Flexible Flow Line Or Outlet Storage Or Retrieval Means Patents (Class 239/195)
  • Patent number: 10156504
    Abstract: An apparatus for optical in-situ gas analysis includes: a housing; a measuring lance a first end connected to the housing and a second end projecting into the gas to be measured; a light transmitter that is arranged in the housing and whose light is conducted into the measuring lance and is reflected by a reflector arranged at the second end onto a light receiver, and the optical path defines an optical measurement path within the measuring lance; and, an evaluation device for evaluating received light signals of the light receiver. In order to be able to reduce the consumption of test gas, the measuring lance has an outer tube, with the outer tube having openings for the gas to be measured. The openings can be closed by at least one seal for the test phase, with the seal searingly closing the openings by the enlargement of its volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Florian Brüchig, Ingo Schiffler, Jürgen Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20140339332
    Abstract: A spray hose and spray nozzle for a commercial oven may be retracted on a spring-loaded reel. A position and recent movement of the spring-loaded reel may be used to deduce likely intent of the user with respect to use of the spray nozzle and to electronically activate or deactivate water flow to the spray hose based on the deduced intent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventor: Janus Bartelick
  • Patent number: 8757213
    Abstract: A flexible hose having an inner tube member made from a thermoplastic elastomer material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic polyester material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler incorporates a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8544496
    Abstract: A garden hose booster system includes a pump for pressurizing water, a motor connected to and designed to drive the pump, and a housing supporting the pump and the motor. The garden hose booster system further includes an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a storage container. The inlet has a first garden hose coupling on an end thereof, and extends into the housing to direct the water to the pump. The outlet conduit has a second garden hose coupling on an end thereof, and extends out of the housing to direct the water from the pump. The storage container includes a bottom designed to be mounted to the top of the housing and a side wall extending upward from the bottom. The side wall and the bottom form an open volume within which a garden hose may be piled or coiled for storage thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Publication number: 20130248620
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting, such as an electronic faucet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Evans, Terrence A. Pagano, Harshil Parikh, Inho Song, Eric M. Weber
  • Publication number: 20130248617
    Abstract: An electronic faucet includes a spout assembly and a controller configured to control the flow of water through the spout assembly in response to the position of a spray head. A sensor may be positioned to detect an object in a detection zone near the faucet. The controller may disable the sensor upon the spray head being uncoupled from the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Joel D. Sawaski, Robert W. Rodenbeck, Patrick B. Jonte
  • Patent number: 8479776
    Abstract: A flexible garden hose having an inner tube member made from elastic material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler is coupled to a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8291942
    Abstract: A hose which automatically expands longitudinally and automatically expands laterally upon the application of a fluid pressure is disclosed. The hose can automatically expand longitudinally up to six times its unexpanded or contracted length. Upon release of the fluid pressure within the hose, the hose will automatically contract to a contracted condition. The hose includes an inner tube made from an elastic material and an outer tube made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube is positioned concentrically within the outer tube in both a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The outer tube is secured to the inner tube only at a first end of the inner and outer tubes and at a second end of the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube moves laterally and longitudinally with respect to the inner tube when the tubes are transitioning between a contracted condition and an expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8291941
    Abstract: A hose which automatically expands longitudinally and automatically expands laterally upon the application of a fluid pressure is disclosed. The hose can automatically expand longitudinally up to six times its unexpanded or contracted length. Upon release of the fluid pressure within the hose, the hose will automatically contract to a contracted condition. The hose includes an inner tube made from an elastic material and an outer tube made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube is positioned concentrically within the outer tube in both a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The outer tube is secured to the inner tube only at a first end of the inner and outer tubes and at a second end of the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube moves laterally and longitudinally with respect to the inner tube when the tubes are transitioning between a contracted condition and an expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8256692
