Multiple Spray Heads Connected For Serial Flow Patents (Class 239/207)
  • Patent number: 11938499
    Abstract: The present invention provides unique pressure actuated valves and related methods that may be used in applications where a plurality of fluid emission devices are provided on a plurality of lines containing fluid under pressure, in order to prevent fluid from escaping from the fluid emission devices until a consistent threshold or predetermined level of fluid pressure is obtained in the lines, without causing significant water pressure and/or flow loss through the valves. Valves of the present invention include a housing having an upper body and a lower body that may be coupled together to form an inner chamber, the lower body having an inlet in communication with a source of fluid under pressure, the upper body having an outlet in communication with a fluid emission device. A hollow movable fluid transmission piston is provided in the chamber for communicating between the inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Malco, LLC
    Inventor: David B. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 11833538
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler riser extension kit is disclosed for use with a rotary sprinkler. The kit includes an external riser extension having an upper end and lower end, and defining a channel extending through the upper end and lower end. The channel is configured to accommodate the stem of the rotary sprinkler, the upper end is configured to attach to the cap of the rotary sprinkler, and the lower end is configured to attach to the enclosure of the rotary sprinkler. The kit also includes an internal riser extension having a height substantially equal to total length of the external riser extension, a width less than inner width of the enclosure of the rotary sprinkler, means for attaching to the geared lower end of the stem, a lower gear configured to rotate the rotary sprinkler, and means to raise the stem and channel water thereto in response to water pressure at an inlet to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Kody J. Ketterling
  • Patent number: 11542689
    Abstract: An embodiment of a fire-suppression water-intake valve includes a receptacle and a valve assembly. The receptacle is configured to receive a sprinkler head. And the valve assembly is configured to close in response to removing a sprinkler head from the receptacle, and is configured to open in response to installing a sprinkler head in the receptacle. Such a fire-suppression water-intake valve can allow quick and easy removal and installation of a fire-suppression sprinkler head without shutting a water supply to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AQUOR WATER SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Richard O. Walcome
  • Patent number: 10821449
    Abstract: A hybrid shower head includes: a first shower head including a first shower head portion and a positioning portion; a second shower head including a second shower head portion and a matching portion which is disengaged from or engaged with the positioning portion; a two-position three-way diverter valve including a first water outlet communicating with the first shower head portion and a second water outlet communicating with the second shower head portion; and a switch controlling the two-position three-way diverter valve to select a water path. When the positioning portion is engaged with the matching portion, water is automatically discharged from only one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet. When the positioning portion is disengaged from the matching portion, water is automatically discharged from the other of the first water outlet and the second water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIAN XIHE SANITARY WARE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xiaofa Lin, Xiaoshan Lin, Zhigang Wan, Xiaoqing Deng, Qiqiao Liu
  • Patent number: 10632480
    Abstract: An adjustable shower device includes a water diversion valve body, a water inlet pipe, and more than one water outlet pipe. The water diversion valve body has a water inlet and more than one water outlet. The water inlet pipe is fixedly connected to the water inlet of the water diversion valve body. An inlet end of the more than one water outlet pipe is connected to the more than one water outlet. Because the water outlet pipe is a universal pipe that is a bendable metal shaping hose, the shower head on the water pipe can be swung to any height, which is more convenient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN PRIME SHOWER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qin Yu
  • Patent number: 10618064
    Abstract: A multi-functional shower includes body unit, a switch unit, a rain shower unit, a head shower unit and a connecting pipe. The body unit has connecting portion to connect a straight portion and a sloping portion. The rain shower unit is disposed inside the straight portion, and the switch unit and the head shower unit are disposed inside the sloping portion, the connecting pipe is disposed inside the connecting portion and is connected to the switch unit and the rain shower unit. The body unit is disposed with an inlet waterway. By rotating the switch unit, the inlet waterway is connected to the rain shower unit or the head shower unit, or is connected to the rain shower unit and the head shower unit at the same time, making water flow out of the rain shower unit or the head shower unit or both at the same time, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhaojin Yin, Mingfu Zhang, Bin Cao, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 10016769
    Abstract: A multi-functional shower includes body unit, a switch unit, a rain shower unit, a head shower unit and a connecting pipe. The body unit has connecting portion to connect a straight portion and a sloping portion. The rain shower unit is disposed inside the straight portion, and the switch unit and the head shower unit are disposed inside the sloping portion, the connecting pipe is disposed inside the connecting portion and is connected to the switch unit and the rain shower unit. The body unit is disposed with an inlet waterway. By rotating the switch unit, the inlet waterway is connected to the rain shower unit or the head shower unit, or is connected to the rain shower unit and the head shower unit at the same time, making water flow out of the rain shower unit or the head shower unit or both at the same time, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhaojin Yin, Mingfu Zhang, Bin Cao, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 10010799
