Selective Coupling Means For Head Or Nozzle Patents (Class 239/397)
  • Patent number: 11160268
    Abstract: A method of operating a fluid sprayer includes dispersing a first fluid selected from a group consisting of larvicide, adulticide, and a barrier repellant from the fluid sprayer with a first nozzle assembly at a first volumetric flow rate, replacing the first nozzle assembly with a second nozzle assembly, and dispersing a second fluid selected from the group from the fluid sprayer with the second nozzle assembly at a second volumetric flow rate different than the first volumetric flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: CLARKE MOSQUITO CONTROL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Clarke, Grifith Lizarraga, Daniel Fachet
  • Patent number: 11084048
    Abstract: A shower includes a first shower member, a second shower member and a connecting assembly. The first shower member has an inlet opening and at least one first outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening communicates with the first outlet opening. The second shower member is connected to the first shower member, and has a second outlet opening, wherein the second outlet opening communicates with the inlet opening. The connecting assembly includes a first connecting unit and a second connecting unit. The first connecting unit is positioned on one of the first shower member and the second shower member. The second connecting unit is positioned on the other one of the first shower member and the second shower member. The first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are detachably connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: PURITY (XIAMEN) SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: James Wu, Alex Wu, Ce-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 11014432
    Abstract: A vehicle vent assembly includes a first flow channel selectively operating a primary airflow. A second flow channel selectively operates a first secondary airflow that exerts a first pressure on the primary airflow. A third flow channel selectively operates a second secondary airflow that exerts a second pressure on the primary airflow. The first and second secondary airflows control a direction of the primary airflow. The first pressure includes a positive or negative pressure, and the second pressure includes a respective negative or positive pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nicholas Fidh, Jennifer A. Herr-Rathke
  • Patent number: 9022301
    Abstract: An improved manifold for an aerosol system may include a valve interface (120) capable of flexing to fit with a valve stem of an aerosol system and form a seal and methods for making a manifold may include a gate (106) positioned to improve contact between steel defining a fluid flow path in the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Sell, William L. Driskell, David L. Dejong
  • Patent number: 8985484
    Abstract: A spray gun attachment is provided for fluid supply lines in a fluid handling system. A fluid input portion of a gun body is coupled wife a swivel connector, which includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled with a housing stem. In various embodiments, a bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the housing stem and anchored at an opposite end with the rotor. An O-ring seal is positioned between the rotor and the exterior surface of the housing stem. A bearing assembly residing within a raceway that is defined by flat surfaces on each of: the rotor, the housing stem, and ah interior bearing wall within the bearing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eley Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Eley, Darin Schollmeyer
  • Patent number: 8936205
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a turbine, a gear drive, a nozzle turret, and a nozzle that is installed in the turret. The gear drive rotatably couples the turbine and the nozzle. The nozzle has an exit angle which is different from its entry angle to change the trajectory of the water as it passes through the nozzle. The nozzle can be installed in an orientation to increase the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler, or installed in an orientation to decrease the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Dunn, Michael L. Clark, Nathan T. Garcia
  • Patent number: 8910887
    Abstract: A multi-purpose watering device that operates as a handheld device and ground based watering device. The device consists of a long handle leading to a turret sprinkler with water distribution on at least two sides. One side is used in a ground based position to water small to medium area lawns and the other is used for watering when the device is used in a held position. A valve on the turret face allows the operator to switch select which will distribute water. The device also contains a rotating sprinkler head suited for watering of large areas. When the rotating head is actuated, water is redirected from the turret head to the rotating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Partners In Innovation, Ltd.
