Nozzle Cleaner, Flusher Or Drainer Patents (Class 239/106)
  • Patent number: 7491271
    Abstract: A system and method for reliably cleaning the nozzle face of each head while flexibly coping with changes in specification for a product to be manufactured. The film forming apparatus has a plurality of heads for jetting droplets, each having an nozzle in a nozzle face; and a common head cleaning mechanism for collectively cleaning the nozzle faces, so that the head cleaning mechanism is not substantially affected by a change in the pitch between the heads, or the like. Typically, the head cleaning mechanism has a wiping sheet for wiping the nozzle faces; a supply unit for feeding the wiping sheet towards the nozzle faces; and a roller for pressing the wiping sheet against the nozzle faces while the wiping sheet is fed from the supply unit, so that an unused cleaning face can always be supplied to each nozzle face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7472850
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic standing-wave atomizer arrangement for producing a paint spray mist for painting a workpiece, with a sonotrode, with a component arranged lying opposite the sonotrode, a standing ultrasonic field being formed in the intermediate space between the at least one sonotrode and the component in the case of operation. At least one nozzle-shaped paint feeding device is arranged perpendicularly in relation to the center axis of the sonotrode and introduces the paint into the intermediate space for the atomizing process at least one paint discharge point, the component arranged lying opposite the sonotrode being a coaxially aligned reflector, and the end face of the latter, facing the sonotrode, having a step-shaped recessed formation and the depth of said recessed formation corresponding to a multiple of half the wavelength ? of the sonic vibrations in air that are produced in the sonotrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Stauch, Bjoern Mattias, Uwe Goerges, Gunter Boerner, Hidetoshi Yamabe, Josef Wittmann
  • Publication number: 20080302882
    Abstract: An irrigation system draining apparatus adapted for use with an irrigation system having a conduit with a fluid source connection, an air inlet, and at least one output port, the apparatus includes a suction device. The suction device has an input port that is adapted to access an interior of the conduit, and to drain fluid from the conduit by suction when the fluid source connection is closed and the air inlet is open. A method of draining an irrigation system includes closing a fluid source connection for the irrigation system, opening an air inlet of the irrigation system, and using a suction device to drain fluid from the irrigation system conduit through the one output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph Rosselli, Arto Cinoglu
  • Patent number: 7445163
    Abstract: A suck back valve comprises an ON/OFF valve, a suck back mechanism which includes a second piston connected to a second diaphragm to make displacement integrally and a second spring member fastened to the second piston, a load sensor which detects a load applied by a resilient force of the second spring member corresponding to a pressure of a pilot pressure to be supplied, and a second control unit which detects loads before and after displacement of the second diaphragm by using the load sensor to calculate a displacement amount of the second diaphragm based on a difference between the detected loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20080265057
    Abstract: A handheld device and method for clearing obstructions from spray nozzles includes a housing, a gas valve system contained within the housing, and a nozzle body attachment structure. A trigger associated with the gas valve system is operable to release a blast of compressed gas through the attachment structure. A spray nozzle placed in contact with the attachment structure receives a blast of compressed gas to clear obstructions. The attachment structure interfaces with both the normal discharge side and the normal inlet side of the spray nozzle to allow compressed gas to be blown through the spray nozzle in both directions. A backup tool is provided to engage a backside of the spray nozzle to prevent a spray tip within the spray nozzle from blowing backwards out of the spray nozzle. A backup tool cover has a slender projection for removing screen filters associated with the spray nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Phillip John Martin
  • Patent number: 7401744
    Abstract: A jetting device and a method of jetting droplets of viscous medium onto a substrate. The jetting device includes a jetting outlet through which the droplets are jetted. The jetting device further includes a wall located at the jetting outlet, downstream of the jetting outlet seen in the jetting direction. The wall is provided with an orifice through which jetted droplets are permitted to pass through. A gaseous flow is provided within the space past the jetting outlet such that an adverse effect on the performance of the jetting device is prevented, the adverse effect resulting from the accumulation of viscous medium residue at the jetting outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventors: William Holm, Kenth Nilsson, Johan Kronstedt, Mårten Lundberg, Johan Berg, Mikael Bergman, Nicholas Glazer
  • Publication number: 20080156898