    Abstract: A tunnel assembly includes a tube that may be placed on a support surface thereby facilitating a user to run through the tube. The tube has an inside diameter of at least one hundred twenty cm. A figure head is coupled to the tube to enhance an ornamental appearance of the tube. A spray unit is coupled to the tube. The spray unit is fluidly coupled to a fluid source thereby facilitating the spray unit to spray a fluid into an interior of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Angela Williford-Young
  • Patent number: 8950789
    Abstract: A multi-barbed connection suitable for use in connecting a piece of flexible irrigation tubing is provided, where one of the barbs is a circumferential barb configured for forming a generally fluid tight connection with the tubing and another of the barbs is a corner barb having one or more corners configured for biting into the tubing for at least partially assisting in retaining the tubing on the connection. The connection can be part of a fitting for fluidly joining multiple pieces of tubing or part of an irrigation device, such as a pop-up irrigation sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Rowshan Jahan
  • Patent number: 8794341
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for fire suppression and containment is provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. A conduit with a plurality of nozzle connections, in various configurations to create specific fire suppressant discharge patterns. Each conduit can be operated individually or connected to another conduit by a predetermined length of hose forming a contiguous system, traversing large areas of land. The invention and components form a multipurpose fire suppression apparatus. The system can be operated remotely or manually. An alternative embodiment can be installed in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Each system can be custom designed based upon environmental engineering requirements and system application—with regard to conduit diameters, material composition, shape, length and nozzle design without leaving the core design. The system components can also incorporate sensors, monitoring devices, robotics (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: John Wayne Howard, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8565927
    Abstract: A irrigation interrupter is disclosed herein. The irrigation interrupter learns the watering patterns established by an irrigation controller and takes action to intelligently limit watering based on knowledge of time, temperature and soil moisture. The interrupter learns the watering pattern of the controller by monitoring behavior over a set period (two weeks), and mapping the start and duration of each zone's irrigation. A default profile is preferably set to enable users to ignore a setting and only adjust it after observing overall plant results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Green Badge LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Campbell, Clayton R. Karmel
  • Patent number: 8348175
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for preventing and removing fog at an airport runway. The apparatus includes: a water tank 10 buried in a ground around a runway; a water tank temperature sensor 20 for sensing a water temperature in the water tank; a heater 30 provided inside the water tank, for heating water contained in the water tank; a cooling device 40 provided inside the water tank, for cooling water contained in the water tank; the sprinklers 50 installed at opposite sides along the runway and over the ground around the runway, and supplied with the water from the water tank to spray water towards the atmosphere over and around the runway; and a controller 60 controlling, on the basis of the water temperature of the water tank measured using the temperature sensor, operation of the sprinklers, the heater, and the cooling device, according to an externally inputted operational signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Choon San Kim
  • Patent number: 8292198
    Abstract: The present invention features a lawn sprinkling system, which comprises a gutter disposed along the side of a building structure, a sprinkler head disposed within the gutter, a water supply, and a water supply pipe. The water supply pipe is disposed within a recess alongside the down spout, and water supply pipe fluidly connects to the sprinkler head and to the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Francisco Sanchez, Luis Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8215570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to control the flow duration and the flow rate of each individual sprinkler head wirelessly in each zone of an automatic sprinkler system. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, preferably wireless, to control the sprinkler heads, either directly or through a controller. The system enables precise control over irrigation times for the areas covered by each sprinkler head. The system also enables each sprinkler head to control its on/off and duration decisions based on receiving data from a sensor within an irrigation zone of an automatic sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Sun, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale K. Hitt
  • Patent number: 8181889
    Abstract: The invention relates to irrigation by means of sprinklers for agriculture, lawns, golf courses and other applications. More particularly, the invention provides a sprinkler arranged to distribute water evenly over a field area of almost any shape. Preferably the invention relates to a pop-up sprinkler thus, when not in use, i.e., when no water pressure is applied, the entire device is level or below ground surface. The invention comprises: a lower water inlet, an inner member, within an upper housing, suspended on a vertical axis within the lower water inlet. An inner member within the upper housing being free to revolve around a vertical axis and revolvably supporting; at least one nozzle assembly having at least one water inlet and an outlet jet and being supported on a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Accurate Watering Ltd.
