Compound Motion Of Distributor Or Terminal Member About Plural Axes Patents (Class 239/227)
  • Patent number: 7494070
    Abstract: The present invention includes a unique irrigation sprinkler system with a unique sprinkler head design; a unique method of defining the planted area to be served by the sprinkler head; a unique method for determining when that planted area needs to be watered; a unique way of providing even coverage throughout the planted area when being watered; the ability to use one sprinkler head to individually water multiple, non-overlapping planted areas; a unique way of addressing multiple sprinkler heads in the same sprinkler system; and a unique method for remotely determining the integrity of the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Galen Collins
  • Patent number: 7455247
    Abstract: A bodyspray assembly is provided that includes a coupling assembly connected to a spray face. The spray face is operable to emit a directed spray having an omni-directionally adjustable angular orientation. Hence, a spray face in the form of a tile having an array of outlets can direct spray in a variety of directions, or be parallel to a mounting wall for decorative purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Pete Kajuch
  • Patent number: 7300000
    Abstract: An internal cleaning apparatus includes a rotary shaft which, having a liquid flow passage, is provided so as to be axially rotatable, a revolving rotary shaft which, having a liquid flow passage connected to the liquid flow passage and being provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotary shaft, is installed so as to be revolvable about the rotary shaft and axially rotatable, and a nozzle provided at a leading end of the revolving rotary shaft, wherein a gas flow passage is provided along the liquid flow passage of each of the rotary shaft and the revolving rotary shaft from a gas inflow opening provided in the rotary shaft, wherein a configuration is such as to eject a gas-liquid mixture flow having a gas supplied from outside the object to be cleaned mixed with the liquid ejected from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Shibuya Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahito Kitamura, Takahisa Tsukamoto, Taketoshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 7294204
    Abstract: An apparatus for painting traffic marks on a road surface without requiring any professional painting skills. The apparatus having: a first support and second support being parallel to each other and a coupling unit to couple the supports. There is also a gantry unit, having: at least one Y-axial gantry coupled to and being movable along the first and second support, and an X-axial gantry coupled to the Y-axial gantry to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the first support and second support. The apparatus further includes: a jet unit coupled to the X-axial gantry, with a jet nozzle to spray paint downwards; a feeding device, having a first feeding unit to move the Y-axial gantry and a second feeding unit to move the X-axial gantry. There may be a third feeding unit to move the jet unit. There is also a control unit to control operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Joongang Hak Wonco., Ltd
    Inventors: Daehie Hong, Jung Yup Kim, Hyun Ho Shin, Jae Bong Shin, Woo Chang Lee, In Ju Hwang, Tae Hyung-Kim
  • Patent number: 7246756
    Abstract: A water sprinkler for irrigating lawn and garden areas has two axes of movement, one transverse to the other. A barrel moves or oscillates on one horizontal axis to direct water spray from nozzles carried on the barrel across the length of the area, and the nozzle outlets also simultaneously move or oscillate on axes transverse to the barrel axis to spray water across the width of the area. As the nozzle outlets move or oscillate in the two transverse directions, the ground area is irrigated uniformly over time by application of water in a criss-cross pattern. The area sprayed can be surprisingly large compared with single-axis oscillators, or the area may be limited to a single row or a narrow rectangular area, by adjustment of the barrel and outlet movement and/or the water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 7100842
    Abstract: A sprinkler device comprising a sprinkler body having a longitudinal center axis, an inlet at one end and an outlet nozzle at an opposite end; and a rotor plate supported axially spaced and laterally offset from the outlet nozzle; the rotor plate mounted for orbital motion about the longitudinal axis and for rotation about a second axis offset from the longitudinal center axis, the rotor plate having grooves formed therein arranged to cause the distribution plate to rotate about the second axis when a stream emitted from the nozzle impinges on the plate, which, in turn, causes the rotor plate to orbit about the longitudinal center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Larry P. Meyer, George Sesser, Paul D. Davisson, Frederick J. Sweet, Craig B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7089949
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a commercially available cleaning wand for maneuvering the wand inside a storage tank. Two arms each have an end pivotally connected to a handle and another end pivotally connected to the wand to form a four bar linkage. A gimbal arrangement is supported above a base, which is placed over an opening in the tank, and one of the arms is coupled to the gimbal arrangement to allow movement about three mutually perpendicular axes for directing the wand to various orientations within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: R. Brian Rogerson, Bobby H. Hux
  • Patent number: 7044144
