Including Dissolving Or Entraining In Liquid Stream Patents (Class 239/10)
  • Publication number: 20080121733
    Abstract: A method of generating mono-dispersed nano- and micro-liposomes using droplet generators includes a step of providing a droplet generator with a carrier fluid inlet, a focusing fluid inlet, and an outlet for focusing fluid and liposomes. A carrier fluid including an aqueous solution and a focusing fluid including a solvent and lipid mixture are selected to form a partially miscible fluid system. The selected carrier fluid is injected into the carrier fluid inlet and the selected focusing fluid is injected into the focusing fluid inlet and the focusing fluid and liposomes are collected from the outlet. The focusing fluid is removed from the liposomes by diluting the focusing fluid in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Donald Ackley, Anita Forster
  • Patent number: 7337857
    Abstract: In order to refine an admixing system (100) for admixing at least one extinguishing agent additive (32) to at least one extinguishing agent (22), having at least one extinguishing agent additive pump (34p1, 34p2, 34p3), particularly implemented as a component of or in the form of at least one dosing unit or at least one admixer (34), which mixes the extinguishing agent additive (32) into at least two extinguishing agent lines (26) using overpressure and which is connected to at least two watering or sprinkler units (10), in such a way that directly after the admixing system (100) is put into operation, without greater outlay, all watering or sprinkler units (10) have a mixture made of extinguishing agent (22) and extinguishing agent additive (32) available, it is suggested, that the extinguishing agent additive pump (34p1, 34p2, 34p3) be connected to each of the watering or sprinkler units (10) via at least one extinguishing agent additive line (36) in each case and that the particular extinguishing agen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Bernd-Dietrich Rassek
    Inventors: Alexander Vonhof, Stefan Rassek, Matthias Dietrich, Andreas Waetzoldt
  • Patent number: 7318554
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for injecting a color component into a plural component coating dispensing system. Base, cure and color components are pumped from respective containers at metered volume. The color component, which is preferably a low-viscosity automotive paint is injected into the either the base or cure stream at a point immediately prior to mixing all components in a dispensing device for dispensing the resulting colored fluid mixture onto a surface to be coated. The mixture may be dispensed by pouring or spraying onto the surface. The method and system are particularly useful for mixing and dispensing colored polyurethane or polyurea coatings, such as for spray-on truck bed liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Gary D. Langeman
  • Patent number: 7281672
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid including a pressure vessel at a first pressure and a reservoir at a second pressure. The reservoir communicates with the pressure vessel via a first aperture and with an environment at a third pressure via a second aperture. A reservoir vent having open and closed positions, that when opened the reservoir vents to a fourth pressure, and when closed the reservoir does not vent. A piston moveably disposed within the reservoir, and defines an aperture therethrough. A first burst seal disposed in the first aperture seals the pressure vessel from the reservoir, and engaged with the piston to be moveable therewith. A second burst seal disposed in the second aperture seals the reservoir from the environment. When the reservoir vents to the fourth pressure, the piston ruptures the second seal, and a first and third pressure difference ruptures the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Karalis, Raymond A. Stacy, Richard Zaven Karadizian, James E. Marquedant, Neil O Brillhart, William Mahoney
  • Patent number: 7264177
    Abstract: An automated irrigation and chemical treatment system comprising a user input device adapted to communicate with a control unit; a mixing chamber adapted to communicate with the control unit and connected to a water supply and chemical canisters, wherein each canister has a sensor to monitor fluid level therein, and control valves for connecting the mixing chamber to a network of pipes. Sprinkler heads connected to the network of pipes each include, a control valve adapted to control fluid flow to a water delivery nozzle by an electro magnet controlled rubber coated ferric ball closure member. The sprinkler heads include water and chemical saturation sensors and the sprinkler heads also communicate with the control unit via wireless transceivers. Multiple zones covered by the system may be treated according to predetermined schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Intelligent Lawn Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: David Aaron Buck, Thomas Daniel Storey, Richard David Buck
  • Patent number: 7201289
    Abstract: A method for introducing a polymerization catalyst into a coating formulation as the formulation flows from a reservoir includes the steps of: opening the first end of a sealed dispenser holding a predetermined volume of a polymerization catalyst solution and inserting the dispenser into the reservoir such that the open end of the dispenser is positioned near the outlet of the reservoir; with the dispenser so positioned, opening the second end of the dispenser to atmosphere. The head of the liquid coating formulation in the reservoir prevents flow of the catalyst solution from the dispenser until the liquid coating formulation flows from the reservoir into the flow channel. Thus, the catalyst solution mixes with the coating formulation in a way that a predetermined concentration of the catalyst solution is maintained in the coating formulation as the coating formulation flows from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Kamlesh Kumar Bhatia
