Spray Fluid Pressure Responsive Discharge Modifier Patents (Class 239/452)
  • Patent number: 11198625
    Abstract: A system and method for backwashing a sand filter in a wastewater treatment system. In one aspect, the invention can be a system for backwashing a sand filter comprising: a sand filter configured to remove solids from an untreated wastewater; a container storing chlorine fluidly coupled to the sand filter by a chlorine supply manifold; a flow control mechanism positioned on the chlorine supply manifold between the container and the sand filter, the flow control mechanism alterable between a first position whereby chlorine cannot flow from the container to the sand filter and a second position whereby chlorine flows from the container to the sand filter, the flow control mechanism being biased into the first position; and a processor operably coupled to the flow control mechanism and configured to automatically actuate the flow control mechanism into the second position upon detecting that the sand filter is being backwashed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gerard Willem Smiddy, Frank Leslie Smiddy
  • Patent number: 10273167
    Abstract: A nozzle for spraying a pressurized liquid. The nozzle is adapted for processing a pressurized liquid through an orifice of the nozzle, where the pressurized liquid forces a nozzle member away from a seat. The nozzle member is moved by the pressurized liquid against a counterforce produced by a gas pressure. Gas pressure operates against a plunger to produce a force acting on the nozzle member in opposition to the liquid pressure. A desired upstream pressure of the pressurized liquid is established when the forces across the movable nozzle member are balanced. A desired upstream pressure of the pressurized liquid can be changed by changing the pressure of the gas that forces the plunger against the movable nozzle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Raymond C. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10195618
    Abstract: A variable orifice spray valve including a valve body (42) having a spray discharge orifice (42A) formed therein. The spray valve further includes a liquid flow passage into the valve body, a deflector plate (45) in proximity to the spray discharge orifice (42A) onto which liquid discharged from the orifice is directed, a spray height adjuster (44) adjacent the orifice and movable relative to the deflector plate (45) into the liquid flow path from the orifice, and an adjustment mechanism (43) to adjust the position of the spray height adjuster (44) relative to the discharge orifice (42A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Sean Haviland
  • Patent number: 9604239
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water nozzle uses specially configured nozzle halves to allow for self-cleaning, easy access to the nozzle components, and forming a hollow cone spray. The nozzle halves have grooves in side faces thereof, which when the nozzle halves are mated, the grooves form a spiral path for water to travel through the nozzle halves and form the hollow cone spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BODYGARD LLC
    Inventors: Philip Southern, James Seven Southern
  • Patent number: 9259746
    Abstract: An adjustable nozzle comprising a nozzle body with an inlet, an outlet and a flow chamber having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet. An elastic water impervious material is in fluid communication with the inlet and is tapered and is able to expand due to its elasticity. An adjustable non-rusting member connected to the nozzle body expands or constricts to either increase or decrease the inner diameter of the nozzle body to adjust the flow rate through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: WaterShield LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Marino
  • Patent number: 8844841
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a liquid dispenser includes an outlet member that defines a liquid supply conduit and a nozzle that includes an exit orifice, wherein the nozzle is disposed over an end of the outlet member. A liquid compression path is defined by the nozzle and the outlet member, wherein the liquid compression path includes a liquid compression chamber that supplies liquid from the liquid supply conduit to the exit orifice. The nozzle is adjustable between a first spray position for projecting a liquid spray having a first average droplet size and a second spray position for projecting a liquid spray having a first average droplet size. In the first spray position the liquid compression chamber has a first volume and in the second spray position the liquid compression chamber has a second volume. Preferably, the liquid spray is formed without a swirl chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Prater, Cary E. Manderfield, Sean Petersen
  • Patent number: 8844642
    Abstract: An automatic flow restrictor includes a movement sensor that detects undesired movement of a firefighting apparatus relative to a support surface and automatically reduces the flow of fluid through the apparatus to thereby reduce reaction forces acting upon the apparatus. The sensor may be a slidable member or an actuatable lever, for example, that detects movement of the apparatus along or away from a support surface, and actuates an adjuster to restrict the flow of fluid until the forces are balanced and the apparatus stops moving relative to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric N. Combs
  • Publication number: 20140263707