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attaching a pressure washing device to a storage tank that allows adjustment of the location of the pressure washing device. One embodiment includes a mounting plate adapted to be connected to a tank opening, a second plate hingably attached to the mounting plate, and a pressure washer attachment plate hingably connected to the second plate. The hinged connections may be arranged such as to allow rotation about two axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Linear connection apparatus may also be provided to control the relative location between the plates. A roof mounted system includes a vertical extension arm that is suspended from a roof-mounted manway. The vertical extension arm supports a primary pivot point about which a first extension arm deploys. The first extension arm carries a telescoping extension arm that has a secondary pivot point about which pivots a wash head arm having a wash head mounted on the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Paul Hebert
  • Patent number: 6986472
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for dispensing anaerobic adhesives/sealants in an automated dispensing system, is provided. More specifically, the nozzle having a hollow body with an entry port and an exit port, the body having a wall with an internal wall surface which defines an elongate conduit arranged about a longitudinal axis of the nozzle, and linking the entry port to the exit port, where at the exit port the internal wall surface alternates in distance from the axis of the nozzle between axis proximate positions and axis distal positions, thereby forming a dispensing opening in the exit port of non-circular cross sectional area. The wall is flexible radially outwardly in the regions of the axis proximate positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Loctite (R&D) Ltd.
    Inventor: Fergal Anthony Gordon
  • Patent number: 6981657
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a layer of foamed plastic material on a roof surface and along a path thereon comprises controlling the movement of a spray applicator along the path such that the rate of movement of the applicator varies for a layer of foamed plastic material deposited on the roof surface to slope relative thereto along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Richard A. West
  • Patent number: 6834814
    Abstract: An adjustable pattern irrigation device is provided with a head member that is pivotably coupled to a plurality of arm members that further serve as a break for incoming water. A cam and follower determine the trajectory of the tilting head member. A plurality of removable and interchangeable cams having an endless number of shapes provided different planned irrigation patterns. Adjustment plates are optionally coupled to the cams to allow for adjustments to the irrigation patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred James Beckman
  • Patent number: 6836700
    Abstract: A method, program embodied on a computer readable medium, and various systems are provided for generating a process trajectory. A normalized image of an object is displayed on a display device of a computer system, the object including a surface that is to be processed using an end effector. A number of predefined trajectories are stored in a memory of the computer system, each of the predefined trajectories defining a motion of the end effector to process a surface of one of a number of spatial definitions. A trajectory generation system is implemented to generate the process trajectory for the end effector to process the surface of the object by associating at least one of the predefined trajectories with the normalized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Robotic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Greene, Larry S. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6827291
    Abstract: A reversible, adjustable arc sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body incorporating a fixed nozzle; a spray plate mounted on one end of a support cage for rotation with the support cage in one or the other of two opposite directions about a first axis arranged coaxially with a stream emitted from the nozzle, and for back and forth tilting motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, an opposite end of the support cage secured to a sleeve rotatably mounted in the sprinkler body, the spray plate having a pair of substantially parallel grooves for selectively receiving the stream, wherein the direction of rotation of the spray plate about the first axis is determined by the tilting motion of the spray plate about the second axis; and a shift lever formed with an aperture sized to receive the stream, the shift lever mounted at one end on the sleeve for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis, the shift lever enabled to shift the stream from one of the pair of grooves to the other o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Townsend
  • Patent number: 6814305
    Abstract: A reversible, adjustable arc sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body incorporating a fixed nozzle; a spray plate mounted for rotation in one or the other of two opposite directions about a first axis arranged coaxially with a stream emitted from the nozzle, and for back and forth tilting motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the spray plate having a pair of substantially parallel grooves for selectively receiving the stream, depending on a direction of tilt of the spray plate; and a shift lever formed with an aperture sized to receive the stream. The shift lever is mounted at one end for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis, and is enabled to shift the stream from one of the pair of grooves to the other of the pair of grooves to thereby reverse the direction of rotation of the spray plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Townsend
