Rotating Whirler Patents (Class 239/383)
  • Patent number: 7066407
    Abstract: A shower head assembly includes an outer housing, an inner housing, a catch cap, and an impeller. Thus, the catch cap catches the water flow and introduces the water flow through the water inlet hole into the air chamber so as to reduce the water flow rate, thereby achieving the purpose of saving water. In addition, the water flow is ejected outward in a radiating manner by rotation of the impeller, thereby providing a massaging effect to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Tung Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 7017835
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer applies particulate paints with good color matching by reducing paint droplet size deviation and then optimizing the other paint spraying parameters. Paint droplet size parameters are reduced by using a bell cup having reduced flow deviations, including an overflow surface having a generally constant angle between a deflector and an atomizing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Vetter, Rolf Schneider, Andreas Fischer, Robert F. Heldt
  • Patent number: 7017836
    Abstract: A feed system for a rotary coating atomizer formed from two opposed coaxially mounted rotating atomizer assemblies consists of a cylindrical, hollow distributor mounted coaxially between the atomizer assemblies. The distributor contains one or more distributor feed holes formed in each opposing side in proximity to the adjacent atomizer assembly. A hollow axle passes coaxially through the distributor and the atomizer assemblies, and contains one or more axle feed holes beneath each distributor, so that when the coating is fed through the hollow axle it enters the distributor through the axle feed holes and exits the distributor through the distributor feed holes onto the atomizer assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wilevco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Lohkamp
  • Patent number: 6997400
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for distributing gas and/or liquid phase substance from an inlet to multiple outlets with reduced variations and distribution. The apparatus includes a body having an inlet and a plurality of outlets. In one aspect, a rotatable impeller is positioned between inlet and plurality of outlets. The impeller includes a spiral fluid pathway relative to direction of substance through the inlet so that the substance passes through the impeller and is distributed to the outlets through a spinning impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Mark Hanna, Paul M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6988676
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Schreur, Doug Shawver, Dan O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6908047
    Abstract: An improved shower sprayer is provided which includes an oscillating head to provide improved water coverage for a shower user. The valve may include a base, at least one oscillating sprayer head supported by the base and a turbine system driven by a current of water fro a water source. The turbine system actuates the oscillating sprayer head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Nottingham Spirk, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, Jeffrey Kalman, Jerry DeGreen, Lindsey Tufts, John R. Nottingham, John Spirk
  • Patent number: 6863230
    Abstract: An atomizing nozzle (20) for use in a misting system and a process (200) for manufacturing the atomizing nozzle (20) are provided. The atomizing nozzle (20) is made up of a nozzle body (24), a metallic orifice insert (26), and a non-metallic impeller. The nozzle body (24) has an inlet end (30), has an outlet end (32), has an insert recess (36) proximate the outlet end (32), and encompasses a first chamber (42). The metallic orifice insert (26) is affixed to the nozzle body (24) within the insert recess (36) and encompasses a second chamber (66). The non-metallic impeller (28) is configured to reside within the first and second chambers (42,66) between the metallic orifice insert (26) and the nozzle inlet end (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Nathan Palestrant
  • Patent number: 6860437
    Abstract: A jet barrel adapted for use in a spa jet housing having a rotor rotatably supported on a spindle pin aligned along a longitudinal axis in the bore of the jet barrel. The spindle pin is supported at upstream and downstream pivot points. An offset nozzle extends from a conical base of the rotor, an inlet to the rotor being aligned with an outlet from the jet barrel's bore. As water exits the jet barrel bore into the rotor, the rotor and spindle pin are caused to co-rotate. Hard water deposits, sufficient to prevent rotation do not readily build around the pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Blue Falls Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Darcy S. Amendt, M. Peter Van't Hoff
  • Publication number: 20040124266
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler with two viscous brakes. The viscous brakes work in conjunction with each other to maintain a low RPM and also to rotate a water stream diffuser. The water stream is first directed toward a deflector that offsets the stream and angles it toward the area to be watered. The offset stream applies a torsional force on the deflector causing it to rotate. The stream is then interrupted intermittently by the diffuser that is rotating at a different RPM. The end result is a sprinkler that rotates slowly and breaks up the stream of water intermittently to create an even pattern of water on the area being sprinkled without using mechanical parts, such as ratchets or gearing. This is desirable for smooth operation and less chance of the operation being interrupted from contamination by dirt, insects, debris, etc. Also, a more random diffusion of the water is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel R. Pinch, Gregory S. Burcham, Theodore G. Santiesteban