    Inventors: John A. Helmsderfer, Nicholas Jeffers
  • Patent number: 8905332
    Abstract: A dual turbine showerhead provides multiple spray modes emanating from the head. The showerhead includes an inlet orifice, a backplate, a first turbine located side-by-side with a second turbine, a faceplate forming a first orifice group and a second orifice group, a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the first and second turbines and the first orifice group, and a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the second orifice group. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes first and a second turbines located side-by-side and a valve body that channels a fluid to the first turbine and the second turbine. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes a first and a second turbine located side-by-side along a centerline of the showerhead, a corresponding outlet region is arranged along the centerline and additional outlet regions are laterally spaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 8888023
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a latching portion so that the nozzle may be detachably inserted into a nozzle socket of the turret. The nozzle may include radially flexible extensions with radial protrusions that interengage with corresponding lock seats of the nozzle socket to form a latching connection therewith. The latching connection restricts the nozzle from becoming unintentionally discharged from the nozzle socket. The nozzle may further be configured so that increased water pressure acting on the nozzle causes the radial protrusions to more tightly engage the nozzle socket to prevent unintentional discharge of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20140326805
    Abstract: A shower head with alternating outlet function, includes: an inlet waterway with an inlet port, an outlet port, a waterway, an outlet terminal having at least two mutually independent outlet cavities rotatably distributed on a plane, and all have outlet holes, alternating inlet holes and synchronous inlets; the outlet holes are disposed on the outlet surface of the shower head; and an alternating cavity with alternating inlets, fixed to the outlet terminal. The alternating cavity is connected to all alternating inlet holes. The interior thereof is disposed with a hydraulic alternating device to make the alternating inlets to connect to the alternating inlet holes in alternating manner driven by water pressure. The synchronous inlets and the alternating inlets are switched to connect to the outlet port by a water diversion plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicants: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Yangfeng Ji, Jianmin Chen, Yuanfang Huang
  • Patent number: 8857744
    Abstract: In a sprinkler head hose adapter, a swivel adapter is rotatably coupled to a head adapter. The swivel adapter defines a bore that extends therethrough and that is in fluid communication with a conduit coupled to the swivel adapter. A coupler is positioned in an end of the conduit and includes a bore in fluid communication with the conduit. A portion of the coupler extends outwardly from the coupler and can be attached to a hose or other apparatus forming part of a sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kochek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Kozey
  • Patent number: 8840044
    Abstract: Proposed are a spray head with a nozzle for the atomizing of a liquid as well as a device with such a spray head. Associated with the nozzle is a delivery tube that can optionally be folded upward away from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Aptar Dortmund GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8840045
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is disclosed that is capable of producing two distinct spray patterns. The device may include a rotatable hub having a first barrel for producing a first spray pattern and a second barrel for producing a second spray pattern. The barrels may be oriented in different directions with a predetermined angle between directions, such as approximately 180 degrees. A shell may be coupled to and rotatable with the hub. The shell may include a first portion having a first structural feature corresponding to a characteristic of the first spray pattern and a second portion may having a second structural feature corresponding to a characteristic of the second spray pattern. The structural features inform the user of a characteristic of the spray pattern that will be discharged by the device by the associated barrels, thereby permitting the user to intuitively select the desired spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Patent number: 8820661
    Abstract: A hose end sprayer has a sprayer lid and a container. The sprayer lid has a cap with a pair of bottle connectors formed of single-ended, fixed diameter, threaded sleeves of different radii mounted on the underside of the sprayer lid's cap. The connectors and a threaded adapter allow the sprayer lid to be connected with containers having mouths of different sizes, including containers in which liquid chemicals are sold. A liquid conduit extends across the cap between a hose inlet on one end and a spray nozzle on the other end, with a siphon tube intersecting the conduit within the periphery of the smaller of the bottle connectors, with mixture of pressurized carrier water entering the liquid conduit at the hose inlet with liquid chemical siphoned from the container through the siphon tube. The chemical/water admixture is expelled from the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Root-Lowell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8727238