    Abstract: Apparatus for positioning and maneuvering a sludge, or manure, distributing hose used in fertilizing a field includes a first frame adapted for coupling to a three-point tractor hitch and a second frame pivotally coupled to an aft portion of the first frame. Attached to and disposed aft of the second frame is a horizontally oriented, rotatable wheel assembly adapted to engage, lift and position the hose and to provide for changes in the direction of the hose as it is pulled through a field during fertilizing. The wheel assembly is horizontally and vertically pivotable about the first frame for respectively facilitating maneuvering of the hose in a field and for raising the wheel assembly for transport. A locking mechanism is provided for engaging and preventing rotation of the wheel assembly when desired. Hydraulic cylinders connected to the tractor's hydraulic system allow for changing the configuration of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bazooka Farmstar, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Knowles
  • Patent number: 8253073
    Abstract: A hose heater for use in outdoor or unheated interior spaces of a home, construction office or farm. The hose heater includes an enclosure having a hose reel for storing the hose also having an electrical heating unit to warm the stored hose between uses. A heating core located in the center of the reel provides heat, keeping the hose from freezing. The enclosure which itself may be heated or unheated, blankets the hose to provide heat to the outer hose coils to ensure that the extremities are maintained at a freeze-free temperature. This can be used in small scale farming, outside use, and other areas where animals and ice rinks need watering in winter with a hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Christy Lynn Marcotte
  • Patent number: 8240584
    Abstract: A hose frame assembly includes a pipe body, a wheel disc, a tensile adjusting device, and a cable. The pipe body includes three aligned pipe sections, and two resilient joints connected between every adjacent two of the three pipe sections. The tensile adjusting device is located between the pipe body and wheel disc, and includes a guide rail, two sliding members slidably mounted to the guide rail, and a resilient member connected between the sliding members. A wheel is rotatably mounted to each of the sliding members. Two ends of the cable extend through the pipe sections and the resilient joints and spacedly are fixed to an inner wall of one of the pipe sections located at a far end of the pipe body. A portion of the cable located out of the pipe body is positioned around the wheel disc and the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Foxnum Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yueh-Hsun King
  • Patent number: 7942350
    Abstract: A supply line system for conveying a fluid is provided. First and a second conduit segment have at least one inner conduit surface and an outer conduit surface. At least one fluid chamber is within the conduit segments and is formed by the at least one inner conduit surface. At least one electric wire is located between the at least one inner conduit surface and the outer conduit surface. A conduit connection element is connecting the first and second conduit segments, thereby mating the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the first conduit segment with the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the second conduit segment. At least a portion of the quantity of fluid and the electric signals is passed from the first to the second conduit segment. A control system is connected to the electric wire and in communication with at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7819345
    Abstract: The system contains a plurality of conduit segments and at least one electrically-powered pump. At least one conduit connector joins the conduit segments and the electrically-powered pumps, thereby mating at least one fluid path. A plurality of electric power wires are coupled with the conduit segments and connected to the electrically-powered electric pumps. At least one electrical connector, within said conduit connectors, mates corresponding electric power wires between the conduit segments. An electric power source electrically connected to the electrically-powered pump via the electric power wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7806351
    Abstract: A stowable device for ejecting fluids onto the underside and wheel regions of a vehicle includes a base member joined at one end to a handle member such that the angle between the members can be controllably varied and retained at a desired angle. A source of fluid is coupled through flexible tubing terminating in a fluid jet disposed adjacent the base member distal end. The desired angle is determined by a length of cord extending from base to handle member. The exposed cord length is user-controllable by lockably spooling excess cord length into a rotatable spool reservoir attached to the handle member. User-adjustment of the desired angle also determined handle height above ground. Alternatively, the desired angle (and handle height above ground) is user-determined by adjusting effective length of a rigid rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: John Bakas