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly and method of forming an adjustable spray pattern nozzle assembly that is usable with pressure washing systems includes a first body and a second body that are positionally secured relative to one another. The first body includes a fixed shaped orifice that defines the exit of a fluid spray from the nozzle assembly. The second body is disposed upstream of the first body and includes a pressure dependent variable shape orifice. The second body is formed of a resilient material that allows flexure of the second body in response to pressure of the fluid flow. Flexure of the second body manipulates the shape of the variable shape orifice and thereby allows the nozzle assembly to provide various spray patterns without user manipulation of the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Zernicke, Mir Khan, Greg Wischstadt, David Serdynski
  • Patent number: 8196234
    Abstract: A shower installation with discharge nozzles for horizontal installation near the ceiling is constructed to be swiveled between a resting position and an active position, wherein at least a section of the discharge nozzles protrudes in the active position. To swivel the mounting of the shower device, an operating device is provided that swivels the shower device mounting via the force of water flowing to the shower devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Guenter Glunk
  • Patent number: 8151896
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The distribution system includes composite nozzles having pressure-configurable orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 8073572
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for modifying a surface of a component is provided. In use, a surface of a component is translated relative to at least one jet for a period of time to form a plurality of features thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tara Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc O. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8002201
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for regulating two types of flow from a nozzle. The first flow is a deluge stream and the second flow is a fog spray. The deluge stream is controlled by the nozzle operator using a first flow control valve, such as a ball valve. The fog spray is controlled by the nozzle operator using a second flow control valve. The nozzle permits the nozzle operator to manually control the flow of the nozzle, thereby permitting quick regulation and adjustment of flow types and amounts to accommodate then existing fluid pressure and supply conditions to address fluid application needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Watershield LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Marino
  • Patent number: 7913935
    Abstract: An in-line system of mini sprinklers comprising a tubular conduit having inner and outer surface areas, and fitted for the flow of pressurized liquids. This tubular conduit has one or more openings along its length, and at least one mini sprinkler unit embedded within the tubular conduit at each opening. Each mini sprinkler unit comprises a liquid distributing assembly and biasing means. As pressure within the tubular conduit increases, inward force exerted by the biasing means is overcome, and the liquid distributing assembly moves outward. As the liquid distributing assembly protrudes beyond the outer surface of the tubular conduit, liquid escapes and sprinkles onto the ground. As pressure is decreased within the tubular conduit, the biasing means force the liquid distributing assembly back to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Plastro Irrigation Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvika Einav, Zvi Golan
  • Patent number: 7721978
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser nozzle including a resilient sealing lip fitted on a substantially rigid support, the sealing lip being adapted to bear in leaktight manner against a shutter member belonging to the support that also includes a fastener member connected to the shutter member via a movable connection, the fastener member carrying the sealing lip. The movable connection is adapted to enable the shutter member to be moved from a first position in which the shutter member is spaced apart from the sealing lip to a second position in which the shutter member bears against the sealing lip and elastically deforms the sealing lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: LVMH Recherche
    Inventor: Marc Chevalier
  • Patent number: 7464766
    Abstract: A self-metering, automatic (i.e. pressure regulating) industrial-scale fire fighting nozzle, with or without self-eduction, for self-metering a concentrate in accordance with varying liquid flow through the nozzle occasioned by the pressure regulating, with additional features of having a “ratio selectable” means for self-metering for different selected additive concentrations or mixing ratios and of having a mechanical flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Crabtree, Dwight P. Williams
  • Patent number: 7156326
    Abstract: A water sprayer with a water spraying adjustment mechanism including a body and a rotatable cap is disclosed. The body includes an outer tubular wall with a threaded outer surface forming a central axial bore extrusion defining an inner chamber, an inner tubular wall within the inner chamber coaxially distributed with the outer tubular wall and constructed with a plurality of slotted grooves defining a plurality of grooved water runners, and an inlet portion being adapted to connect a source of pressurized water. The rotatable cap includes an inner tubular wall with an inner surface blocked around the grooved water runners, an outer tubular wall threaded on the outer tubular wall of the body for sealing the annular inner chamber, and a plurality of water outlets formed on the outer tubular wall of the rotatable cap and communicating with the grooved water runners for water spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Plastico Corp.