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler has a riser assembly that includes a rotatably mounted nozzle turret, a secondary nozzle holder removably mounted on the nozzle turret, and a turbine. A drive assembly is mounted in the riser assembly and couples the turbine and the nozzle turret so that pressurized water entering a lower end of the riser assembly will cause the nozzle turret to rotate. The nozzle turret has a primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle holder has at least one secondary nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Ronald H. Anuskiewicz
  • Patent number: 8640973
    Abstract: A pressure washer wand assembly configured to discharge pressurized fluid in a changeable spray pattern. The wand assembly comprises a tube portion having an input end and an output end. A nozzle assembly has a plurality of selectable nozzles, and the nozzle assembly is disposed near the output end and configured to discharge the pressurized fluid in a spray pattern. A nozzle indicator is spaced from the output end and indicates a spray characteristic of a selected nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Gansebom
  • Publication number: 20130270366
    Abstract: A spray assembly configured has an extensible pole may be adjusted to different heights that accommodate plants during a season of growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Louis H. Junker
  • Patent number: 8403236
    Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle connector and nozzle filter engaged together. The nozzle connector is engaged with a tote connector of a tote which contains a paint component. A hose connector can be sealingly engaged with the tote connector if they are matched. The hose connector is restricted from being sealingly engaged with the nozzle connector if they do not match. Matching hose and nozzle connectors have the same color to indicate that they match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Andrew B. Titus, Danny P. Boyle, Michael Mowen
  • Patent number: 8365959
    Abstract: A drink dispensing tap water dispenser, kit and method of converting a tap water dispenser to a drink dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser includes an adaptor having a central body portion connectable inline to a domestic tap water dispenser. A dispensing nozzle is supported by the central body portion of the adaptor and includes at least one liquid connection to a liquid source for dispensing liquid separate from the tap water dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Stefano Tavolazzi
  • Patent number: 8276832
    Abstract: An actuator overcap for producing multiple spray patterns includes a cap having a hub with a lower surface defining a socket and an upper surface defining a chamber fluidly communicating with the socket. First and second barrels extend between the hub and a side wall of the cap to define first and second flow paths. A trigger is pivotably coupled to the cap and includes a seal support. A selector is coupled to the trigger, and includes a user-engageable pad and a seal. The seal is configured to closely fit within the hub chamber and defines a central aperture fluidly communicating with the hub chamber and a first notch extending radially outwardly from and fluidly communicating with the central aperture. The trigger and selector are pivotable with respect to the cap to place the first notch in fluid communication with one of the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory J. Nelson, Bjorn James Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8186366
    Abstract: A portable manual vehicle wash assembly including a base removably attachable to a top exterior surface of a vehicle. A hollow pipe is attached to the base and includes an inlet formed at a first end thereof, and an outlet at a second end thereof. The inlet is adapted to receive an end of a first hose in fluid communication with a water source. The outlet is generally directed away from the exterior surface of the vehicle, and has a swivel member attached thereto. The swivel member is connected to a water emitter, typically in the form of a second hose or a spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jerry J. Montoya, Nicomedes A. Trujillo
  • Patent number: 8083519
    Abstract: A burner comprises a body, a nozzle, and at least one attachment element for removably attaching the nozzle to the body. The body defines an oxidant inlet, a feedstock inlet, a body outlet, and one or more passages for conveying the oxidant from the oxidant inlet to the body outlet and for conveying the gasification feedstock from the feedstock inlet to the body outlet. The nozzle defines a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle inlet is configured to receive the oxidant and the gasification feedstock from the body outlet and the nozzle outlet is configured to discharge the oxidant and the gasification feedstock into the reaction chamber. The at least one attachment element removably attaches the nozzle to the body such that the nozzle inlet is in fluid flow communication with the body outlet when the nozzle is attached to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Steven L Douglas
  • Patent number: 8020788
    Abstract: A showerhead providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The showerhead includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 7992487
    Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a cooking kettle apparatus having special features to make food canning a single step process. The apparatus comprises a large diameter pour spout on the upper portion of the kettle that allows even the thickest food to flow through, and a series of interchangeable spout attachments. One spout attachment is a strainer to hold back solids as the cooked product is poured into containers. Another attachment is a straight pour spout with an air induction vent to improve the flow or liquids. The kettle has three handles about the upper portion to allow easy pouring by one person, or for two people when there is a particularly heavy batch of cooked food. The method of use provides a means by which a person can cook jams, jellies, and similar foods in the most efficient manner and with less specialized cooking items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Alison J. Kahl
  • Patent number: 7993131
    Abstract: A burner comprises a body, a nozzle, and at least one attachment element for removably attaching the nozzle to the body. The body defines an oxidant inlet, a feedstock inlet, a body outlet, and one or more passages for conveying the oxidant from the oxidant inlet to the body outlet and for conveying the gasification feedstock from the feedstock inlet to the body outlet. The nozzle defines a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle inlet is configured to receive the oxidant and the gasification feedstock from the body outlet and the nozzle outlet is configured to discharge the oxidant and the gasification feedstock into the reaction chamber. The at least one attachment element removably attaches the nozzle to the body such that the nozzle inlet is in fluid flow communication with the body outlet when the nozzle is attached to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Steven L Douglas
  • Patent number: 7992807
    Abstract: A mechanism of controlling water outflow of shower is provided in the casing of shower. The water outlet of the mechanism is aligned with the water outlet of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outflow comprises inner sealing shell, outer sealing shell, and an intermediate cavity defined between the inner sealing shell and the outer sealing shell. A water outflow cavity is formed between outer sealing shell and water outflow disc. The intermediate cavity communicates with intake channel of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outlet also comprises separating sealing pad inside the intermediate cavity, with one side sticked to the water outflow disc of outer sealing shell and the other side sticked to valve elements. The intermediate cavity comprises the inner cavity and outer cavity. The inner cavity communicates with water outflow cavity through the first small hole and with outer cavity through a through-hole. The intake channel communicates with outer cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Yaozhao Pan
  • Publication number: 20110017781
    Abstract: An actuator overcap for producing multiple spray patterns includes a cap having a hub with a lower surface defining a socket and an upper surface defining a chamber fluidly communicating with the socket. First and second barrels extend between the hub and a side wall of the cap to define first and second flow paths. A trigger is pivotably coupled to the cap and includes a seal support. A selector is coupled to the trigger, and includes a user-engageable pad and a seal. The seal is configured to closely fit within the hub chamber and defines a central aperture fluidly communicating with the hub chamber and a first notch extending radially outwardly from and fluidly communicating with the central aperture. The trigger and selector are pivotable with respect to the cap to place the first notch in fluid communication with one of the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: S. C. Johnson & Son
    Inventors: Cory J. Nelson, Bjorn James Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20100224702
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a nozzle. The nozzle includes a liquid passage, a first pneumatic passage, and an exit surface. The exit surface includes at least one recirculation inducing feature configured to reduce deposits adjacent to the first pneumatic passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kui-Chiu Kwok
  • Publication number: 20100116908
    Abstract: An aerosol system for dispensing sprayable material in a desired spray pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: HOMAX PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, JR., Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 7644876
    Abstract: A turning tool (5?) for turning a jet regulator, a nozzle, an intermediate holder, a flow regulator, a non-return valve or a similar plumbing fitting (5) is provided. The fitting (5), on the outlet side, is detachably held on a plumbing water outlet armature (2) by a threaded connection or a bayonet connection, whereby the turning tool (5?) can be placed on the plumbing fitting (5) in a rotationally fixed manner. The turning tool is characterized in that the turning tool is also provided in the form of a plumbing fitting or as a component of a plumbing fitting, that he turning tool (5?) can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on an outer or an inner periphery of the fitting (5) that is held on the water outlet armature, and or that he turning tool (5?) has a face profiling or contouring (24, 25) that can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on a mating profiling or a mating contouring (25, 24) provided on the outlet face of the fitting (5) that is held in the water outlet armature (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Weis, Hermann Grether
  • Patent number: 7600701