  • Patent number: 7195180
    Abstract: Methods and systems for simulating multi-phase fluid flows, including fire suppressant flows, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes estimating flow properties of a multi-phase flow at a boundary of a volume and, based on the estimate of flow properties at the volume boundary, at least estimating a value for a quality of the multi-phase flow at the volume boundary. Based on the quality of the flow and the flow properties, the method can further include at least estimating a value for a liquid phase droplet velocity of a liquid phase portion of the flow, and based on the liquid phase droplet velocity, simulating characteristics of the flow into the volume. Accordingly, the method can be used to predict constituent concentrations in the volume, for example, concentrations of a fire suppressant in an aircraft engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jaesoo Lee
  • Patent number: 7191959
    Abstract: A domestic spray device comprising a liquid reservoir (1), a continuous feed gas pump (3) with a control means (5) for activation thereof, and a means of transferring liquid (2) from the liquid reservoir (1) to a nozzle unit (12), the nozzle unit (12) comprising a means of forming a film of liquid, a means of injecting bubbles of gas into said film of liquid, said gas being forced into the nozzle unit (12) by the continuous feed gas pump (3), and a section of hardware defining an exit orifice (19) for the spray generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Michelle Kutay, Guy Richard Thompson
  • Patent number: 7178740
    Abstract: A system and method for injecting a low-pressure spray of solution into a high-pressure spray of liquid produced by a pressure washing system. The system comprises a liquid storage tank for the solution that is operable to be pressurized. The system comprises a wand that is coupled to the liquid storage tank and securable to a high-pressure wand. The system may comprise a high-pressure pump that is operable to produce a high-pressure flow of fluid to the high-pressure wand. The pressure stored in the liquid storage tank provides the force to drive the solution to the discharge of the high-pressure wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: David K. Williams
  • Patent number: 7168629
    Abstract: A method for sanitizing scuba diving equipment including aqua lungs, wet-suits, fins, caps and masks comprises exposing confined parts of the gear such as hoses, pressure regulators and mouthpieces to a pressurized flow of fluid using a fluid-conditioning spray gun adapted to mix a germicidal solution into a jet of water or other fluid carrier. The spray gun has a conical nozzle provided with a set of graduated, flexible, feather-edged disks or barbs that can hermetically mate with a number of scuba diving component apertures of different sizes and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Timmes, Daniel Timmes
  • Patent number: 7152815
    Abstract: A dispensing system comprising first and second valve modules each having an output for delivering a liquid under pressure, a nozzle assembly coupled to the first and second valve modules, the nozzle assembly having at least two separated, at least partially coextensive outputs respectively communicating independently with the outputs of the first and second valve modules. A nozzle assembly adapted to be coupled to first and second valve modules each having an output for delivering a liquid under pressure, the nozzle assembly having two liquid inputs and at least two separated, at least partially coextensive outputs respectively communicating independently with the two liquid inputs, and the two liquid inputs adapted to be coupled in communication with the outputs of the first and second valve modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Harris, Joel E. Saine
  • Patent number: 7131597
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel process for atomizing a liquid material or a mixture of liquid materials. More specifically, this disclosure advances the art by utilizing the inertial forces created in an elevated acceleration environment to further miniaturize and enhance the characteristics of particles resulting from atomization. The key to this disclosure is to subject a melt material to an elevated acceleration and pass a fluid over the surface of the melt. The purpose of the elevated acceleration is to elevate the relative importance of gravitational forces in the melt thus miniaturizing any gravity influenced disturbance. This elevated acceleration environment leads to miniaturization of gravitationally dependent phenomena thus leading to smaller particle creation. The purpose of the atomizing fluid is to impart kinetic energy onto the melt thereby causing disturbances and to act as a heat transfer media to cool the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Scattergood
  • Patent number: 7086612
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly, sock, and method for generating foam. The assembly includes a housing having a chamber, and a first and second orifice. A fan arranged within the housing draws a flow of air into the chamber through the first orifice and exhausts the flow of air through the second orifice to form an exhausted flow of air. A nozzle is arranged within the chamber and is situated in proximity to the second orifice to allow introduction of a fluid into the exhausted flow of air through the second orifice. A permeable sock includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The sock is arranged to occlude the second orifice in a manner to receive the exhausted flow of air with the fluid at the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Crawford
  • Patent number: 7011254
