Of Discharge Modification Of Flow Varying Patents (Class 239/11)
  • Patent number: 11917952
    Abstract: An irrigation system with steady state speeds of movement achieves and maintains substantial straight alignment of multiple interconnected spans with continuous movement over a range of speeds in a forward and reverse movement direction. A variable-speed drive controller monitors and processes the output of the corresponding alignment detector and, based on the output of the alignment detector, selects from memory and continuously furnishes to the corresponding span motor a predetermined progressively increasing speed profile, a predetermined progressively decreasing speed profile, or a new fixed current speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: FIELDBOT, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Abts, Kim J. Jedlicka, Gerald L. Abts
  • Patent number: 11917953
    Abstract: An irrigation system with transient state speeds of movement achieves and maintains substantial straight alignment of multiple interconnected spans with continuous movement over a range of speeds in a forward and reverse movement direction. A variable-speed drive controller monitors and processes the output of the corresponding alignment detector and, based on the output of the alignment detector, selects from memory and continuously furnishes to the corresponding span motor a predetermined progressively increasing speed profile or a predetermined progressively decreasing speed profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: FIELDBOT, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Abts, Kevin J. Abts, Kim Jedlicka
  • Patent number: 11903350
    Abstract: A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system comprises a frame, first and second spindles, a first height adjustment assembly, and a second height adjustment assembly. The frame is configured to support a fluid-carrying conduit of the irrigation system. The first and second spindles each include a generally upright beam. The first height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a first side of the frame and movably coupled to the first spindle. The first height adjustment assembly includes a first mechanism configured to raise or lower the first side of the frame relative to the first spindle. The second height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a second side of the frame and movably coupled to the second spindle. The second height adjustment assembly includes a second mechanism configured to raise or lower the second side of the frame relative to the second spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 11820872
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of a composite moulding material (1100) comprising a fibrous layer (1102) and a graphene/graphitic dispersion (1104) applied to the fibrous layer (1102) at one or more localised regions (1106) over a surface (1108) of the fibrous layer(1102) in which the graphene/graphitic dispersion (1104) is comprised of graphene nanoplates, graphene oxide nanoplates, reduced graphene oxide nanoplates, bilayer graphene nanoplates, bilayer graphene oxide nanoplates, bilayer reduced graphene oxide nanoplates, few-layer graphene nanoplates, few-layer graphene oxide nanoplates, few-layer reduced graphene oxide nanoplates, graphene/graphite nanoplates of 6 to 14 layers of carbon atoms, graphite flakes with nanoscale dimensions and 40 or less layers of carbon atoms, graphite flakes with nanoscale dimensions and 25 to 30 layers of carbon atoms, graphite flakes with nanoscale dimensions and 25 to 35 layers of carbon atoms, graphite flakes with nanoscale dimensions and 20 to 35 layers of carbon atoms, or grap
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Graphene Materials UK Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Ashley Blatherwick, Matthew David Sharp, William Weaver
  • Patent number: 11708061
    Abstract: A product system for an agricultural sprayer includes a product tank configured to store a volume of an agricultural product. A fill station is configured to accept the agricultural product from an off-board source. A flow assembly is fluidly coupled with the fill station and is configured to direct the agricultural product into a product tank from the conduit. A reclaim system is configured to provide the agricultural product within the flow assembly to the product tank. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the reclaim system. The computing system is configured to receive inputs indicative of activation of a fill mode, detect termination of the fill mode, and activate a reclaim mode to move the agricultural product from at least the conduit to the product tank through activation of the reclaim system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Sandey, Martin Louis Krohn, Nathan Paul Brooks, Jeremy A. Amundson
  • Patent number: 11701625