    Inventor: Tsung Min Chou
  • Patent number: 7143963
    Abstract: A coating machine 3 serving as a rotary atomizer comprises a hollow unrotary paint nozzle shaft 5 provided in the center of a motor shaft 10 serving as its rotary shaft. The paint nozzle shaft 5 is provided at a tip thereof with a gun-spray paint nozzle 5g and a gun-spray air nozzle 5f on the outside of the gun-spray paint nozzle 5g in the diametrical direction, and a needle shaft 21 is disposed in a paint passage 5b in the paint nozzle shaft 5 so as to serve as a valve mechanism for selectively supplying paint to either a bell cup 4 or the gun-spray paint nozzle 5g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Ransburg Industrial Fishing KK
    Inventors: Shinji Tani, Masahito Sakakibara, Michio Mitsui, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Kimiyoshi Nagai, Toshio Hosoda
  • Patent number: 7137573
    Abstract: In a rotary atomization coating apparatus having a center cone portion at a back side of an atomizer head inner part, the tip angle ? of the center cone portion is in the range of 30°<?<90° with respect to a front side of the atomizer head inner part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaishi
    Inventors: Masaru Murai, Makoto Ichimura
  • Patent number: 7134611
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved air nozzle of a pneumatic tool for being connected to the pneumatic tool that will not be tangled easily due to the rotation of the pneumatic tool during its operation, and thus preventing any hinder to the pressurized gas inputted from the air supply pipe into the pneumatic tool or any adverse influence to the efficiency of the operation. The invention comprises an air inlet member having one end connected to the pneumatic tool and the other end rotably connected to a rotary member, such that the rotary member rotates with respect to the air inlet member and drives the air supply pipe connected to the rotary member to rotate during the operation of the pneumatic tool, and thus the air supply pipe will not be tangled easily and the invention enhances the flexibility and convenience of the operation of the pneumatic tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sunmatch Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7124965
    Abstract: A spraying gun includes a gun body, a handle, a sealing gasket, a connecting member, a control valve, a control handle, an outer control tube, a control shaft, a catch block, an inner control tube, a control ring, a drive ring, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head, a first mounting ring, a second mounting ring, and a rotation ring. Thus, the spraying gun has a three-stage control effect to provide different water output functions so as to fit a user's practical requirements, thereby enhancing the versatility of the spraying gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7121481
    Abstract: A fuel injector (1) having a chamber (7) with a fuel inlet (8) and a plurality of fuel outlets (10), and including a fuel distributor (18) that is arranged in the chamber (7) for the purpose of distributing fuel introduced into the chamber (7) via the fuel inlet (8) to the outlets (10). The fuel distributor (18) includes a generally rotary symmetric distributor body (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Joakim Berglund, Patrik Bäckander, Jens Dahlin, Hans Falk, Bernhard Gustafsson, Klas Lindblad, Torbjörn Salomonsson
  • Patent number: 7111796
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sprinkler apparatus and related methods for the distribution of fluid. The invention preferably includes a nozzle rotatably driven by a pressurized flow of fluid along a fluid path. The invention preferably includes a housing separating a magnetic drag coupling assembly from the fluid path. The coupling assembly preferably includes spaced apart magnets configured to exert an attractive force on each other to rotate one magnet in response to the rotation of the other magnet, and a resistive/drag force to oppose the continuous rotation of the nozzle. Pressure offsetting structures minimize or even neutralize the upward/downward forces that the flowing fluid otherwise would exert on the rotating shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Donald O. Olson
  • Patent number: 7070120
    Abstract: A system and method for spray application of polyurethane used to spray form an article is disclosed. A spray nozzle is rotated as the polyurethane composition is sprayed onto a mold surface to apply a swath of polyurethane to the mold surface. The spray nozzle may be of an internal mixing or external mixing type that is moved relative to a mold surface in a path to create a skin layer with multiple partially overlapping swaths being applied in multiple passes. A motor and gear drive are used to rotate the nozzle tip and associated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Cowelchuk, Andrew P. Mellentine, Joe T. Donatti, Robert Adams
  • Patent number: 6736104
    Abstract: A fuel injector, for example, a high-pressure injection valve for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having external ignition, which is distinguished in that an outlet orifice is provided downstream from the valve seat which, at its downstream end, has a slot-forming element that largely closes off the outlet orifice. Between the outlet orifice and a front face of the valve-seat member, the slot-forming element leaves open a slot-shaped flow outlet, through which a fuel spray may be spray-discharged in a fan-jet pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Maier, Günter Dantes, Detlef Nowak, Jörg Heyse