    Abstract: A lawn chemical application system is disclosed. The system comprises a dispenser having a lower chamber, an upper chamber, an upstream opening, and a downstream opening. The dispenser may be formed by a tee connector and a cylinder secured to an upper opening of the tee connector. Powered valves are operably connected to the upstream and downstream openings of the dispenser. The powered valves may be wired to open and close simultaneously. A lower portion of the upper chamber may be disposed below an upper portion of the lower chamber and above a lower portion of the lower chamber, leaving the lower portion of the lower chamber unobstructed over substantially its entire length. The lower portion of the upper chamber may have a plurality of openings to provide for adequate mixing of water with the chemicals stored in the upper chamber. In operation, soluble matter or other chemicals are placed in the upper chamber of the dispenser, and the two valves are opened simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Thornton
  • Patent number: 6981660
    Abstract: A pneumatic inhaler that is able to deliver a controlled burst or dose of aerosol from a reservoir of liquid or powder medication. A supersonic jet of gas is emitted from a nozzle and shock waves are developed in the jet. In one embodiment the supersonic jet is directed into a shock chamber. Liquid or micronized powder material is introduced into the supersonic jet to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, smaller aerosol particles are separated from larger aerosol particles with a separator. In another embodiment, the produced aerosol is contained in an aerosol storage chamber prior to inhalation by the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Evit Labs
    Inventor: Samuel David Piper
  • Patent number: 6966990
    Abstract: A method for producing composite particles using a supercritical fluid extraction technique on an emulsion. First and second materials (for example; a polymer and a biologically active material) are dissolved or suspended in a preferably solvent to form a solution or dispersion. The solution or dispersion is emulsified in a polar solvent to form an oil-in-water or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. The emulsion is contacted with a supercritical fluid to extract the solvent. Removal of the solvent by the supercritical fluid from the emulsion supersaturates at least the first material in the solution causing the first material to precipitate out of the solution as composite particles that include both the first and second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ferro Corporation
    Inventors: Pratibhash Chattopadhyay, Boris Y. Shekunov, Jeffrey S. Seitzinger, Robert W. Huff
  • Patent number: 6948663
    Abstract: A chemical distribution apparatus contains at least one, and preferably multiple chambers which house magazines which accept solid lawn treatment chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, lime treatments, pre-emergents, post-emergents, and the like. As water is passed into the chemical distribution apparatus, it is preferably selectively controlled by a controller to a particular chamber for distribution of a particular chemical in accordance with a pre-set schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: William C. Graham, Jr., Annette Michelle Graham
  • Patent number: 6858166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of small particle precipitation, retention and dispersion of a solid or semi-solid material onto or into a carrier material. In this method, solute particles are precipitated from a pressurized gaseous fluid solution or a liquid solution and effectively retained and dispersed within a carrier material. This technique can be advantageously used in pharmaceutical processing to produce a blend of solid or semi-solid material particles and carrier material, a granulation of the solid or semi-solid material particles with carrier material, carrier material partially or fully coated with the solid or semi-solid material particles, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Said Saim, Stephen Horhota, Kenneth James Koenig, David Joseph Bochniak
  • Patent number: 6851623
    Abstract: A nozzle ring assembly comprising a nozzle ring having a plurality of recesses for accepting a plurality of nozzle tips; a plurality of a first type of nozzle tips from which water emanates, the first type of nozzle tips being arranged about the face of the nozzle ring so that water emanating therefrom contacts the fireproofing material at a first distance from the nozzle ring, wherein the first type of nozzle tips provides a water spray for at least essentially uniformly mixing water and the fireproofing material; and a plurality of a second type of nozzle tips from which water is emanates, the second type of nozzle tips being arranged about the face of the nozzle ring so that water emanating therefrom contacts the fireproofing material at a second distance greater than the first distance, wherein the second type of nozzle tips provides a water spray that provides additional impact pressure of the fireproofing material against the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ken Watterworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Watterworth
  • Publication number: 20040232071
    Abstract: The present provides a method for preparing resin fine particles of a homogeneous particle size used in the fields of chemistry, medicine, electronic material or the like, resin fine particles, and a production apparatus for resin fine particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20040217185
    Abstract: An applicator is provided which through the use of valve assemblies and separate first and second tubing member delivers two separate materials separately to a mixing head. The mixing head is provided with two separate passageways which terminate into an outlet passageway. To help create equal pressure between the materials at the point where the materials meet, an impinger can be placed in one or both of the mixing head passageways. Material flowing into each mixing head passageway first meet and are mixed in the outlet passageway. A tip is attached to the mixing head and a static mixer can be disposed within the tip for further mixing of the combined materials prior to their application out of the tip onto the intended surface. Material is supplied to the valve assemblies by various methods such as hoses. A spray gun embodiment is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Urecoats Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank C. Bien