  • Patent number: 6715699
    Abstract: The showerhead engine assemblies provide different combinations and variations of continuous, deflected, pulsating sprays, and aeration spray patterns including those that are adjustable enabling wide variations in the degree of aeration of the water passing through the showerhead, enabling wide variation of the characteristics of the water spray patterns. The spray patterns include a nondeflected, nonpulsating spray pattern; a deflected nonpulsating spray pattern; a nondeflected, pulsating spray pattern; and a deflected, pulsating spray pattern, while enabling the engine assembly to be self-cleaning. For pulsating spray modes, the showerhead engine assembly includes but five plastic parts and an O-ring seal; the parts being a stator, a spinner, an engager, a pressure plate, and a faceplate, openings beings disposed in the pressure plate and faceplate to enable fluid flow therefrom. Deflecting surfaces on the faceplate enable a variety of different flow patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Ilan Greenberg, Moty Lev, Amir Genosar, John E. Petrovic
  • Publication number: 20040050967
    Abstract: A centrifugal dispensing apparatus with a centrifugal dispensing drum that can be divided into compartments and that has at least one open inner volume for retaining a volume of flowable material, an exit aperture for each open inner volume for allowing flowable material to pass during a rotation of the centrifugal dispensing drum, and a drive shaft. A catch shield or a cam operated plunger arrangement for sealing off the exit aperture in a directionally sensitive manner can be provided. Flowable material can be deposited in lines onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces, and non-flat surfaces that can be rendered flat after the application of flowable material thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Richard W. Kimbrough
  • Patent number: 6691336
    Abstract: A spa jet for delivering water from an upstream source of water under pressure to the interior of a spa, the spa jet having a housing with an inlet tube communicating with the source of water and a chamber wall defining a generally cup shaped chamber. A retaining ring is connected to and inside of the chamber wall. A form having an annular upstream portion is fixed against axial movement between the chamber wall the retaining ring. The form has a downstream portion extending from the annular portion in the form of a shaft aligned with the axis. The spa jet also has a rotor with a generally cylindrical body concentric with the axis, the body having a bearing surface extending around the shaft which supports the body for rotating. At least one nozzle passage extends through the rotor which collects water from the inlet tube and directs the water as a water jet into the spa at an angle sufficient to impart a turning moment to the rotor about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Buck
  • Patent number: 6666386
    Abstract: An atomizing spray nozzle structure comprising a main unit, a rotor and a spray nozzle, wherein the main unit and the spray nozzle are joined by thread tightening. Inside the main unit is an accommodating space. The spray nozzle has a through channel running along the axis thereof. The accommodating space is communicative with the through channel, having a rotor inside the through channel and the accommodating space, characterized in that: an end of the rotor corresponding to the accommodating space is a tapered end, and a neck is protruded from the tapered end, the length of the rotor is longer than the through channel at all circumstances, and the end with protruded neck exposed in the accommodating space of the main unit; thereby the rotor can be easily taken out for cleaning purpose after the main unit and the spray nozzle are disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Chiung Huang
  • Patent number: 6651904
    Abstract: A watering nozzle (16) for underground pop-up sprinkler (1) comprises a bottom part (17) and a top part (37) comprising a distribution cylinder (40). The bottom part (17) is provided with an annular opening (100) that receives the flow of water coming from the base of the sprinkler (1) and generates a jet in the form of a spray having pre-established angular extension that flows into a distribution cylinder (40) provided with radial slots (41) arranged as an arc of circumference that proceed from its bottom to its side wall so as to subdivide the single spray jet into single jets. The distribution cylinder (40) has on top a fan wheel (70) having a diameter greater than the cylinder and provided with external fins (71) that extend downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Claber S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Roman
  • Patent number: 6607148
    Abstract: Shower heads are disclosed providing for varying types of spray. One spray head permits two different spray patterns with one of the patterns optionally being pulsed or unpulsed. Another provides three different spray patterns, with two of the patterns having pulsing impellers which can pulse at different speeds from each other. The third provides three different spray patterns, each of which provides spray through outlets at different force levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Windsor B. Marsh, Donald N. Jursich