  • Publication number: 20030192505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injector, particularly a high-pressure injection valve for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having external ignition, which is distinguished in that an outlet orifice (23) is provided downstream from the valve seat (20) which, at its downstream end, has a slot-forming element (30) that largely closes off the outlet orifice (23). Between it and a front face (34) of the valve-seat member (16), the slot-forming element (30) leaves open a slot-shaped flow outlet (35), through which a fuel spray may be spray-discharged in a fan-jet pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Maier, Gunter Dantes, Detlef Nowak, Jorg Heyse
  • Patent number: 6619568
    Abstract: A nozzle for delivering vaporized liquid material has a cylindrical housing with a central, cylindrical cavity having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The nozzle also has a plunger inserted into the fluid outlet of the housing so that the plunger and the housing form a fluid path. The plunger is moveable between a first position and a second position. A plunger stop is attached to the housing at the fluid inlet. A spring retainer is attached to the plunger. At least one spring is disposed between the housing and spring retainer to urge the plunger towards the first position. A method includes the steps of biasing a plunger moveable relative to a housing, with a fluid passage defined by the housing and the plunger, towards a first position; and providing fluid pressure to the fluid passage to urge the plunger away from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Kunkle, David Joseph Hanlin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6598810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire hose lance comprising a body (1) including a pressure control device comprising a valve (44) partly closing up an axial drill hole (320) of a piston (32) mounted in the body (1) of the lance, characterized in that valve (44) is fixedly mounted on the body (1), piston (32) is slidably mounted in the body (1), wherein movement of the piston (32) is caused, on the one hand, by the force resulting from the fluid's total pressure exerted on the surface (D1) of the piston located opposite valve (44) and on the other hand, by the force exerted by restoring means (31) tending to neutralize the resulting force from the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: POK
    Inventor: Louis Lanteri
  • Publication number: 20030127541
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for regulating two types of flow from a nozzle. The first flow is a deluge stream and the second flow is a fog spray. The deluge stream is controlled by the nozzle operator using a first flow control valve, such as a ball valve. The fog spray is controlled by the nozzle operator using a second flow control valve. The nozzle permits the nozzle operator to manually control the flow of the nozzle, thereby permitting quick regulation and adjustment of flow types and amounts to accommodate then existing fluid pressure and supply conditions to address fluid application needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert M. Marino
  • Patent number: 6543703
    Abstract: A non-clog actuator assembly having a flexible face member that flexes away from first and second positive shutoff mating surfaces when product under pressure flows into contact with the flexible face member. The flexible face member then resiliently springs back into abutting, sealing contact with these shutoff mating surfaces. Preferably, the device flexes away from the two shutoff mating surfaces at a predetermined minimum pressure, such as 55 psig, and then flexes back into sealing contact when the product pressure drops below this minimum pressure, thereby controlling the dispensing of the product with a positive shut off (i.e., the product is dispensed in a fairly constant pattern and then shut off rather than being very strong at the beginning of the spraying process and then dribbling out at the end or under low pressure operations).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Blake
  • Patent number: 6481644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device by sprinkler nozzle (1) for use in a sprinkler system. The sprinkler nozzle (1) comprises a sprinkler nozzle housing (2) with a passage (3) therethrough for liquid, and a sprinkler nozzle pin (4, 5) which is disposed in the passage (3) of the sprinkler nozzle housing (2). The purpose of the invention is to provide a sprinkler nozzle which spreads the liquid by a sufficient distance from the outlet of the sprinkler nozzle (1) both in a horizontal and in a vertical direction. This is realized by the sprinkler nozzle pin being constituted by an inner sprinkler nozzle pin part (4) which is fixed to the sprinkler nozzle housing (2), and an outer sprinkler nozzle pin part (5) which is displaceably arranged in the sprinkler nozzle housing (2). Further, the sprinkler nozzle pin parts (4, 5) are arranged coaxially to the passage (3) of the sprinkler nozzle housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Odd A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6402045
    Abstract: A method for generating a liquid mist to produce phantom targets or camouflage. A liquid is launched by a water cannon (1) at high velocity and initially the liquid is held together in a liquid packet (2) in order to decompose after a certain distance, under the effect of the air resistance, and atomize into small liquid drops to form a liquid mist (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Totalförsvarets Forskningsinstitut
