Wriggler Or Flexible Distributor Patents (Class 239/229)
  • Patent number: 11931760
    Abstract: Provided is a spray head structure (1), comprising an airflow pipe (10), a rotary member (30), a load member (70), a tan component (100), a spoiler pipe (41) and a liquid flow pipe (50), wherein the rotary member (30) is rotatable sleeved on the airflow pipe (10), the load member (70) is mounted at the rotary member (30) to increase the load so as to improve the torsion of the rotary member, the fan component (100) is mounted at the rotary member (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ECP Incorporated
    Inventor: Wenyuan Wang
  • Patent number: 11759802
    Abstract: A garden sprinkler has an input base, an output member rotatably installed at the top of the input base, and a rotating member capable of driving the output member. The output Both sides of the output member are respectively equipped with a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is equipped with a first sprinkler, and the second outlet is equipped with a second sprinkler and an adjusting sleeve. The second sprinkler is a side outlet and is screwed with the adjusting sleeve. The second sprinkler can be adjusted by the adjusting sleeve, which improves the convenience of sprinkling operation without multiple sprinkler heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Shih-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 11376809
    Abstract: A flexible structure inflation and sealing assembly that can comprise a driver configured for engaging the flexible structure to drive the structure in a downstream direction longitudinally along a material path and a nozzle configured for reception in an inflation channel that extends through the flexible structure. At least a portion of the nozzle is flexible and is operable to adjust to the direction and angle that the flexible structure approaches from. The flexible portion may align with a tip of the nozzle in one axis and the opposite end of the nozzle in a second axis thereby allowing for misalignment of the flexible structure as it engages the nozzle and is directed to a pinch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: PREGIS INNOVATIVE PACKAGING LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Christopher M. Rains
  • Patent number: 10533276
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a nozzle assembly for providing wash fluid to a tub of the washing machine appliance. The nozzle assembly includes an extendable nozzle mounted on the end of a retractable fluid supply conduit such as a telescoping arm or a folding arm. The retractable fluid supply conduit is movable for positioning the extendable nozzle in a retracted position and an extended position. The retractable fluid supply conduit is fluidly coupled to a valve assembly on the back of the washing machine appliance such that a user may extend the extendable nozzle to perform pretreating operations or otherwise selectively supply wash fluid to the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Scott Dunn
  • Patent number: 10518134
    Abstract: A pogo stick (100) comprising a frame (102); an elongate member (104) in sprung connection with the frame, for reciprocating motion between the elongate member and the frame; a liquid container (110) arranged, in use, to contain a liquid; and firing apparatus (108) arranged to utilise the reciprocating motion between the elongate member (104) and the frame (102) to expel the liquid in the liquid container (110) from the pogo stick (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce O'Brien, Alan Eady, Graham Mitson
  • Patent number: 10358801
    Abstract: A sprayer including a fluid carrier having an inlet configured to receive water from a water source and an outlet for emitting water, and including a vibration source coupled to a portion of the fluid carrier between the inlet and the outlet. When the sprayer is in a first mode of operation, water is emitted from the outlet in a first pattern; and when the sprayer is in a second mode of operation, the vibration source is configured to oscillate the fluid carrier such that water is emitted from the outlet in a second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Amruta Shyam Velapure, Fred Ogreenc, John C. Esche
  • Patent number: 9962746
    Abstract: A device for the cleaning of pipes, such as household waste and sewer pipes is proposed, the device includes a nozzle movable in at least three axes within a pipe for providing a jet of cleaning fluid directed to soilage in pipes; a cleaning hose for supply of cleaning fluid is connected to the nozzle and a swivel mechanism for deflecting the nozzle at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis, a front end portion of the hose is bent in a bending direction in a bending plane; at least one drive for deflecting the nozzle around the longitudinal axis by changing the direction of bending and the bending plane without torsion to the cleaning hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: IMS Robotics GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Bauer, Thomas Hache
  • Patent number: 9216362
    Abstract: A water frolic apparatus is provided comprising a power supply; a controller electrically connected to the power supply, the controller capable of operating a valve; the valve having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet attachable to a water supply from a hose and the outlet attachable to plastic tubing, wherein operation of the valve controls flow of water; and a plurality of pods, each of the pods having a first hole that accepts entry of the tubing and a second hole allowing water from the tubing to spurt through. The pods are connected in series, wherein, except for the last pod in the series, the tubing extends through the entire length of each of the pods to the next pod. In an embodiment, the controller is configured to open the valve at a set interval or a pseudo-random interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Flexground Products, LLC