  • Patent number: 6788334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inspecting hollow spaces such as pipes, conduits, structures or containers. The device consists of the following: a probe with a built-in camera (5.0) whose objective is oriented towards a front end of a base body (1.0) of said probe; a hose-type supply line to the probe for a liquid or gaseous medium, said line being connected to the back end of the base body of said probe; a supply unit for the hose-type supply line, which is situated outside of the area where the probe is being used; at least one outlet nozzle (3.0) for the medium, which is located on the probe; and transmission means which are provided between the camera (5.0) and an evaluating and/or reproducing unit. At least three rotating outlet nozzles for the medium are situated on the periphery of the base body (1.0) between its front and back end and the jet axis of the medium is angled at 0° to 45° from the central longitudinal axis between the front and back end of the base body (1.0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Oberdorfer
  • Patent number: 6745955
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus is disclosed for spraying coating material onto an internal wall of a cylindrical structure having an opening. The apparatus includes a spraying assembly which has a first and a second end. A support is secured to the spraying assembly, the support being selectively movable relative to the opening of the structure for permitting movement of the second end of the spraying assembly axially relative to the structure. A first conduit has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the first conduit being connected to a source of a first component of the coating material. The second extremity of the first conduit is connected to the second end of the spraying assembly. A second conduit has a first and a second termination, the first termination of the second conduit being connected to a further source of a second component of the coating material. The second termination of the second conduit is connected to the second end of the spraying assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Remote Orbital Installations Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kronz
  • Patent number: 6736333
    Abstract: The invention provides a rotor nozzle, comprising a casing and a rotor body arranged therein. The rotor body has a flow-through channel and a spherical bearing part in a step bearing surrounding an exit opening of the casing. An end part closes the casing and has several selectively closable passages arranged therein which open from an inlet side into the interior of the casing or into flow channels in the casing leading to additional outlets. The end part widens in steps from the interior to the inlet side, and is inserted into a stepped receiving opening. A seal is provided between the end part and the inner wall of the receiving opening. An outlet for a passage of the end part is arranged in the area of at least one step and a flow channel begins in the casing in the area of this step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Thomas Hofer
  • Publication number: 20040089329
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning inner walls of a container, comprising: at least one spray nozzle which is rotatable at least on a first and on a second axis, wherein the first and the second axis enclose an angle; a drive connectable to the spray nozzle for selective rotation of the spray nozzle; and a transmission between the drive and the spray nozzle, wherein the transmission comprises at least two couplings, each of which can be actuated selectively and each of which is associated with one of the axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes C. H. Bijster
  • Patent number: 6705537
    Abstract: An apparatus imparts movement to a fluid dispersing nozzle with a mechanism for converting rotational movement about an axis of rotation into orbital movement about the axis of rotation, and an elongate member is connectable to the mechanism at one end and is connectable to a fluid nozzle at an opposite end from the mechanism. The orbital member provides orbiting movement of the opposite end in response to rotation of the mechanism about the rotational axis, and provides stationary centered positioning of the opposite end in response to a non-rotating mechanism. A speed multiplier transmission or gearbox can be provided between the motor shaft and drive spindle if desired. A separate mixer is positionable within the member and is moveable longitudinally with respect to the member during use. The mixer includes a valve member connected to one end for movement relative to a valve seat defined by an inner surface of the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Schultz, Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 6675548
    Abstract: A gantry is constrained to move around the walls of a cylindrical, concrete tank. A rotating, high pressure water spray nozzle is mounted to a moveable platform on the gantry and connected to a source of water at a pressure of over 20,000 psi. The distance between the nozzle and an opposing surface of the wall of the tank is selected so the nozzle can remove the surface of the concrete and produce a selected surface roughness. The platform is moved vertically, with the gantry moving around the tank, so the surface of the concrete is systematically removed and roughened. A shotcrete or gunnite sprayer is then mounted to the platform, and the roughened surface sprayed with shotcrete or gunnite which sticks to the roughened surface. A tensioning head is then mounted to the platform, and wires or cables are tensioned as they are wrapped around the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: DYK Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon B. Bristol, Robert A. Grogan, Timothy M. Mathews, Stephen T. Rader, James L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6676036