    Inventor: Rolf Persson
  • Patent number: 6360969
    Abstract: A nozzle element is described, which can is inserted into a nozzle body, either fixed in position or adjustably, and together with the nozzle body forms a component of a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle. The nozzle element consists of a hard metallic, ball-like base body and a cylindrical projection formed in one piece with the body. A hose-like resilient sleeve is pulled tightly onto the body, and closes off the outer ends of transverse channels which are in flow connection with a centered flow channel. Via the channel, washing fluid for the windshield is supplied under pressure. Thereby, the resilient sleeve bulges outwards so that the fluid can flow out of the nozzle element on the inside of the sleeve and on the outside of the cylindrical projection via an annular channel formed under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Auto-Electric Wischer und Motoren GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Egner-Walter, Bruno Campesato, Gerhard Oehler
  • Patent number: 6131828
    Abstract: A fuel injector including a nozzle body having a bore defining a seating, a valve member having a plurality of passages providing fluid communication between the bore and a plurality of outlet openings, the outlet openings defining a first group of openings at a lower axial position on the valve member and a second group of openings at a higher axial position on the valve member. The valve member is slidable within the bore and is engageable with the seating to control fuel flow from the outlet openings. The outlet openings are shaped and orientated such that the sprays formed at the first and second groups of outlet openings do not interfere with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventors: Paul Buckley, Malcolm David Dick Lambert
  • Patent number: 6089474
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for selectively discharging a stream of liquid has a body (102) adapted for connection to a source of liquid under pressure, a throttle valve assembly (120) for maintaining a constant output flow throughout changes in supply pressure, a smooth bore barrel (140) for providing a deluge stream, a fog tip (160) for providing an aspirated fog spray and a shut off valve (180). The fog spray pattern is variable from a straight stream parallel to the axis of the apparatus to a wide spray at an angle to the axis of the apparatus. The deluge stream and the fog spray are selectable separately or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Robert M. Marino
  • Patent number: 6085987
    Abstract: A variable accumulator or regulator controls grain or other particulate material falling through and being discharged from a conduit. An array of blades are mounted at the discharge end of the accumulator to control the flow of the particulate material therefrom. A counterbalance mechanism is coupled to each of the blades and can be precisely adjusted to provide the appropriate counterbalancing force on the blades to control the particulate material flow without damage to the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Coy N. Haraway
  • Patent number: 6007001
    Abstract: A nozzle (10) for emitting water, for the purpose of extinguishing fires for example, generally includes a main housing (12) for housing a barrel (62), a deflector (64), and a carrier (60). The barrel (62) supports the deflector (64) and is disposed inside of the carrier (60). When water is supplied to the nozzle (10), a locking pin (59) engages a helical groove (80) on the carrier (60). When the locking pin (59) is engaged, rotation of a spray ring assembly (18) coaxially installed around the upstream end of the nozzle (10) causes the carrier (60) and the spray ring assembly (18) to translate forward or to retract, depending on the direction of the rotation. When the carrier (60) and the spray ring assembly (18) are translated forward to the jet position, water exits the nozzle (10) as a concentrated jet stream. When the carrier (60) and the spray ring assembly (18) are retracted to the fog position, water exits the nozzle (10) as a less concentrated water spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Amhi Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hilton
  • Patent number: 5839666
    Abstract: A shower head has a body forming a rear compartment pressurizable with water and a forwardly open mouth having an inner periphery and an end disk generally closing the mouth, extending perpendicular to an axis, and having an elastically deformable outer rim formed with a plurality of axially through-going and radially outwardly open grooves opening rearwardly into the compartment and radially outwardly closed by the body. The rim further is formed with an annular and elastically deformable lip projecting axially past a downstream face of the disk and a downstream end of the body. The grooves are formed in the lip. Thus the critical downstream ends of the flow passages constituted by the grooves are formed in an elastically deformable lip that can be deformed. Since the deposits are normally very hard, such deformation of the lip will flake any lime deposits off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Ag
    Inventors: Bruno Heimann, Gerd Scherzberg
  • Patent number: 5497946
    Abstract: A self-unblocking spray nozzle 10,11 in which an easily removable insert 12 is automatically moved by fluid pressure to form a spray orifice 26, and expands resiliently when the fluid pressure is interrupted. The insert 12 may include swirl vanes 33 to rotate the fluid, and may operate with a static member 14 to form an automatic anti-drip valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Incro Limited