    Abstract: The instant invention includes a multiple-Venturi nozzle. The instant multiple-Venturi nozzle has a generally cylindrical body with a generally flat bottom surface and a generally flat distal outer surface and a generally arcuate vertical surface parallel to the bottom and outer surfaces. The instant multiple-Venturi nozzle further includes a plurality of chokes generally perpendicular to the bottom and outer surfaces, each of said chokes extending through the body and having a choke inlet and a choke outlet. The instant multiple-Venturi nozzle further includes a manifold extending from the outer surface partially into the body and a plurality of manifold channels connecting the manifold to each choke, each of said manifold channels being generally perpendicular to a corresponding choke, having a manifold outlet and a distal manifold inlet and being offset in a helical distribution from other manifold outlets corresponding to the same choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Gideon Vandegrift
  • Patent number: 11638402
    Abstract: A method for receiving, over a computer network, from a plurality of devices installed in an indoor farming module, a plurality of data associated with at least one of: a water level in a watering reservoir, a pH level in an irrigation system, a temperature in the indoor farming module, a humidity level in the indoor farming module, a carbon dioxide level in the indoor farming module, and a power relay status, filtering the received plurality of data on a remote computer based on a filtering field, displaying, in a plurality of panels, the filtered data received from the plurality of devices; configuring a plurality of schedules for the plurality of devices, wherein the plurality of schedules comprise at least one of an irrigation schedule, a lighting schedule, and a data collection schedule, and sending the configured plurality of schedules to one or more controllers of the indoor farming module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: 80 ACRES URBAN AGRICULTURE INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Portello, Michael Zelkind, Patricia Livingston
  • Patent number: 11632918
    Abstract: A ponding monitoring and detection system monitors, detects, and predicts ponding in an irrigated field in essentially real-time. The ponding monitoring and detection system also monitors and records locations of detected and predicted ponding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurtis Arlan Charling, Michael George Ricketts
  • Patent number: 11623232
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an applicator (RZ), in particular a rotary atomizer, for the application of a coating agent, in particular a two-component paint, comprising a first coating agent connection (SL) for feeding a first coating agent, in particular a basic resin of a two-component paint, a first coating agent strand (L1-L4), which extends in the applicator (RZ) from the first coating agent connection (SL) and carries the first coating agent, and a first valve (SLV1), which is arranged in the first coating agent strand (L1-L4) and controls the flow of the first coating agent, wherein the first valve (SLV1) can be controlled by a first control signal. It is proposed that a first pressure-relief valve (SLV1), which is actuated by its own medium, is arranged in the first coating agent strand (L1-L4) and, to avoid a problem being caused by excessive pressure, opens automatically when the pressure upstream of the first pressure-relief valve (SLV1) exceeds a certain maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Manfred Michelfelder, Michael Baumann, Sascha Hermann, Bernhard Seiz, Thomas Buck
  • Patent number: 11608772
    Abstract: A pre-chamber arrangement (100) for a gas engine (1), including a pre-chamber body (20) accommodating a volume (30); and a supply device (50) for supplying a gaseous medium (52) into the pre-chamber volume (30); wherein the pre-chamber body (20) has a bottom portion (22) with channels (40) for allowing gas to flow between the pre-chamber volume (30) and a main combustion chamber (10) of the gas engine (1). Each channel (40) extends along a channel axis (C) from an inner opening (42) facing the pre-chamber volume (30) to an outer opening (44) configured to face the main combustion chamber (10). The bottom portion (22) has a curved outer surface (24). The channels (40) are obliquely arranged in relation to a radius (r) of the bottom portion (22). The bottom portion has flat surfaces (46) surrounding the outer openings of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Svante Lejon, Pål Axelsson
  • Patent number: 11510372
    Abstract: A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system comprises a frame, first and second spindles, a first height adjustment assembly, and a second height adjustment assembly. The frame is configured to support a fluid-carrying conduit of the irrigation system. The first and second spindles each include a generally upright beam. The first height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a first side of the frame and movably coupled to the first spindle. The first height adjustment assembly includes a first mechanism configured to raise or lower the first side of the frame relative to the first spindle. The second height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a second side of the frame and movably coupled to the second spindle. The second height adjustment assembly includes a second mechanism configured to raise or lower the second side of the frame relative to the second spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 11465595