  • Patent number: 6585169
    Abstract: Droplets are formed from a liquid by supplying liquid to a feeding rotor and rotating the feeding rotor about an axis to discharge the liquid generally radially outwardly by centrifugal force. A distributor disposed radially outside of the feeding rotor is rotated relative to the feeding rotor about the axis to receive liquid discharged from the feeding rotor. A slinger disposed radially outside of the distributor is rotated relative to the distributor about the axis to receive liquid discharged from the distributor by centrifugal force. The slinger slings that received liquid is slung outwardly in the form of droplets from cusps distributed circumferentially around an outer periphery of the slinger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Alf Andersson
  • Patent number: 6564880
    Abstract: A manually-operated, water-powered digging tool which does not utilize a pressure gauge, and a process for digging holes with such tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Williams Die & Mold, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde R. Williams, David M. Guinee
  • Patent number: 6533194
    Abstract: Shower heads are disclosed providing for varying types of spray. One spray head provides three different spray patterns, with two of the patterns having pulsing impellers which can pulse at different speeds from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Windsor B. Marsh, Donald N. Jursich
  • Patent number: 6276614
    Abstract: A shower head structure includes an outer housing, a water exciting vane wheel, a water outlet cover, and a water guide barrel. The outer housing contains a ball connector, and a sealing ring pressing the ball connector. The water exciting vane wheel includes a central hollow bushing, a plurality of curved vanes, and a catch plate. The water outlet cover defines multiple straight water outlet apertures and three massaging water outlet apertures and includes an annular water dispensing barrel provided with a short stub. The water guide barrel includes a first step provided with an enlarged opening tightly pressing the sealing ring and a second step provided with a reduced section provided with a vane wheel shaft extending through the hollow bushing of the water exciting vane wheel and defining a receiving hole securing the short stub of the water dispensing barrel. The reduced section of the water guide barrel defines three oblique cut water outlet ports facing the vanes of the water exciting vane wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Chien Chuen Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: So-Mel Huang
  • Patent number: 6254013
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus with a wobble turbine that delivers fluid in a substantially uniform spray distribution. The movement of the wobble turbine is a wobbling motion, preferably combined with some rotational motion. The wobbling motion is generated by disposing a wobble inducing member or wobble turbine in the path of the fluid supply. The water flowing over the wobble turbine causes the turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine has outlet channels disposed therein that distribute the water. The spray pattern produced by the apparatus changes more or less rapidly so that fluid droplets or streams are directed along arcuate paths rather than at a single point. This type of spray distribution pattern is gentler than many stationary patterns and the unique design of the wobble inducing member does not include complex mechanical parts or significant flow restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph H. Clearman, Jack F. Clearman
  • Patent number: 6254014
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus with a moving nozzle that delivers fluid in a wobbling, rotating or oscillating pattern. The movement of the nozzle is a wobbling motion, preferably combined with some rotational motion. The wobbling motion is generated by disposing a wobble inducing member or wobble turbine in the path of the fluid supply. The water flowing over the wobble turbine causes the turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine then causes the nozzle to wobble or rotate. The moving nozzle can be used as a motor providing a rotating output shaft or ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph H. Clearman, Jack F. Clearman
  • Patent number: 6230984
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the ejection of liquid comprising a plurality of rotor nozzles which are combined into a unit. Each rotor nozzle has a rotor space formed in a nozzle housing and an inlet opening in the region of its one axial end and an outlet opening for the liquid at the other end, as well as a rotationally driven rotor arranged inclined in the rotor space relative to its longitudinal axis and supported at the inner wall of the rotor space. The rotor has a nozzle region supported in a cup bearing at its end pointing towards the outlet opening and an inflow opening at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Anton Jager
  • Patent number: 6223998