    Inventor: Kevin O. Laidler
  • Patent number: 5427317
    Abstract: An outlet slot (A) for generating a spray curtain (C) is defined by mutually abutting outlet faces of two outer nozzle elements (30) and one central nozzle element (31), all being connected to a support body (10) and separable from each other. At least the two outlet faces (32) of the central nozzle element (31) have a profiled structure roughened, for instance, by sandblasting and to permit discharge of the liquid. Two nozzle slats (40) are connected to the support body (10) and the two nozzle elements (30) are arranged between them. Together with one nozzle slat (40) each the two nozzle elements (30) define a gas outlet slot (D) which likewise extends along the spray curtain (C) to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Herbert Huttlin
  • Patent number: 5312048
    Abstract: A nozzle including a tubular nozzle body forming a centrally located liquid flow path, the body having an inlet end and an outlet end. Mounted centrally in the body within the flow path is a pressure-regulating mechanism including an axially located dual-pressure baffle. The baffle is located at the outlet end and forms a nozzle gap with a throat surface of the body. During operation, a spring biases the baffle to close the gap and the liquid pressure on the baffle operates to open the gap. Adjustably mounted on the baffle is a shield which is movable relative to the baffle between a normal pressure position and a low pressure position. In the normal pressure position, the shield forms a gap size appropriate for a normal supply pressure. In the low pressure position, the shield forms a gap having an increased size appropriate for a supply pressure which is substantially less than the normal supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Steingass, Stewart G. McMillan
  • Patent number: 5273191
    Abstract: A dispensing head for a squeeze dispenser is disclosed. The dispensing head includes a mixing chamber where pressurized air and pressurized fluid are mixed to produce a fine spray. A valved gasketing arrangement is used to control the flow of air into the container and out of the dispensing head, as well as to control flow of liquid to the dispensing head and to prevent leakage when the dispenser is inverted. The dispensing head also includes a liquid flow control device. This device uses a spring-biased piston to shut off the liquid flow path when the liquid is not pressurized. The piston acts to seal off the liquid from the atmosphere, thus preventing drying or contamination of the liquid product. A collapsible bag is also disclosed for isolating the liquid in the container from the air in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Philip Meshberg
  • Patent number: 5143657
    Abstract: A fluid distributing apparatus provides a fountain-type distributor which effects substantially uniform radial distribution of fluid across a spray pattern. A fixed deflector is provided for deflecting the spray pattern into a non-circular pattern, and in a preferred case into a rectangular pattern. The distributor is particularly suited for use in industrial cooling towers to increase the efficiency of the cooling towers by increasing the uniformity of water distribution across the fill material of the cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 4952492
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating the surface area of a radiant infrared burner over which combustion occurs as a function of burner heat output rate. This modulation serves to maintain the heat flux density on the surface of the burner at or near an optimum value over a range of heat output rates. The modulation is effected by means of a piston disposed in the internal cavity of a burner which blocks the passage of combustible gas to areas of the burner downstream of the piston from the gas inlet to the burner. The piston is displaced further downstream with increased gas flow rate resulting in combustion occuring over an increased area of the burner surface as burner heat output rate is increased. In its simplest embodiment, the invention comprises a burner oriented vertically with the combustible gas entering the bottom of the burner and a free piston which floats on the incoming gas stream at a level within the burner which is proportional to the gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel R. Clark, Ian M. Shapiro, David A. Lindstrand
  • Patent number: 4905908
    Abstract: In a fuel injection nozzle having an outwardly opening poppet valve that controls the delivery of fuel to an engine combustion chamber, a piston stages the operation of the nozzle to provide a low rate of injection during light load engine operation, and a high rate of injection during heavy load engine operation. This improved nozzle thus enhances the ability of the engine to operate with low noise, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David P. Sczomak
  • Patent number: 4901926
    Abstract: A tub including a fluid system has a pump which includes a suction side and a pressure side; a nozzle for introducing a water-and-air mixture into the tub; the nozzle having a nozzle portion; a pressure line connecting the pressure side of the pump with the nozzle portion; a suction opening provided in a bottom region of the tub; and a suction line connecting the suction side of the pump with the suction opening. The fluid system further has a valve provided in the nozzle portion for cutting off fluid flow to the tub; an overflow line having a closable vent opening and being coupled to the suction side of the pump; a device for selectively allowing or blocking fluid communication between the overflow line and the suction line of the pump; and a supply source for introducing a cleaning agent at a location upstream of the nozzle as viewed in a direction of fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Hoesch Metall & Kunststoffwerk GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Manfred Klotzbach