    Inventor: Haim Shahak
  • Patent number: 8069812
    Abstract: A booth with a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of sunscreen, insect repellent, aloe lotion, skin care products, or similar lotions or liquids to substantial portions of the human body. One or more spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air or spray flows that may cause inefficient or uneven application of the lotion or liquid. Spray nozzles may be fixed or adjustable. The invention may include means for rinsing the body prior to application of the lotion or liquid to promote even and unobstructed application to the body, as well as means for washing down the booth between or after use is provided. Power may be provided by electrical power sources, a battery, or solar panel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: William Christopher Lotterhos, Richard N. Linder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7896261
    Abstract: A Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises three generally radially extending tubes connected together for transmission of fluid therebetween. The radially outward end of each tube is terminated by a pipe connector. The axes of the three tubes extend radially in a common plane and intersect at a single point, subtending angles of 120° with each other. A further connector is provided extending substantially perpendicularly to the common plane of the three tubes to connect a fitting to the three tubes. An irrigation system, using the Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises a network of pipes connected by the “Y” shaped fittings. Each pipe in the network is connected at each end to a leg of a respective Y-shaped fitting such that the pipes each form one side in a hexagonal shaped pipe network formation. Alternate “Y” shaped plumbing fittings are fitted with watering outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Holmes
  • Patent number: 7789321
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to control the flow duration and the flow rate of each individual sprinkler head wirelessly in each zone of an automatic sprinkler system. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, preferably wireless, to control the sprinkler heads, either directly or through a controller. The system enables precise control over irrigation times for the areas covered by each sprinkler head. The system also enables each sprinkler head to control its on/off and duration decisions based on receiving data from a sensor within an irrigation zone of an automatic sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Digital Sun, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale K. Hitt
  • Publication number: 20100206961
    Abstract: A structural member as designed to define a fluid distribution conduit receiving cavity within its interior volume. An elongate extruded plastic cover snap-fits onto the member to conceal the conduit but permits nozzles and the like to extend therethrough so that fluid may be distributed from the conduit and/or serviced as necessary without removing the cover. The cover effectively supports the conduit by trapping it against the cavity floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: BELANGER, INC.