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning measuring probes (18) of a gas turbine engine (1). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning measuring probes (18) of an gas turbine engine (1). The apparatus comprises distribution means (30) comprising a plurality of supply means (31, 32, 33), each comprising connection means (33) arranged for connection to a probe (18), and each supply means (31, 32, 33) being arranged to, when connected to a probe (18), distribute pressurized cleaning liquid to said measuring probe (18), wherein a substantially simultaneous cleaning of probes connected to said distribution means (30) via said supply means (31, 32, 33) can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Asplund, Carl-Johan Hjerpe
  • Patent number: 7377452
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning a paint cup, spray tip, and wetted parts from a hand held paint spray gun wherein the gun is disassembled after use and internal wetted parts needing cleaning are inserted into the paint cup, a cleaning cap is attached to the paint cup, and a garden hose is used to flush paint from the interior of the paint cup and the parts contained therein. In another aspect, the cleaning cap is attached to and used to flush an extended suction set having an elongated double lumen hose and adapter. The cleaning cap has a fitting adapted to receive a conventional garden hose and further has a passageway to allow water to exit from the cap after flushing the interior of the paint cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Jones, Wayne Robens
  • Patent number: 7377451
    Abstract: A jet dispersing device includes a high pressure region having a flow inlet and a low pressure region having a flow outlet. A partition wall is positioned within the high pressure region such that the high pressure region is partitioned from the low pressure region. Additionally, the partition wall may be provided with at least one nozzle hole configured to jet a liquid from the high pressure region to the low pressure region such that the liquid is dispersed as fine particles. The partitioning wall may also have a cleaning fluid communication port having an opening area which is larger than an opening area of the at least one nozzle. Additionally, a valve mechanism configured to open and close the cleaning fluid communication port may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Trinity Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Nomura, Katsuhiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7371342
    Abstract: Method intended to unblock enriched air blow or reaction gases nozzles in reactors or fusion converters for mining industry pyrometallurgy CHARACTERIZED by the injection of discrete air impacts with time intervals regulated to high pressure and rate through the enriched air blow or reaction gases nozzles; thus, the air impacts penetrate into the melting bath of such reactors or converters, producing the breaking of blocking accretions that dug the flow of such a enriched air or gas through the nozzle and forming, because the cooling provoked by the penetration of them, a directed accretion with material of the melting bath which is solidified by the cooling effect, allowing that the production of directed accretion be a natural lengthening of the tube of nozzle from the inner wall of these reactors or converters, and by this way to allow that the O2-enriched air blowing through the nozzle enters deeper in the melting bath, to a distance where breaking waves of this flow are generated far of the wall that has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignees: Corporation Nacional Del Cobre De Chile, Instituto De Innovacion En Mineria Y Metalurgia S.A.
    Inventors: Luis Cerda, Alex M Moyano, Domingo Montoya, José Parraguez, Ricardo Amigo, Justo Luna
  • Patent number: 7357840
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a wafer processing apparatus is provided. The wafer processing apparatus may include a wafer support, a dispense head, and a solvent bath. The dispense head may be moveable between a position over the wafer support and a position over the solvent bath. When the dispense head is positioned over the solvent bath, a fluid dispensed from the dispense head may enter a drain and nozzles on the dispense head may be exposed to a controlled atmosphere within a chamber of the solvent bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7347345
    Abstract: A method and device for hygienically delivering a liquid food to or from a food or beverage dispenser by delivering a flow of liquid food through an outlet positioned at a distance of all surfaces of the dispenser and by frequently cleaning the outlet with a flow of cleaning liquid directed onto the external surfaces demarcating the outlet to eliminate the liquid and solid food residue. The device may include a connection fitment with an elongated food delivery member which is configured to connect to a cleaning chamber of the dispenser. The device can be easier and more conveniently cleaned and/or sanitized enabling the dispensing of microbial sensitive food products such as milk concentrate and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Arturo F. Guerrero, Balakrishna Reddy, Mark D. Beaumont, Eric E. Hartman
  • Patent number: 7334742
    Abstract: The present application describes a spraying device with droplet hold-back. The droplet hold-back is formed by a baffle, which collects the droplets in a defined volume. From this volume, the droplets can be suctioned by means of a suction opening and supplied to a filter system for purification. In this manner, a purified air can be supplied again to the surrounding air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Jahnke, Torsten Witting, Christian Thieme
  • Patent number: 7303145