  • Patent number: 4690334
    Abstract: A shower spray device comprises a head (1) including a chamber and fluid paths to supply water thereto, an outer wall (2) of the chamber being formed from a plurality of concentric spray rings (3,4,5), serrations (9,10,10a) formed in the wall of one ring defining in co-operation with the wall of an adjacent ring, apertures (9a, 11,11a) through which water is emitted; one of the spray rings (4) being movable with respect to a fixed adjacent ring (3) against a spring (8,14) contained in the head, the walls of the movable (4) and adjacent fixed ring (3) being angled relative to each other whereby movement of the movable ring in response to changes in inlet water pressure results in a change in size of the apertures (11,11a) defined therebetween to provide that the water pressure emitted through the apertures (11,11a,9a) remains substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Triton Aquatherm Limited
    Inventor: Martin W. Dalton
  • Patent number: 4653720
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable fuel injection valve which serves to supply fuel to a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having externally supplied ignition. The fuel injection valve includes a valve housing having an outlet tube in which a valve seat body is disposed. Respective magnetic coils are disposed on pole pieces and a permanent magnet is disposed between the pole portions of the pole pieces. In the valve seat body a flow bore is provided, which merges via a stop face with a guide bore, in which a ball-shaped armature is slidably disposed. A valve needle which is joined with the armature protrudes through the flow bore and, with a closing head, cooperates with a valve seat in the valve seat body. Directly upstream of the closing head a metering collar is provided on the valve needle, an annular metering gap being formed between the metering collar and the wall of the flow bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Knapp, Rudolf Krauss, Rudolf Sauer, Jahinid-Singh Sumal
  • Patent number: 4629126
    Abstract: A diffuser for air or other fluids has a rigid body with an upper disc portion having a series of radially projecting fingers about its perimeter. The fingers are relatively narrow and blunt. A diaphragm formed of a soft elastomer has a rim portion which receives the fingers. The diaphragm overlies the disc and normally closes a central opening in the body. Spaces at the base of the fingers are not covered by the rim portion of the diaphragm and air or other fluid escapes through those spaces when it is admitted under pressure through the central opening in the body. A circular cylindrical wall depends from beneath the disc at the bases of the teeth to discourage the fluid from collecting beneath the disc. In another embodiment, the spaces through which the fluid passes are covered by an open cell foam in the form of a ring that surrounds the wall and that is held in place against the rim portion by a plate mounted to the body and seated against the bottom of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Autotrol Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Goudy, Jr., William G. Weekley
  • Patent number: 4597530
    Abstract: A diffuser for air or other fluids has a rigid body with a flat disc and a hollow boss defining a central opening. The perimeter of the disc is scalloped and is defined by alternating curved crests and valleys. A flexible elastomeric diaphragm overlays the top of the disc and has a rim portion with spaced recesses that receive the crests of the perimeter of the disc. The rim portion does not extend to the bottom of the valleys of the perimeter and as a result, air openings are defined between the rim portion and the bottoms of the valleys. Air under pressure admitted to the central opening will deform the diaphragm and allow air to escape through the air openings. A series of vanes may be formed on the underside of the disc radiating from the boss. The vanes, together with vane extensions formed on the underside of the diaphragm rim portion, define a compartment for each air opening so that bubbles released from one air opening do not mix or combine with bubbles from adjacent air openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Autotrol Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Goudy, Jr., William P. Doolittle, Thomas E. Jenkins, Bernard J. Beemster, William N. Roos, Patrick V. Collins
  • Patent number: 4583687
    Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle has a valve member which is axially movable within a bore in a nozzle body. It is resiliently urged into contact with a seating at one end of the bore and carries an extension which projects with clearance through an opening at said one end of the bore. Intermediate the ends of the bore is an enlargement to which fuel under pressure can be supplied and the portions of the bore between the enlargement and the other end of the bore tapers inwardly from the enlargement to allow the extension to partake of sideways movement within the opening to minimize the risk of carbon deposit forming in the opening and on the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited company
    Inventor: David J. Gaskell