Gravity Flow From Holder (e.g., Hopper Type) Patents (Class 239/379)
  • Patent number: 6536684
    Abstract: A paint sprayer includes a body having a connection hole on a top thereof and a trigger device is pivotably connected to the body. A hose fitting is connected to a handle of the body so as to be connected with a compressor. A connection device is pivotably connected between the body and a paint cup such that the paint cup is pivotable relative to the body so that the surface of the paint in the paint cup can be maintained at horizontal whatever angle the sprayer is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Hsueh Li Wei
  • Patent number: 6450422
    Abstract: A spray gun adapted for applying a texturized coating material includes a housing with a mounting block extending forwardly of a pistol grip. A longitudinal bore extends through the housing and mounting block. A carrier fluid, (e.g., air) delivery tube having an inlet and an outlet orifice, is positioned within the longitudinal bore, and extends beyond the end of the mounting block. A coating material/interface member is rotatably mounted on the mounting block with an axial bore therein surrounding the delivery tube. A nozzle, carried by the forward end of the interface member, is positioned adjacent to the outlet orifice. The interface member has a coating material inlet nipple extending outwardly and preferably rearwardly at an acute angle to the axial bore. The rotatable mounting of the interface member allows the coupling end of a line transporting the coating material to be positioned above or below the interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Maggio
  • Patent number: 6383062
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sandblasting gun, in which by assembling an adapter, a blast head assembly in securing connection sequentially on a tool gun front end; said blast head assembly holds a blast nozzle in the inside of a tap hole at the back end of the main body, thereby a jet exhaust of the blast nozzle jetting high compressed air to generate a sucking force in the pipeline; at the front end of the main body, an extended male thread is provided for securing an end nut to hold a blast tube, a extended scavenging gun-barrel or a spray adapter in to combine a sandblasting gun, a spraying gun or a cleaning gun for meet multipurpose in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Wuu-Cheau Jou
  • Publication number: 20020005441
    Abstract: An air brush is shown and described including a replaceable, rotatable, nozzle head including a media port and a needle arrangement. Media contamination of the air brush is limited to the removable nozzle head, thereby making the air brush body free of media contamination. By rotatable mounting of the nozzle head, a variety of media sources are made available, ranging from gravity fed devices such as media top and side cups to suction fed devices such as media jars. The trigger arrangement of the present invention presents an actuator shaft movable longitudinally in response to trigger movement for engagement of the needle of the nozzle head. Mechanical coupling between the air brush body and nozzle head is limited to structural coupling for mounting the nozzle head and an abutment relationship between the actuator shaft and the needle. This allows rotational freedom of movement for the nozzle head relative to the body, and also ease of dismounting by simply separating the nozzle head from the air brush body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: WILLIAM H. NAMURA
  • Patent number: 6308900
    Abstract: A bin for a sand spreading vehicle is provided with curved lower sidewalls that deliver sand to a central conveyor. The curvature of the sidewalls lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for a given load; or permits carriage of a greater load for a given height for the center of gravity of the loaded bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignees: Cives Corp., Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Geroux, Larry Cole, Irwin Plested, Achim Martin, Larry Magill
  • Publication number: 20010022325
    Abstract: A bin for a sand spreading vehicle is provided with curved lower sidewalls that deliver sand to a central conveyor. The curvature of the sidewalls lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for a given load; or permits carriage of a greater load for a given height for the center of gravity of the loaded bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Geroux, Larry Cole, Irwin Plested, Achim Martin, Larry Magill
  • Patent number: 6270020
    Abstract: A roadway deicing system uses a pressurized gas stored in a high pressure tank to dispense a solid or liquid deicer onto a roadway. An electrically powered controller responds to control inputs to control valves, such as solenoid valves, to cause the deicer to be dispensed at appropriate times. Since electrical power is not used for propelling the deicer onto the roadway, conventional storage batteries can provide long service life for the system between maintenance intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Thompson, David L. June, Barry D. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6230987