    Inventors: Corbin C. Hague, Gregory D. Hague, William J. Stafford
  • Patent number: 8833675
    Abstract: An orbital cleaning assembly, including: an axis of rotation; a housing; a drive assembly at least partly disposed within a space formed by the housing; a tube assembly at least partly disposed within the space and including a tube including: a first end arranged to connect to a source of fluid and a flexible portion including a second end of the tube. The second end is arranged to receive a nozzle. The drive assembly is arranged to position the second end at a radial distance from the axis of rotation and flex the tube assembly such that the second end traverses a path about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Meigs, Dana M. Pezzimenti, Robert J. Runge, II
  • Patent number: 8827177
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a sprinkler comprising a base, a connector coupled to the base and configured for coupling to an external water supply, and a body rotatably mounted on the base and in fluid communication with the water supply through the connector and the base, the body including one or more orifices configured to spray, in a defined pattern, water received from the external water supply, and further including at least one hole configured to spray, in a substantially horizontal direction, water received from the external water supply, wherein the spray exiting from the at least one hole causes the body to rotate, and wherein the defined pattern of the spray exiting the one or more orifices is a spiral or helical-shaped spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff A. Michelsen
  • Patent number: 8353467
    Abstract: A fluid spraying gun of the present invention includes: a tube-shape guide, on which a brush extending forward is implanted; a nozzle, which is formed of a flexible pipe member with a front end thereof as a free end, and sprays one portion of gas, which is supplied from the flow separation portion and passes through the nozzle, toward the brush from the front end thereof, while the nozzle undergoes the gyrating motion guided by the tube-shape guide; an inner nozzle, which sprays gas which has passed through a flow rate adjustment portion from a tip portion thereof; and a liquid distribution pipe, which penetrates the tube-shape guide, links an inside of the tube-shape guide with a liquid supply source, has an intermediate portion into which the inner nozzle is inserted in a state where the inner nozzle is directed toward the tube-shape guide, and draws up liquid from the liquid supply source by a negative pressure arising from spraying of gas by the inner nozzle to cause spraying of liquid on the inside of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: GA-REW Corporation
    Inventor: Kaga Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8025070
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface bounding a space within which a bulk supply of flowable material can be contained. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. At least one flexible tube is provided at the distal region of the elongate support through which a fluid from a pressurized supply can be directed. The at least one flexible tube is movable continuously in a whipping action to thereby cause a force to be applied to a surface at or adjacent to which the flexible tube is located to thereby at least one of: a) apply a fluid; and b) separate matter adhered, to a surface at or adjacent to which the flexible tube is located. The apparatus further has a moving assembly for the elongate support. The moving assembly is operable to controllably reposition and/or reconfigure the elongate support, thereby to controllably place the at least one flexible tube at different selected locations with respect to a surface to be treated by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Nick Griffith
  • Patent number: 7931754
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a liquid spraying system operable in a first mode to spray a focused stream of liquid within the wash chamber, and operable in a second mode to spray a diffused stream of liquid within the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Kehl, Sathish Andrea Sundaram
  • Patent number: 7878423
    Abstract: A fluid spraying nozzle may include a flexible spray tube, and a guide which is disposed so as to surround the outside of said spray tube in the diametral direction. The ring-shaped tube side magnet may be provided on the spray tube. A ring-shaped guide side magnet may be provided on the guide. A polarity of an outer peripheral side of the tube side magnet and a polarity of an inner peripheral side of the guide side magnet may have the same polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GA-REW Corporation
    Inventor: Kaga Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7494072
    Abstract: A fluid spraying device comprises a first supply flow path which guides a pressurized liquid, a second supply flow path which guides a pressurized gas, a gas-liquid mixing part which joins the first supply flow path and the second supply flow path and which mixes the liquid and the gas, and an ejection flow path which guides a fluid from the gas-liquid mixing part to the outside. A branching/joining part is provided at an intermediate part of the ejection flow path which, after branching the ejection flow path into a plurality of branch flow paths, rejoins these branch flow paths together. Moreover, a fluid spraying nozzle comprises a flexible spray tube, and a guide which surrounds the spray tube from the outside in the diametral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ga-Rew Corporation