    Abstract: A fluid ejecting method and system include one or more fluid ejectors within a fluid ejector frame and an interposer frame and movably mounted upon a fluid ejector carriage. The fluid ejector carriage traverses across a recording medium for placing swaths of fluid droplets upon the recording medium. A biasing structure urges the fluid ejector frame to a first position to obtain highly accurate and repeatable placement of fluid droplets when the fluid ejector frame is in the first position. A second position of the fluid ejector frame is achieved by energizing a position actuator to move the fluid ejector frame from the first position to the second position to obtain highly accurate and repeatable placement of fluid droplets when the fluid ejector frame is in the second position. The recording medium is advanced separately upon completing a set of at least one swath of fluid droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Kevin Michael Carolan, David T. Zawadzki
  • Patent number: 6651681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for process washing of a process device is provided. The process washing apparatus includes a washing device that moves inside the process device. A washing medium of the washing device is led at least partly inside a body of the washing device in order to lead the washing medium to a target. The washing medium is sprayed to the target by nozzles disposed in the body of the washing device. The apparatus includes first and second supply assemblies for supplying the washing medium to the nozzles. Flow of the washing medium to the first supply assembly is controlled independently of flow of the washing medium to the second supply assembly, and the supply assemblies are capable of moving independently of one another. A method of operating the apparatus including controlling the flow of the washing medium and moving the supply assemblies independently of each other is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Aarne Hurskainen
  • Patent number: 6648242
    Abstract: A mechanism that steers a high energy density output(s) in a shaking motion other than a rotating motion that when translated across a surface evenly affects the surface. One application can be used as an end effector. A pivot on the mechanism induces an angular motion that eliminates the tops and bottoms of the pattern produced by the shaking motion. As a waterjet stripping mechanism which may be an end effector, a nozzle or output manifold with one or more orifices or outputs is attached to a non-rotating tube eccentrically mounted within a rotating tube that shakes the nozzle or output manifold so as to direct the stream of water to the target in a skewed circular pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Systems Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rogers, Clifford V. Mitchell, Garry W. Weatherly
  • Patent number: 6629649
    Abstract: An apparatus imparts movement to a fluid dispersing nozzle with a mechanism for converting rotational movement about an axis of rotation into orbital movement about the axis of rotation, and an elongate orbital member is connectable to the mechanism at one end and is connectable to a fluid nozzle at an opposite end from the mechanism. The orbital member provides orbiting movement of the opposite end in response to rotation of the mechanism about the rotational axis, and provides stationary centered positioning of the opposite end in response to a non-rotating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Schultz, Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 6561199
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior of a vessel for containing a sanitary product by ejecting a rotating stream of cleaning fluid. The apparatus features a stationary housing that forms an inlet for receiving a flow of cleaning fluid, a rotatable housing mounted for rotation on the stationary housing about a first axis, and a nozzle for ejecting the cleaning fluid, the nozzle being rotatably mounted on the rotatable housing so that the nozzle rotates about a second axis. A planetary gear train is driven by an impeller driven by the flow of cleaning fluid and drives the rotation of the rotatable housing. The planetary gear train is located between the apparatus inlet and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Gamajet Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bentley F. Gleeson, Andrew K Delaney, Minh Quang Le, Robert E. Delaney
  • Publication number: 20030085300
    Abstract: The apparatus for sequentially distributing liquid in more than one direction, comprises a support and a reservoir connected to the support. The reservoir is rotatable and tiltable with respect to the support between a rest position where the liquid received therein accumulates and a flush position where liquid stored therein is flushed out via the spout. The spout is oriented such that the liquid flushing out of the reservoir causes by reaction a rotational movement of the reservoir with respect to the support. A counterweight is provided for urging the reservoir towards its rest position, the effect of the counterweight being cancelled when the liquid accumulated in the reservoir reaches a given quantity causing the reservoir to move towards its flush position and to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6541063
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for controlling the quanatity of material dispensed from dispensing systems. In one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing system includes a weight scale upon which material is dispensed from a dispensing system during a calibration routine. The weight of the dispensed material is determined and compared with a target weight. If the weight of the dispensed material varies from the target weight by more than a predetermined amount, then characteristics of the dispensing system are adjusted, and the calibration routine is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Prentice, Brian P. Prescott
  • Publication number: 20030052189