  • Publication number: 20040200774
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing particles via a supercritical fluid processing technique, an apparatus for carrying out the method and the particles produced thereby. The method includes: (1) providing: a supercritical fluid; a first solvent that is soluble in the supercritical fluid; a second solvent that is substantially insoluble in the supercritical fluid and is at least partially soluble in or miscible with the first solvent; and a solute that is soluble in the first solvent and is substantially insoluble in the second solvent and the supercritical fluid; (2) contacting the first solvent, the second solvent and the solute together to form a solution; and (3) contacting the solution with the supercritical fluid to extract the first solvent from the solution and precipitate the solute in the form of particles that are suspended in the second solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Ferro Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Y. Shekunov, Pratibhash Chattopadhyay, Jeffrey S. Seitzinger, Robert W. Huff
  • Publication number: 20040124253
    Abstract: An irrigation system provides fertilization by distributing a chemical additive onto a soil such as a golf course. The irrigation commences with a flowline carrying water, and a pump pumps a chemical additive directly into the flowline. The chemical additive mixes with the water, and the mixture ultimately reaches a sprinkler head where it is sprayed onto the soil for treatment. A reservoir, pump, motor, and control system are enclosed within a housing. The reservoir holds an additive and is connected to the pump, allowing the additive to flow from the reservoir to the pump. The motor operates the pump, which pumps the additive into the flowline. At least one sensor monitors at least one characteristic of the additive. The feedback control system reads the feedback data from the sensors, controlling the flow rate of the additive through the pump into the flowline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory A. Bergwin, Corby A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6755348
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for dispensing a colored polymerizing composition. Two reactive components and one color component are pumped from respective containers at a metered volume. The color component, which is preferably a low-viscosity automotive paint is injected into either the first or second stream of reactive component at a point immediately prior to mixing all components in a dispensing device for dispensing the resulting colored fluid mixture onto a surface to be coated. The mixture may be dispensed by pouring or spraying onto the surface. The method and system are particularly useful for mixing and dispensing colored polyurethane or polyurea coatings, such as for spray-on truck bed liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Gary D. Langeman
  • Patent number: 6705539
    Abstract: An applicator is provided which through the use of valve assemblies and separate first and second tubing member delivers two separate materials separately to a mixing head. The mixing head is provided with two separate passageways which terminate into an outlet passageway. To help create equal pressure between the materials at the point where the materials meet, an impinger can be placed in one or both of the mixing head passageways. Material flowing into each mixing head passageway first meet and are mixed in the outlet passageway. A tip is attached to the mixing head and a static mixer can be disposed within the tip for further mixing of the combined materials prior to their application out of the tip onto the intended surface. Material is supplied to the valve assemblies by various methods such as hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Frank C. Bien
  • Publication number: 20040031754
    Abstract: A process for producing a mixture of particulates using compressed gas and sonication. The process is particularly useful to mix reactive particulates, such as thermites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: David Richard Pesiri, Robert C. Dye
  • Publication number: 20040021006
    Abstract: Apparatus for spraying a range of mixtures of two or more fluids, comprising: a body defining a passageway for conveying gas flowing through the body from an inlet to an outlet, the outlet comprising at least two apertures, each aperture having a fluid supply positioned to entrain fluid in gas flowing from its respective aperture; and a regulator for regulating gas flow through each of the apertures, whereby relative quantities of fluid from the respective fluid supplies entrained in gas flowing from the outlet is dependent upon regulation of gas flowing through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas Ian Mounteney
  • Publication number: 20030230634
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for cleaning at least one glue nozzle. The process includes contacting a cleaning organ to the at least one glue nozzle during normal operation of the machine. The apparatus includes a gluing device having at least one glue nozzle and at least one cleaning organ associated with the at least one glue nozzle. The at least one glue nozzle and the at least one cleaning organ are structured and arranged for movement relative to each other, such that the at least one cleaning organ is arranged to clean the at least one glue nozzle during normal operation of the machine. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: TOPACK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jirko Heide, Martin Paech, Dirk Zeuner, Reinhard Deutsch