    Inventor: Barry S. TURNER
  • Patent number: 7648082
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is for use in distributing water to an area of vegetation, and has a rotatable nozzle for dispersing the water by rotation of the nozzle. A magnet is coupled or connected to the nozzle and rotates synchronously with the rotation of the nozzle. A sensor unit is disposed adjacent to the nozzle and detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet during nozzle rotation to generate a signal indicative of the speed and direction of rotation of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: T. Lynn Roney, Steven Sharp
  • Publication number: 20100001097
    Abstract: An atomizing spray booth for applying liquid solutions comprises an enclosure having a curved nozzle rack with a plurality of nozzles attached to a bracket mounted to a rolling bar assembly. The nozzles rack moves about a vertical length of a sidewall to spray atomized solution towards a person. A downdraft ventilation system pushes solution-air mixture downwards to cover the person and towards side-mounted vents at a lower portion of the booth. The exhaust vents pull the remaining solution upwards and outwards from the booth through conduits in hollow support columns. A snorkel inlet in communication with a fan delivers fresh air in the booth. A filter wash down nozzle cleans buildup residue in the columns. A water sump pump pumps waste water from the booth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Spivak
  • Patent number: 7617994
    Abstract: A sprinkler head housing for allowing access to sprinkler heads and shafts for maintenance and repair. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device which allows for, and encloses, a working space around underground sprinkler heads. The device is placed around a sprinkler shaft in the ground and the plant material is placed on its outside. The top of the sprinkler head sits above the device. When the sprinkler needs to be accessed, the top of the device can be removed and an open interior space remains where a user can place his/her hands and/or tools to repair or replace a sprinkler head. This invention may be installed when the underground sprinkler system itself is first installed or alternatively may be installed at each sprinkler head as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: William K. Gunderson, Lyle D. Ungerecht
  • Patent number: 7617992
    Abstract: An irrigation system (10) includes one or more alignment guides (38) and an irrigation unit (20). The irrigation unit (20) directs irrigation fluid (19) to at least a portion of an irrigation region (30). The irrigation unit (20) includes a nozzle (220), a sensor (260) that senses a change in position of a portion of the irrigation unit (20) relative to the alignment guides (38), and a unit control system (240). The sensor (260) can be an infrared sensor. The unit control system (240) receives information from the sensor (260) regarding the change in position and adjusts a flow rate of irrigation fluid (19) through the nozzle (220) and/or a position of the nozzle (220) relative to the alignment guides (38). The alignment guides (38) can be formed from a heat absorbing material that is sensed by the sensor (260).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Norman Ivans
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080011878
    Abstract: A portable misting system comprises a plurality of base members which may be coupled to a plurality of vertical support members, which, in turn, may be coupled to a plurality of horizontal frame members. A tubing apparatus including a plurality of mist nozzles runs through the horizontal frame members and at least one vertical support member and one base member. The tubing apparatus may be connected to a water supply and may include a water pump. Water flows through the tubing apparatus of the portable misting system and is dispersed from the mist nozzles to provide cooling benefit to a desired area. Light fixtures may be coupled to the portable misting system. The configuration of the portable misting system may be adjusted as desired to accommodate various spaces in which it may be installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Marc Maples
  • Patent number: 7275604
    Abstract: A sprinkler system includes a control panel including a processor, a power supply source, and a memory including software instructions for automatically toggling the system between operating and non-operating modes. The control panel includes controls mated to the processor that generate and transmit a user input control signal thereto. The processor executes a control algorithm for enabling the user to override the system. Sensors are spaced along a perimeter of the building structure, are camouflaged and shaped as an outdoor ornamental lawn art such as insects and amphibians, and generate and transmit an RF detection signal to the control panel, identifying an ambient temperature. Lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are positioned about the building structure. The lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are mated to the control panel and are independently operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Terry M. Wall
  • Patent number: 7191955
    Abstract: An irrigation unit (20) for irrigating an area (12) with a fluid (19) from a fluid source (18) includes a housing (200), a nozzle (220), one or more electronic components (221), and a unit control system (240). The nozzle (220) is secured to the housing (200) and the nozzle (220) is in fluid communication with the fluid source (18) so that fluid (19) from the fluid source (18) is transferred to the nozzle (220). The unit control system (240) can perform a self-test on the irrigation unit (20) to make sure that the irrigation unit (20) is functioning properly. Additionally, the irrigation unit (20) can include a cleaner (259u) that is coupled to the housing (200). The cleaner (259u) can clean one or more electronic components (221) that are part of the irrigation unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Norman Ivans