    Abstract: An applicator for allowing a predetermined flow of a fluid for dissolving and distributing soluble substances comprises of a cap and a hollow cylindrical housing. The hollow cylindrical housing comprises of an enlarged chamber having a narrowed inlet port at its lower end. The narrowed inlet port has external threads connecting to a Tee pipe fitting of a pipeline of a fluid system and has a cylindrical flow channel extending to the enlarged chamber. The cylindrical flow channel has six equal V flow passages which are constructed by six vertical dividing walls locating at equal spaces around the wall of the cylindrical flow channel and extending inward to the axis of the cylindrical flow channel. The six equal V flow passages have six equal vertical openings which are constructed by the vertical dividing walls and disposed outside the cylindrical flow channel of the narrowed inlet port at a predetermined length. The six equal vertical openings comprises of three vertical inlets and three vertical outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Hai Quang Truong
  • Patent number: 6213410
    Abstract: A gravity-fed spray gun assembly of the type having a nozzle assembly, a spray gun body assembly and a nozzle nut for adjusting the relative angular orientation of the nozzle assembly relative to the spray gun body assembly. The gravity-fed spray gun assembly includes a spray gun body assembly, a fluid delivery assembly and a friction-induced locking element. The fluid delivery assembly includes a rotatable element, a nozzle assembly and a fluid cup. The rotatable element is rotatively connected to the spray gun body assembly. The nozzle assembly is securely attached to the rotatable element. The nozzle assembly is maintained unable to rotate relative to the rotatable element unless a nozzle nut is adjusted. The nozzle assembly has a nozzle opening defining a nozzle axis. The rotatable element is rotatable about the nozzle axis. The fluid cup is securely attached to the rotatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Max W. A. Spitznagel
  • Patent number: 6168093
    Abstract: An airless sprayer adapted to spray both paint and texture material. The sprayer uses a reciprocating piston that mechanically forces the material to be dispensed out of a charging chamber. The piston is driven by a motor mounted within a motor chamber. A working surface of the piston has a surface area adapted to dispense texture material. The sprayer is gravity fed with an overhead hopper. The sprayer is provided with a detachable overflow member that defines an overflow chamber for capturing texture material that leaks around the piston. This overflow chamber is configured relative to the motor chamber such that material leakage is contained within the overflow chamber and does not reach the motor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6139241
    Abstract: A silo for gravity flow storage of bulk particulate solids comprises downwardly converging and downwardly diverging walls. The downwardly converging walls form angles to the vertical that satisfy the conditions for mass flow. The walls impose particle velocity gradients in the horizontal cross sections of the silo, reducing interparticle cohesion, preventing the formation of arches and promoting uniformity of residence time within the silo. The modules may be vertically stacked, and may be clustered to increase capacity and to reduce pressure stress levels where required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Jenike & Johanson, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Craig, Thomas Anthony Royal
  • Patent number: 6105677
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive container that may be a canister similar to an aerosol spray can is fixedly or pivotally mounted in inverted fashion above a cooking burner. The canister contains a particulate fire suppressant material and has a closable, downwardly-facing opening directed at the burner. A fusible or meltable material maintains a cap that covers the opening in the closed condition at all times except when a flame results from ignition of fat in a pan on the cooking burner. Upon reaching a temperature of 220 degrees F. or above, the fusible material quickly melts, enabling the cap to open, and the fire suppressant material cascades by gravity into the pan and fat, causing it to be extinguished in a matter of seconds. The cap may be guided on a member having a stop at its lower end to capture the cap and prevent it from splashing into the fat upon ejection. Alternatively, the cap may be hinged to the container and be held in place at the hinge once the container is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel J. Stager
  • Patent number: 6070809
    Abstract: A novel stand and support for gravity-fed spray guns wherein the spray gun is mounted to the present invention securely and placed in a substantially upright position. The stand is conformed to allow for the unobstructed passage of an attached air hose and further conformed to rest on the user's arm if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Keith Price
  • Patent number: 6055770
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing moisture to one or more plants on a continuing and consistent basis. The moisture dispensing apparatus comprises a reservoir or container, a filament for suspending the reservoir or container from a suspension device, one or more hollow funnels, a wall mount for holding one or more containers having plants therein, and a member for controlling the flow of moisture to the one or more plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Hong Ku Park