    Abstract: An air flush system for a spraying system includes an air compressor unit and an inverter. The air compressor unit integrally comprises a compressor including an electric motor configured to operate upon receipt of alternating current voltage, a tank provided in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to store air compressed by the compressor; and an outlet provided in fluid communication with the tank and configured to selectively dispense compressed air from the tank to a portion of a spraying system to facilitate purging of material from the spraying system. The inverter is configured to selectively convert direct current voltage from a vehicular electrical system into alternating current voltage suitable to operate the compressor. A method for cleaning a spraying apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Finn Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas E. Wysong
  • Publication number: 20070267520
    Abstract: The apparatus for supplying a spraying machine with small quantities of liquid product to be sprayed, in particular for processing small batches of articles (M), presents a spray unit (Z) designed in any way so as to support, removably and preferably in an overturned position, at least one container (C1) made of any suitable rigid or deformable pressure-resistant material, with a small capacity, for example able to contain from one to two litres of paint or other product to be sprayed. The spray unit (Z) is provided with quick-release and/or removable connections (3, 103) and a short pipe (4) for connecting the discharge mouth of said container to the spray guns (Z1) and there being envisaged a pressurization pipe (101, 102) which supplies the pressurized fluid and means are envisaged for pressurizing with this pipe the paint situated inside said container (C1), so that said paint is forced out and is supplied with the desired pressure to said spray guns (Z1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Gianni RAGGI, Luigi Franzoni
  • Patent number: 7293572
    Abstract: Cleaning equipment for cleaning a moving surface particularly in a paper machine includes a washing head with a chamber in it opening onto the surface to be cleaned and nozzle elements arranged inside the chamber. The cleaning equipment also includes vacuum means and removal means. The vacuum means are arranged in the washing head. In addition, the washing head is arranged to be movable relative to the removal means that are fitted in a fixed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomi Honkala, Jari Laine, Petteri Venetjoki
  • Patent number: 7273187
    Abstract: A nozzle (100) for air-assisted atomizing of a liquid fuel comprises a fuel feed passage (110) and an air feed passage (114) and a swirling chamber (118) from which fuel and air may be passed to an exit orifice (126) for emerging a cone shaped spray. An air bypass passage (122) is provided for leading a fraction of the air flow in the air feed passage (114) past the swirling chamber (118) and to an air exit (124) arranged such with respect to the exit orifice (126) that, during operation of the nozzle, air emerging through the air exit (124) reduces depositing of residues of fuel on a downstream surface (130, 132, 136) of the nozzle element (108). Grooves or other flow-guiding elements may confer swirling or rotation of air in or downstream of the air feed passage (114) and/or the air bypass passage (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Bent Kjeldal, Ove Steen Boe
  • Patent number: 7225997
    Abstract: A nozzle distributor base for distributing a gas which is laden with fine solids particles, preferably for use in a fluidized-bed unit, in particular for the reduction of metal oxide-containing solids particles. At least one movable cleaning device on the distributor base reduces the formation of deposits on the distributor base or the nozzles thereof or at least partially removes deposits which have already formed. Elements in the distributor base, like chains, ropes or movable rods, clean the distributor base by direct mechanical striking action on the distributor base and/or the nozzles of the nozzle distributor base. A method for reducing the formation of deposits and/or for at least partially removing deposits on a distributor base uses the striking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignees: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co., Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology, Incorporated Foundation
    Inventor: Franz Hauzenberger
  • Patent number: 7216816
    Abstract: An airless application system. The system includes a primary product container, a secondary product container, and a sprayer in fluid communication with the primary product container and the secondary product container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hammarth, Stephen J. Lacivita, Kevin J. May, Christopher Molina, John S. Piwnica, Jr., Paul A. Raymond, Johnathan C. Waters, Timothy Oberg, John Ekpenyong
  • Patent number: 7191955
    Abstract: An irrigation unit (20) for irrigating an area (12) with a fluid (19) from a fluid source (18) includes a housing (200), a nozzle (220), one or more electronic components (221), and a unit control system (240). The nozzle (220) is secured to the housing (200) and the nozzle (220) is in fluid communication with the fluid source (18) so that fluid (19) from the fluid source (18) is transferred to the nozzle (220). The unit control system (240) can perform a self-test on the irrigation unit (20) to make sure that the irrigation unit (20) is functioning properly. Additionally, the irrigation unit (20) can include a cleaner (259u) that is coupled to the housing (200). The cleaner (259u) can clean one or more electronic components (221) that are part of the irrigation unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Norman Ivans
  • Patent number: 7172138