    Inventor: Kaga Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20090001196
    Abstract: The nozzle member (10) includes a flexible, resilient portion (14) at the front end thereof which has an opening (32) through which fluid droplets move to a target. in the event that a clogging element blocks a portion or more of the opening, the flexible, resilient portion distorts and expands outwardly under increased pressure resulting from the pressure of the clogging in the nozzle, resulting in a sufficient increase in size of the opening to let the clogging element pass out of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Grez
  • Patent number: 7384005
    Abstract: A spray head assembly is provided for use in RV's, motor homes, campers and the like having gray and black water waste tanks. The spray head assembly allows for easy and thorough cleaning of the tanks to rid the tanks of sludge and debris that accumulates therein potentially causing unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Different forms of the invention are described for either retro-fitting or for factory installation on new RV's. The preferred form of the spray head assembly includes a mount having a planar flange for attachment to the outside wall of an RV waste tank. An aperture formed in the tank wall allows the spray head assembly to penetrate therethrough. By attaching a water conduit to the spray head assembly the nozzle of the spray head assembly will rapidly rotate by the pressurized water directed therein and will forcefully spray water through a plurality of channels in the nozzle. The sprayed water strikes the interior tank walls with great force, dislodging the sludge and debris buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Caine, William T. Brockington
  • Patent number: 7279051
    Abstract: A method for treating an exposed surface. A treating apparatus is provided having an elongate support and at least one flexible surface contacting element at a distal region of the support. The elongate support is manipulated from a proximal region of the support so as to place the flexible surface contacting element at the exposed surface to be treated. The flexible surface contacting element is caused to be repeatedly moved to effect treatment at the exposed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Nick Griffith
  • Patent number: 7140557
    Abstract: The invention provides an emitter tube for an irrigation system, the tube being of resiliently flexible material having a base inlet end adapted to be mounted and a free outlet end adapted to be unmounted, the arrangement being such that, with liquid flowing at a sufficient rate through the emitter tube, hydraulic forces exerted by the flowing liquid on the tube cause the outlet end continuously to move about, further having a base section and an end section downstream from the base section when the end section is of greater flexibility than the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Silkbell Limited
    Inventor: Christoffel Theron
  • Patent number: 6558223
    Abstract: A toy device is disclosed having a base (11), a main portion (12) and an elongated supply tubing (13) extending between the base (11) and the main portion (12). The main portion (12) includes a support in the form of an inflatable ball (17) and an equatorial, annular array of water jets (18) coupled tangentially to the ball (17). Each water jet (18) has a water line (19) extending therefrom to a central hub (20) in fluid communication with tubing (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Shane Matthews
  • Patent number: 6499673
    Abstract: The apparatus is designed to dispense sealants and adhesives onto a workpiece in a robotic or manual application. The apparatus has a motor, a through shaft and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is hollow and has an off-center aperture at the end thereof through which extends one end of the through shaft. By rotating the rotating shaft, the end of the through shaft has imparted to it an orbital motion which is capable of providing a swirl type pattern onto the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold W. Braun, Jr., David J. Cliff, David G. Gonska, Masoud Amin-Javaheri, David C. Mandeville, Mark E. Ulrich, Stanley G. Karwoski
  • 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: 6348347
    Abstract: This invention relates to a culture device of a domed shape, a conical shape, or a cylindrical shape of a closed type used for culture of microalgae, and a gas discharge device set so as to be movable in the culture device. The culture device is basically composed of a transparent inside member (a semispherical dome, a conical peripheral wall, or a cylindrical peripheral wall), a transparent outside member, and a bottom portion connecting the lower ends of the two members, a cylindrical opening portion is provided at the top part of the outside member, and a gas introducing member and a discharging member of a culture solution are provided in the bottom portion. The gas discharge device is basically composed of two opposed rectangular base plates, a bubble guide member, and a discharge nozzle. The culture solution can be agitated without mechanical agitation and the culture can be carried out in high concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Gaia Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seishiro Hirabayashi, Alexander Prilutsky, Hisato Sadamatsu
  • Patent number: 6250565
    Abstract: A toy sprinkler with the appearance of an amusing figure or creature with appendages that simulate movement of the appendages of the figure or creature. Liquid carrying conduits extending along appendages of the figure cause the appendages to move either in a planar path when liquid at low pressure passes through the conduits, or randomly when liquid at high pressure passes through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Ogie, Kyle A. Houchens, David DuBois