  • Patent number: 7156323
    Abstract: A spray rack suitable for testing a window in a building includes a plurality of spray bars and at least one stand-off leg. The plurality of spray bars each include at least one nozzle for spraying fluid. The at least one stand-off leg is coupled with the plurality of spray bars and includes a plurality of pre-measured settings each corresponding to a distance between the at least one nozzle and the window. The at least one stand-off leg is configured to be set at one of the plurality of pre-measured settings to interface with the building and to position the plurality of spray bars a desired distance from the window for testing the window by spraying the fluid from the at least one nozzle of each of the plurality of spray bars toward the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The RM Group LLC
    Inventor: Todd Mikkelson
  • Patent number: 7114667
    Abstract: A nozzle coupling includes a connector having an attached nozzle and opposing ends. The connector is capable of receiving fluid and conducting it to the nozzle and the nozzle is capable of receiving fluid from the connector and spraying it outwardly therefrom. Facets of the connector extend longitudinally of the connector from one of the opposing ends to the other of the opposing ends, and each of the facets are capable of being borne against a surface to locate the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bontems
  • Patent number: 7114668
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for treating water in a landscape pond so as to enhance the water clarity, where the water to be treated is delivered to a treatment pond to reduce the particulate matter and nutrient level of the water. The treatment pond includes a nutrient level reducing vegetation, facultative bacteria, substrate material for the bacteria (usually gravel) and a treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus includes a generally vertically disposed hollow and cylindrical stack formation which extends between the treatment pond bottom and surface and defines at least one (1) coupling construction. At least one (1) elongated and generally horizontally disposed water disbursing module is positioned on the pond bottom and coupled to the stack formation. The disbursing module includes a flat bottom, an arcuate upper surface having a plurality of exit apertures therein and a pair of end formations, all of which define a passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Aquascape Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgar Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7077338
    Abstract: A boat misting system for cooling occupants of a boat or houseboat with a very fine aerosolized water spray is described. The water for the system is taken from the body of water upon which the boat floats so that a virtually limitless amount of misting water is available. The boat misting system is aesthetically pleasing because the plumbing components are concealed below the deck or within the hull of a boat. If desired, extension hoses may be used to equip a boat canopy with a portion of the misting system. The misting spray may be applied continuously or cycled intermittently using a timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Richard C. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7070002
    Abstract: Fire extinguishing method, especially for spaces intended for the storage of aircraft, such as hangars, in which method a fire extinguishing medium, especially a liquid mist, is sprayed via at least one first nozzle (2) in the area, seen in a vertical direction, between an object (1) to be protected/extinguished, such as an aircraft, and the floor (3) or equivalent af the storage space. At least one first nozzle (2) is arranged to spray mainly in the area between the object (1) to be extinguished, such as an aircraft, and the floor (3) of the storage space or equivalent at least in a horizontal plane mainly in one first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation OY
    Inventors: Göran Sundholm, Maarit Tuomisaari
  • Patent number: 6991181
    Abstract: A soaker/sprinkler hose having a cylindrical cross section with radial discharge orifices circumferentially spaced about the entire perimeter of the conduit along the length thereof for simultaneously directing liquid flow streams downwardly into the ground on one side of the conduit for soaking the ground and upwardly into the air for watering the ground in sprinkling fashion. The hose is formed with a plurality of axially aligned rows of discharge orifices, at circumferentially spaced intervals about the conduit, and is cured in a retractable coiled condition which facilitates random direction of the discharging liquid streams when the hose is extended and which facilitates handling and storage of the hose. A method of making the coiled soaker/sprinkler hose also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Faip North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus Alexander, John Pianetto, Morgan P. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6955304
    Abstract: An anti-icing spray assembly includes a base housing having a generally open top and a cavity. The base housing is adapted to be mounted in a roadway. A spray housing is removably secured to the base housing with at least a portion of the spray housing being disposed in the cavity of the base housing. The spray housing defines an interior chamber and is watertight so as to substantially prevent water from entering the interior chamber. The spray housing includes at least one spray outlet adapted to spray an anti-icing agent onto the roadway. At least one valve assembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the spray housing. The valve assembly is operably connected to the at least one spray outlet. The valve assembly is moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the valve assembly is adapted to permit the flow of the anti-icing agent through the at least one spray outlet and onto the roadway when moved to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Beach, Jerry R. Waldman