    Abstract: A spray head and a device for delivery of a liquid which enables the liquid to be delivered from a container to which the spray is connected both as a spray mist and as a jet. A first feature is that the delivery tube is shorter than the container diameter or the inside diameter of a protective cap for the container. A second feature is that the spray head—especially with the delivery tube which is and/or is not connected to the nozzle—does not project laterally beyond the perimeter of the container and/or fits under the protective cap. A third feature is that the delivery tube can be pivoted up away from the nozzle. A fourth feature is that the spray head has a groove-shaped top recess for holding the delivery tube. These features are usable singly or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Jasper, Ralf Jordan, Wilfred Otte
  • Patent number: 7597274
    Abstract: An aerosol assembly for dispensing texture material. The aerosol assembly comprises a main container assembly, a secondary container, and a conduit. The main container assembly comprises a main container containing texture material, an aerosol valve assembly, and an actuator member. The aerosol valve assembly is operable in a normally closed configuration and an open configuration. Displacement of the actuator member places the aerosol valve assembly from the normally closed configuration to the open configuration. The conduit is connected between the main container and the secondary container to allow fluid flow between the main container and the secondary container. When the actuator member is displaced to place the aerosol valve assembly into the open configuration, the pressurized fluid within the secondary container enters the primary container to force texture material out of the main container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 7594617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shower attachment which comprises a first part (T1) which comprises a water guiding channel (2), and a second part (T2) which comprises at least one first and one second outlet opening (A1, A2) which can be selectively connected to the water guiding channel (2) by means of a valve (V). Said valve (V) is embodied by areas (BI, B2) of the two parts (TI, T2), which are connected to each other in a manner such that they can be displaced and are arranged in the inside of the second part (T2). The valve (V) can be changed by displacing at least one part (T2), and the both known areas (B1, B2) are connected together in such a manner that they can pivot. The first part (T1) comprises a pivotable axis (24) and at least one outlet opening (7) which is arranged at a distance therefrom. The second part (T2) comprises, optionally, at least two inlet openings which are arranged at a distance in relation to said pivotable axis (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignees: Weidman Plastics Technology AG, Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventors: Henning Kaess, Paul Boesch, Kurt Kremm
  • Patent number: 7472842
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery apparatus, such as a pressure washer or sprayer, includes a pump for providing a pressurized fluid, a conduit fluidly connected with the pump to receive the pressurized fluid, a fluid accessory fluidly connected with the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid from the conduit, and a quick-disconnect assembly selectively fluidly connecting the fluid accessory and the conduit. The quick-disconnect assembly includes a male fitting coupled to one of the fluid accessory and the conduit. The male fitting includes a male component and a non-circular outer surface. The quick-disconnect assembly also includes a female fitting coupled to the other of the fluid accessory and the conduit. The female fitting includes a female component having an opening for receiving the male component and a non-circular inner surface coupled to the non-circular outer surface to prevent rotation between the male fitting and the female fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, Barry Fay, Neil R. Gansebom, Brian Beutter
  • Patent number: 7472841
    Abstract: A spray head is described for spraying the molds in pressure casting machines, and in it spray nozzles are mounted on bars equipped with supply passages, which form units which can be placed together. To fit these bar units together, coupling elements in the form of cylindrical pins provided with passages are provided, which are provided with recesses having sloping planes which are engaged by the conical tips of Allen screws and thus produce a clamping together of adjacent bar units. The coupling elements are provided at both end faces with sealing rings and their bore aligns with the passages in the bars. Through the use of angle pieces media supply bars bearing spray nozzles can be joined together at any angle to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Erhard, Hubert Pschenitschni
  • Patent number: 7299999
    Abstract: An improved rotating stream sprinkler of the type having a rotatable spray head with an offset nozzle port through which a water stream is projected outwardly, resulting in a reaction force for rotatably driving the spray head to sweep the water stream over a surrounding terrain area. The spray head is rotatably mounted on a body adapted for connection to a pressurized water supply, with interengaging bearing components providing predetermined friction brake torque resisting spray head rotation. By appropriately designing the nozzle port area and offset geometry, drive torque and brake torque is maintained at a substantially constant ratio for relatively slow and substantially constant spray head rotational speed over a range of normal water supply operating pressures. A downthrust spring retains the bearing components in engagement when the water supply is turned off, but does not contribute to friction brake torque when the water supply is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel C. Walker
  • Patent number: 7278590