  • Patent number: 6119286
    Abstract: A device for causing bubble bath to form bubbles in bath water. The body of the device floats on the surface of bath water as the bathtub fills with water and sprays water downward onto the surface of the water as the body moves from side to side. A float mechanism that is provided in a lower portion of the body allows the body to float. The device is preferably formed into the shape of an animal or other friendly form. A flexible housing on one end of the device removably secures to a water faucet or tub spout. A flexible hose that attaches to the housing is coextensive with a conduit that runs through the floating body and attaches to a spray head provided on the body so that water from the faucet or spout is sprayed out the spray head. One or more rudders may optionally be rotatably provided on a lower portion of the body to assist the body in moving from side to side in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: James P. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 6050501
    Abstract: A Recreational Water Sprinkler apparatus includes a manifold having a water inlet and a plurality of manifold outlets. A plurality of elongated flexible discharge hoses are connected to the manifold outlets. The hoses are sufficiently long and flexible that when water is supplied at conventional household pressures, the water is discharged through the discharge hoses thereby causing the hoses to gyrate and whip back and forth in a random manner relative to the manifold, thus spraying water randomly in all directions within a hemispherical space around and above the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kidpower, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 5996906
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method to reduce unwanted spraying of fluids from hose nozzles. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a hole filled cover is attached over an open end of the nozzle of the hose. When the hose is in a position where unwanted spray is unlikely to take place the spray stream passes through the cover unaltered. If the nozzle moves to a position where unwanted spray is likely to take place, the cover deflects over the liquid stream causing it to be disbursed or scattered rather than sprayed over a long distance. The invention finds particular application in the prevention of spraying of water from the high pressure cleaning nozzle in swimming pool cleaners onto nearby objects or persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: J. Carl Cooper
  • Patent number: 5901906
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical cleaning tip installed in the free end of a whip hose assembly dislodges algae and particulate matter adhered pool surfaces and causes the hose to move along the bottom surface of a water filled pool in a sinuous whipping action to agitate the water and keep suspended particulate matter in suspension. The cleaning tip has a cylindrical side wall defining a central chamber, a tubular water inlet extending from a bottom end secured in the hose free end, a central orifice extending through a top end, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced orifices extending through the side wall. The central orifice discharges a pressurized jet stream of water axially from the cleaning tip in the direction of water flowing through the hose to create a reactant force causing the hose to move along the bottom surface of the pool in a sinuous whipping action to agitate the water and keep suspended particulate matter in suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 5833675
    Abstract: An irrigator device, and in particular an ear canal irrigation device, comprising a hand-held pump bottle, a conduit tube connected to the pump bottle, an end tube connected to the conduit tube, where the end tube has an internal bore of much smaller diameter than the internal bore of the conduit tube, and where the end tube is composed of a highly flexible material such that it will oscillate when water is pumped through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Teddy Garcia
  • Patent number: 5797545
    Abstract: A self-righting rising sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler head housing that defines a buoyant body chamber therein; and at least one buoyant body disposed within the buoyant body chamber. The sprinkler head housing also includes a plurality of water discharge ports, each providing a fluid passageway between the buoyant body chamber and the exterior of the sprinkler head housing, and a connecting fitting adapted for securing the sprinkler head to a source of pressurized water in a manner to supply the buoyant body chamber with pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Vladimir A. Asinovsky
  • Patent number: 5671885
    Abstract: A nutating sprinkler includes a body portion having a nozzle at one end and a spray plate supported thereon at an opposite end downstream of the nozzle. The spray plate has a plurality of stream distributing grooves formed on one side thereof configured to cause the spray plate to rotate when struck by a stream emitted from the nozzle. The spray plate also includes a flexible connector coupling the spray plate to a free end of a first rigid shaft seated in a housing at the opposite end, such that the spray plate is caused to wobble about a common center of motion as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Davisson
  • Patent number: 5617609