  • Patent number: 7717353
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and mixing flowable materials that includes at least one hopper connected to a mixing chamber. The apparatus further includes at least one valve associated with the hopper. The valve operates to regulate the flow of material from the hopper to the mixing chamber. The apparatus also includes a controller that communicates with the at least one valve wherein the controller selectively controls the operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph J. Matulis
  • Patent number: 7604183
    Abstract: A lawn care vehicle or truck has a 24 volt auxiliary battery supply connected to operate an electric motor driven hydraulic pump connected to operate a hydraulic motor which drives a liquid chemical distributing pump in a line extending from a liquid supply tank to a flexible hose extending from a hose reel. The auxiliary battery supply is connected to the 12 volt truck battery through a voltage converter for recharging by the battery charger driven by the truck engine. When the truck arrives at a lawn care site, the truck engine is shut down, and the liquid distributing pump is operated by the auxiliary battery supply. The electric motor driven hydraulic pump is also connected to a hydraulic motor coupled to rotate the hose reel. A 110 volt battery charger connects with the voltage converter for recharging the auxiliary battery supply when the truck is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: FabMetals, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy Hensley, Mark J. Hensley
  • Patent number: 7600564
    Abstract: A coiled tubing swivel assembly is provided that includes a mandrel for attachment to a pump, and a hub rotatably attached to the mandrel and for attachment to an end of a string of coiled tubing. The mandrel and the hub together form a conduit for passage of a pumped substance. A crane bearing is attached to the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Vishal Saheta, Matthew E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7213771
    Abstract: A garden soaker hose and reel assembly includes a ground anchor on one end of the soaker hose which is rigidly fixed to the soaker hose. The reel has a special configuration to make the soaker hose easier to unwind from the reel and to wind back onto the reel. The soaker hose can be provided with a stripe on the upper wall of the soaker hose to make it easily apparent if the hose is twisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: PPI Corporation Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Chappell, Wendy Trinder, Eve Edmonds
  • Patent number: 7168443
    Abstract: A tank which is primarily intended for spraying applications and mountable on an all terrain vehicle (“ATV”). The tank (10) includes a main tank section (11) which, in use, extends laterally of the ATV and at least one longitudinally extending arm 12. The pump assembly is located in a cavity (14) in the underside of the main tank section (11). A cover (15) can cover the cavity (14) to mount the pump assembly in place. The tank (10) can include a removable auxiliary tank (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: C-Dax Systems Limited
    Inventors: Warwick Bruce Smith, Christopher Torr
  • Patent number: 7004405
    Abstract: The invention comprises a golf course treatment platform having a frame with a spool of garden hose wound onto the spool, control piping on the platform, and a chemical tank whereby water may be introduced into the control piping a valved directly into the garden hose whereupon the water may be directed by the hose onto the golf course for treating the course with water or the water in the control piping may be valved through a mixing chamber to mix the water with a chemical from the tank and then directed into the garden hose on the spool where the mixture may be directed by the hose onto the golf course for treating the course with a water and chemical mixture, said platform having adjustable engaging means for adjustably mounting the platform to a trailer for transporting the platform on the golf grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Elmore, Kevin Pierce
  • Patent number: 6857583
    Abstract: A boat or recreational vehicle (RV) mounted pressure washing system fully plumbed and integrated electrically with the boat or RV, and located remotely therewithin according to user's preferred mounting location such as the bilge, engine compartment or a supply cabinet. The system provides the user with a high pressure supply of water for washing, rinsing, etc. by means of a pump, water reservoir and fully retractably high pressure hose, to which a nozzle of choice may be quickly attached or removed when not in use. The pressure hose is of significant length to provide for the pressure washing of the entire vehicle and surrounding areas by the user, whereby when not in use is fully retractable into the boat or RV for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Robert A. Attar
  • Patent number: 6834813