  • Patent number: 6053429
    Abstract: An industrial spray gun cup structure includes a connector, a guide member, a collar and a cover body. A reception section of the cup is engaged with the guide member so that the cup can be only normally rotated without rotating and loosening other parts. The cup is integrally formed with inclined ribs which are tightly fitted with corresponding connecting sections of the cover body. While rotating the cover body by a certain angle, the ribs can be separated from or inserted with the connecting sections so as to open or close the cover body. Therefore, the cover body can be conveniently rotated to firmly and tightly fit with the cup without leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jen-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 6042024
    Abstract: A system for dispensing and applying an adhesive to a work piece is provided which includes a flexible tote elevated above an underlying surface to provide a gravity head for feeding the adhesive to a spray gun for admixture with compressed air so that the adhesive can be applied in a predetermined pattern. Additional features of the invention call for a fitting disposed in the adhesive conduit to reduce the flow path for the adhesive being dispensed, and a valve to vent the system of unwanted gas such that adhesive flow from the flexible tote is continuous, uniform and uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Darren M. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6042023
    Abstract: The present invention is a stationary, portable deicing machine for preventing snow and ice build up on any targeted surface, such as driveways, walkways and rooftops. The invention is a compact, integrated reservoir/pump/controller system that may be operated manually, automatically or by remote control. The invention is easily maintainable and may be left in a state of preparedness for use in the event of icing conditions. The liquid chemical deicing agent is contained in a temporary reservoir tank that is manually replaced. The temporary reservoir tank is placed upon the watertight base. The deicing agent is pumped from the watertight base to the distribution system. Apertures in the distribution system allow for the deicing agent to be distributed to any targeted surface. A primary benefit is a greatly increased margin of safety for the users of driveways, walkways, etc. to which the invention applies the deicing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Odin Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard J. Ask
  • Patent number: 6012651
    Abstract: A gravity-fed spray gun assembly of the type having a nozzle assembly, a spray gun body assembly and a nozzle nut for adjusting the relative angular orientation of the nozzle assembly relative to the spray gun body assembly. The spray gun assembly includes a spray gun body assembly, a-fluid delivery assembly and a locking element. The fluid delivery assembly includes a rotatable element, a nozzle assembly and a fluid cup. The rotatable element is rotatably connected to the spray gun body assembly. The nozzle assembly is securely attached to the rotatable element. The nozzle assembly is maintained unable to rotate relative to the rotatable element unless a nozzle nut is adjusted. The nozzle assembly has a nozzle opening defining a nozzle axis. The rotatable element is rotatable about the nozzle axis. The fluid cup is securely attached to the rotatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Max W. A. Spitznagel
  • Patent number: 5984206
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a paint supply system. A fixed reservoir is connected to a pump by a short rigid tube. The reservoir is of sufficient capacity to hold at least one gallon of paint. The supply conduit to the pump is very short therefore allowing little paint to be wasted and also simplifying its cleaning. The reservoir has a holder to support the one gallon paint can at an elevation above the bottom of the reservoir and above the surface of the paint in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: LRK Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Leitzel, Don R. Rhyne
  • Patent number: 5979797
    Abstract: A handheld pressurized hopper gun for use in patching acoustic ceilings and repairing cracks and damage in walls and ceilings by applying a texturized sealing compound thereto is disclosed. The pressurized hopper gun is typically employed where plaster walls and ceilings are being refurbished due to damage thereto. The handheld pressurized hopper gun includes a spray gun, a pressurized sealed hopper mounted over the spray gun and containing a sealing compound, and a pressurized air input. The pressurized air input provides low pressure air from an air input housing to an air regulator and the spray gun and to a cock valve and the pressurized sealed hopper. The spray gun has a handle having a first air passage formed therethrough, a movable hollow plunger shaft having a second air passage formed therethrough, a nozzle for seating an end of the hollow plunger shaft and an orifice formed through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Michael A. Castellano
  • Patent number: 5967426