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus is disclosed for spraying coating material onto an internal wall of a cylindrical structure having an opening. The apparatus includes a spraying assembly which has a first and a second end. A support is secured to the spraying assembly, the support being selectively movable relative to the opening of the structure for permitting movement of the second end of the spraying assembly axially relative to the structure. A first conduit has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the first conduit being connected to a source of a first component of the coating material. The second extremity of the first conduit is connected to the second end of the spraying assembly. A second conduit has a first and a second termination, the first termination of the second conduit being connected to a further source of a second component of the coating material. The second termination of the second conduit is connected to the second end of the spraying assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Kronz
  • Publication number: 20030015603
    Abstract: A spray cleaner (10) is provided for rotatingly cleaning an interior of a vessel or the like. The spray cleaner has a main body (12) and a rotating spray body (14). The main body is at a proximal end of the spray cleaner, and the rotating spray body is at a distal end of the spray cleaner. An internal flow conduit (22) in the main body of the rotating spray body communicates a fluid inlet in the main body to a plurality of spray nozzles (18) in at least one spray head which is a part of the rotating spray body. A drive train (30) for rotating the spray body is positioned in the main body, such that the flow conduit passes around the drive train in an annular passage coaxial with the drive train, providing cooling thereto. A vaned rotor (26) in the flow conduit is connected to an input shaft (28) of the drive train, which transfers torque to an output drive system (42) that is fixedly connected to the rotating spray body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Ivan Schreur, Doug Shawver, Dan O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6508413
    Abstract: A machine (10) that can clean and spray coat the inside of a hollow pipe (14) can contain a support bar (16) and associated motors (6 and 8) with a moveable carriage (12) which mounts a thermal spray coating device (28) and/or an abrasion cleaning/profiling head (30) where a programmable controller external to the pipe is capable of controlling the motors (6 and 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: James Alan Bauer, George Franklin Dailey, Mark William Fischer, Dwight Owen Willaman, Michael J. Metala
  • Patent number: 6502765
    Abstract: In one embodiment a spray apparatus includes a nozzle assembly (12) containing six nozzles (14) coupled to a high pressure water feed line (16) and one or more chemical nozzles (20) coupled to chemical feed lines (18). The apparatus includes first and second rotators (22, 32) for rotating the nozzle assembly about generally perpendicular first and second axii (30, 36) through ranges of rotation that are less than 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Chase Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Chase
  • Publication number: 20020179119
    Abstract: A method for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end being inserted into the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle being mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas G. Harmon
  • Publication number: 20020158144
    Abstract: A fluid ejecting method and system include one or more fluid ejectors within a fluid ejector frame and an interposer frame and movably mounted upon a fluid ejector carriage. The fluid ejector carriage traverses across a recording medium for placing swaths of fluid droplets upon the recording medium. A biasing structure urges the fluid ejector frame to a first position to obtain highly accurate and repeatable placement of fluid droplets when the fluid ejector frame is in the first position. A second position of the fluid ejector frame is achieved by energizing a position actuator to move the fluid ejector frame from the first position to the second position to obtain highly accurate and repeatable placement of fluid droplets when the fluid ejector frame is in the second position. The recording medium is advanced separately upon completing a set of at least one swath of fluid droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Kevin Michael Carolan, David T. Zawadzki
  • Patent number: 6460553
    Abstract: A tank-cleaning device, having a housing (1) insertable into an opening of a tank, which housing has a rotationally fixed housing part (2) communicating with an ink for the cleaning fluid and a nozzle holder (4) rotatable relative to the rotationally fixed housing part (2) about a first pivot axis (5), and having at least one nozzle assembly with four nozzles (8, 9, 10, 11) that is disposed on the nozzle holder (4) rotatably about a second pivot axis (7), while having a simple structure, enables thorough cleaning of tanks with narrow tank openings, if two nozzles at a time (8, 9; 10, 11) of the nozzle assembly (6) are disposed at an acute angle (12) to one another in the form of respective V-formations (13, 14), and the two V-formations (13, 14) have essentially opposed directions (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Alfa Laval LKM A/S
    Inventors: Robert A. Owens, Poul Anton Daugaard
  • Patent number: 6447377
    Abstract: A hand-held blasting gun for use in dry ice blasting for cleaning purposes. A handle and a nozzle mount are pivotally joined so a nozzle on the nozzle mount can be adjustably directed relative to the handle. A flexible hose is fitted in the gun, extending from the end of the handle to the nozzle so as to send without kinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: CAE Alpheus, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Londenberg, Alan E. Opel
  • Publication number: 20020109017