    Abstract: An aerosol system for dispensing texture material on a horizontal surface comprising an aerosol assembly, an actuator member, and an outlet structure. The aerosol assembly, which is adapted to contain and dispense texture material, defines a container axis that is substantially vertical during normal use. The actuator member comprises a valve stem for engaging the aerosol assembly and defines a first portion of a dispensing path. The outlet structure defines a second portion of the dispensing path, an outlet orifice, and a dispensing axis. The outlet structure is arranged adjacent to the actuator member such that fluid flowing along the first portion of the dispensing path flows through the second portion of the dispensing path and the outlet orifice and generally along the dispensing axis. The dispensing axis is substantially aligned with the container axis. A cross-sectional area of the outlet orifice is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 7264180
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a sleeve that screws into the same opening in a faucet that a typical aerator screws into. This sleeve replaces the aerator and includes a smaller aerator that is inserted within the sleeve. In this fashion, water aeration can still occur when aeration is desired. However, when a hose attachment is inserted into the sleeve, one of the hose attachment moves up and into the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7251844
    Abstract: A shower head with exfoliating members is disclosed. A plurality of exfoliating members are affixed to the spraying part at the predetermined positions via magnetic force or positioning holes and positioning rods. Each of these exfoliating members includes exfoliating beads of different size and hence may have a different level of abrasiveness. Also, these exfoliating members do not affect the water spraying function of the shower head. Hence, a user may use any of these exfoliating members to smoothen and rejuvenate his skin while taking a shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Ching-Ju Tai, Wei-Hsiang Li
  • Patent number: 7240857
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an aerosol system that dispenses texture material. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator member and an outlet structure. The actuator member comprises a valve stem that defines a first portion of a fluid path. The outlet structure defines a second portion of the fluid path and an adjustable outlet orifice. The outlet structure is arranged adjacent to the actuator member such that fluid flowing along the first portion of the fluid path flows through the outlet orifice. The spray pattern of the texture material flowing through the outlet orifice is determined by the cross-sectional area of the outlet orifice. The cross-sectional area of the outlet orifice is arranged such that the spray pattern of the texture material causes the texture material to be deposited on a target surface in a desired texture pattern that substantially matches a pre-existing texture pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 7226001
    Abstract: An aerosol assembly for dispensing texture material. The aerosol assembly comprises a container, a valve assembly, an actuator member, and at least one outlet member. A stem portion of the actuator member engages a stem recess formed in a valve member to fix the actuator member relative to the container during normal use of the aerosol system. The valve assembly comprises a valve spring that biases the actuator member against a valve seat to place the valve assembly into a closed configuration. Applying a force to the actuator member compresses the valve spring to place the valve assembly into an open configuration. When the valve assembly is in the closed configuration, fluid is substantially prevented from flowing through an actuator passageway. When the valve assembly is in the open configuration, fluid may flow out of the container through the actuator passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 7175110
    Abstract: A cup (6) for spray guns, comprising a disposable container (8) joined in removable fashion to a lid (5) with axial outflow fitting (7), independent of the cup and integrated with the body (4) of the gun (1), and a lining element (18) whose shape is complementary to that of the lid (5) and which is inserted in removable fashion within said lid (5) between the container (8) and the outflow fitting (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventor: Marco G. Vicentini
  • Patent number: 7159797
    Abstract: A spray head for discharging fluid includes a turret assembly in which a nozzle carrier is rotatable relative to a housing about an axis, and a plurality of nozzles mounted on the carrier radially outward from the axis. The carrier is mounted for linear movement relative to the housing along the carrier axis from a retracted position in which one of the nozzles is mated with an outlet in the housing for discharging fluid, to an extended position in which the carrier is rotatable about the carrier axis to align a different nozzle with the outlet, and back to the retracted position in which the different nozzle is mated with the outlet. A latch on the housing is moveable radially with respect to the carrier axis between a latching position holding the carrier in the retracted position and a release position allowing the carrier to move to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Lammers
  • Patent number: 7114667
