Pole Or Extension Patents (Class 222/174)
  • Patent number: 7040510
    Abstract: An extension arm device for releasably holding, manipulating, and remote operation of conventional trigger pump spray containers having a manual trigger pump spray head thereon. The extension arm is an elongate tubular member having a mounting receptacle at a distal end for releasably receiving and securing the trigger pump spray container and pump spray head thereto, a handle and trigger assembly at the proximal end, and an actuator rod connected to the trigger assembly at the proximal end extending through the arm and having an opposed outer end configured to engage and operate the trigger of the trigger pump spray head. Manual reciprocation of the trigger assembly at the proximal end is transmitted to the pump spray head trigger by the actuator rod to pump liquid from the container and discharge it through the nozzle of the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin R. Hester
  • Patent number: 6966461
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an aerosol spray can such that the can may be activated to dispense product from the can at a remote location to the user. The apparatus has a handle, a can base support, a body member and a trigger lever. The lever is pivotably attached to the body member such that it moves a trigger hammer to engage and depress the can push-button to discharge the contents of the pressurized can. The lever has first and second arms disposed at an angle in the range of 91° to 101°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Norris E. Warner, Norris E. Warner, II
  • Patent number: 6964353
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice melting chemicals directly into roof gutters comprises a linearly elongated pole having two cushioned grips for comfortable holding. At the upper end of the pole, a guide hook is provided which hooks over the edge of the gutter, and properly positions a container filled with calcium chloride or other safe ice-melting chemical directly over the gutter. A lever at the bottom handle opens a release gate on the chemical container allowing a small amount of the chemical to be released into the gutter. Should the chemical clog and not be released, a separate hammer may be activated by a hammer lever to tap the chemical container and aid in the chemical release. The user would release approximately eight to twelve ounces of chemical every four to five feet along the gutter to aid in ice melting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Michael R. Lamerson
  • Patent number: 6957750
    Abstract: A cane with a pepper spray dispenser. The cane comprises a horizontal handle and a vertical member. The vertical member is preferably permanently attached to the handle near a first end thereof. A substantially cylindrical cap covers the bottom portion of the vertical member and provides firm traction. A container of pressurized pepper spray extends vertically from the handle to the vertical member. A button is in fluid communication with the container and is located along the upper surface thereof. In its closed position, a cover shields the button from the external environment and prevents it from being accidentally activated. The user can slide the cover into an open position along a pair of tracks in the handle, aim the nozzle near the eyes of the criminal and depress the button. The released pepper spray incapacitates the attacker for a significant period of time and allows the user to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Edmund Trudell
  • Patent number: 6948637
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging pressurized liquids at elevated positions includes a holding adapter, an actuating assembly, and an extension pole. The holding adapter includes first body member for holding a canister of pressurized liquid. The canister has an actuating stem extending from its top end thereof. An actuator nozzle is formed of an annular flange and a cap-like head portion. The head portion is disposed over the actuating stem. A handle portion is formed integrally with the first body member and extending downwardly from the holding adapter. The actuating assembly is telescoped over the canister and the holding adapter and includes a second body member for applying a downward force on the annular flange of the actuating nozzle to activate the actuating for discharging the pressurized liquid therefrom. The extension pole is operatively connected to a distal end of the handle portion and is adjustable to desired elevated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Todd Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6869035
    Abstract: A spray extension device for a spray can includes at least a pair of telescopable extension tubes fitted to and in fluid communication with the valve stem of a spray can. Advantageously, the extension tubes are fitted to a closure cap which, in turn, is fitted to the valve stem, and, thereby, in fluid communication with the interior of the can. Depressing of the closure cap causes the valve stem to issue fluid therethrough, into the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Alton J. Doud
  • Patent number: 6868989
    Abstract: A trigger actuated cleaning device includes an adjustable retainer assembly for alternately holding a full-size or compact aerosol spay canister, thereby allowing the device to be used as a mop with an extension wand and a large canister or a wandless hand-held device with a small canister. The retainer has a “ski-boot” configuration with a heel assembly slidable on a fixed rail having a spring biased latch engaging the rim at the bottom of the canister and clamping it against a toe stop, which is configured to align the canister with a trigger operated actuator. The heel assembly slides and locks in position for either a full-size or compact canister to snap into the device. The canister is removed by depressing a thumb operated release lever which clears the latch from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathal L. Fahy, Dale Aberegg