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automated or remotely controlled methods and apparatuses for cleaning and drying soiled external 2-D or 3-D image sensor surfaces such as objective lenses on Light Detection and Ranging (“LIDAR”) sensors when mounted in a configuration that is exposed to dirty environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Chunling Zhao, Shridhar Gopalan
  • Patent number: 11426348
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to compositions of multivesicular liposomes (MVLs) and commercial manufacturing processes for making bupivacaine MVLs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hall, David J. Turnbull, John J. Grigsby, Jr., Soroush M. Ardekani, Kathleen D. A. Los
  • Patent number: 11396730
    Abstract: A portable circulation de-icing system is configured to melt ice from a body of water having a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer, with an opening in the surface ice layer which may have been created by a user. The portable circulation de-icing system comprises an agitator assembly, a floating motor assembly, and a flexible drive shaft. The agitator assembly is configured to be at least partially placed into the underlying water layer through the opening. The agitator assembly is configured to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer. The floating motor assembly is configured to float on the underlying water layer in the opening and to provide rotational power. The flexible drive shaft is configured to transfer the rotational power from the floating motor assembly to the agitator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: J2 Outdoors LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Hood
  • Patent number: 11358313
    Abstract: A co-injection hot runner nozzle comprises an inner melt flow channel and an annular outer melt flow channel that surrounds the inner melt flow channel. The inner and outer melt flow channels have a first common source. The nozzle further comprises an annular intermediate melt flow channel disposed between the inner and outer melt flow channels. The annular intermediate melt flow channel is at least partly defined by a plurality of spiral grooves, each spiral groove having a respective inlet and defining a helical flow path. Lands between adjacent spiral grooves increase in clearance in a downstream direction. An annular axial flow path is defined over the lands. A plurality of feeder channels having a second common source is configured to supply melt to the plurality of inlets of the spiral grooves. The relationship of feeder channels to spiral grooves may be one-to-one. The inlets may be longitudinal channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Abdeslam Bouti, Hakimuddin Boxwala, Nathan Gabriel Southwick, Maciej Brelski, Dietmar Tierno Brand, Adam Christopher Ulemek, Dirk Holger Schlums
  • Patent number: 11240975
    Abstract: A water irrigation system is provided for irrigating a plurality of zones. The water irrigation system includes a set of acoustic pressure modulators for generating a set of modulated acoustic pressure signals that include an actuating pressure signal and a de-actuating pressure signal. The set of acoustic pressure modulators include different subsets. The different subsets control different ones of the plurality of zones by selectively providing the same or different ones of the actuating and de-actuating pressure signals to the different ones of the plurality of zones at any given time. The water irrigation system further includes a set of acoustically-reactive irrigating elements disposed in each of the plurality of zones, each including an acoustically-reactive oscillating disk based water emitter. The acoustically-reactive oscillating disk based water emitter is selectively actuated or de-actuated responsive to the actuating pressure signal and the de-actuating pressure signal, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Levente Klein, Alejandro G. Schrott, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 11241004
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer includes at least one nozzle configure to receive a fluid and direct atomized fluid to an agricultural surface in a dispersal area. A radio-frequency (RF) transmitter is disposed to generate an RF signal that passes through the dispersal area. The RF signal is detectably changed when interacting with droplets of the atomized fluid. A first RF receiver is disposed to receive the RF signal after the RF signal passes through the dispersal area and provides an output indicative of the RF signal. A controller is coupled to the first RF receiver and is configured to detect plugging of the at least one nozzle based on the output of the first RF receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paresh Bharatiya, Raja Sivaji