    Abstract: There is mentioned an air nozzle/flexible whip cleaning means for ductwork which is connected to a source of high pressure air using at least a plurality of connectable lengths of semi rigid plastic pipe 8. The means comprises at least one primary air nozzle 1 to which a flexible tubing whip 4 may be attached. At least one round headed reverse air nozzle 11 and at least one round headed forward air nozzle 12 may be included, the purpose of the nozzle heads and flexible tubing whip being to direct air in different directions as helpful for the purpose of removing dust, debris and unwanted foreign matter from the interior of ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: John F. Bently
  • Patent number: 5533673
    Abstract: A nozzle system for imparting compound motion, including an orbital component and a rotational component, to the discharged fluid. The nozzle system comprises a specially engineered shell surrounding a freely flexible hose of sufficient structural integrity to simultaneously exhibit two different motion characteristics to impart the compound motion to the discharged fluid. When fluid is delivered to the nozzle system, the hose moves orbitally; that is, the hose rides against the wall of the shell in a cork screwing manner. Simultaneously, the hose rotates or twists back and forth about its own axis relative to its fixed end. Both components of motion are imparted to the discharged fluid to enhance spray power and expanse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Jet Blast Products Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Wilson, Steven E. Jones
  • Patent number: 5197673
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly particularly useful in conveyorized washing or rinsing apparatus. The nozzle assembly of this invention includes nozzles pivotally mounted in a manifold and a motor for producing oscillatory motion thereof. The motor is mechanically coupled to each of the nozzles to pivot the nozzles back and forth through a given angle, preferably in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of products being conveyed. Preferably, the motor is powered by the same fluid sprayed by the nozzles. The nozzles are arranged to produce 100% coverage of the product surface being sprayed as it passes thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Vitronics Corporation
    Inventor: William S. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5127578
    Abstract: A dust cleaning nozzle for cleaning a cathode ray tube comprises a pipe with an axially extending hollow part, and an ejecting angle changing mechanism attached to one end of the pipe. The nozzle, after insertion through the neck of the cathode ray tube, changes the ejecting angle of air ejected from the ejecting angle chainging mechanism with respect to the axis of the pipe so as to be efficient in removing dust from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Samsung Electron Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-ok Choi, Hee-jun Kim
  • Patent number: 5014912
    Abstract: A displacing device for a swimming pool cleaner has a hollow housing with a cylindrical wall and end walls. Within the housing are two spaced partitions which divide the interior of the housing into three chambers. A first and second chamber have openings in the cylindrical wall with jet nozzles projecting therefrom. A ball is located in each of the first and second chambers which close off one opening at a time so that water then flows out of the or each other opening that is open. One end wall and the partitions each have an aperture in which a tube is slidable. The tube has holes so that water fed into the tube at one end flows through the tube and out through the holes into the first or the second chamber, depending on the position of the tube. The tube is moved up and down by an engine that does not form part of this invention. The outer end wall has a connector for connection to a source of pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Oakleigh, Ltd.
    Inventor: David A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4991775
    Abstract: A drinking fountain attachment for a faucet, such as a kitchen or bathroom faucet, the attachment having a tubular body portion threaded at the upper end for attachment to a downwardly extending faucet and having an orifice opening in the tubular side wall, a spigot element fixed to the exterior of the tubular body communicating with the orifice, providing means for discharging water therefrom in an upward direction to provide a fountain drinking stream. A tubular control member is rotatably supported to the tubular body lower end. A tubular elastomeric member is received within the body and control member and secured at each end in tension whereby the control member is retained in rotatable axial alignment with the body member, the elastomeric member serving to restrict flow of water through the tubular body and control member when the control member is rotated to thereby direct water out the orifice and the spigot to produce a drinking fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventors: John J. Huber, Alvin J. Huber
  • Patent number: 4915312
    Abstract: A sprinkling device for liquids comprises an emitter tube 18 of resiliently flexible material having a mounted inlet end 24.1 and an unmounted outlet end 24.2, the arrangement being such that, with liquid flowing at a sufficient rate through the emitter tube, hydraulic forces exerted by the flowing liquid on the tube cause the outlet end continuously to move about. The emitter tube is mounted on a fitting 16 which has a flow passage 34 therethrough which leads into the emitter tube, the flow passage having, at its inlet end, a pair of grooves 36 which lead tangentially into the flow passage. These tangentially arranged grooves impart a swirling motion to water entering the emitter tube. A pop-up sprinkler is also disclosed in which the emitter tube is mounted on a plunger which is displaceable in a barrel, the emitter tube protruding through an opening at the end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Silkbell Ltd.