    Abstract: A shower head assembly includes a housing enclosing a rotary valve member driven by a water activated motor. A rotatable tubular valve member surrounds the housing and has an internal cartridge with circumferentially spaced internal passages for selectively directing continuous flow water or cycling flow water directly to nozzle orifices or to radially inner or outer sets of drive jets for a water pulsating turbine wheel. The spray discharge orifices may be adjusted by a control ring which cooperates with the valve member to provide for selecting various spray functions including 1) a normal continuous spray, 2) a fast or slow pulsating spray, 3) a cycling flow rate spray with fast or slow pulsation, 4) a cycling flow rate spray with no pulsation and 5) a discharge spray variable between narrow and wide spray patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Charles J. Heitzman
  • Patent number: 6186414
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spray head assembly with a moving spray nozzle that delivers fluid in a substantially uniform spray distribution. The movement of the spray nozzle is a wobbling motion, preferably combined with some rotational motion. The wobbling motion is generated by disposing a wobble inducing member or wobble turbine in the path of the fluid supply. The water flowing over the wobble turbine causes the turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine then causes the spray housing and nozzle to wobble. The spray pattern produced by the wobbling spray housing changes more or less rapidly so that fluid droplets or streams are directed along arcuate paths rather than at a single point. This type of spray distribution pattern is gentler than many stationary patterns and the unique design of the wobble inducing member does not include complex mechanical parts or significant flow restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph H. Clearman, Jack F. Clearman
  • Patent number: 6164566
    Abstract: A pistol-type water sprayer having an outer disk body, a pulsating member, an inner disk body, a water distributing disk, and a nozzle seat. The pulsating member, the inner disk body and the water distributing disk are mounted over a tubular member extending rearwardly of the outer disk body. The outer disk body is provided with a plurality of pulsating water outlets, inner water outlets, outer water outlets and outer water blocking members. The nozzle seat is provided with a water tube capable of being in alignment with the various water outlets to enable the nozzle to project water in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Chao Hui-Chen
  • Patent number: 6081945
    Abstract: The rotary hydrotherapy nozzle is a cylindrical tube forming a nozzle with a hand grip sleeve on a first stage tube and having an on-off valve. The tube has a rotary element contained in a discharge end which has multiple discharge ports. The tube intake end is threaded to receive the first stage tube or a water hose. The rotary element is a cylindrical body shaped to rotate in the discharge end. The rotary element has an outlet end with an outlet port shaped to alternately inhibit and allow water flow through the discharge ports as rotation occurs. The rotary element inlet end has a water vane which causes rotation due to the water flow impact thereon from the water inlet disk which has skewed ducts to direct water flow against the blades of the water vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Linda Keene, Michael Guerini
  • Patent number: 6076747
    Abstract: A shower head having a front body, a movable circular body, an action member, a clamping member, a rotating seat, a locating member, a pull member, a valve, a tube connecting member, and a shell. The front body is provided with a plurality of water emitting holes which are completely separated from the vibrating water discharging hole of the front body by a washer of the movable circular body and a circular frame of the front body. The water emitting holes of the front body and the water-spraying grooves of the movable circular body share a common water pathway due to the fact that the washer of the movable circular body is located between the water-spraying grooves of the movable circular body and the water-admitting holes of the movable circular body, in conjunction with the circular protrusion of the rotating seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Hsu Ming-Yuan
  • Patent number: 6000636
    Abstract: A nozzle device has a hollow main body, a rotor, and a hollow nozzle cover. The hollow main body has an opening, a hollow chamber communicating with the opening, and a through hole communicating with the hollow chamber. The rotor has a taper first end and a plurality of guide recesses formed on a second end of the rotor. The hollow nozzle cover has a center aperture, a guide groove communicating with the center aperture, and an enlarged groove communicating with the guide groove. The rotor is inserted in the hollow chamber. The hollow nozzle cover is inserted in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Chiung Huang
  • Patent number: 5950927
    Abstract: A wobbling sprinkler head is provided, especially for use in irrigation systems such as self-propelled mechanically moving irrigation systems, in which the wobbling sprinkler head faces downward from the water supply conduit. The sprinkler head has a body having a water inlet as well as an attachment for connection to the water supply and a nozzle for directing a stream of water from the sprinkler body. The sprinkler head has one or more arms extending from the body around a water deflecting head. The water deflecting head is movably attached to the sprinkler head body and has a water deflecting surface positioned to deflect water from the nozzle and move the water defecting head. The bottom of the water deflecting surface has a protruding member extending therefrom, for interacting with a second protruding member extending from the arms of the sprinkler head body. The protruding members can have magnets of opposing polarity mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick T. Elliott, William J. McFadden