  • Patent number: 11177659
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: setting a target power demand corresponding to a consumer, and performing a process. The process includes: determining an actual power demand presented to a utility by the consumer, and determining a current error. The current error is the difference between the actual power demand and the target power demand. A determination is also made as to whether the actual power demand is adjustable in a direction that reduces the current error. In response to determining that the actual power demand is adjustable in the direction that reduces the current error, the current error is reduced by adjusting the actual power demand. Moreover, in response to determining that the actual power demand is not adjustable in the direction that reduces the current error, the target power demand is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raphael I. Arar, Sandeep Gopisetty, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11162604
    Abstract: A programmable, electronically controlled sprinkler system has a hermetically sealed internal chamber which encloses all of the internal water flow, valves, mechanical and rotational components and a plurality of magnetic coupling arrangements which allow external motors to control operation of the internal mechanical components without requiring any hydraulic seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: John S. Heaney
  • Patent number: 11109585
    Abstract: A control system for agricultural spraying is especially intended to be connected to an agricultural machine comprising a spraying ramp and having at least one spraying nozzle selectively activatable to spray an agricultural product. The system includes a set of cameras (42) suitable for being secured to the spraying ramp to acquire images (51) of the ground (12) on which the agricultural machine moves (10), a measuring system (59) for determining, in real time, distance information between a camera (42) and the ground (12), and a processing unit (44) communicating with the cameras (42) and said measurement system (59), the processing unit (44) being suitable for selectively controlling the spraying nozzles (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: BILBERRY SAS
    Inventors: Hugo Serrat, Jules Beguerie, Guillaume Jourdain
  • Patent number: 11103890
    Abstract: A variable pressure regulator defining a distance between a proximal end of a piston and a floor of a piston seat is disclosed. Adjustment mechanisms for adjusting this distance to alter output pressure are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Richard Morris, Eric Tres Wangsgaard, Jonathan Taylor Merrill
  • Patent number: 11085156
    Abstract: A weeding system for a railway weeding vehicle comprising a camera and a spraying unit with several supply modules, a nozzle and a controller module to receive a weed species detection signal and to command the spraying of chemical agent. The weeding system also comprises a weed species identification unit with a communication module, a memory module and a processing module having several parallel processing cores. Each parallel processing core performs a convolution operation between a sub-matrix constructed from nearby pixels of the image and a predefined kernel stored in the memory module to obtain a feature representation sub-matrix of the pixel values of the image. The processing module computes a probability of presence of a weed species from the feature representation matrix and generates a weed species detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Bilberry SAS
    Inventors: Hugo Serrat, Jules Beguerie, Guillaume Jourdain
  • Patent number: 11071991
    Abstract: A weed control system (2) for an agricultural sprayer (1) comprising a camera (3) and a spraying unit (4) with several supply modules, a nozzle (9) and a controller module to receive a weed species detection signal and to control the spraying of chemical agent. The weed control system (2) also comprises a weed species identification unit (5) with a communication module, a memory module and a processing module having several parallel processing cores. Each parallel processing core performs a convolution operation between a sub-matrix constructed from nearby pixels of the image and a predefined kernel stored in the memory module to obtain a feature representation sub-matrix of the pixel values of the image. The processing module computes a probability of presence of a weed species from the feature representation matrix and generates a weed species detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: BILBERRY SAS
    Inventors: Hugo Serrat, Jules Beguerie, Guillaume Jourdain
  • Patent number: 11058291
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, ASCENSION TEXAS
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Christopher Idelson, John Uecker