  • Patent number: 6866165
    Abstract: A trigger-actuated cleaning device dispenses an aerosol cleaning agent from a pressurized canister. The canister has a female valve assembly. In one form an over cap fits onto the canister over the valve and has a male stem on a pivotable part of the over cap that opens the valve when moved by a rod linked to a remote trigger. The stem is either formed integrally with the over cap or is removably attached to a stem socket formed in the over cap. In another form the actuator is a button having a stem that fits in the female valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Brian K. Linstedt
  • Patent number: 6851582
    Abstract: A Deicing Device is provided for placing ice melting material into a rain gutter. The device is mounted on a handle and permits the placement of ice melting material from ground level without the need for a ladder. The Deicing Device has a front side which is placed over the rain gutter and the edge of the roof. On the rear side the actuating mechanism is located on the front side with a valve assembly and a spout. A valve plate which slides in a valve guide release deicing material from the hopper through the spout. A rope actuates the movement of the slide plate against the force of a spring. A support member is affixed to the hopper. A spring member is forced downwardly which forces a drive member, which is attached to the slide plate, toward the front side releasing deicing material in the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6845923
    Abstract: An ergonomic hopper holder for use with spray application equipment includes a vertical support member having a holster end, an opposite hopper end, and a hopper hanger proximate to the hopper end. The holder also includes an arm member having a support end, a spray gun end, and a spray gun support proximate to the spray gun end for supporting a spray gun. The arm member is pivotably joined to the vertical support member. The holder further includes a holster and belt combination capable of being worn by an artisan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Robert R. Slotsve
  • Publication number: 20040256412
    Abstract: A Deicing Device is provided for placing ice melting material into a rain gutter. The device is mounted on a handle and permits the placement of ice melting material from ground level without the need for a ladder. The Deicing Device has a front side which is placed over the rain gutter and the edge of the roof. On the rear side the actuating mechanism is located on the front side with a valve assembly and a spout. A valve plate which slides in a valve guide release deicing material from the hopper through the spout. A rope actuates the movement of the slide plate against the force of a spring. A support member is affixed to the hopper. A spring member is forced downwardly which forces a drive member, which is attached to the slide plate, toward the front side releasing deicing material in the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6806093
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A monolithic block having a main support section having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The monolithic block also has a flat support section covering the perforations of the main support section. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rune Wendelbo, Duncan E. Akporiaye, Ivar M. Dahl, Arne Karlsson, Gregory J. Lewis, David S. Bem, Andrzej Z. Ringwelski, Richard C. Murray, Jr., Cheryl M. Surman
  • Patent number: 6789705
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving an aerosol dispenser and for operating the aerosol dispenser at a distant position from an operator. The device includes an elongated body, an extension pole mount, an actuation member mount and an actuation member. The elongated body includes an aerosol dispenser-receiving cavity therein. The aerosol dispenser-receiving cavity extends from a first end of the body toward a second end of the body. The extension pole mount is attached to the second end of the body. A longitudinal axis of a pole-receiving cavity of the extension pole mount is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the aerosol dispenser-receiving cavity. The actuation member is attached at a first end thereof to an actuation member mount attached to the body. A spray head engagement portion is movable between at-rest and actuation positions and is translatable along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser-receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Frank M. Drew
  • Patent number: 6758412
    Abstract: An overcap for use with a spray canister includes a peripheral wall adapted to attach to the spray canister, a cantilevered lever arm hingedly attached to the peripheral wall, and a nozzle within the cantilevered lever arm. The nozzle includes a stem socket adapted to receive a valve stem of the spray canister and adapted to provide a fan-shaped spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Allen D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6742717