  • Patent number: 5938123
    Abstract: A shower head assembly includes a housing enclosing a rotary valve member driven by a water activated motor. A rotatable tubular valve member surrounds the housing and has. an internal cartridge with circumferentially spaced internal passages for selectively directing continuous flow water or cycling flow water directly to nozzle orifices or to radially inner or outer sets of drive jets for a water pulsating turbine wheel. The spray discharge orifices may be adjusted by a control ring which cooperates with the valve member to provide for selecting various spray functions including 1) a normal continuous spray, 2) a fast or slow pulsating spray, 3) a cycling flow rate spray with fast or slow pulsation, 4) a cycling flow rate spray with no pulsation and 5) a discharge spray variable between narrow and wide spray patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Charles J. Heitzman
  • Patent number: 5927611
    Abstract: An atomizing nozzle (40) includes a body (44) having an fluid inlet end (50), a fluid outlet end (52), and a channel (54) located between the inlet end (50) and the outlet end (52). A free floating plunger (46) resides in the channel (54). The plunger (46) has a frusto-conical portion (64) facing the inlet end (50) and a cylindrical portion (62) facing the outlet end (52). The frusto-conical portion (64) causes the plunger (46) to resist getting wedged in the channel (54) so that a mist (102) having fluid particles of uniform size is ejected from the outlet end (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan Palestrant
  • Patent number: 5921468
    Abstract: A misting system (20) includes an atomizing nozzle (22) having a one-piece body (28). The one-piece body (28) has a passage (34) in which a plunger (36) resides and an atomizing orifice (30). The plunger (36) is inserted into the body from a fluid inlet end (38) of the body (28). A retainer (40) couples to the fluid inlet end (38) of the body (28) so that fluid flow into the passage (34) is not blocked but movement of the plunger (36) out of the passage is blocked. The retainer (40) may take a variety of forms, including a crimped portion of the body (28), a compressible elastic member (52, 72, 82), a cap (86) or plug (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan Palestrant
  • Patent number: 5823435
    Abstract: A rotating spray nozzle for use in cleaning containers having a spray head on a shaft, an element for passing liquid both to the exterior of the spray head to cause rotation thereof and for the delivery of liquid in annular streams, liquid passing to the spray head through the shaft and having an hydraulic bearing therefor, the liquid after passing from the spray head occupying which would be a void as far as washing is concerned. The spray head is also moveable axially relative to the shaft, a spring holding the spray head away from the bottom of the shaft when there is no pressure passing therethrough, the pressure of the liquid moving the spray head to the bottom of the shaft, the arrangement providing a manner whereby foreign material can be removed from between the spray head and the shaft as, by reducing the pressure, the space between these can be increased, thus permitting ready flushing of the foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Spray Nozzle Engineering Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Sean Morgan, Stuart Morgan
  • Patent number: 5810259
    Abstract: A liquid atomizing nozzle is provided which is designed to receive various types of impellers in a chamber just preceding an orifice for the purpose of fracturing the liquid such as water to thereby facilitate the generation of fine fogs or sprays. The interchange of impellers and cleaning of nozzle and impeller chamber is simplified by the provision of a separate detachable inlet member to the nozzle which is designed to also retain the impeller in its chamber and to supply a jet stream of liquid thereto. The inlet member is in the form of a separate connector provided with an entry segment of greater diameter then a narrower exit segment connectable to the impeller chamber in a manner which encloses the chamber and retains the position of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Environmental Engineering Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Sinclair
  • Patent number: 5718381
    Abstract: In a circular sprinkler, as a result of an intermediate gear, the turbine wheel runs muck faster than the jet splitter operating upstream thereof in the flow direction and also constructed as a turbine rotor, so that the sprinkler starts substantially independently of the water flow and an adjusting device can be provided with which it is possible at any time to manually adjust the sector to be watered. A slot-like bottom with an extension of the guide faces connected thereto is used for further increasing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Gardena Kress + Kastner GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Katzer, Franz Lopic, Lothar Mitzlaff
  • Patent number: 5647537