  • Patent number: 11059659
    Abstract: An aerosol spray device comprising a pressurised or pressurisable container and a spray discharge assembly mounted on the container. The spray discharge assembly comprises a valve stem moveable from a first limit position to a second limit position to effect spray discharge from the device, a spray outlet region having an outlet orifice from which fluid from the container is discharged, and a flow conduit for supplying fluid from the container to the spray outlet region. The flow conduit has at least one first inlet for liquid from the container and at least one second inlet at the same distance along the conduit as the first inlet(s) or downstream of the first inlet(s) for propellant gas from a headspace of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: THE SALFORD VALVE COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ghasem Ghavami-Nasr, Andrew John Yule, Martin Laurence Burby
  • Patent number: 10946226
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body and a flow straightener. The nozzle body defines an inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to fluid source, an outlet, and a nozzle body passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. The flow straightener is coupled to the nozzle body and extends at least partially across the nozzle body passage. The flow straightener defines a primary passage and a secondary passage extending through the flow straightener to fluidly couple the inlet and the outlet of the nozzle body. The primary passage defines a primary passage outlet having a cross-sectional area, and the secondary passage defines a secondary passage outlet having a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the at least one primary passage. At least one of the primary passage outlet and the secondary passage outlet has a circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Wroblewski, Brian D. Piller
  • Patent number: 10902483
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and computer program for designing and cost-estimating irrigation systems according to weather data, soil data, topography data, aerial imagery, and past yield data. Irrigation metrics such as evapotranspiration, irrigation system flow rate requirements, expected annual total water requirements, expected annual irrigation water requirements, supply point required pressure, end point required pressure, maximum irrigation acreage and crop yield and/or market value of lost yield under limited flow rate conditions, electric power generator size, pump size, pipeline supply system size, annual irrigation system usage, related equipment usage, operating costs, a sprinkler configuration, and other aspects of the irrigation systems may be optimized via an interactive user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Brian James Magnusson, Kurtis Arlan Charling
  • Patent number: 10870124
    Abstract: A method for covering inner walls of a cavity with a protective layer made of anti-corrosion wax, in particular for use on vehicle bodies and add-on parts for vehicle bodies. Anti-corrosion wax is brought into an atomized form (protective agent mist) by a mist generator and supplied through an outlet opening to the cavity to be preserved. The protective agent mist is deposited on inner walls of the cavity and forms an anti-corrosion agent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: IPR- INTELLIGENTE PERIPHERIEN FÜR ROBOTER GMBH
    Inventors: Fredy Doll, Marc Engelhart, Bernhard Woll
  • Patent number: 10827740
    Abstract: An agricultural machine applies liquid material to a field. Valve control signals control valves to apply the liquid material. Row pressure on the agricultural machine is sensed to identify when the valve is opened to apply the liquid material. A flow meter senses a flow of liquid applied to the field. The valve control signals are generated, based on the row pressure, and the sensed flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Grant J. Wonderlich, Kenneth Herrmann, Michael C. Steele
  • Patent number: 10758926
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and a method of controlling a fluid dispensing system are disclosed. The fluid dispensing system includes a source of a fluid, a dispensing nozzle, and a spray system. The spray system supplies fluid from the source of fluid to the dispensing nozzle using system parameters for the spray system. The spray system and dispensing nozzle are configured to dispense the fluid as a stream or spray as an actual fluid pattern according to one or more first system parameters that are intended to produce a first fluid pattern. A camera is configured to capture one or more images of the actual fluid pattern dispensed from the dispensing nozzle. A controller is operatively connected to the spray system and the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Per Orla-Jensen, Timothy Girvin, Gareth De Sanctis, Kenneth S. Espenschied, Patrick T. Hogan
  • Patent number: 10693296