    Abstract: An in-building wall-mounted water-providing assembly for providing a means to have water readily and easily accessible indoors for watering plants and such. The in-building wall-mounted water-providing assembly includes a reel support assembly including a bracket being adapted to fasten to a wall of a building, and also including a reel support member being attached to the bracket, and further including a shaft being journaled to the bracket; and also includes a reel member being rotatably mounted upon the reel support member; and further includes a water conduit assembly including a hose being carried about the reel member; and also includes a hose windup/brake assembly including a coiled spring being attached to the shaft and to the reel member for winding up the hose about the reel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jeremy E. Nobi
  • Patent number: 6786428
    Abstract: A hose reel having a casing and a wheel coupled to the casing for winding up a hose, a holder block mounted on the wheel, the holder block having a hose connector for receiving water from a water source through a hose, and a sprinkler carried on the holder block and adapted to sprinkle water received from the hose connector of the holder block on flowers, lawns, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Guo-Shu Huang
  • Publication number: 20040089735
    Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation system particularly for plant cultures comprising an irrigation arm which can be pivoted in a horizontal angle region around an essentially vertical axis, a water jet exiting from the front thereof. According to the invention, an electronic control device (10) controls the horizontal angle region (&agr;) which is covered by the irrigation arm (6), the control device (10) contains an electronic memory (23), wherein the values of two or more horizontal angle regions can be digitally stored, and a programmable run-off control element (22) wherein a sequence of stored horizontal angle regions can be established. The stored horizontal angle regions can be established by means of a GPS receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Publication number: 20040061000
    Abstract: A boat or recreational vehicle (RV) mounted pressure washing system fully plumbed and integrated electrically with the boat or RV, and located remotely therewithin according to user's preferred mounting location such as the bilge, engine compartment or a supply cabinet. The system provides the user with a high pressure supply of water for washing, rinsing, etc. by means of a pump, water reservoir and fully retractably high pressure hose, to which a nozzle of choice may be quickly attached or removed when not in use. The pressure hose is of significant length to provide for the pressure washing of the entire vehicle and surrounding areas by the user, whereby when not in use is fully retractable into the boat or RV for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Attar
  • Publication number: 20040046048
    Abstract: A sprayer device includes a post having an upper portion for supporting a hose, and having a tip formed in the lower portion for engaging into ground. A foot pedal has an opening for receiving the post, and for moving the foot pedal along the post to the required position, and has a peripheral edge for engaging with the post and for forcing the post into the ground when the foot pedal is moved downwardly by users. The post includes an orifice formed in the upper portion for receiving the hose or a coupler. A hose receiver device may be attached to the post for receiving the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Shih Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 6691930
    Abstract: A reel is composed of a base having therein a recess, a seat formed on a bottom face defining the recess so as to position a rotation disk thereon, an opening defined in a side face defining the recess to communicate with the recess and for oppositely receiving two rollers, and a gap defined to communicate with the opening. The rotation disk has a first disk and a second disk securely connected to the first disk by means of a connection shaft. The second disk has an indent defined in a mediate portion thereof and a channel defined to communicate with both the indent and the opening of the base. The connector of the hose is able to be received in the indent and the hose is able to be wound around the connection shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Dau-Jen Lu
  • Patent number: 6612075
    Abstract: A temporary water drainage system having a tubular length of flexible water-proof material (25) and a fastening device (15) on at least one end where the material (25) can be connected to a water source (20). The fastening device (15) may be an adhesive material or it could be a form of clamp (26) or a sleeve which passes over the tubular length of flexible water-proof material (25). The length of flexible water-proof material (25) may, at its end away from the water source be connected to a stormwater drain or the like or can pass any water received therein to waste in some other way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Max Knoop, Damian Knoop
  • Publication number: 20030098084