    Abstract: A mechanism that steers a high energy density output(s) in a shaking motion other than a rotating motion that when translated across a surface evenly affects the surface. One application can be used as an end effector. A pivot on the mechanism induces an angular motion that eliminates the tops and bottoms of the pattern produced by the shaking motion. As a waterjet stripping mechanism which may be an end effector, a nozzle or output manifold with one or more orifices or outputs is attached to a non-rotating tube eccentrically mounted within a rotating tube that shakes the nozzle or output manifold so as to direct the stream of water to the target in a skewed circular pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rogers, Clifford V. Mitchell, Garry W. Weatherly
  • Patent number: 6418948
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, the apparatus including an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end adapted for insertion into the drum through the open end thereof; a vertically adjustable support structure supporting a guideway support, the guideway support including at least one bearing adapted for supporting the probe for movement of the forward end thereof into and out of the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas G. Harmon
  • Patent number: 6390106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid sprayer. The liquid sprayer has a housing with a hollow inner shell. Within the inner shell are a plurality of transfer pipes, each with a nozzle installed on its lower end, a linking device fixed to the plurality of transfer pipes for moving the transfers pipes so that the nozzles are directed to spray in the same direction, and a driving device for driving the linking device in different directions. Hence, the nozzles are able to spray a workpiece in different directions with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Min Lin
  • Publication number: 20020003173
    Abstract: A machine (10) that can clean and spray coat the inside of a hollow pipe (14) can contain a support bar (16) and associated motors (6 and 8) with a moveable carriage (12) which mounts a thermal spray coating device (28) and/or an abrasion cleaning/profiling head (30) where a programmable controller external to the pipe is capable of controlling the motors (6 and 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: James Alan Bauer, George Franklin Dailey, Mark William Fischer, Dwight Owen Willaman, Michael J. Metala
  • Publication number: 20010019083
    Abstract: A rotary spray nozzle is provided in a housing which has one or more water inlets that direct the incoming water flow in a direction tangential to the inner walls of the housing. This creates a circular or swirling motion of water within the housing which in turn imparts a rotary motion to the nozzle. The liquid or water in the housing exits the housing through the rotating nozzle to thereby provide a rotary spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kipley Roydon Marks
  • Patent number: 6264118
    Abstract: A Strip irrigator comprising a body member fitted with an inlet for coupling to an irrigation water supply and an outlet nozzle of said body member, defining a longitudinal axis, a distribution member formed with a water engaging portion consisting of two ducts forming between them an essentially V-like shape with an intersection adjacent a lower end thereof, each duct ending at a deflection groove, and a support bracket pivotally supporting the distribution member to the body member. The arrangement being such that responsive to a water jet emitted from the outlet nozzle, the distribution member generates reactionary forces imparting it as a reciprocal rocking motion about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dan Mamtirim
    Inventors: Issak Kantor, Yoel Zur, Jonathan Bar-Or
  • Patent number: 6192905
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an improved device for cleaning the inside of vessels 12 which could include truck tankers or rail car tankers. The present invention discloses a generally vertically standing rotatable support member 24 having mounted thereon a parallel pair of lazy tong assemblies or configurations 22 being a series of jointed and pivoted bars or arms, e.g., 28, capable of being extended over a great distance. Mounted on the distal end of the lazy tong assembly 22 is a spray head 32 having multiple spray outlets 42 and being fluidly connected to a supply of cleaning liquid 18 located on the outside of the vessel 12 which is being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: John Wade Mincy, John Wayne Mincy
  • Patent number: 6151748
    Abstract: A cleaning device for either carpeted or hard surfaces which utilizes pressurized cleaning fluid to clean the surface. The fluid nozzles are arranged on two or more heads which are in turn mounted on two or more arms. The arms rotate about a common axis causing the heads to move in a circular pattern. The heads rotate about their own central axis. The nozzles are angled relative to the surface being cleaned and preferably rotate towards the direction of the fluid jet. Preferably, at least two of the heads counter-rotate. Also preferably, the heads are arranged at somewhat different radial distances from the rotational axis of the arms so that their coverage patterns partially overlap. The combination of the counter rotation and the overlap provides an alternating, or beating, pattern to the angle of incidence of the fluid on the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Environmental Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Earhart, Jr., Kenneth F. Halls, Grant K. Halls
  • Patent number: 6129293
    Abstract: A rotary nozzle head has a rotor nozzle (50) through which flow can take place, two radially adjustable sheet metal deflector plates (30, 32) and a nozzle bearing (42), the axial position of which is adjustable. An axially adjustable functional element carrier (20) is formed at its downstream end as an actuation housing (22) and has the nozzle bearing (42) at the upstream end thereof. In addition, the functional element carrier (20) supports the sheet metal deflector plates (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Anton Jager
  • Patent number: 6123271