    Inventor: Lourens A. V. Hiemstra
  • Patent number: 4896383
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a moving fluid stream into a spa tank or the like for subjecting a user's body to the massaging action of the stream, the apparatus having a substantially rigid guide means mounted to the housing of the device which reciprocates between two positions in response to the movement of the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventors: Dean W. Morgan, Walter R. Morgan, Cindy S. Heller
  • Patent number: 4881856
    Abstract: A device for cleaning impacted material, such as wood chips in silos, utilizing a raking action of regularly spaced spikes and a flailing action of a hose with a jet stream nozzle. The device comprises a hose, connectable at a proximal end to a compressed air supply, and a nozzle connectable to a distal end of the hose, the compressed air being forced through the hose and out the nozzle to cause the nozzle and the hose to move under the influence of the expulsion of compressed air at the distal end of the hose. The spikes are attached along the hose to provide regularly spaced raking elements, and anti-kink mechanisms urge the hose into straight alignment. In operation, the nozzle is lowered into a silo in the vicinity of impacted material. Then compressed air is introduced into the hose and expelled out the nozzle in a jet stream thereby causing the hose and nozzle to undulate within the silo such that the spikes strike and dislodge the impacted material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Randall K. Greig
  • Patent number: 4808305
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing valve for use in sludge treatment and solidification of sludge ponds. The valve has a main body into which the sludge suspension is pumped. Located within the main body of the valve is a flexible hose through which the sludge treating and solidification agents such as lime, cement, quicklime and sand is delivered pneumatically into the main body of the valve. The turbulence created by the discharge of air and solids into the sludge suspension causes the component to mix thoroughly with one another. Mixing is enhanced by allowing the open end of the flexible hose to be free. Thus, when blowing in the treating and solidification agents, the free end of the hose is allowed to flap within the main body of the valve thereby enhancing turbulence and mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: James D. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4795094
    Abstract: A powder product to be sprayed is conveyed by a stream of gas in a flexible conduit between a storage tank and a spray orifice from which a mixture of the gas and the product is ejected. The mixture is agitated upstream of and in the vicinity of this orifice by oscillating a section of the flexible conduit in the vicinity of this orifice. The powder product sprayer comprises a flexible conduit and a device for circulating a mixture of the product and the gas in this conduit. It further comprises an enclosure surrounding a section of the conduit and a device for oscillating this section of the conduit. The device for oscillating the conduit may comprise a vibrator fixed to this section of the conduit and free to move inside the enclosure. The vibrator may comprise an annular cage surrounding and fixed to this section of the conduit, a ball movable inside the cage and a device for injecting air into the cage in a direction adapted to cause movement of the ball inside the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: SAMES S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Correard
  • Patent number: 4773594
    Abstract: A wobbling water distributor head mounted at the end of an angularly disposed tubular water-transporting arm. The base of the distributor head is mounted loosely between spaced shoulders. The wobbling motion of the head causes the distributor arm to traverse a circular path. The area sprinkled is controlled by varying the distance between the shoulders as the distributor arm rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Jack F. Clearman
  • Patent number: 4734109
    Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus adapted for conditioning an effluent stream within a treatment zone is comprised of an injection system which includes at least one injection nozzle having a flexible discharge tube with an effective length at least equal to the characteristic wavelength for flexural resonant vibration thereof when pressurized fluid issues therefrom. The injection nozzle(s) preferably include(s) a length of elastomeric tubing as the discharge conduit, capable of providing a high flow rate of a conditioning agent to the treatment apparatus while delivering same in a relatively finely divided state. The conditioning agents may be delivered to a treatment zone within the apparatus in a generally concurrent, generally countercurrent, or generally transverse direction with respect to the flow of effluent to be conditioned. A recirculating system for the conditioning agent may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: James P. Cox