    Abstract: The invention is a compact, self-contained, portable, electrically powered, knockdown spray application machine/system for spraying liquid material on to surfaces. The spray system comprises a frame with wheels for supporting and transporting the components thereof. The spray system is powered by an electrically activated motor which includes a motor drive shaft disposed about a motor drive shaft axis. Attached to the motor is a gear reducer having a driven end and a drive end wherein the driven end is configured to receive and engage the motor drive shaft. The drive end includes a gear reducer drive shaft that rotates responsive to electrical activation of the motor. Coupled directly to the drive end of the gear reducer is a pump comprising a pump housing. The pump housing is shaped to define a containment chamber for receiving and containing liquid material therein. The pump housing also defines an inlet port for receiving and directing liquid material into the containment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: David J. McLeod
  • Patent number: 5934573
    Abstract: The dispenser dispenses and spreads measured quantities of granular materials over a relatively wide area. A plurality of individual measurement chambers are distributed throughout a disc or rectilinear panel which is moved relative to other discs or panels with similarly shaped and spaced holes to first cover the inlet to the chambers to prevent unwanted leakage of material from the interior of the container, and to then open the outlet to each of the chambers to dispense material. A deflector is positioned below the dispenser outlets to spread the dispersed materials over an even wider area. The dispenser is used advantageously to spread seasonings and other food materials onto spread-out food items such as french fries and popcorn, large kettles and vats, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans M. Weterrings, Rodney W. Robbins, Larry J. Sexton
  • Patent number: 5932148
    Abstract: A humidifier (10) includes a water distribution tray (18) that functions to substantially uniformly distribute water to an evaporator pad (16) even when the distribution tray (18) is tilted and regardless of the rate of water flow. The distribution tray (18) includes a plurality of channels (100) that each lead from a liquid reception area (104) to an opening (106) in the bottom wall (82) of the tray (18). A wick (110) fabricated from a water absorbent material is carried by the tray (18) at the reception area (104). The wick (110) may extend at least partially into each channel (100), and absorbs water and pushes it into each of the channels (100) through capillary action. Thus, each channel (100) receives water even if the tray (18) is tilted. The humidifier (10) also has a damming rib (72) that prevents water from draining from the pad (16) out of the humidifier (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Skuttle Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Martin A. Hansell, Jr., Earl K. Lewis, II
  • Patent number: 5918815
    Abstract: A paint cup mounting arrangement including a mounting cylinder fastened to a paint spray gun by a screw joint and having a coupling flange around the periphery, a socket sleeved onto the mounting cylinder and having an inward coupling flange forced into engagement with the coupling flange of the mounting cylinder, a paint cup fastened to the socket by a screw joint, a paint guide tube mounted within the mounting cylinder and the socket and sealed by rubber seal rings and adapted to guide paint from the paint cup to the paint spray gun, and a compression spring mounted within the mounting cylinder around the paint guide tube to impart a backward pressure to the socket and to force, the paint cup being adjusted to a vertical position by forcing the socket inwards to compress the compression spring and to disengage the coupling flange of the socket from the coupling flange of the mounting cylinder and then turning the socket about the mounting cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Wu
  • Patent number: 5895456
    Abstract: A system, and corresponding method for its use, for performing various monetary transactions in a vehicle such as an aircraft, including exchanging one currency for another, obtaining currency using traveler's checks or a credit or debit card, and dispensing value cards purchased with cash or credit/debit cards. The value cards may be, for example, long-distance telephone usage cards or gaming cards, and the value cards may be increased in value or exchanged for cash using the system of the invention. A key feature of the system is that cash is always distributed in the currency of the next destination of the aircraft, as determined from flight management system data available on the aircraft. At each intermediate destination, a note dispenser is conditioned to dispense only the currency of the next destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Inflight ATI, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivor Donald Beale, Dau Ngoc Hoang, John Hill Wetzel, Thomas Marks Lee
  • Patent number: 5868319
    Abstract: A system for applying an adhesive is provided which includes a flexible tote elevated above an underlying surface to provide a gravity head for feeding the adhesive to a spray gun for admixture with compressed air so that the adhesive can be applied in a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Darren Mark Gilmore
  • Patent number: 5860566