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior of a vessel by ejecting a rotating stream of fluid. The apparatus features a gear train driven by the fluid received by an inlet, a stationary housing, a rotatable housing mounted for rotation on the stationary housing about a first axis, and a nozzle for ejecting the fluid, the nozzle being rotatably mounted on the rotatable housing so that the nozzle rotates about a second axis. A gear train is located between the inlet and the nozzle. In addition, a first gear, which, along with the gear train, drives rotation of the rotatable housing about the first axis, and a second gear, which drives the rotation of the nozzle housing about the second axis, are disposed on opposite sides of the second axis. A deflector deflects fluid running along the input drive shaft away from the gear train housing and a passage drains the deflected fluid to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Gamajet Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Delaney, Minh Quang Le, Bentley F. Gleeson, Warren F. Geiger
  • Patent number: 6109136
    Abstract: Differential transmission with a rigid support ring (1) which exhibits an essentially cylindrical bearing surface (2) and with a radially flexible roller bushing (5) which has an outer surface (7) with a circumference smaller than the bearing surface (2), wherein one or more circumference segments of the outer surface (7) are maintained in essentially slip-free engagement with the bearing surface (2) of the support ring (1) via multiple transmission elements (32), said engagement progressively successively changeable by rotation of a drive core (20) rotatably provided within the roller bushing (5) and rotatably driven by a drive shaft (14), wherein the transmission elements (32) are formed by a multitude of essentially radially extending segments of equal length, that the roller bushing is supported upon the drive core (20) via these segments, and that the segments with their radial side surfaces lie against each other and with respect to each other are radially slidable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: IMS Morat Sohne GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Dold
  • Patent number: 6085994
    Abstract: A multiple nozzle swivel assembly for mounting on a cable support stretched across the interior of a chamber to be scrubbed with high velocity jet streams or stretched along an array of objects to be cleaned as the swivel assembly traverses the cable from one end to the other. The cable passes through a coaxial bore in an elongated shaft carrying both a relatively stationary an input member for supply of high pressure liquid to the assembly and a rotatable output nozzle-carrying spray head member. The shaft is monolithic with multiple angularly spaced bores around the central bore and parallel thereto and sealed from the central bore carry high pressure liquid from the input member to the output spray head member with very low drag bearings and liquid seals being provided between relatively rotating liquid carrying components. The assembly includes multi-directioned nozzle elements on a rotatable spray head. Positive drive to rotate the spray head is achieved with a rotational speed controlling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Stoneage, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Patent number: 6067480
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermal extrusion of a polymeric material to manufacture prototype mechanical elements from said polymeric material, said apparatus used for deposition of a liquefied ribbon of said polymeric material in patterned layers which solidify to form a three-dimensional prototype element, said apparatus comprising in combination, a mounting frame, said mounting frame including a mounting plate with a movable platen movable in the x and y directions, said frame further including an extrusion cylinder, said extrusion cylinder comprising a cylindrical housing having a uniform diameter cylindrical through passage, a head member having a uniform diameter bore connected with a reduced diameter, integral tip opening, said head member attached by a clamp to one end of the cylindrical housing to align the bore with the through passage, said-bore and through passage having an equal diameter, said head member including a circumferential heater to liquefy contents of the head member, a reciprocal piston slidabl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Stuffle, Peter J. Creegan, John L. Lombardi, Paul D. Calvert, John A. O'Kelly, Robert A. Hoffman, Gabriel C. Chambers
  • Patent number: 6039056
    Abstract: The invention relates to machines for cleaning the inner surfaces of all kinds of tanks. The cleaning is processed by means of a nozzle (14) spraying a jet of cleaning fluid against the surface to be cleaned. Each nozzle (14) is rotatable around two axes, that enclose an angle. In order to be able to customize the working procedures of the machine to the geometry and size of the tank and to the kind of pollution, the machine comprises an electronic control and two independently operating drives (4) by means of which the rotational movement of the nozzle (14) around the two axes can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Diederik Geert Verbeek
  • Patent number: 6036123
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying foamed plastic material on a roof deck comprises a wheeled frame moveable along the deck and carrying a foamed plastic dispenser support and drive assembly which extends transverse to the direction of movement of the frame and which includes a carriage reciprocable in opposite directions along a linear carriage path and supporting a foamed plastic dispenser for reciprocation therewith and for pivotal displacement relative thereto at each of the opposite ends of the carriage path about a horizontal axis transverse to the carriage path so as to pivot the dispenser for discharging the foamed plastic material laterally outwardly of the ends of the support and drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. West