    Abstract: An actuator cap for use in radially locating a pressurized can in a sprayer device having a cradle for receiving the can. The actuator cap has a recess that engages an engagement land of the cradle and an actuator arm that is so located as to be movable by an actuation pin located in the engagement land. By such movement, the can's valve can be activated and its contents released. A method is also disclosed for activating a pressurized, axially extending can having a forwardly presenting valve while the can is held in pre-determined radial orientation within a sprayer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20040094577
    Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is an apparatus adapted for receiving an aerosol dispenser and for operating the aerosol dispenser at a distant position from an operator. Such an embodiment includes an elongated body, an extension pole mount, an actuation member mount and an actuation member. The elongated body includes an aerosol dispenser-receiving cavity therein. The aerosol dispenser-receiving cavity extends from a first end of the body toward a second end of the body. The extension pole mount is attached to the second end of the body. A longitudinal axis of a pole-receiving cavity of the extension pole mount is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the aerosol dispenser-receiving cavity. The actuation member mount is attached to the body. The actuation member is attached at a first end thereof to the actuation member mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Frank M. Drew
  • Patent number: 6735881
    Abstract: A firewood measuring and marking apparatus includes an elongated base member with a marker mounted generally vertically on one end. The marker has a downwardly projecting tip for marking a log when pressed against the log. The base member has an adjustable extension arm to permit various predetermined lengths to be marked on the log to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Nesselrotte
  • Patent number: 6695172
    Abstract: A combination paint marking, hole forming and flag insertion device for surface marking and flagging the path of underground utilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Steven P. Porter
  • Patent number: 6691897
    Abstract: A pole on a base has mounted containers for freely dispensing antibacterial hand cleaner, sanitizing spray, disposable towels and other cleaning and sanitizing supplies. A waste disposal container rests on the flat base and is clipped to the pole. An information display, preferably visible from all sides, is mounted at the top of the pole at eye level. Triagulated print or lighted slide panels or animated screen displays and sound could be used for advertising and information. Selling or renting advertising space pays for the free dispensing of sanitizing supplies for public health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jason C. Ashe
  • Patent number: 6677162
    Abstract: A process of forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A main support having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The main support is equipped with a flat support temporarily attached to its first surface. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support. The samples are retained in position within the perforations against the flat support, and are made ready for analysis by exposing the flat surfaces of the samples by removing the flat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rune Wendelbo, Duncan E. Akporiaye, Ivar M. Dahl, Arne Karlsson, Gregory J. Lewis, David S. Bem, Andrzej Z. Ringwelski, Richard C. Murray, Jr., Cheryl M. Bratu
  • Patent number: 6663307
    Abstract: A device for spraying pesticides and/or agricultural treatment chemicals has a housing configured to retain a spray canister, an actuator rod on the housing configured to contact an overcap attached to the canister, a shaft connected to the housing, and a linkage to reverse a triggering force so that the actuator pushes against the overcap. Attachments can be provided in front of the sprayer nozzle, such as a shroud to limit back spray, a rake to disturb soil prior to treatment, a tapered director to focus spray in corners, or a fan shaped outlet to provide a wide spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kopanic, Jonathan N. Mandell, William G. Madala, Douglas A. Soller, Nathan R. Westphal, Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Brian K. Linstedt, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 6637258
    Abstract: A leak detector apparatus and method includes, in containers holding large amounts of fluid, an extension. A support platform is connected to the extension and a compressible dye container with dye is connected to the support platform. A movable compression arm is connected to the support platform. A remote compression arm activator is connected to the compression arm. In another aspect of the invention, a compression brace is connected to the extension as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Wilson Foreman
  • Publication number: 20030197026
    Abstract: A pole on a base has mounted containers for freely dispensing antibacterial hand cleaner, sanitizing spray, disposable towels and other cleaning and sanitizing supplies. A waste disposal container rests on the flat base and is clipped to the pole. An information display, preferably visible from all sides, is mounted at the top of the pole at eye level. Triagulated print or lighted slide panels or animated screen displays and sound could be used for advertising and information. Selling or renting advertising space pays for the free dispensing of sanitizing supplies for public health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jason C. Ashe
  • Patent number: 6455104