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granular material onto a surface including a hand-operated spreader. The spreader includes a hopper for containing the granular material with a feed opening through which the granular material is dispensed from the hopper. The apparatus further includes a storage bin for containing a quantity of the granular material. The storage bin is removably connected to the hopper so that the granular material is readily transferable between the hopper and the storage bin. A method for transferring and dispensing granular material is also disclosed where the spreader is inverted and connected to the top end of the storage bin. The assembly is then inverted for use. Thereafter, the assembly is inverted again and the spreader is disconnected from the storage bin. A separate lid covers the storage bin until it is further needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: David Lucs
  • Patent number: 5851444
    Abstract: A humidifier (10) includes a water distribution tray (18) that functions to substantially uniformly distribute water to an evaporator pad (16) even when the distribution tray (18) is tilted and regardless of the rate of water flow. The distribution tray (18) includes a plurality of channels (100) that each lead from a liquid reception area (104) to an opening (106) in the bottom wall (82) of the tray (18). A wick (110) fabricated from a water absorbent material is carried by the tray (18) at the reception area (104). The wick (110) may extend at least partially into each channel (100), and absorbs water and pushes it into each of the channels (100) through capillary action. Thus, each channel (100) receives water even if the tray (18) is tilted. The humidifier (10) also has a damming rib (72) that prevents water from draining from the pad (16) out of the humidifier (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Skuttle Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Martin A. Hansell, Jr., Earl K. Lewis, II
  • Patent number: 5803360
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing enhanced spray capabilities for a gravity-fed spray gun which extends along a spray gun plane, a spray gun nozzle axis extending along that spray gun plane. The apparatus includes a swivel joint assembly for connecting the spray gun to a fluid cup having a fluid cup central axis. The swivel joint assembly provides rotation of the fluid cup along a fluid cup offset axis. The fluid cup offset axis is perpendicular to the fluid cup axis. The position of the offset axis is defined by the intersection of the fluid cup axis and the spray gun plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Max W. A. Spitznagel
  • Patent number: 5775595
    Abstract: A sprayer apparatus for dispensing liquid fertilizer, weed control or liquid insecticide from an elongated storage tube using one hand. A see-through plastic storage tube has a spray nozzle one end and a handgrip with trigger on the opposite end. Compressing the trigger moves a trigger rod to move a piston that forces gravity fed liquid through the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle can be located in a housing having a convex curved outer surface along with a wheel protruding from the bottom surface of the housing. The wheel can have conical side edges and a flat exterior side. Alternatively, the wheel can have rounded outer edges. Visible markings on the exterior of the plastic storage tube can tell the user the remaining amount of the liquid stored inside. An optional protruding handgrip can be located halfway down the storage tube for allowing the device to be controlled by two hands. A second version includes a two way valve located inside the storage tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: John J. Knodel, Kenneth D. White
  • Patent number: 5725156
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing moisture to one or more plants on a continuing and consistent basis. The moisture dispensing apparatus comprises a reservoir or container, a filament for suspending the reservoir or container from a suspension device, one or more hollow funnels, one or more hollow housings, one or more hollow flexible tubes, and one or more clamping members for adjustably controlling the flow of moisture to the one or more plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Hong Ku Park
  • Patent number: 5695124
    Abstract: A self-contained emergency eye wash station for dispensing eye wash fluid contained in a flexible container comprises a housing, a reservoir, and a platen. The housing supports the flexible container and supports a nozzle in fluid communication with the flexible container. The nozzle dispenses the eye wash fluid from the flexible container. The housing includes a drain capturing the eye wash fluid dispensed from the nozzle. The reservoir collects the eye wash fluid captured by the drain, and the reservoir is slidably mounted to the housing. The platen is connected to the reservoir. The platen is slidably movable relative to the housing and is located immediately above the flexible container. The platen presses downward on the flexible container with a downward force proportional to a weight of the eye wash fluid collected in the reservoir. The transfer of the weight of the eye wash fluid collected in the reservoir to the platen maintains a constant flow of eye wash fluid dispensed from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Fendall Company