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: setting a target power demand corresponding to a consumer, and performing a process. The process includes: determining an actual power demand presented to the utility by the consumer based on a reward table, determining a current error, determining whether the actual power demand is adjustable in a direction that reduces the current error, reducing the current error by adjusting the actual power demand in response to determining that the actual power demand is adjustable in the direction that reduces the current error, and modifying the target power demand in response to determining that the actual power demand is not adjustable in the direction that reduces the current error. Determining the actual power demand includes measuring the power demand over a period of time in accordance with a process for measuring stability of power demand received from the utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raphael I. Arar, Sandeep Gopisetty, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10603400
    Abstract: The disclosure herein concerns a method including receiving at a computer at least one target value of a scent parameter for an environment that is remote from the computer, receiving at the computer a sensed parameter of the environment, and controlling, via the computer, diffusion of a liquid from a source of the liquid in fluid communication with at least one scent diffusion device to achieve the target value of the scent parameter, wherein controlling includes setting or adjusting an operation parameter of the at least one scent diffusion device in response to the sensed parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SCENTBRIDGE HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Conroy, Todd H. Becker, Thomas G. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10582671
    Abstract: An irrigation system with an alignment detector uses a plurality of discrete sensors to detect and measure each irrigator span's misalignment when moving in either direction. In particular, this sensor alignment detector utilizes a first sensor for the forward movement direction and a second sensor for the reverse movement direction, which provides a significant improvement in alignment optimization and sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Fieldbot, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Abts, Kevin J. Abts
  • Patent number: 10485190
    Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system is described that includes a controller that makes use of a particular flow rate of input water to deliver differing or variable depths of irrigation to two or more user-defined areas under a pivot irrigator. The controller operates to pulse control valves for the nozzles/sprinkler heads on and off as the sprinkler arm rotates. The valve pattern along the span of the sprinkler arm is chosen during each operating cycle such that the total water flow through all the open valves matches the flow rate of the input or supply water to the pivot irrigator. To ensure the variable application depth, the speed may be changed during valve duty cycles. A farmer may define an irrigation plan that defines the variable rate irrigation (VRI) zones and also defines exclusion or no spray zones in which no irrigation should occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: TRIMBLE INC.
    Inventor: Mark Whalley
  • Patent number: 10480164
    Abstract: A touch to open/close mechanism for a showerhead includes a driving rod movably and reciprocally positioned between a first position and a second position to selectively block communication between the inlet and the outlet; a first ratchet device adapted to be formed inside the showerhead to selectively position the driving rod at the first position and the second position; and a second ratchet device adapted to be formed inside the showerhead to force the driving rod to rotate for a previously determined degree whenever the driving rod is moved such that a block formed on an outer periphery of the driving rod is able to selectively block communication between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: RUNNER (XIAMEN) CORP.
    Inventors: Xin-Zhan Hu, Chun-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 10449566
    Abstract: In a liquid material discharge apparatus, attachment/detachment of a liquid contact unit (2) and a main body unit (15) is more safely and easily performed. The apparatus includes the liquid contact unit (2) provided with a housing (6) including a nozzle (3) and a discharge member (5), and with a storage container (4) fluidly connected to the housing with the aid of a mounting member, and a main body unit provided with a holder (19) to which the housing is detachably attached, and with a drive unit (16) for actuating the discharge member that is detachably coupled to the drive unit, the apparatus further includes a movable member (12) being movable in an up-down direction along the housing while the movable member remains attached to the housing, and the discharge member and the drive unit are attachable with movement of the movable member in the up-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: MUSASHI ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 10444769