    Abstract: A nozzle coupling includes a connector having an attached nozzle and opposing ends. The connector is capable of receiving fluid and conducting it to the nozzle and the nozzle is capable of receiving fluid from the connector and spraying it outwardly therefrom. Facets of the connector extend longitudinally of the connector from one of the opposing ends to the other of the opposing ends, and each of the facets are capable of being borne against a surface to locate the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bontems
  • Patent number: 7114666
    Abstract: A shower head having dual turbines. The shower head includes a body having an inlet for connection to a water conduit, a first outlet nozzle formed on the body, a second outlet nozzle formed on the body, a first turbine operably connected to the first outlet nozzle, and a second turbine operably connected to the second outlet nozzle. The shower head may include a flow actuation system taking the form of an actuator ring, a valve connected to the actuator ring and forming a flow channel, a first actuation point defined on the actuator ring, a second actuation point defined on the actuator ring, and a plunger situated within the flow channel. The plunger extends radially outwardly from a center of the valve when aligned with one of the first and second actuation points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 7097117
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly comprising in combination a sprinkler mounting stake and a sprinkler comprising. The sprinkler comprises a sprinkler body formed with a support member receptacle and locking portion. The sprinkler mounting stake comprises a ground insertion portion and a sprinkler support portion. The sprinkler support portion comprises a lateral support member extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stake and retention member. The support member is insertable within the support member receptacle and a retention member prevents unintentional disengagement of the sprinkler body from the mounting stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Naan-Dan Irrigation System (C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoel Zur, Zohar Katzman
  • Patent number: 7083120
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery apparatus such as a pressure washer or sprayer including a pump adapted to provide a pressurized fluid, a conduct fluidly connected with the pump to receive the pressurized fluid from the pump, a fluid accessory fluidly connected with the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid from the conduit, and a quick-disconnect assembly selectively fluidly connecting the fluid accessory and the conduit. The quick-disconnect assembly includes a male fitting coupled to one of the fluid accessory and the conduit. The male fitting includes a male component and a first non-circular surface. The quick-disconnect assembly also includes a female fitting coupled to the other of the fluid accessory and the conduit. The female fitting includes a female component having an opening for receiving the male component and a second non-circuit surface coupled to the first non-circular surface to prevent rotation between the male fitting and the female fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, Barry Fay
  • Patent number: 7077334
    Abstract: A drop on demand printer has a nozzle with an orifice and a surrounding annular land. Surrounding the land is an edge, which is surrounded by a perimetrical surface that is inclined to the land at an angle ?. A pressure controller maintains a positive overpressure on liquid to be printed such that a cap of liquid is substantially always present covering the orifice and the land. The edge between the land and the perimetrical surface prevents liquid from overflowing, and maintains the cap, if the pressure is maintained between lower and upper limits disclosed. The liquid to be printed preferably wets the orifice land, which may be alumina, glass, ceramic, and others. Liquids with very small, even zero, wetting angles relative to the land may be used, such as water and organic solvents, including, isopropyl and ethyl alcohol and chloroform. The liquid can be loaded with dissolved polymers, or particles, such as of polymer or ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Emanuel M. Sachs, Blake W. Gleason, James G. Serdy
  • Patent number: 7077342
    Abstract: A shower head assembly includes a main body, a water outlet panel, a mounting tube, a shade, and a locking nut. Thus, the mounting tube is indirectly combined with the water outlet pipe by the universal connector to form a pivotable shower head and is directly combined with the water outlet pipe to form a fixed shower head, thereby enhancing the versatility of the shower head assembly. In addition, the shower head assembly is provided with a shade having a variable shape to vary the pattern and profile of the shower head assembly, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality and decreasing costs of the shower head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ching Shenger Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Tsai Lee
  • Patent number: 6997397
    Abstract: A trigger sprayer includes a sprayer body having a barrel with an internal passage, and a nozzle mounted over an open end of the barrel for rotation between dispensing and non-dispensing positions. The nozzle has a plug that is received in the open end of the barrel passage. The plug has laterally opening windows positioned for selective registry with an internal axial slot in the wall of the barrel passage adjacent to the open end of the barrel. The windows in the plug connect with fluid outlets in the nozzle. The nozzle is rotatable around the end of the barrel selectively for bringing the windows into registry with the slot in the barrel to dispense fluid from the end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Continental AFA Dispensing Company
    Inventors: Wing-Kwong Keung, Martin S. Laffey