    Inventors: Rodney L. Demeny, Robert B. Hurley, Richard J. Riback
  • Patent number: 5670768
    Abstract: This invention discloses a roll-on, roll-off financial services system suitable for use on transportation facilities comprising an enclosure which is mounted on wheels and which encloses at least one banknote acceptor, a card reader, a computer interfacing with at least one banknote acceptor and the card reader and at least one banknote dispenser for dispensing banknotes in response to control inputs received from the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Inflight Financial Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrea Modiano, Moshe Milchman
  • Patent number: 5605497
    Abstract: A device for mixing compressed air and abrasive and providing the air/abrasive mixture to a delivery gun for use in artistic abrasive blasting. The device is provided with a vessel having an upper chamber for holding abrasive. Compressed air is supplied to a head space located in the upper chamber above the abrasive. An air delivery line extends from the head space to a mixing chamber located below the upper chamber in order to supply compressed air thereto. An adjustable mixing valve admits abrasive from the upper chamber into the mixing chamber where the abrasive is mixed with the compressed air before it exits the mixing chamber on its way to the delivery gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: The Pickard's Trust
    Inventor: Robert W. Pickard
  • Patent number: 5511341
    Abstract: An automatic house plant watering system is provided allowing the user to control a constant slow flow of irrigating water to house plants during the extended absence of the user. User adjustable valves control the gravity outflow of water from a reservoir in the preferred embodiment, and a perforated threaded reservoir fill plug having a central bore for air pressure regulation is used to expose the fill hole and also for controlling atmospheric air inflow to the reservoir as an additional means of controlling the outflow of water. The user thus control irrigation flow by adjusting the at least one outflow valve and also by adjusting air inlet through the threaded fill plug. Conical ridged nipples on the at least one irrigation water outflow valve provides a friction fit for suitable flexible tubing to conduct water to individual plants to be watered. The present invention may be provided with casters, pull handles, a rolling cart, an air pump for positive reservoir air pressure, and a lamp mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Jessica Payne
  • Patent number: 5480096
    Abstract: A portable watering device includes a reservoir having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, a portable delivery wand having a top handle, a bottom channel, and a shiftable channel closure mechanism biased in the closed position. The top handle includes a trigger remotely coupled with the closure mechanism for activating the closure mechanism. A flexible hose intercouples the reservoir outlet and the wand channel and serves to convey liquid from the tank and out through the wand channel by gravity when the closure mechanism is in the open position. A pair of wheels is mounted to the bottom portion of the reservoir to permit easy rolling movement of the device over uneven terrain. In particularly preferred forms, the reservoir includes a laterally extending handle for supporting the device in a horizontal loading position while the reservoir is filled through the upper inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Innovation Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5443211
    Abstract: A portable wall and ceiling texture machine applicator is housed in a relatively small cabinet mounted on relatively large rear wheels for easy pulling up stairs and on swivel front casters for easy steering. A first material delivery system includes a variable speed pump which delivers particulate texture material at a selected flow rate which enables a creative application of texture. A completely separate delivery system delivers pressurized air to a spray head which merges the particulate texture material and pressurized air to spray it onto a wall or ceiling. Separate power cords supply energy for delivering the particulate texture material and pressurized air so that existing 15-amp house supply circuits may be used. The spray head may be on either a pole gun or a hand gun. A check valve on the spray head prevents a back flow of the particulate material when the spray head is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Lesley Young, Brian D. Rhodes, Gary Acton, Michael L. Oglesby, Michael L. Fureigh
  • Patent number: 5421516
    Abstract: A coating head is provided along a conveyor path, and directs a coating solution toward the objects traveling on the conveyor path below the coating head. The coating head feeds the coating solution in such a manner that it forms a curtain-like stream when it flows onto the objects. A collector receptacle is provided below the coating head for accepting the remainder of the coating solution therein, and a circulating conduit path connects between the collector receptacle and the coating head by way of an intervening circulating pump, for re-using the remainder of the coating solution. The coating solution comprises a brazing alloy powder solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Alminum Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Saitou, Hiroto Momosaki, Ken Touma, Nobuo Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 5415351