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Weiler, Joseph G. Porrazzo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10433500
    Abstract: A rotating ejection type oozing hose comprises a rotation generator formed at an ejection opening at an interval along a longitudinal direction of a hose, applying a rotational force to a flow of water from an inner space of the hose to an outer space. The rotation generator comprises a barrel-shaped rotating space extended from the ejection opening and formed inside the hose. The rotating space is defined by a side portion formed to be extended from an inner of the hose and having a rotational force applying passage horizontally connecting the inner space of the hose to the rotating space and a bottom portion for closing a lower end of the side portion. The rotational force applying passage faces a point deviating from a center portion of the rotating space, applying a rotational force to water flowing into the rotating space through the rotational force applying passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Sungsoon Shin
  • Patent number: 10422560
    Abstract: An ejector and a refrigeration cycle apparatus having an ejector are provided. The ejector may include an ejector body having a suction portion into which a high pressure refrigerant and a low pressure refrigerant may be suctioned, and having a mixing portion provided at one side of the suction portion and configured to mix the high pressure refrigerant with the low pressure refrigerant; a nozzle movably provided in the suction portion, and configured to inject the high pressure refrigerant; a needle inserted into an end of the nozzle and configured to control a flow sectional area of the nozzle; and a nozzle drive configured to drive the nozzle so as to be relatively movable with respect to the mixing portion and the needle. As a flow sectional area of a high pressure refrigerant passage and a flow sectional area of a low pressure refrigerant passage are controlled, a driving efficiency of the ejector may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hansaem Park, Soojin Kang, Dongkeun Yang
  • Patent number: 10409296
    Abstract: An irrigation control circuit board is provided, comprising a microprocessor, a plurality of output terminals configured for providing an output current to an irrigation valve in order to actuate the irrigation valve, a voltage boosting circuit, including a DC-DC converter and an output current boost capacitor, wherein the voltage boosting circuit boosts the output current to an actuating voltage, the actuating voltage being sufficient to actuate an irrigation valve and the actuating voltage being supplied to an irrigation valve driver, a power mitigation circuit configured to limit current spikes to the voltage boosting circuit, and at least one shunt monitor configured to monitor the output current as it is transferred between the irrigation valve driver and the plurality of output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ECO-DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric A. Elle, Clay Weston, John Meyo
  • Patent number: 10370037
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a cowl and one or more washer nozzles. The cowl is disposed between a front window glass and a front hood, which are disposed at a vehicle front. The cowl includes a recess extending in a vehicle width direction. The one or more washer nozzles are disposed at the cowl and configured to eject a washer fluid to the front window glass. The cowl includes plate members that stand erect in the recess and extend in a vehicle front-rear direction. The plate members are disposed on both vehicle-widthwise outer sides of an area in which the one or more washer nozzles are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10334842
    Abstract: Pesticide compositions containing an adjuvant which contains, based on 100 parts by weight of the adjuvant, (a) greater than about 50 parts by weight of at least one alkyl fatty acid ester, (b) from about 2 parts by weight to less than about 5 parts by weight of a surfactant comprising: (b)(i) one or more anionic surfactants selected from sulfonic acids, sulfonic acid esters, alkylsulfosuccinic acid esters, phosphate esters, sulfate esters, and oleoyltaurate salts, or (b)(ii) one or more non-ionic surfactants selected from sorbitan fatty acid esters, aryl alkoxylates, alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated triglycerides, alkoxy copolymers, alkylpolyglucosides, alkoxylated fatty amines, and ether amines, or (iii) a mixture (b)(i) and (b)(ii), exhibit improved performance, particularly when sprayed through a flat fan spray nozzle, an air induction spray nozzle, or other spray nozzle and at a pressure of from about 10 pounds per square inch to about 100 pounds per square inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SOLVAY USA, INC.