  • Patent number: 6592048
    Abstract: A spray method for monolithic refractories, which comprises feeding, with an air stream, a monolithic refractory composition including a rapid setting agent in addition to refractory aggregates, a refractory powder, a binder and a dispersant in a powder state in a transporting pipe so that the composition is transported in a floating state; adding application water on the way of the transporting pipe; continuing the feeding of the air stream, and spraying the wet composition through a spray nozzle. In a case that the monolithic refractory composition does not include the rapid setting agent, the rapid setting agent is added at an upstream side of the top end of the spray nozzle, and then, the wet refractory composition is sprayed through the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Plibrico Japan Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Motoki, Katsumi Nonaka
  • Publication number: 20030038182
    Abstract: A method for sanitizing scuba diving equipment including aqua lungs, wet-suits, fins, caps and masks comprises exposing confined parts of the gear such as hoses, pressure regulators and mouthpieces to a pressurized flow of fluid using a fluid-conditioning spray gun adapted to mix a germicidal solution into a jet of water or other fluid carrier. The spray gun has a conical nozzle provided with a set of graduated, flexible, feather-edged disks or barbs that can hermetically mate with a number of scuba diving component apertures of different sizes and shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Timmes, Daniel Timmes
  • Publication number: 20030038183
    Abstract: Provided is an enteric coating technique capable of carrying out enteric coating without using an organic solvent and without causing a spray gun to clog, while keeping a equipment cost low. More specifically, from a spray gun comprising a nozzle for spraying an enteric polymer dispersion and/or solution and a nozzle for spraying a plasticizer solution, these solutions are sprayed simultaneously and separately through the nozzles. A mixture of these solutions thus obtained during spraying is applied to a preparation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Nishiyama, Kazuhisa Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20020190134
    Abstract: A safe and convenient method of applying chemicals—i.e. fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides—to lawns through, and in conjunction with a central sprinkling system. Most basically, the water feed line to the underground sprinkling system is broken and a chemical dilution apparatus is inserted therein so that water feeding the underground sprinkling system will contain a solution of the chemical. The chemical dilution apparatus comprises a venturi having a high pressure outlet in the line upstream of the venturi, and a low pressure water inlet in the line downstream of the venturi so that a selected portion of the water in the feed line may be circulated around the venturi through a container having chemical therein. In one embodiment of the invention the container has an open top portion having a peripheral thread for screwed attachment. In an alternative embodiment the container comprises a pail which is attached to a housing around the venturi with a hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Michael W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6471141
    Abstract: A hose sprayer assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a trigger body which is rotatably mounted within a housing. The housing is formed with an inlet orifice, an outlet aperture and an aspiration orifice, and further includes a deflector plate which is fixed to the outer surface of the housing proximate the outlet aperture. The trigger body includes a inlet port, an outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port, and an aspiration port in fluid communication with the outlet port. Selective alignment of the trigger body places the inlet port and outlet port in fluid communication with the respective inlet orifice and outlet aperture of the housing. This yields a water only stream out the housing outlet aperture when water is forced through the assembly. Similarly, the body can be aligned to place the aspiration port in fluid communication with the aspiration orifice of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Dispensing Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Martin E. Smith, Stuart Daley, James J. Styne, Stephen R. Dennis
  • Patent number: 6464886
    Abstract: Spherical particles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size are created by systems and devices of several types. The device includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Small particles of liquid may also be produced. Applications of the technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to inhalation therapy with monodisperse aerosol dispersions of pharmaceutically active drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Gañan-Cálvo
  • Patent number: 6425529
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing precise amounts of dry particulate matter, such as agricultural chemicals, directly into a liquid carrier stream, such as a flow of water, and a method of employing such a device to distribute chemicals. The device includes a bin for holding a quantity of particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a meter at the bottom of the bin for controllably releasing a desired amount of the particulate matter from the bin into the conduit while disallowing entry of the liquid carrier to the bin. The bin, conduit and meter are all mounted upon a portable structure for transportation with particulate matter in the bin. The meter includes a multi-vaned rotor turned by a controlled motor, and defines discrete pockets of known volume. The operator simply connects the device to a flow of water and keys into the controller an amount of material to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Frank G. Reinsch, John A. Latting