    Abstract: A gun mount for a spray gun includes a rigid bracket that is installed on a rigid vertical support such as a gun mover. The bracket securely mounts the guns so as to reduce vibration and swaying during a spraying operation, even when the guns are being vertically moved by an oscillator. A position label or other suitable indicia is provided on the bracket so that the gun mount position can be recorded and thereby accurately repeated during subsequent installations. The bracket in one embodiment includes a series of vertical and horizontal mounting holes that permit a gun body to be installed at a desired vertical and horizontal orientation. A gun blow off arrangement is also provided for mounting associated pairs of air nozzles in position to blow powder from gun exterior surfaces. The associated pairs of air nozzles are mounted on a common bracket that can be selectively and slideably positioned on a channel support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Mather, Edward L. Jones, Jeffrey R. Shutic
  • Patent number: 7168634
    Abstract: A sprinkler head having a deformable member forming a collar is disclosed. The deformable member allows the sprinkler head to resist entry of foreign grit or matter within the sprinkler head, and allows the sprinkler head to eject or force out foreign matter from within the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head may be a spinning sprinkler head including a vane deflector, and the spinning sprinkler head may include a portion that shifts in response to being struck by water such that a braking mechanism is engaged in response to the force of the water. When water flow ceases, the spinning head may shift towards the deformable member so that a portion of the spinning head is received within the deformable member to restrict foreign matter from entering the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Travis L. Onofrio
  • Patent number: 7143956
    Abstract: A suck back valve includes an ON/OFF valve mechanism which opens/closes a fluid passage by displacing a valve member together with a first piston under an action of a pressure fluid supplied into a first cylinder chamber, and a suck back mechanism which has a suction member formed deformably in a flow chamber to suck a pressure fluid contained in the fluid passage by displacing the suction member together with a second piston under an action of the pressure fluid supplied to a second cylinder chamber. The ON/OFF valve mechanism and the suck back mechanism are assembled coaxially and integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Fukano
  • Patent number: 7124961
    Abstract: A sprayer system includes one or more spray nozzle systems and a recirculation line which contains a Venturi for recirculation of non-sprayed liquid into a tank during breaks in spraying. To facilitate circulation, restrictors are placed in an upstream area of each nozzle system feeding line, and a downstream control valve is inserted between each nozzle system and the recirculation line. Each nozzle system can be independently controlled. Closing a control valve activates the spraying system associated with that valve, whereas opening the valve enables the liquid to circulate through the recirculation line into the tank to prevent unwanted dripping, demixing and depositing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: John Deere Farbriek Horst B.V.
    Inventor: Jaap Wilting
  • Patent number: 7080796
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve has a nozzle having a valve seat formed along an inner wall of the nozzle. Injection holes are located on an outlet side of the valve seat. An outlet section, at which a fuel outlet of the injection hole is open, is provided to said nozzle on a side opposite to said valve seat. An enlargement section extends away from the valve seat while being gradually enlarged from an edge of said outlet section in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Tomiita
  • Patent number: 7063239
    Abstract: A dispenser for foamed detergents includes a cylinder (C) in which a piston (P) airtightly slides, the cylinder (C) being connected through a valve (V) to a foamer (F) where the detergent is mixed with air to form the foam which is dispensed through a dispensing chamber (U) provided with a nozzle (N), and further includes an additional piston (S) connected to the piston (P) through a shaft (A) and airtightly sliding in an additional cylinder (C?) in communication with the outside through a one-way valve (Y), a duct (D) extending between said additional cylinder (C?) and the dispensing chamber (U). In this way there is obtained the delivery of air through the duct (D) during the return travel to achieve the cleaning of the dispensing chamber (U) and of the dispensing nozzle (N) so as to prevent dripping of the foam and the development of mildew in case of a long interval before the next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: QTS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianandrea Niada
  • Patent number: 7032834
    Abstract: A filtering system for filtering particles from a flow of fluid is disclosed, and includes a filter device for removably positioning in a lumen of a pipe carrying the flow of fluid. The filter device has an upstream side for positioning in an upstream direction of fluid flow and a downstream side for positioning in a downstream direction of fluid flow. The filter device comprises a perimeter rim extending along the perimeter edge of the filter device and defining an opening, and a plurality of filter bars extending across the opening to form a plurality of slots therebetween. Each of the filter bars of the plurality of filter bars has a transverse cross sectional shape. The transverse cross sectional shape has a transverse width toward the upstream side of the filter device that is relatively wider than the transverse width toward the downstream side of the filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Dale D. Anderson, Bret Anderson