    Inventors: Hedieh Modaressi, Joe V. Gednalske, Rajesh Pazhianur, Andrew Douglass, Gregory K. Dahl
  • Patent number: 10251348
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for a variable rate water distribution system. Embodiments of the present invention can afford users with the ability to variably deliver water to portions of the variable rate water distribution system. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide users with the ability to flush portions of the variable rate water distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Nigel C. P. Hinds, Levente Klein, Fernando J. Marianno
  • Patent number: 10184664
    Abstract: A multiple fuel capable, pre-mixed, low emission injector is provided which is particularly suited for burning high flame speed fuels. The fuel injector includes an injector body having a preliminary pre-mixing chamber, an intermediate pre-mixing chamber and a final pre-mixing chamber. A fuel distributor separates the preliminary pre-mixing chamber from the intermediate pre-mixing chamber. A guide vane separates the intermediate pre-mixing chamber from the final pre-mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Junhua Chen, Mark Mitchell, John Nourse, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10173235
    Abstract: A shower head with water stop function and waterway switch function, includes a housing, a switch device and a water stop device; the switch device and the water stop device are disposed in the housing, the switch device has a switch mechanism and a swing mechanism connected together in driving way, the swing mechanism pushes the switch mechanism to switch waterways; the water stop device comprises a valve shaft and a valve spool connected together, and the valve shaft drives the valve spool to move axially in an open position and a close position to open and close the waterway; further comprising a control device, the control device comprises a button and a link mechanism, the central portion of the button is pivoted to the housing, the link mechanism is connected between the valve shaft and the button in driving way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fengde Lin, Tianming Wang, Mingfu Zhang
  • Patent number: 10167814
    Abstract: A turbine engine nozzle having confluent streams, the nozzle including a core cowl arranged around an annular central body and co-operating therewith to define a core annular channel for passing a flow of a core stream, the core stream on entry into the nozzle possessing an azimuth component driving residual gyratory movement of the core stream in two opposite gyratory flow directions corresponding to two operating speeds of the engine, the core cowl having an annular upstream portion that is extended downstream by an annular terminal portion having longitudinal cuts forming a plurality of flaps that overlap radially in pairs via their respective side edges in such a manner that, for each flap, one of the two side edges of the flap is positioned internally relative to the corresponding side edge of one of the adjacent flaps, while the other side edge of the flap is positioned externally relative to the corresponding side edge of the other adjacent flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Romain Ferrier, Alexandre Couilleaux, Jackie Raymond Julien Prouteau, Nicolas Sirvin
  • Patent number: 10159196
    Abstract: A tree canopy treatment system includes: a supply unit configured to heat a fluid; and a treatment unit in fluid communication with the supply unit, the treatment unit configured to move independently from the supply unit. A method of treating a tree includes positioning a temperature transmitter proximate to the tree; and lowering a treatment unit over the tree and the temperature transmitter, the treatment unit configured to move independently from a supply unit, the treatment unit in fluid communication with the supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Skavis Corporation
    Inventors: Randall James Davis, Charles Francis Noll, Jr., Tom Wallis Airhart, James Seth Niece, Brian Lee Kelley, Matthew Phillip Vogel
  • Patent number: 10120393
    Abstract: An improved pivot monitor is described that allows for adjusting the speed of a center pivot at a field edge without requiring the use of multiple speed tables. Specifically, an improved pivot monitor is described that utilizes a distance from edge and adjustment factor to implement different approach and exit speeds of a center pivot at a field edge. Additionally, the improved pivot monitor is capable of limiting the adjustments within a specified speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Klawinski
  • Patent number: 10091929
    Abstract: A method of calibrating individual exit lines of an agricultural ammonia applicator having a delivery path that extends through a manifold and multiple exit lines includes installing a fixed flow restricting orifice upstream of a variable flow restricting orifice and measuring the pressure upstream of the fixed flow restricting orifice. Beginning with the variable flow restricting orifice in an unrestricting flow condition, the pressure downstream of the variable flow restricting orifice is repeatedly measured and compared with the measured upstream pressure. The variable flow restricting orifice is incrementally closed after each comparison so long as the measured pressure downstream of the variable flow restricting orifice and the pressure upstream of the fixed flow restricting orifice remain substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: James W. Henry, Mohammad Vakil
  • Patent number: 10086387
    Abstract: Adjustable arc of coverage spray nozzle assembly for irrigation where the spray is characterized by the water jets which are cyclically deflected at a high frequency such that they break up into fan shaped water droplet patterns in which the fluid distribution and droplet size can be controlled. Jet deflection is accomplished with energy in the pressurized liquid itself. Multiple fluidic oscillating stream nozzle cavities are molded into a circular plate surround and adjustable arcuate length orifice valve so that one or a series of these fluidic discharge nozzles can be selected to have pressurized water to provide a selectable arc of coverage around a single sprinkler nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.