    Abstract: A linearly self-actuated hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these three). Hose (30b) has a biasing spring (36) extends along the full length, and can comprise single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter spring coils. Spring (36) is covered with hose cover material (32) on the outside and hose cover material (34) on the inside to form a sealed hose and are bowed inward or outward radially between the individual spring coils depending on the intended use of hose (30b) to give the cover materials room to move out of the way when the hose retracts and the coils of spring (36) are forced close together. Hose (30b) is designed with a source end (26) and a output end (68). A pressure control mechanism is used on output end (68) to control the extending and retracting of hose (30b). The Linearly Retractable Hose is operated by changing internal pressure within the hose relative to the ambient pressure on the exterior of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont
  • Patent number: 6439475
    Abstract: In order to so construct a high-pressure cleaning apparatus with a motor pump unit, in which a high-pressure pump is arranged so as to adjoin a motor in the direction of the motor shaft of the motor, and with a hose drum for a high-pressure hose which connects the pressure outlet of the high-pressure pump to a liquid dispensing device, that a favorable arrangement of the hose drum is possible with a particularly simple structure, it is proposed that the axis of rotation of the hose drum extend transversely to the direction of the motor shaft and be arranged in the area of the high-pressure pump, and that the hose drum be arranged at the side of and next to the motor pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Juergen Kloepfer, Markus Wurster
  • Patent number: 6381774
    Abstract: A retractable sprayer hose installation kit for use with a faucet assembly has a connector attachable to a discharge opening of the faucet assembly and traversed by a flexible hose, a free end of which is inserted into a spout, an a proximal end traverses a bushing which provides connection between the hose and a hand-held spray head. The connector receives a fitting which is recessed to form a seat for a stopper attachable to the proximal end of the flexible hose and engaging the seat in a retracted position of the spray head. The kit further has a bushing releasably engaging the spray head and dimensioned to provide the spray head and the hose with simultaneous displacement between the retracted and extended positions of the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Resources Conservation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wales
  • Patent number: 6375097
    Abstract: A manual apparatus for cleaning a hygienic vessel with water, generally after flushing, comprising a housing; a related covering element with a base and a grip handle; a dispenser of the water jet, situated on the base and comprising an inlet union fitting, a water flow supply conduit, a shut-off valve controlled manually, by means of a lever, from a pushbutton in the covering element, a curved beak; a hose, spiral shaped, secured on one side to said dispenser and, on the other side, to a union fitting for connection to the water supply, constituting an element for supporting the housing to the wall of the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Valerio Matteucci
  • Publication number: 20010010339
    Abstract: A system for providing water for watering gardens, particularly plants, and for washing objects includes tubing having a coiled section that automatically retracts into a small coil when not in use. The tubing may be connected to various sources of water and a nozzle provides an adjustable spray pattern. The tubing is preferably polyurethane for ease of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6234409
    Abstract: A transportable, trailer-mounted system for removing graffiti from exterior and interior surfaces is disclosed. The system includes a water supply tank, a pressure washer, provision for applying cleaning chemicals to surfaces, storage areas for cleaning chemicals, sandblasting apparatus, and painting apparatus. Also included are sources of electrical power, air compressor, painting equipment and surface preparation tools. Using the system enables the cleaning and restoration of graffiti-damaged surfaces in the minimum possible amount of time after the graffiti is applied. It is generally agreed that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the incidence of graffiti application and that graffiti is more easily removed if removal is accomplished soon after it has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Graffiti Gone Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Aslakson
  • Patent number: 6209800
    Abstract: A garden watering system including an elongate flexible tube formed in extendable and contractible helical coils having opposed ends, with a faucet connector attached to one end of the tube, and a spray nozzle or wand connected to the opposite end of the tube. The coiled tube permits a wide range of extension of the watering system during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6164560