    Abstract: A pneumatic spray gun is provided with an improved bearing frame. The spray gun includes a body assembly and an actuator assembly therein. The actuator assembly controls the flow of pressurized air into the body assembly and also controls discharge of material in an air stream therefrom. The actuator includes a bearing frame subassembly with a pair of bearing bosses which receive bearings which in turn slidably receive an air stem subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Kraft Tool Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Otto, Joseph T. Otto
  • Patent number: 5374312
    Abstract: A liquid coating system according to the present invention comprises, a liquid supply source, a nozzle having an inlet communicating with the liquid supply source and a substantially linear liquid discharge portion, a pressure feed unit for feeding the liquid under pressure from the liquid supply source to the nozzle by means of compressed gas, a spin chuck for fixedly supporting a semiconductor wafer, an up-and-down cylinder for causing the liquid discharge portion of the nozzle to closely face the wafer on the spin chuck, and a rotating mechanism for rotating the spin chuck. The nozzle includes a liquid reservoir, in which the liquid supplied from the liquid supply source is collected, and a large number of small passages communicating with the liquid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Tokyo Electron Kyushu Limited, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Keizo Hasebe, Kiyohisa Tateyama, Yuji Yoshimoto, Yuji Matsuyama, Tetsuro Nakahara, Yoshio Kimura
  • Patent number: 5363556
    Abstract: An improved two membered substantially crack-free water jet mixing tube of an abrasive water jet cutting device and a method of its preparation. The method comprises chemically vapor depositing diamond layer on a funnel shaped support member to form an inner member of the mixing tube, separating the inner member from the support member, depositing and then cooling an outer member on the outer side of the inner member to produce a compressive stress on the inner member that substantially prevents formation cracks on the inner member. The inner side of the inner member has a smooth bore having a microcrystalline structure and the outer member has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than diamond. The invention is also directed to a water jet cutting device that incorporates the aforementioned improved substantially crack-free water jet mixing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric company
    Inventors: William F. Banholzer, Thomas R. Anthony, Robert S. Gilmore, Paul A. Siemers, John C. McCloskey
  • Patent number: 5333572
    Abstract: A rotary animal feeder that slowly, periodically discharges feed in response to temperature changes. Preferably the feeder is hung from a tree over an animal trail. A cylindrical pail stores a quantity of feed to be dispensed. Feed is drawn downwardly by gravity to an activator assembly comprising a discharge tube in fluid flow communication with the pail interior. A plurality of radially spaced apart discharge orifices are formed in the tube. A convex floor adjustably, coaxially secured within the tube mounts a rotary impeller proximate the discharge orifices. A bimetallic spring beneath the floor torsionally drives the impeller in response to temperature changes. Feed contacting the convex floor is slowly deflected outwardly towards the discharge orifices both by the shape of the convex floor plate and impeller contact. As the temperature changes the impeller slowly rotates, and feed is gently urged toward and through these orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: A. D. Nutt
  • Patent number: 5329939
    Abstract: An adaptor is made to connect a standard sterilized water container to a standard aerosol flow passage that itself is connected to a heater. The flow control adaptor comprises a nipple that is connected to the water bottle above the heater and chamber and extends through and sealing relation to the chamber to position the nipple bottom at the heater platen which forms the bottom of the aerosol flow chamber. The bottom of the nipple adjacent the bottom of the chamber is formed with a relatively lower and smaller water feed aperture and a relatively higher and larger vent aperture that collective operate to maintain a constant level of water in the bottom of the aerosol flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Cimco, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair E. Howe
  • Patent number: 5230470
    Abstract: Thermoplastic powder entrained in a stream of carrier gas is conveyed through a carrier gas line extending between a flame spray applicator and a remote supply hopper. A bypass line is included to divert the carrier gas before it reaches the hopper and introduce it into the carrier gas line immediately downstream of the hopper, whereby powder supply from the hopper can be terminated while the carrier gas continues to purge the carrier gas line downstream of the hopper to remove contained powder. The flame applicator delivers fuel gas, combustion air and a carrier gas-powder mixture in separate streams to maximize the quality of the flame and the surface coating. The carrier gas-powder mixture is delivered as a central stream, the combustion air as a generally concentric annular stream around the central stream and the fuel gas as an outermost generally concentric annular stream. The body member is formed with a first central bore for delivering the carrier gas-powder mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignees: Alberta Research Council, Canadian Flamecoat Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Varagur S. V. Rajan, Mario De Rocco