  • Patent number: 6422480
    Abstract: A nozzle and method for mixing abrasive particles with a stream of water and focusing the mixture of abrasive and water exiting the nozzle to improve the ability of the stream to remove paint and other coatings, rust, and scale and the like from a surface for use in operations such as metal finishing. The nozzle includes a spindle that rotates in a housing, the spindle including a chamber in which water passing through a passage in the spindle is mixed with abrasive particles. The passage through the spindle includes a section that is substantially coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle and a section that is angled relative to the section that is coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle, the mixing chamber being located in the off-axis section of and in fluid communication with the passage through the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Richmond
  • Patent number: 6419118
    Abstract: Containers including a flexible pouches (12, 22, 33, 42, 52, 63, 73, 83) with a unique fitments (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81) with tapered portions (11C, 11D, 21C, 21D, 31C, 41C, 41D, 51C, 51D, 61E, 71E, 82A, 82B) are described. The containers are used for liquids and solids to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Blake M. Rees, Janice DeWeese, Benjamin McGregor Rees
  • Patent number: 6398125
    Abstract: A two-stage process and apparatus for producing nanometer-scaled powders from a metal, the process including (a) operating a first-stage heating and atomizing device to provide a stream of super-heated fine-sized metal liquid droplets into a chamber of a second-stage atomizing device; (b) operating this second-stage atomizing device by directing an atomizing fluid medium to impinge upon the stream of super-heated metal liquid droplets to further break up the metal liquid droplets into substantially nanometer-sized particles; and (c) cooling these particles to form nanometer-sized solid powders. The first-stage heating and atomizing device preferably includes a twin-wire arc spray device. The second-stage atomizing device preferably includes a vortex jet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Junhai Liu, Bor Zeng Jang
  • Patent number: 6371384
    Abstract: An aqueous foam generating system and method are provided. A first solution has particles of a carbomer resin encapsulated within an anhydrous, non-polar, organic hydrophobic surfactant. A second solution, capable of ionizing the carbomer resin, is pumped into an eductor which draws a volumetric portion of the first solution to form a mixture that is sprayed from an aerator to form an aqueous foam having long wet-to-dry transition times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Felipe Garcia
  • Publication number: 20010045471
    Abstract: A system for flushing an airless sprayer essentially reverses operation such that the spray gun is immersed in a container of water or other solvent and that fluid is pulled through the pump and flushed through the normal inlet tube. The preferred embodiment attaches a fluid bar to the front of the spray gun to redirect the fluid for flushing. This reverse flushing action allows quicker flushing using less fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: David J. Thompson, Diane L. Olson
  • Patent number: 6283385
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sprayer apparatus for selectively spraying or dispensing multiple fluid components. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first inlet and an first outlet, the first housing inlet being adapted for attachment to a garden hose, the first housing outlet being in fluid communication with the first housing inlet; and an insert member having a first inlet for receiving fluid and a first outlet for dispensing fluid therefrom, the first insert inlet being in fluid communication with the first insert outlet through a passage defined by the insert member, the insert member being mateable with the housing so that the first housing outlet mates with the first insert inlet so that a fluid can flow from the first housing inlet to the first insert outlet. A method of spraying a fluid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Griffin LLC
    Inventors: Larry Gene Beaver, Edward Francis Nichenko, Mark T. MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 6285938
    Abstract: A primer system for agricultural product distribution machines, such as an agricultural air seeder, a precision planter, a sprayer, or the like, includes a tank or a bin for holding the product, a distribution system for conveying and distributing the product from the tank and a driving mechanism for driving the product from the tank into the distribution system at a certain rate. The driving mechanism can run automatically or can be selectively operated, based on commands received from a microcontroller. The microcontroller may receive signals from a user interface and from sensing equipment, such as a ground speed detector, a pressure sensor, a flow metre, or the like. In a regular mode of operation, the controller runs the driving mechanism automatically at a rate calculated based on the signals received from the above mentioned systems. Most agricultural machines have the automated mode of operation of the driving mechanism, conditioned by the ground speed of the tractor being higher than a minimum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Francis G. Lang, Robert K. Benneweis, Shane C. Durant, Paul G. Weisberg, Blake R. Neudorf, David R. Hundeby, Dean J. Mayerle
  • Patent number: 6230982