    Abstract: A multifunction shower head with a housing, a fixed nozzle plate, and a rotatable nozzle shutter in which is set a screen disk and which is fixed to an adjustment ring has between the housing and the nozzle plate a guide plate with throughgoing passages and a wheel with radially extending and annularly arranged vanes, apertured regions and blocking regions. Rotation of the nozzle shutter relative to the nozzle plate and arresting or releasing of the wheel allows several types of spray to be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 5499767
    Abstract: An improved shower head having an elongated, rigid arm with a shower nozzle at one end of the arm and with the other end of the arm acting as a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The arm is mounted, near its one end, by a swivel joint onto a shower pipe. The arm can be grasped by its handle end to move it about the swivel joint to position the shower nozzle. A control valve can be mounted on the arm to control the flow of water from the shower pipe to the shower nozzle. A second shower nozzle can be mounted on the other end of the handle and the control valve can control the flow of water to either the nozzle or to both simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 5476225
    Abstract: A shower head has a plurality of concentric circular water races, each race having therein a different pattern of spray emitting openings. An elastomeric sheet is spread between a water plenum and the races to prevent water from leaking from the plenum and into the races. The elastomeric sheet has an opening over each race. A selector may be either a dial or a push button which moves a device that covers or uncovers openings in the elastomeric sheet in order to select a specific spray pattern. The push button or a rubber boot over the dial facilitates an operation of the selector when the user has soapy hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Jing Mei Industrial Limited
    Inventor: Raymond W. M. Chan
  • Patent number: 5467927
    Abstract: A shower head which comprises a body which has a forward chamber and a tubular rear end through which water is arranged to be supplied to the chamber for exit from the chamber through a front side thereof. The shower head includes a vibration generator provided within the chamber for generating vibration of the shower head. The vibration generator is adapted to be driven by water flowing through the chamber. The shower head further includes a switch adapted to enable and/or disable the operation of the vibration generator, the switch being provided at the front side of the forward chamber of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Brand New Technology Limited
    Inventor: Man H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5433383
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a new fire fighting equipment, which is more effective than prior art equipments. The fire fighting equipment of the invention comprises a spray head with a number of nozzles, each nozzle comprising a nozzle socket (24) with a mouthpiece (20) and a whirler (22) arranged to bear against it. The whirler (22) is supported in a housing (2) of the spray head in such a manner that the whirler is set in rotation by the liquid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Goran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 5356077
    Abstract: A pulsating shower head that employs a rotor for effecting the discharge of a pulsating spray, a continuous spray, or a combination of both comprising an upper body housing, a lower body housing, a stem housing affixed to the lower body housing, a stem affixed to the upper body housing and held in slidable relation to the stem housing, a spray plate affixed to the stem housing, a nozzle plate held in fixed relation to the spray plate and stem housing, and a rotor. Rotation of the lower body housing and stem housing with respect to the stationary stem causes the selective discharge of either a pulsed spray through a first set of jet-discharge apertures, a continuous spray through a second set of jet-discharge apertures, or a combination of both pulse spray and jet spray. The stem comprises a tangentially outwardly facing groove that provides a sliding watertight seal between the stem and the stem housing and acts to close off pulse or spray apertures in the stem housing as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Sidney J. Shames, Harold Shames
  • Patent number: 5294054
    Abstract: Multi-functional showerheads which include a central water supply shaft along which an outer housing is selectively adjustable so that the showerheads are operable in a first mode wherein the housing rotates to provide a massage action and in a second mode to provide a fixed or rotary shower spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Benedict Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, Thomas B. Middlebrooks, Robert G. Stampfli, Victor C. Cordiano, Charles W. Belt, Jay S. Tiedeberg
  • Patent number: 5201468
    Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus has an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly that are rotatable with respect to each other. The inlet assembly attaches to a fluid supply and has an outlet opening through which the fluid passes. The outlet assembly has a plurality of inlets positioned to communicate with the outlet opening as the outlet assembly is rotated into different positions with respect to the inlet assembly. Each inlet communicates with a different passage through the outlet assembly and has a set of openings that form a unique spray pattern. One of the fluid passages includes a circular chamber in which a forced vortex is created by the fluid flow. A turbine valve is disposed in the chamber and is driven by the vortex to alternately cover and expose one set of openings. The turbine valve and a chamber wall have rough textured surfaces to reduce friction. The turbine valve is made of an acetal plastic filled with silicone and polytetrafluorethylene to further reduce friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Donald P. Freier, Jay K. Wissmueller, John Rudelick