  • Patent number: 7017835
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Vetter, Rolf Schneider, Andreas Fischer, Robert F. Heldt
  • Patent number: 6996956
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning solvent, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning solvent radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Neil E. Rice, Jr., Suzanne Scott
  • Patent number: 6959879
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement which is suitable for use in the generation of a spray or aerosol and which is adapted for connection to a fluid supply, the nozzle arrangement including a fluid inlet through which fluid enters the arrangement from the fluid supply and fluid outlet through which the fluid is ejected from the nozzle arrangement, fluid inlet and fluid outlet being connected to a fluid flow passage through which, in use, fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the nozzle arrangement includes control means provided in the passage which, in use, acts to modify the flow characteristics of the fluid in the fluid flow passage to effectively control fluid droplet size produced in the spray or aerosol by the nozzle arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Incro Limited
    Inventors: Keith Laidler, Andrew Yule
  • Patent number: 6953159
    Abstract: An improved spray through cap assembly (10) comprises separable base (11) and cover parts (13). The base part includes a hollow actuator (17) which is adapted to cooperate with an outlet of an aerosol or the like. The actuator is linked to a fluid flow channel (19) formed by correspond recesses in the base and cover parts, respectively, and a nozzle outlet (20). Depressing the cover part causes the actuator to actuate the outlet and causes the contents of the aerosol to be discharged through the nozzle outlet via the fluid flow channel. In order prevent accidental discharge, in one embodiment, the base part includes a projecting lip (22) and the cover part includes a nose (21), the lip and nose cooperating in an inoperative position to prevent the actuator actuating the outlet. In a further embodiment, the cover part is formed from two separable parts and the fluid flow channel and nozzle outlet are formed by corresponding recesses in the parts of the cover parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Incro Limited
    Inventor: Keith Laidler
  • Patent number: 6945483
    Abstract: A waterborne paint bell applicator is movable to and from a docking position and includes a paint receptacle connected to a paint canister. A paint filling station has a plurality of paint injectors each connected to a different color paint supply and being movable to the docking position for engagement with the paint receptacle for filling the paint canister with paint. A servomotor drives a piston in the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, Stan H. McClosky, James S. Hager, Ernest M. Otani, Gary J. Rutledge, John C. Reinicke, Robert C. Foti
  • Patent number: 6945470
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying multi-color powder paint material to an applicator in which at least one canister is used. This invention can be utilized with multiple or with a single color of powder paint material. The preferred system includes two canisters that alternate in supplying powder to the applicator. While one canister supplies powder to the applicator, the other canister is purged of the previous material and filled with the next material to be sprayed. The canister has an interior sized to store a predetermined quantity of powder material. During operation, a powder transfer pump and a color changer transfer powder material from a storage container/hopper to the canister interior. A venturi pump then supplies the applicator with powder. After the object is painted, purge air is opened and the canister is purged of the previous material. The canister is then ready to start another cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sheila Farrokhalaee Kia, Christopher M. Murphy, Brian Thadeus Prylon, Frank P. Rauch, Fred I. Blair
  • Patent number: 6935576
    Abstract: In a cleaning nozzle, a trumpet-shaped portion made up of multiple inclined portions or a curved portion is formed upstream of a minimum diameter portion of an ejection nozzle portion of a converging-diverging shape, and a gas ejection port is opened to an intermediate part of the trumpet-shaped portion. Inside the gas ejection port is formed a cleaning liquid ejection port. A gas is ejected at a higher speed than that of a cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid ejection port to transform the cleaning liquid into droplets, which are further accelerated by a tapered portion formed downstream of the minimum diameter portion before being ejected. A small amount of liquid may be supplied to a pressurized gas passage between a powder injection portion and the cleaning nozzle to prevent a possible clogging of passage due to powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Hara
  • Patent number: 6883735
    Abstract: A nozzle for a liquid dispenser that incorporates a cleaning probe capable of removing foreign debris from a nozzle discharge passageway. The cleaning probe is moveable between a retracted position that permits fluid flow to a discharge orifice terminating the discharge passageway and an extended position in which the cleaning probe extends into the discharge passageway. As the cleaning fixture advances from the retracted position to the extended position, foreign debris present in the discharge passageway is displaced and ejected out of the discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Charles P. Ganzer
  • Patent number: 6863225