  • Patent number: 4716604
    Abstract: A flexible tube exhausting pumped water into a spa tank and whipping by reaction to exhaust of water therefrom. A number of articulated plastic sleeves encircling the tube and guiding the tube to whip only in a vertical plane. The sleeves being pivotally connected to pivot about horizontal parallel axes. Adjacent sleeves having abutments limiting bending of the harness and the tube. An end sleeve being secured against rotation but being slidable longitudinally of the tube so that the harness can adjust longitudinally of the tube during whipping of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4684066
    Abstract: A flexible tube sprinkler comprises a connector at one end, a nozzle at the opposite end, and a flexible tube between the connector and nozzle permitting free movement of the nozzle by the weight thereof and by the reaction forces of the water discharged therefrom. Enclosing the connector end of the flexible tube is a rigid sleeve having an axial bore of larger diameter than the external diameter of the connector end of the flexible tube such that there is a clearance between the inner face of the rigid sleeve and the outer face of the connector end of the flexible tube permitting the rigid sleeve to be impacted by the flexible tube during the operation of the sprinkler to control the movements of the flexible tube and thereby the distribution of the water discharged from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Mordechai Uzrad
  • Patent number: 4679578
    Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment set forth herein, a tuned nozzle cleaning system is disclosed for a variety of vehicles. The vehicle cleaning system incorporates upstanding frame members positioned to the left and the right of a vehicle driven along a guided path. The frame supports in a pivoting, sliding, bushing an elongate oscillatory header rod. The header rod is connected at its opposite end to the throw of an eccentric mechanism which imparts rotation to that end of the header rod, thereby moving in reciprocating fashion to describe a regular pattern of movement. The header rod is preferably hollow, conducting water along its length. Water is delivered from a high pressure pump with suitable detergents and is pumped to various spray nozzles along the rod.This system incorporates a water spray nozzle having a novel construction. Each nozzle is supported by a tee so that water flows through the tee and into a short tube made of resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Richard M. Miller
  • Patent number: 4611759
    Abstract: A nozzle for expelling a fluid stream and dispersing and/or mixing same with(in) an ambient fluid is comprised of a resiliently flexible tube having an effective length at least equal to one harmonic wavelength of a coupled fluid stream for flexural resonant vibration of the tube as the stream is conducted therethrough, wherein the tube has a transverse cross-sectional profile and a longitudinal cross-sectional profile, at least one of which possesses a motion-affecting geometric gradient. The tube of the nozzle may include vanes disposed for creating turbulence within the ambient fluid. The nozzle is preferably formed from an elastomeric material and includes an enlarged, plastically deformable shoulder region at its proximal end for radial distention upon passage of any particulate material within the fluid stream having a dimensional aspect in excess of the bore dimension of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: James P. Cox
  • Patent number: 4611761
    Abstract: A spray wand for cleaning the viewing surface of a rearview mirror on a vehicle. The wand is constructed of a flexible material enabling it to bend under pressure in an accurate manner to cause air and/or fluid dispensed from the wand nozzle to sweep the mirror surface. The rearview mirror is positioned in order to deflect a substantial part of the spray onto the side glass of the vehicle. Thus, both the surface of the rearview mirror and the side glass of the vehicle are cleaned by the spray wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Stephen L. Pollard
  • Patent number: 4577832
    Abstract: A rotary driving apparatus having a tubular casing in which a stator having a pair of circumferentially spaced pole portions and a rotor having a pair of radially spaced pole portions are arranged. One of the rotor and the stator is made of a permanent magnet. The apparatus has a coil for magnetizing the other one of the rotor and the stator. The rotor extends out of the inner periphery of the stator so that rotation of a limited angle of the rotor is allowed, the direction of which is changed in accordance with the direction of the electric current applied to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignees: Nippondenso Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichita Sogabe