  • Patent number: 5181954
    Abstract: At least a percentage of iron ore pellets and the like for use in a direct reduction process for the production of sponge iron are coated with a thin porous coating of Portland cement to counteract tendency to aggregate. This is accomplished by method and apparatus that mixes water and cement powder at the point of delivery in a manner such that no pumps are subjected to a wet cement slurry. The slurry is mixed and maintained in suspension by air agitation in a bin and then flowed through a bin discharge pipe and sprayed therefrom onto a passing layer of pellets in a controlled manner by regulated air injection into the discharage pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Hylsa S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Jorge D. Berrun-Castanon, Maria T. Guerra-Reyes, Leopoldo I. Ruiz-Leal
  • Patent number: 4978072
    Abstract: An airbrush with a fluid cup or the like which is removably retained on the airbrush and is adapted for containing and delivering fluids to be sprayed by the airbrush. The cup has a hollow reservoir portion and an attached tube portion. The reservoir portion is formed for retaining fluids disposed therein. The tube portion is non-concentrically fixedly attached at one end to a bottom of the reservoir portion and the end distal the reservoir removably inserts into a bore formed in the airbrush. The airbrush has a major axis running the length of the body and the bore in the airbrush is generally formed non-perpendicular to this major axis. The non-concentric mounting of the tube to the reservoir and the angle of the mounting bore permit the removable cup to be rotated within the mounting bore to remove it from the line of sight of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Paasche Airbrush Co.
    Inventor: Benedict Kurowski
  • Patent number: 4956883
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for dispensing liquid soap into or adjacent to a water stream emitted from a primary shower head mounted to a water line of a selected size. The apparatus has an auxiliary shower head from which a branch line extends of a size smaller than the water line size. It also has a mount for mounting the auxiliary shower head adjacent to the primary shower head with the branch line in fluid communication with the water line. A liquid soap reservoir is mounted in valved fluid communication with the auxiliary shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Dale Lane
  • Patent number: 4949906
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a convertible dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquids and particulate solids. The dispensing system includes a tank structure, with selectable particulate solids dispenser and a liquid dispenser, both positioned generally at the lower extent of the tank structure. A converting arrangement is provided for selectively bypassing one of the dispensers while maintaining the other dispenser in communication with the materials chamber defined by the tank structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Oliver Godwin
  • Patent number: 4913199
    Abstract: A method and device for the complete emptying of flat quartz tanks or crucibles filled with silicon melt is provided. The apparatus includes an open outlet nozzle located in a floor of the tank and a tube-shaped, rod-shaped, or channel-shaped member composed of a material that is well-wettable by silicon melt that is brought into contact with the outlet nozzle after the conclusion of the drawing process. The member is in fluid communication with a collecting vessel. The outlet nozzle is so constructed and arranged that the silicon melt adjacent at the nozzle aperture is prevented from running out during the band drawing due to the curvature pressure of its downwardly, convexly arced surface. The apparatus can be used in continuous, horizontal band-drawing of silicon for solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Richard Falckenberg, Gerhard Hoyler, Bernhard Freienstein, Josef Grabmaier
  • Patent number: 4844340
    Abstract: An inorganic hydraulic material composition containing reinforcing short fibers is sprayed without breakage thereof, by fluidizing reinforcing short fibers in a blast of compressed air, by blending the flow of the reinforced short fibers fluidized in the blast of compressed air with a dry mixture of an inorganic hydraulic material such as cement with an aggregate such as sand in a dry blending region, by introducing the resultant dry blend into a water-mixing region, by mixing the dry blend with water, and by spraying the resultant wet composition through a spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignees: Railway Technical Research Institute, Sumitomo Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shohiko Miyata, Seiichi Tottori, Sakae Ushijima, Hajime Suzuki, Toshikazu Minematsu, Yoshiki Tanaka