    Abstract: A device and method for applying adhesive to materials, such as elastic strands, used in the production of nonwoven products. Generally, a nozzle is provided and includes a liquid discharge orifice configured to discharge a bead of liquid adhesive. First and second pattern air discharge orifices are associated with the first liquid discharge orifice to vacillate or oscillate the adhesive bead. First and second cleaning and stabilizing air discharge orifices are also associated with the first liquid discharge orifice. These latter air discharge orifices keep airborne contaminants away from the associated liquid discharge orifice and also stabilize the oscillation of the adhesive bead in a single plane. A method in accordance with the invention includes using the nozzle to dispense a vacillating bead of adhesive onto a strand of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6854663
    Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus includes a pump providing fluid at an elevated pressure and a delivery system coupled to the pump to spray the fluid in a predetermined configuration. The delivery system includes a flexible hose and a nozzle receiver adapted to receive one of a plurality of nozzles each having an associated spray pattern. A nozzle retainer coupled to the delivery system is adapted to releasably retain the nozzles in proximity to the distal end of the delivery system. An associated method includes the step of retaining the nozzles when not in use in an ordered pattern relative to the retainer and in proximity to the distal end of the delivery system. A nozzle cleaner having a configuration similar to that of the nozzles includes a pin and a guard pivotally mounted to cover the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Adolfo Arteaga Bugarin
  • Patent number: 6843431
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the drying of at least one nozzle of a fluid dispensing device includes an element providing moist gas, a supply hose for moist gas and a gas controller which forms a space around the nozzle. Moist gas is led into the space around the nozzle from the elements providing gas through the supply hose. Moist gas leaking out of the space is replaced by new moist gas led into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: CPS Color Group Oy
    Inventors: Pentti Airaksinen, Esko Hietanen, Jukka Hietanen
  • Patent number: 6824072
    Abstract: A spray gun cleaning system uses a separate cleaning fluid container which is substituted for the normal applied product container of the spray gun. The product feed tube of the spray gun is inserted into the cleaning fluid container, which is then sealably clamped to the spray cap of the spray gun. The container has a side opening, to which one end of a fluid hose is sealably attached. The other end of the hose is sealably attached to the nozzle portion of the spray gun. Pressurized air is discharged into the spray gun and this pressurization causes the cleaning fluid to circulate through the spray gun. As long as the pressurized air is discharged into the spray gun, cleaning fluid will automatically continue to circulate, without user involvement, through the sealed, closed circuit or path formed by the body of the spray gun, the fluid hose, the cleaning fluid container, and the feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Darren R. Minder
  • Publication number: 20040195353
    Abstract: A shower header type spray device has a motorized cleaning brush on a rotary shaft mounted therein for cleaning inlet apertures of its spray nozzles. The brush shaft is supported to impart axial movement when it is rotated, and has a sealing valve attached thereon such that when the brush is rotated by the motor in a cleaning operation the valve is opened to allow discharge of liquid with debris brushed off the nozzle inlets. The motor is activated for a cleaning operation from either a local controller or a centralized controller that controls multiple spray devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David Proulx
  • Patent number: 6769627
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid or beverage dispensing device having self-cleaning dispensing nozzle. The device includes a body provided with a conduit having a first end to which a dispensing nozzle is connected, and a second end to which a fluid inlet line is intended to be connected. The device further includes a collector member that can move relative to the body between a first dispensing position in which the outlet of the nozzle is released from the collector member and a second cleaning position in which the collector member is placed in front of the nozzle outlet to collect any fluid that exits the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Peter W. Carhuff, Edward L. Dickinson, Andrew C. Harvey, Edward M. Kolvek
  • Publication number: 20040140369
    Abstract: A cleaning device for fuel-injection-nozzle includes a pair of bottles for simultaneously cleaning the nozzles as well as manifold thereby reducing the working cost while increasing the cleaning performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Po-Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 6755354
    Abstract: A suck back valve has a volume-varying mechanism including a cylindrical flexible member which has a flow chamber formed therein for communicating with a fluid passage having a first port and a fluid passage having a second port, a fixing member which fixes a part of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical flexible member to a joint section, and a hook member which increases the volume of the flow chamber by expanding and deforming the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Patent number: 6736336