    Abstract: A golf cup paint sprayer 10 comprises a rotationally mounted handle 12 mounted above an elongate neck portion 14, which comprises inner and outer tube sections 16 and 18 respectively. A cage 20 for holding an aerosol can of paint 22 is secured to the inner tube section 16, such that rotation of the handle 12 causes rotation of the cage and aerosol 22 therein. A lever action of the handle 12 allows the aerosol 22 to be activated by means of a push rod 32 extending down the inner tube 16. The interior of a golf cup 24 can be painted with the aerosol spray 22 by depression and rotation of the handle 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald Philip Kirwan
  • Patent number: 6454136
    Abstract: An extendable caulking gun including a cylindrical housing having an open first end, an open second end, and a hollow interior. A trigger assembly is coupled with respect to the open first end of the cylindrical housing. The trigger assembly includes an L-shaped trigger housing secured to the open first end of the cylindrical housing. A caulk tube holder is slidably received within the open second end of the cylindrical housing. The caulk tube holder is adapted for holding a tube of caulk therein. The caulk tube holder is coupled with the trigger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Clyde Evans
  • Patent number: 6450423
    Abstract: A spray can remote control has a body holding and registering the can at a raised top wall portion, and a control mechanism including an actuator guided parallel to a nozzle axis of movement, a branched flexible lanyard for coupling a pull cord, flexible branches of the lanyard connected through a pair of guide rods to opposite ends of the actuator, whereby downward movement of the coupling produces corresponding downward movement of the guide rods and the actuator member without imparting side force to the nozzle button. Respective helical compression springs on the guide rods upwardly bias the actuator member, and stationary guides below the guide rods prevent side forces on the guide rods. The device also has an adjustable handle member, and a pair of sheaves for offsetting the lanyard to facilitate precise control with minimal frictional drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Randy F. Gurule
  • Patent number: 6406670
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously loading a plurality of small items such as small items into the wells of a multiple well microtiter plate which includes a small item loading unit and a small item insertion device. The small item loading device includes a top plate having a plurality of openings positioned to register with the microtiter plate wells and a closure unit to close the openings on one side of the top plate. The small item insertion device includes a base mounting a plurality of plunger pins which each register with a well in the microtiter plate. A movable deck unit is mounted in spaced relationship above the base and is provided with apertures, each of which receives a plunger pin. The small item loading device rests on the deck unit and the closure unit opens the openings therein to drop small items into the apertures over the pins. The deck unit is moved toward the base to cause the pins to enter the wells of a microtiter plate and seat the small items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Albany Molecular Research, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Earley, Brian T. Gregg, Richard G. Pierce, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6378922
    Abstract: A length-adjustable extension pole with telescoping members includes an accessory-actuating cable that automatically adapts its operative length in concert with length adjustment of the pole without separate action by a user. The cable runs within the telescoping members between a pole accessory end where an accessory is mounted and a pole handle end where a pole trigger lever is located. A first cable component, typically including a cable attached to a rack (or a notched or threaded rod), runs from the pole accessory end toward the pole handle end. A second cable component runs from the trigger lever on the pole handle end toward the pole accessory end overlapping the first cable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin J. Troudt
  • Patent number: 6352180
    Abstract: A condiment dispenser that has a handle of sufficient length to reduce the forces necessary to dispense condiments and/or make the dispenser safe to use over a backyard barbecue grill. In one version, one end of the handle has an attached cylinder having grooves or slots and two or more condiment containers have protrusions that engage the slots so that the containers may be mounted and de-mounted as in a bayonet coupling. Opposite the protrusion end, the containers have lids and rotatable tops, each having a hole or holes that allow regulation of the flow of condiments out of the containers. Another version uses a unitary lid and top having multiple protrusions and at least one hole, so that when secured to the handle, tenderizing and marinading can be undertaken at the same time. Other versions relate to various ways of securing the condiment containers to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Margaret M. Reyhons
  • Patent number: 6318600
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing shaving cream or other aerosol dispensed products from cans having different heights and diameters. The device can be easily mounted on a wall or retained on a counter for easy dispensing of the can's contents through the use of only one finger. The device provides a simple mechanical dispensing member which can accommodate cans of a given diameter and different heights and can also accommodate cans having a shorter height and wider diameter, and which is configured so that each specific can is brought into alignment so that its dispensing nozzle is aligned with the dispensing peg on the transverse handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Harold G. Winnett, Bernard Ilan Urfig