  • Patent number: 5161317
    Abstract: A hair dryer attachment includes a rotor impeller for converting a uniform stream of air from the hair dryer into a pulsating stream of air. A governor is provided on the rotor impeller or reduction gearing is provided between the rotor and the impeller to reduce the speed of rotation so that the pulsations are at a frequency perceptible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Asia World Trade Limited
    Inventor: Gregory J. McDougall
  • Patent number: 5143293
    Abstract: A water mist-producing device includes a nozzle structure having a flow passage connected to a pressurized water source. A cylindrical pin is coaxially disposed in the passage so that pressurized water flows through an annular space between the pin and the passage wall surface. The downstream end of the pin abuts a transverse end wall having an exit hole assigned with the pin axis. Small angularly disposed flow ducts are defined in the downstream end portion of the pin to conduct jets of water across the end of the pin and through the exit hole. The angular disposition of the flow ducts effects spinning about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Raul R. Pairis
  • Patent number: 5070864
    Abstract: A body massage apparatus includes a cylindrical housing mounting a rigid boss therein, with a rigid conduit extending tangentially aligned with the housing, wherein an eccentrically balanced turbine wheel is mounted within the housing to effect vibration of the housing in use. A top and bottom perforated plate are mounted and secured to the housing orthogonally to the axis defined by the housing. The invention may further include a resilient pad secured to an exterior surface of the housing to enhance use of the organization as a massage apparatus, and further including a pad utilizing massaging tips projecting exteriorly of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: David H. Lemons
  • Patent number: 4907654
    Abstract: A fan system for use in firefighting applications employing positive pressure ventilation includes a lightweight portable fan having a water-powered turbine as its driver. A flow control valve is operable to set the system to operate in a plurality of modes including a mode wherein an air stream and a water mist can be directed toward the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hale Fire Pump Company
    Inventor: H. Alfred Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 4878620
    Abstract: A rotary vane nozzle 10 having a rotary vane member (12) rotatably mounted to a stationary vane member (14). The rotary vane member (12) includes a plurality of vanes (20) for directing the flow of air (50) in a first plane oblique to the X axis. A propeller vane (22) formed on the rotary vane member (12) reacts to the force of the airflow (50) to rotate the rotary vane member (12) to thereby rotate the first plane of airflow about the X axis. As the rotating airflow passes through the stationary vane member (14) the airflow 50 is directed into a second plane to laterally reciprocate in the second plane of airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: E. Russell Tarleton
  • Patent number: 4796810
    Abstract: In a rotary irrigation mini-sprinkler of the kind comprising a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet and, intermediate thereof, a differential pressure control means responsive to variations in the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet and including a throughflow path serving to communicate with said housing inlet and outlet, the throughflow dimensions of the path varying in accordance with the differential, the improvement wherein the housing outlet includes an outflow port in direct communication with the path and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as to reduce substantially the velocity of water entering the port from the path and thereby ensuring that the water fully occupies the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Dan Mamtirim
    Inventor: Avi Zakai
  • Patent number: 4721250
    Abstract: An environmental control system which atomizes filtered and purified or pretreated water introduced at high pressures through a plurality of spaced nozzles which have orifices having a diameter of about 10 microns to produce a mist of microscopic particles which evaporate at elevated temperatures by flash evaporation to produce a significant cooling effect. At normal temperatures cooling is minimal but humidification is obtained. The nozzles which may be especially designed to eliminate or minimize clogging of the orifices are installed in elongated pipes or conduits at selected intervals either in a single line or alternatively in a dual line of parallel pipes spaced one above or in front of the other with the nozzles arranged in a staggered manner so that the effluent spray is from the upper pipe and is not ejected above the spray from the lower pipe. Additionally, the pipes are positioned so that the ejection of spray from the nozzles can occur at angles which will provide an optimum spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Canadian Microcool Corporation
    Inventors: John Kennedy, Eric Watson