  • 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: 6948566
    Abstract: Spraying apparatus, designed especially for fire-fighting purposes, at least one spray head (1) and one holder (2), in which the spray head can be moved between at least two positions, the spray head being in a retracted position when in an inactive state, and when it is in an active state, at least one of the nozzles of the spray head extends beyond edges of the holder. The spray head (1) is in a surface-mounted structural part (7) having at least one spray head holder (2) and a supply (8) for supplying a medium, such as an extinguishing medium, to be sprayed from the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6941702
    Abstract: A rainwater collection and dispensation system for economically conserving water usage by using collected rainwater. The rainwater collection and dispensation system includes a gutter being adapted to be mounted along an edge of a roof of a building structure; and also includes a tank support member being adapted to rest upon a ground and being disposed beneath a portion of the gutter; and further includes a tank being securely and removably supported upon the tank support member; and also includes a drainage spout interconnecting the gutter and the tank for draining rainwater from the gutter into the tank; and further includes a rainwater dispensing assembly including an overflow pipe member being disposed through a wall of the tank for draining rainwater from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Lyndon Abrams, Priscilla Abrams
  • Patent number: 6932277
    Abstract: A sprinkler valve wiring apparatus and method are provided. An irrigation system has a plurality of valves designed to be electrically activated by a control unit. Valve wires extend from the valves to a junction unit. Control unit wires extend from the control unit to the junction unit, and are electrically coupled to the valve wires within the junction unit. The control unit wires include a common wire and a plurality of hot wires. Each hot wire is coupled to a corresponding valve, while the common wire is coupled to all of the valves by the junction unit. The junction unit utilizes resilient blocking members with frangible portions that block unused wire receptacles and can be removed to provide watertight access to the remaining wire receptacles. The junction unit is fixed in place via an anchoring mechanism such as a pipe clip or stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Michael Ray Erickson, Chadwick L. Wilson, Christian Michael Olsen, Edwin McAuley
  • Patent number: 6840004
    Abstract: Fluid, such as pesticide or the like, can be injected into a wall through each of a plurality of fluid-injection plugs that are mounted on the wall. Each plug includes a blind-ended bore and a fluid passage port that fluidically connects the blind-ended bore to the outside of the plug. A bore-closing plug is releasably mounted on each plug and is removed to provide access to the blind-ended bore and is then replaced to close the plug. Fluid, including air-entrained powdered substances, can be injected into the wall by connecting a suitable supply of the fluid to the blind-ended bore after the plug has been removed and forcing the fluid into the blind-ended bore. The fluid will then pass through the fluid passage port out of the bore and thus be injected into the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: George R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6742720
    Abstract: A spray application system is disclosed having an enclosure with a spray chamber, a spray applicator within the chamber, and a liquid barrier such as a sprayed water curtain, within the chamber, upstream or downstream of the spray applicator. The water is preferably sprayed downward to create a vacuum for drawing the treating substance downward into the liquid barrier. The liquid barrier preferably does not contact the workpieces that instead pass overhead. Independent pressure gauges and flow regulators may be used for the upstream liquid barrier, the downstream liquid barrier, and the spray applicator. The chamber may have a roof section that is secured to a beam or other process line support, and the walls may be suspended from the roof section. The roof section may have an opening running across its length to allow hangers from an overhead processing line to pass through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Safe Foods Corp.
    Inventor: Gary Nolen
  • Patent number: 6695223
    Abstract: An adjustable stator is mounted in the lower end of a pop-up sprinkler riser and includes a vertically extending frame portion and a pair of valve portions that extend horizontally from an upper end of the frame portion. A coil spring is squeezed between a lower end of a drive subassembly and a mandrel mounted in a lower end of the frame portion. The mandrel and the frame portion have mating projections which allow the vertical position of the mandrel to be adjusted. This adjusts the downward biasing force exerted by the coil spring against the frame portion and the valve members carried thereby. This varies the pressure of a water stream flowing past a turbine in the riser, and the speed of rotation of the turbine which in turn changes the speed of rotation of a nozzle driven by the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Beutler, Michael L. Clark
  • Patent number: 6685104
    Abstract: Landscape sprinkling systems that incorporate fire sensors, optional moisture sensors, and control electronics that continuously monitor the perimeter of a property for fire and/or smoke, and optionally low soil moisture conditions. When an alarm is detected, the systems automatically turn on selected sprinkler valves to water areas that would be most impacted by a fire or are in need of water. Wireless and wired system embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Ardele Y. Float, Kenneth W. Float