  • Patent number: 6296147
    Abstract: A dispenser for an aerosol container is presented. The dispenser includes a housing sized to permit at least partial insertion thereinto of an aerosol container having an aerosol supply tube; and a dispenser conduit, having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the conduit being in operative connection with the housing such that the aerosol supply tube of an aerosol container inserted into the housing is operatively connected to the conduit such that it supplies the contents of the aerosol container to the conduit for dispensing through the distal end of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Trocola, Carl D. Contadini, John J. Dean
  • Patent number: 6276563
    Abstract: A bulk component feeder is provided for delivering components contained with a bulk cassette. The feeder includes a feeder housing defining a component cassette receiving area. The receiving area includes a cassette mounting means for registration with the cassette, and the housing defines an opening for receiving components from the cassette. A gate slidable within the cassette receiving area interfaces with a mounting means, and the gate is slidable to cover the opening in a closed position and uncover the opening in an open position upon attachment of the cassette to the housing. A spring is used to bias the gate toward the closed position, and a latch is mounted to the housing and is engagable with the gate to prevent sliding of the gale toward the open position and thereby prevent installation of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe M. Saldana, Andrew D. Alexander, II, Michael J. Pomeroy, Richardo Garza, Richard W. Arnold, Jr., James L. McGovern
  • Patent number: 6220485
    Abstract: An improved piggyback dispensing feature for extended dispensing devices of tile type having a housing with a downwardly extending handle, a trigger pivoted to the handle, an extension bracket attached forwardly of the housing, a barrel assembly attached to the extension bracket opposite the housing, and a piston rod slidably supported in the housing and extension bracket and protruding into the barrel assembly. The improvement comprises an interchangeable push-disk piston mounted on the distal end of the piston rod, and a smaller barrel assembly adapted to be seated inside the other larger barrel assembly to accommodate a smaller-sized cartridge. The smaller barrel assembly piggybacks in the larger, and the push-disk piston swaps out, thereby making it possible to use one extended gun for at least two different-sized cartridges, such as the typical ¼ gallon cartridges and {fraction (1/10)}th gallon cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Peter J. Chang
  • Patent number: 6033560
    Abstract: An improved apparatus 10 and corresponding methods for in-situ application of chemical in a swimming pool or spa or the like. Apparatus 10 generally has a handle receiving portion 50, a handle receiving base 90 to which the handle receiving portion 50 is attached, and at least one securing component 11, 13, or 14. The at least one securing component is made of suitable material (i.e. soft, flexible, bendable, twistable material such as strap, wire, twine, string, or the like) to allow adjustment to surroundingly secure around any size and/or shape container 60. One form of the at least one securing component is straps 11. The straps 11 are inserted and secured near receiving slots 92, and they are placed and surroundingly secured around the container 60. The ends 22 and 24 are secured to the base 90 by folding over an end piece 19 of each strap 11 so that VELCRO.TM. hook and loop fastener material 15 located on the underside of each end piece 19 engages and attaches to VELCRO.TM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Kim T. Kisner
  • Patent number: 5921443
    Abstract: A plant feeder includes a reservoir container, a stand supporting the container, a fluid feed line, and a flow control valve. The reservoir container provides a source of fluid nourishment for feeding plants, and includes an outlet for dispensing the fluid nourishment, and an inlet which provides aeration. The stand supports the reservoir container through a releasable securing mechanism, such as a lattice harness. The stand includes mutually adjustable vertical supports, a stand foot, and a reservoir support. The feed line is attached on one end to the outlet of the reservoir container. The flow control valve is disposed in the feed line to provide controlled meter dosing of fluid nourishment from the container, and may be adjustably attached through a casing and lateral supports to the stand. A control valve with a flexible valve line and an impinging annular ring adjusted through a radial pin structure is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen E. McMillan
  • Patent number: 5918565
    Abstract: A flag and paint marking device for marking a path on a ground surface with paint and/or flags to indicate the path of an underground line or pipe, which includes a paint marker for dispensing paint and a flag receptacle for receiving a supply of flags and a stabber or ground hole-forming device for defining a hole into which a flag may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Jose G. Casas
  • Patent number: 5875926
    Abstract: A slide trigger for a liquid delivery system has a handle and a retractable trigger assembly. The handle has a grip portion and a barrel portion with a guide. The trigger assembly has a slide which travels freely within the guide and a trigger portion attached to the slide which activates the liquid delivery system when the trigger portion is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John J. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5862777