    Abstract: A lawn care applicator system which is used on a vehicle having a vehicle electrical power system. The lawn care applicator system is specifically designed to be easy to use by an operator and to minimize electrical current usage, thereby allowing use of the applicator system with standard vehicle electrical power systems. The applicator system includes an applicator module that is removably mountable on the vehicle. The applicator module preferably includes a housing, at least one liquid supply tank disposed in the housing, and a liquid dispensing system disposed in the housing and connected to the liquid supply tank for dispensing liquid from the liquid supply tank and onto a lawn. A control system is electrically connected to the applicator module for providing power to, and controlling the operation of, the applicator module. The control system is adapted to be connected to the vehicle electrical power system to provide electrical power for the applicator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Wanner Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Eugene Lehrke, Frederick Allan Powers, Timothy Lynn Sebion, Gary Dean Ingle, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6131860
    Abstract: A pneumatic boom system for suspending a pneumatic air hose above a ground surface so that the air hose is not in the way when not in use. The system includes an inner drum has top and bottom ends. A top disk is coupled to the top end of the inner drum and a bottom disk is coupled to the bottom end of the inner drum. The top disk defines an annular top flange extending radially outwards around the top end of the inner drum and the bottom disk defines an annular bottom flange extending radially outwards around the bottom end of the inner drum. An outer drum is disposed around the inner drum to permit free rotation of the outer drum about the inner drum. The inner drum has an exposed region defined between the top end of the inner drum and an upper end of the outer drum. The exposed region of the inner drum has an input conduit into the inner drum designed for fluidly connecting the inner drum to a supply of pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Dave Hassig
  • Patent number: 6109544
    Abstract: A hose take-up apparatus, which includes a flat casing defining a flat receiving chamber having a relatively narrower middle portion and relatively broader upper and lower portions, a twin line welding hose received in the receiving chamber inside the casing, the twin line welding hose having a fixed input end fixedly secured to the back side wall of the casing and connected to the gas supply tubes of the gas cylinders of a welding apparatus outside the casing and a free output end extended out of an outlet at the front side wall of the casing and connected to a welding torch, two guide members mounted in the outlet inside the casing for guiding the twin line welding hose in and out of the casing, and a winding mechanism mounted inside the casing to automatically take up the twin line welding hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Chih-Sheng Sheng
  • Patent number: 6095429
    Abstract: A wheeled fire hydrant diffuser has a wheeled frame having a trailering tongue for attachment to the rear of a towing vehicle. The housing is formed with walls and attached to the wheeled frame and has an inner chamber therein having an open bottom. An elongated walled passageway extends through the housing chamber and has an opening therein facing the top of the housing. A flexible fire hose is attached to a coupling in the walled passageway and has a removable fire hydrant coupling on the other end thereof so that the fire hose can be connected to the fire hydrant and the fire hydrant opened to direct water therefrom through the walled passageway into the housing inner chamber and out the bottom of the housing inner chamber. The housing has a storage compartment for storing the flexible fire hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Jack G. Killgrove, John Kiley
  • Patent number: 6027320
    Abstract: A fluid compressor comprising a compression module for producing a compressed fluid, said compression module being enclosed in a compressor housing having a first side; and a hose reel assembly movably attached to the compressor housing, the hose reel assembly movable between a first position where the hose reel is adjacent the first side of the compressor housing and a second position wherein the hose reel assembly is located away from the first compressor housing side. The hose reel assembly may be moved to the second position away from the first housing side by swinging the hose reel assembly up away from the first side or pivoting the hose reel assembly to the side of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Dean P. Hendrix, David F. Rowe, Jr., Donald G. Smith, William G. Keaton
  • Patent number: 5975162
    Abstract: A delivery vehicle for delivering liquids to a storage location and a liquid delivery control system therefor. The apparatus comprises manual and remote actuation of a clutch controller for engaging and disengaging a clutch of the vehicle, remote and manual actuation of a throttle controller for opening and closing a throttle of the vehicle, actuation of a power take-off controller for engaging and disengaging a power take-off on the vehicle, and actuation of a valve controller for opening and closing an internal flow valve in a cargo tank on the vehicle. The apparatus also may include actuation of a reel controller for unwinding a liquid delivery hose from a reel and rewinding the hose on the reel. A method of delivering a liquid to a storage location is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Clarence J. Link, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5964412