    Abstract: A shower head is disclosed having a front housing portion and a rear housing portion. Intermediate the front and rear housing portions is an integral filter canister including copper-zinc media for the removal of chlorine and other chemicals and contaminants. The shower head also has a plurality of spray openings for spraying water outwardly from the shower head, with a plurality of spray modes and patterns achievable by rotation of the front housing portion. A cleaning ring is also positioned within the front housing portion, it has a camming surface such that upon rotation of the front housing portion to change the spray modes, the cleaning ring is cammed forward to clean associated spray holes of accumulated minerals such as calcium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: International Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwok Din Wong
  • Publication number: 20040089733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a clogged or contaminated spray nozzle (10) or the filter (14) of such a spray nozzle used in coating a web of paper or paperboard. Herein, into at least of portion of the coating mix flow channel (24) of the spray nozzle (10) to be cleaned is formed a cleaning medium flow running reverse to the normal flow direction of the coating mix. The invention also relates to an apparatus suited for implementing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Vilho Nissinen
  • Patent number: 6729556
    Abstract: An airless spray painting system wash-out apparatus is provided to facilitate cleaning of fluid transfer pump and other components. A wash-out apparatus or element is adapted for temporary or permanent insertion between a liquid source pick-up point and where the fluid may exit the system. The wash-out element includes a body portion, a flow valve, and a wash-out hook-up valve. The flow valve is operable to control the flow of fluid from a first hose into or through the body. A wash-out hook-up is provided to couple the body of the wash-out apparatus to a cleaning fluid source or supplying line. A wash-out hook-up valve is provided to control the flow of fluid between the body and the wash-out hook-up. Alternatively, the flow valve and wash-out hook-up can be arranged within the pump housing to permit cleaning fluid to pass through and cleanse all parts of the wash-out apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ronnie Joe Weiand
  • Patent number: 6726126
    Abstract: A water jet ventilator or aerator is provided for a sanitary fitting such as a faucet. The water jet ventilator has a jacket defining a water inlet and a water outlet, jet splitting obstacles and structure for mixing the jets with air. The ventilator device splits the flowing water into jets, mixes the jets with air and combines the flow into a stream. In the vicinity of the water outlet, the ventilator components in contact with the water are subject to calcification. According to the invention these components are provided with soft and/or water repellent surfaces to reduce or eliminate calcification and to facilitate cleaning. The soft surfaces facilitate cleaning because adhering lime is easily be detached by slight manual deformation of the surfaces to which the lime has adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Horst Flieger
  • Publication number: 20040056111
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the drying of at least one nozzle of a fluid dispensing device includes an element providing moist gas, a supply hose for moist gas and a gas controller which forms a space around the nozzle. Moist gas is led into the space around the nozzle from the elements providing gas through the supply hose. Moist gas leaking out of the space is replaced by new moist gas led into the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Pentti Airaksinen, Esko Hietanen, Jukka Hietanen
  • Patent number: 6702197
    Abstract: An anti-electrostatic discharge spray gun apparatus and method for preventing crystallization of particles formed as a result of electrostatic discharge from forming on a spray gun nozzle and an associated pair of oppositely charged electrodes disposed on the gun. The apparatus has a housing; a nozzle attached to the housing for dispensing gas; a device for dispensing a gas through the nozzle; a device for electrostatically discharging a gas dispensed through the nozzle; and a device for restricting the flow of a gas through the nozzle. The device for dispensing and restricting flow of a gas through the nozzle may be either a bypass piping having a flow control means or a stopper that operates to provide a constant but low volume flow of an inert gas such as nitrogen to the nozzle to prevent particle build up or crystallization from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rong Hau Hsueh, Simon King, Yung-Dar Chen
  • Patent number: 6702199
    Abstract: The present invention prevents coolant from leaking out of a valve (23) after a feed pump (4) stops feeding the coolant, and diminishes a time-lag between the onset of feeding the coolant and mist generation, when the feed pump (4) starts feeding the coolant again. In the machine tool of this invention, the coolant is fed from a feed pump (4) into a mist generating device (13) provided on the tip of a spindle (8) by way of a feed line (7), and a valve (23) is provided at an inflow part for coolant of the mist generating device (13) to be closed when the coolant pressure within the feed line (7) lowers below a fixed level. A coolant sucking and delivering (2) sucks a fixed amount of coolant in the feed line (7), when the feed pump (4) stops feeding the coolant. On the other hand, the device (2) feeds a fixed amount of coolant into the feed line (7), when the feed pump (4) begins feeding the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Takashi Kobayashi