    Abstract: A feeder for feeding large wild animals. The feeder has an enclosure for holding feed. A reduced opening toward the bottom of the feeder allows the feed to pass therethrough. The feed enclosure is adapted to cooperate with a feed dispensing apparatus that controls the flow of feed from the reduced opening and is capable of intermittently and selectively dispensing feed by propelling the feed from the reduced opening away from the feeder and within the reach of the animals. A single post supports the feed enclosure above the ground and out of reach of the animals being fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: James E. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5799835
    Abstract: A sprayer extension device, to be used with a spray container of the type that includes a housing and an outlet valve through which a fluid content of the spray container exits the housing, including a connector hub that has a fluid inlet connected in fluid flow communication with the outlet valve of the spray container, and an extension segment. The extension segment includes a proximal end secured to the connector hub, a free distal end that can be variably spaced from the connector hub, and a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit is structured for fluid engagement with the fluid inlet of the connector hub and an outlet nozzle disposed at substantially the distal end of the extension segment so as to permit sprayed passage of the fluid therethrough at a spaced apart distance from the connector hub and the spray container upon actuated initiation of a flow of the fluid from the spray container into the fluid inlet of the connector hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Keith Gobbel
  • Patent number: 5769279
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging the contents of an aerosol container and for creating an opening in a substrate. The apparatus includes a rod member having a front and a rear end; a holder for the aerosol container disposed adjacent the front end of the rod member; an arm which effects movement of the aerosol container actuator between discharging and non-discharging positions; a trigger and linkage system which controls the movement of the actuating arm; and a stake member for creating an opening in a substrate, such as the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smrt
  • Patent number: 5540359
    Abstract: A sprayer extension device, to be used with a spray container of the type that includes a housing and an outlet valve through which a fluid content of the spray container exits the housing, including a connector hub that has a fluid inlet connected in fluid flow communication with the outlet valve of the spray container, and an extension segment. The extension segment includes a proximal end secured to the connector hub, a free distal end that can be variably spaced from the connector hub, and a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit is structured for fluid engagement with the fluid inlet of the connector hub and an outlet nozzle disposed at substantially the distal end of the extension segment so as to permit sprayed passage of the fluid therethrough at a spaced apart distance from the connector hub and the spray container upon actuated initiation of a pressurized flow of the fluid from the spray container into the fluid inlet of the connector hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Keith Gobbel
  • Patent number: 5538554
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ink onto a semiconductor chip in a semiconductor device tester, the apparatus comprising a ring shaped support for attachment to the inside wall of a test head of the semiconductor tester; a pedestal slidably supported on the ring shaped support; vertical, lateral, and angular adjustment mechanisms on the ring shaped support for adjusting the position of the pedestal; locking screws to secure the vertical, lateral and angular adjustments: and a mounting bracket for mounting an ink dispenser on the end of pedestal away from the ring shaped support whereby the ink dispenser can be aligned using the adjusting mechanism to place ink on a semiconductor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Chin-Ting Wang, Chia-Pin Liu
  • Patent number: 5518148
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus for discharging the contents of a valve-equipped aerosol can comprising: an elongated, hollow tube having a front and rear end; a front housing fixed to the tube at the front end, the front housing including a can holder comprising a hollow cylinder sized to receive an aerosol can; a bell crank pivotally mounted in the front housing; a trigger rod fixed to a first arm of the bell crank, an actuator rod fixed to a second arm of the bell crank and mounted within the first housing for longitudinal movement between a discharging position, and a non-discharging position; a biasing spring fixed between the trigger rod and a retaining wall in the front housing; a rear housing mounted to the rear end of the tube the rear housing including a grip portion; a trigger disposed within the rear housing and connected to the trigger rod for reciprocating horizontal movement between a discharging position and a non-discharging position; and a locking land disposed within the rear housing for frictionally
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smrt
  • Patent number: 5368202