    Abstract: A valve for dispersing a fluidic substance into a carrier fluid is disclosed. The valve is constructed from few moving parts and is particularly well adapted to distribute fluidic substances with little or no solubility in the flowing liquid into the carrier fluid. The valve is able to disperse difficult to dissolve fluids into the liquid stream by dispersing the fluidic substance into the carrier fluid at the stream's point of highest velocity and creating local turbulence at the points of dispersion. The design of the valve is such that the carrier fluid constantly flushes the valve's moving parts, and the valve is sealed from the dispersed fluidic substance to prevent jamming or clogging the moving parts by undissolved portions of the fluidic substance. The fluid pressure at which dispersal occurs and the volume of dispersal is precisely adjustable. The valve finds use in the irrigation of farmland, golf courses, athletic fields, public parks, and the yards of private homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Gary D. Newton
  • Patent number: 6206297
    Abstract: A Liquid/gas drop (Lg drop) intended to be used as an eye drop. The Lg drop has the form of a cluster of contiguous bubbles, and numerous constituent bubbles are volumetrically similar. Each constituent bubble encloses a gas. The cluster is formed of one thin continuous liquid wall. A device for manufacturing the Lg drop includes a flexible bottle used to inject a gas into a chamber, and a flexible bottle used to inject a bubble forming liquid into the chamber. The chamber has an outlet which is used to induce an accumulation of bubbles. This accumulation forms the Lg drop. A method of making the Lg drop includes manufacturing volumetrically similar bubbles, and inducing an accumulation of the bubbles. The accumulation obtains a particular total mass causing the Lg drop to fall from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Louis Arthur Coffelt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6200387
    Abstract: Invented is a method and system for wet processing substrates (especially for semiconductor wafers and flat panel displays) using nebulized chemicals created and carried by heated chemical gases. Different heated nebulized process chemicals are sequentially pressurized into a process chamber based on various process recipes. The micro nebulized chemicals would penetrate the intricate topologies on the substrates with heated and pressurized energy, and form a process effective thin film on each substrate. The process chamber is made of a material that is well compatible to all process chemicals and gases. It is designed to have the capability of circulating the flow of nebulized chemicals and gases to uniformly treat the inside substrates. The chamber is also designed having minimum open space to save process chemicals and deionized (DI) water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Dangsheng P. E. Ni
  • Patent number: 6197835
    Abstract: Spherical particles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size are created by systems and devices of several types. The device includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Small particles of liquid may also be produced. Applications of the technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to inhalation therapy with monodisperse aerosol dispersions of pharmaceutically active drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Gañan-Cálvo
  • Patent number: 6187214
    Abstract: Atomized particles within a desired size range (e.g., 1 micron to about 5 microns) are produced from two immiscible fluids, a first fluid source containing the formulation to be atomized, and a second fluid source which is contained in a pressure chamber surrounding at least the area where the first liquid is to be provided. The invention provides methods for: the production of templates for microfabrication, such as particles that serve as templates for self-assembly of monolayers; the creation of small particles to serve as building blocks for the microassembly of objects; and the use of an atomizate to etch configurations and/or patterns onto the surface of an object by removing a selected portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Universidad de Seville
    Inventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
  • Patent number: 6102309
    Abstract: A method and a device for gentle continuous mixing of a droplet dispersion with a liquid are described, wherein the liquid is injected into the droplet dispersion in the form of a plurality of fine liquid jets, such that the kinetic energy of the liquid jets is dissipated at a short distance from the injection point and further mixing is effected by circulating flow generated in the vessel and exhibiting shear rates of less than 20/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesselschaft
    Inventors: Christine Maul, Matthias Stenger, Jorg Tofahrn, Michael Van Teeffelen
  • Patent number: 6065686
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of distributing a liquid composition over the ground from travelling equipment, the composition comprising an active ingredient, in which method the concentration of the active ingredient in the liquid composition is varied in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment over the ground, the liquid composition also comprising a viscosity modifying agent, the method comprising varying the relative proportion of the viscosity modifying agent in the liquid composition in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment, thereby to control the viscosity of the liquid composition. Also disclosed is equipment for use in the aforesaid method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Nomix-Chipman Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Alan Betts-Williams, David Charles Gill
  • Patent number: RE39188
    Abstract: Large crop areas are irrigated, for instance by pivot irrigation, by being sprayed with water into which a substantially stable dispersion in a liquid of water soluble polymer particles has been metered at a predetermined low rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin Cole, Richard E. Cole