  • Patent number: 6651903
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a unique tank and ring system for transporting and circulating high specific gravity soluble fluid on board a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: VT Halter Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Philip Nuss
  • Patent number: 6622933
    Abstract: A lawn sprinkler system utilizes a master controller whose input is coupled to a water supply and whose output is coupled via pipe to a number of valves. The master controller is preprogrammed to supply water for a number of phases of operation, where the operation advances to a subsequent phase upon turning the supply of water off for a relatively short amount of time followed by turning the supply of water back on. Each of the valves includes an in-port and an out-port, where each valve cycles through each of the phases as controlled by the master controller. Each valve is setable/changeable to supply water to its respective out-port during a selected phase of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventors: George A. Young, Jonathan R. Young
  • Patent number: 6554208
    Abstract: A spray chamber has a spray system and a ventilation system. The spray system includes a compressor and stationary spray jets that are positioned 360° about a user, from head to toe. The spray system operates in a spray mode and a drying mode. In the spray mode, the composition is sprayed onto the user through the spray jets in the form of a mist. In the drying mode, air is blown through the jets to dry the user. The spray chamber also has a shower spray. In the rinse mode, chlorinated water is emitted from the shower spray to disinfect the spray chamber. The ventilation system includes exhaust fans that operate in the drying mode to draw air and remnant spray mist into a ventilation housing. The spray is filtered to create droplets that are siphoned by a sump pump as waste to a sewer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hollywood Tanning Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Venuto, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6540156
    Abstract: A fertilizer and irrigation apparatus includes an inflow pipe, a shunt pipe connected to the inflow pipe, and a chemical additive assembly connected in parallel to the shunt pipe. An outflow pipe is also connected to the shunt pipe. A portion of the inflow pipe, the shunt pipe, the chemical additive assembly, and the outflow pipe are all above ground. The chemical additive assembly includes a quantity of a chemical additive. A manifold is connected to the outflow pipe. A plurality of in-ground distribution conduits are connected to the manifold, wherein each of the distribution conduits includes at least one above-ground sprinkler head. In addition, an auxiliary inflow assembly can be connected to the inflow pipe so that chemical additives can be supplied to the fertilizer and irrigation apparatus from an outside source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Martin
  • Patent number: 6494386
    Abstract: A sprinkler head housing encloses, supports, and provides access to a sprinkler head in order to allow maintenance and access to the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head housing includes a top and a wall descending therefrom. The sprinkler head housing can accommodate sprinkler heads having differently sized diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ocean Test Equipment. Inc.
    Inventor: John I. Banu
  • Publication number: 20020139056
    Abstract: A fire protection system employs a plurality of radio frequency transmitter temperature sensors remotely located around a building to be protected, one or more sprinkler heads coupled to a water supply line and mounted on the roof of the building to provide sprinkler coverage of the building and a perimeter area surrounding the building, and control circuitry responsive to a radio frequency signal transmited by one or more of the remotely located temperature sensors when a temperature exceeding a threshold temperature of the sensors is sensed thereby to initiate the flow of water to the one or more sprinkler heads for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Lee M. Finnell
  • Publication number: 20020027172
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed to fertilize water passing through an existing irrigation system. The present invention would comprise at least one feeder, which would comprise an outer housing and an inner feeder tube. The inner feeder tube would be accessible via a top-mounted threaded end cap, with a user removing the top-mounted threaded end cap in order to place fertilizer within the inner feeder tube. The inner feeder tube would have holes throughout its length, and with the outer housing connected up to a closed irrigation water line, the fertilizer would be permitted to mix with the continuous flow of water that would pass through the feeder. Water in the entire irrigation system would be designed to pass through an input PVC line into the feeder, pass around and through the feeder tube (thereby picking up and dissolving fertilizer), and then passing through an output mechanism into the regular irrigation line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph Whiteley
  • Patent number: 6349888
    Abstract: An insecticide dispensing apparatus for delivering insecticide from an outside source to a building having a foundation and a roof space thereunder. The apparatus includes an access unit having an inlet port external to the building, an upper pipeline arrangement having at least one outlet is located in the roof space and extends to the access unit. A lower pipeline arrangement including at least one outlet is located under the foundation. This lower pipeline arrangement also extends to the access unit whereby insecticide is effectively distributed with respect to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Wing Leung Au, Bruce Harold Taylor