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus for discharging the contents of a valve-equipped aerosol can comprising: an elongated, hollow tube having a front and rear end; a front housing fixed to the tube at the front end, the front housing including a can holder comprising a hollow cylinder sized to receive an aerosol can; a bell crank pivotally mounted in the front housing; a trigger rod fixed to a first arm of the bell crank; an actuator rod fixed to a second arm of the bell crank and mounted within the first housing for longitudinal movement between a discharging position and a non-discharging position; a biasing spring fixed between the trigger rod and a retaining wall in the front housing; a rear housing mounted to the rear end of the tube the rear housing including a grip portion; a trigger disposed within the rear housing and connected to the trigger rod for reciprocating horizontal movement between a discharging position and a non-discharging position; a locker rotationally mounted in the rear housing and rotatable betwee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smrt
  • Patent number: 5307959
    Abstract: A new and improved spray can control apparatus includes a handle assembly, a telescopically extensible extension assembly connected to the handle assembly, and a spray can holding assembly connected to the extension assembly. A spray control actuation assembly includes a hand-operated actuator assembly supported by the handle assembly, a flexible member connected to the hand-operated actuator assembly and extending along the extension assembly, and a can nozzle actuator assembly connected to the flexible member and supported by the extension assembly. The can nozzle actuator assembly actuates a can nozzle when the hand-operated actuator assembly is actuated. The handle assembly includes a first hand-held handle member connected to the extension assembly, two strut members attached to the first hand-held handle member and projecting therefrom, and a second hand-held handle member connected to the two strut members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventors: Robert J. Bedore, Roma N. Bedore
  • Patent number: 5261269
    Abstract: A pool leak detector for use in combination with a pole having a proximal end to be used as a handle and a distal end to be submerged in the pool, the detector comprising means for providing a container of dye carried on the distal end with the container having exit port means for conveying dye from the container. Battery-operated actuating means for releasing dye from the container through the port means is provided, the actuating means comprising a battery pack for supplying electrical energy carried on the proximal end of the pole and an electrically-operated actuator carried on the distal end of the pole. The container is a collapsible container, and means for placing the container under load to eject dye from the exit port means is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: James A. Barker
  • Patent number: 5242088
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a base, a pliable container of semi-liquid and two clips. The clips snap onto the base and are configured to hold the container onto the base and the base and container onto a fishing pole. The container has an outlet located over a flat surface on the base onto which the semi-liquid may be dispensed by pressing on the container and the dispensed material is then readily available for its intended use(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Rockwell Hammond, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4979649
    Abstract: Extender apparatus for a caulking gun having an axially displaceable piston, a front face having an opening therein, and a trigger mechanism for incrementally advancing the piston along a predetermined longitudinal axis, the extender including: an elongated skeletal frame for supporting a cartridge of caulking compound; the frame having a planar rear wall having an opening therein and a planar front wall having an opening therein; an adapter for connecting the frame to the front face of the caulking gun; an adjustable pivot for adjusting the relationship of the frame to the front face of the gun; a flexible shaft mounting an auxiliary piston on its forwardmost end; a connector fixed to the rearmost end of the flexible shaft for connecting the piston of the gun in a manner whereby the flexible shaft may be advanced incrementally by the incremental movement of the gun piston; and whereby the auxiliary piston is adapted to extrude caulking compound from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Marilyn Lowney Keegan
    Inventor: James Wescott
  • Patent number: 4962888
    Abstract: A portable device for the storage of water under pressure fitted with a hose ending with a nozzle which may be used either to introduce the water under pressure in the storage tank or to activate the supply of a jet from the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventors: Giuseppe Beccaria, Enzo Fava, Giuseppe Manfredini
  • Patent number: 4932565
    Abstract: A caulking gun or the like for the dispensing of construction materials such as caulk, glue, sealant, etc. is provided with a guide at its front end to enable the user more easily and readily to follow an object such as a construction member, groove and other line to which the material is applied. The guide is especially useful in guns having elongated rear-end extensions that enable operation of the gun by a standing rather than a kneeling workman. The guide in one form is configured to facilitate its following a construction member such as a joist, stud, etc. The guide is also adjustable with reference to the dispensing nozzle of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas J. Paradiso