robert F. Hatcher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6883728
    Abstract: A device providing an improved method for the storage and releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a commercially available cable-tie, modified to provide a releasable attachment and reliable storage of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. A method of the present invention allows a user to modify an existing cable-tie to provide releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can or other item. The availability and subsequent use of a focusing straw often reduces aerosol over-spray and the resultant air borne contamination. Use of the present invention has, in some cases, reduced the consumption of aerosol spray oil by 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Louis Stern
  • Patent number: 6883721
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for lancing gas into an environment, such as a furnace, wherein an inner conduit is in communication with a gas supply and adapted to transport a gas at a first mass flow rate, and an outer conduit is in communication with a gas supply and adapted to transport a gas at a second mass flow rate. The first mass flow rate is greater than the second mass flow rate, preferably at least two times greater. The distal end of the inner conduit is preferably recessed back at a distance from the distal end of the outer conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ovidiu Marin, Mahendra L. Joshi, Olivier Charon, Harley A. Borders
  • Patent number: 6877675
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for an agricultural implement, such as an agricultural sprayer, used to dispense a product to the ground wherein the dispensing units for the product are provided with control valves that can reduce the flow rate of product through selected dispensing units to zero. By controlling the rate of flow through the dispensing units, overlap of the application of the product to the ground can be substantially eliminated. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the control mechanism can receive data from a remote source, such as a central controller or another implement operating in the field, to define where the product needs to be applied to the ground. The application of the product can also be controlled through or in conjunction with a prescription map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert K. Benneweis
  • Patent number: 6877677
    Abstract: A paint spraying gun with a gun body and a material supply device that are connected to one another by a screw-wedge connection. The screw-wedge connection includes a screw-wedge element that is arranged on the circumference of an essentially hollow-cylindrical connecting part of the material supply device, and a corresponding counter element on the gun body. The connection is inexpensively manufactured and easily handled. The screw-wedge element extends in an arc over more than half of the circumference of the connecting part with the ends of the screw-wedge element being peripherally spaced from one another. The counter element is an arcuate projection arranged on one side of and above a receiving bore of the gun body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sata Farbspritztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ewald Schmon, Peter Dettlaff
  • Patent number: 6874698
    Abstract: A system of modular artificial rocks provides natural looking running water. A crevice rock has a floor and a barrier. A convex portion under the floor is over a reservoir. Water pumped through a hole in the crevice rock floor rises to a hole in the barrier. The water flows through the barrier hole and runs down the convex portion, from which it falls into the reservoir. The floor may have a depression that matches the size and shape of the convex portion. The system further comprises a second rock that interfits with the crevice rock barrier. Water is pumped simultaneously to the crevice rock floor hole and to a hole in a top surface of the second rock. The water from the second rock runs down and falls onto the crevice rock floor. A third rock may be interfit on the second rock and be similarly supplied with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel R. Stukenberg
  • Patent number: 6874706
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for a fuel injector for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having an injector body which includes an electromagnet. An armature group of the solenoid valve may be actuated by this electromagnet to relieve the pressure in a control chamber, so that a nozzle needle/tappet assembly in the injector body implements an opening/closing movement. The armature group includes a first and a second armature part. The first armature part and the second armature part are joined to one another by an insert-and-twist connection, one of the armature parts being enclosed by an armature guide which includes anti-rotation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Hanneke, Andreas Gaudl, George Anthony
  • Patent number: 6874700
    Abstract: A contamination control apparatus has a sprayer including at least one nozzle for spraying water, at least one eliminator having a passageway in which air is sprayed with the water to remove potential contaminants from the air, and a circulator for providing the sprayer with the water. The circulator includes a pH control device for adjusting the pH of the water fed to the sprayer, and an organic matter removing device for removing organic matter from the water. The contamination control apparatus can be advantageously employed in an air-conditioning system of a substrate processing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Ham, Hyun-Joon Kim, Hyun-Ho Cho