    Abstract: A garden watering system including an elongate flexible tube formed in extendable and contractible helical coils having opposed ends, with a faucet connector attached to one end of the tube, and a spray nozzle or wand connected to the opposite end of the tube. The coiled tube permits a wide range of extension of the watering system during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5931185
    Abstract: Instead of wrapping the air hose around the portable tire inflator housing to store it, an internal storage compartment is provided. A guide device in the compartment guides the hose so that it travels a path which is offset downward from a straight line path between its attachment to the compressor of the inflator and the opening in the compartment top wall. This path reduces pulling stresses on the attachment, assists in manual incremental feed of the hose back into a concealed storage position, and prevents the hose from bunching up into upper corners of the compartment. When in its storage position only the air chuck at the end of the hose is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberta Scheiner Hall, Scott D. Price, Wallis Alsruhe, Robert G. Frederick
  • Patent number: 5906226
    Abstract: A very light weight high pressure coiled retractable hose kit for marine vehicles and outdoor use which uses a helical structure to automatically retract when not used. The helical structure allows the hose to extend substantially the length of a typical fishing boat. A UV and thermal resistant material is used to withstand damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat or cold. The material is also corrosion resistant to withstand damage from salt water. A high pressure rating allows a narrow diameter hose which occupies a small storage area to be attached to a conventional spigot and provide an increase in water velocity when the nozzle is activated. Input and output fittings and a nozzle retention bracket hold the hose structure in a tight helical spring configuration for storage. The light weight allows easy manipulation of the hose kit and provides improved safety by enhancing the ability to move the hose kit from underfoot during periods of intense activity such as when gaffing fish onboard a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Bertram B. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5816499
    Abstract: In a high-pressure cleaner (1) including a housing (4) running on wheels (6), a motor-pump unit (2,3) in the housing (4) and a high-pressure hose (13) connecting the high-pressure side (9) of the pump (3) with a cleaning gun (12), a hose accumulator (7), capable of storing the hose (13), is placed within the housing (4), the latter having a slot. (14) for the hose (13). Preferably, the hose accumulator (7) comprises a drum (not shown), on which the hose (13) may be wound by means of a hand crank (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kew Industri A/S
    Inventor: Keld Christiansen
  • Patent number: 5741090
    Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Levant G. Dunning, Ardith Arlene Dunning, K. C. Doyle Forbes
  • Patent number: 5607107
    Abstract: A retractable conduit formed from a sheet of memory-set polyester. To manufacture the memory-set strip, the polyester sheet is wound into a desired coiled position. It is then heated and cooled in a manner to memory-set the sheet in a coiled form. After this process the sheet of polyester will automatically return to the coiled position after it has been uncoiled. In one form, suitable as a splashblock, the distal end of the polyester sheet is wider than the end attachable to a downspout. In another form the polyester sheet is sheathed in an elongated polyethylene tube, to form a retractable hose. In a preferred form, the distal end of the hose is supported on a spool which will roll along the ground as the hose is wound and unwound to further ensure that the hose retracts properly. The tube can also be provided with holes to act as a sprinkler if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: James A. Grieve, John M. Todd
  • Patent number: 5584436
    Abstract: A flexible hose extends between the nozzle and body of a portable blower. The nozzle has a handle to enable manipulation of the nozzle. The hose is retractable into recesses in the body and nozzle and the nozzle is mountable on the body. The blower may be used in an extended or retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industires, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold L. Sepke
  • Patent number: RE39249
    Abstract: A delivery vehicle for delivering liquids to a storage location and a liquid delivery control system therefor. The apparatus comprises manual and remote actuation of a clutch controller for engaging and disengaging a clutch of the vehicle, remote and manual actuation of a throttle controller for opening and closing a throttle of the vehicle, actuation of a power take-off controller for engaging and disengaging a power take-off on the vehicle, and actuation of a valve controller for opening and closing an internal flow valve in a cargo tank on the vehicle. The apparatus also may include actuation of a reel controller for unwinding a liquid delivery hose from a reel and rewinding the hose on the reel. A method of delivering a liquid to a storage location is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Clarence J. Link, Jr.