Relatively Movable Remotely Arranged Operator For Controller (e.g., Bowden Wire) Patents (Class 239/578)
  • Patent number: 11420223
    Abstract: A device for spraying substrates comprises a longitudinal extending fluid dispensing head coupled to a supply of fluid and including a perpendicularly extending flange, a spacer having first and second ends, the first end of the spacer coupled to the extending flange of the dispensing head, a nozzle adapted to eject fluid coupled to the second end of the spacer, and a locking nut enclosing the spacer and securely the dispensing head, spacer and nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Steven Honigman, Kenji Nulman
  • Patent number: 10492384
    Abstract: A tower for a mobile-tower agricultural irrigation system such as a pivot irrigation system using multiple towers to carry a water supply pipe and sprinklers over a field. The tower includes a fender overlying the wheels or other ground-engaging elements of the tower. The fender may project in widthwise directions transverse to the track travelled by the tower, and serves to deflect water discharged from the sprinklers away from the track travelled by the tower, so as to minimize formation of ruts in the track. The fender desirably is disposed at a height above the field such that the fender can pass over a crop growing in the field. The sprinklers disposed closest to the tower having the fender may be disposed at a height well above the fender, whereas other sprinklers further from the tower may be disposed at lower heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Roger A. Mack
  • Patent number: 10436227
    Abstract: A sealing device for a jet pump of a boiling water reactor is provided. The jet pump includes an inlet mixer and a diffuser receiving the inlet mixer at a slip joint such that an outer circumferential surface of the inlet mixer is received in an inner circumferential surface of the diffuser at the slip joint. The diffuser includes a plurality of guiding fins, each guiding fin including a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface and lateral surfaces extending radially between the inner and outer surfaces. The sealing device includes a seal configured for sealingly contacting the outer circumferential surface of the inlet mixer and a collar configured for holding the seal against the outer circumferential surface of the inlet mixer. The collar includes portions configured for being received radially between the radially inner surfaces of the guiding fins and the outer circumferential surface of the inlet mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Framatome Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Wade Markham, Charles Allen Graves
  • Patent number: 9743596
    Abstract: An operation set is provided for a mobile tool-bearing for agricultural operation machines, which allows for the application of phytosanitary products or the survey of information from a crop surface formed by the traveling of a self-impelled irrigation machine. The set includes a plurality of modules installed consecutively one after the other thus covering the whole length of the self-impelled irrigation machine, each one having a scanning tool that may be a nozzle and/or a sensor that applies the programmed dose as it is displaced along the section, and these modules being linked to each other by a motor cable covering all the length of an irrigation machine or the greenhouse, and which travels in both directions in an alternate manner, since the movement is achieved as the motor cable is linked to a synchronic belt on at least one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Santiago Miguel Prandi
  • Patent number: 9586227
    Abstract: A preferred implementation of the invention is a spray gun extension apparatus comprising a stock and a handle. In a preferred implementation the handle is a twist-style throttle handle. The invention further comprises a trigger capable of activating a spray gun. In one embodiment the trigger is connected to the handle. In yet another embodiment the trigger is connected to the stock. A rod is connected to a first rod bearing and a second rod bearing. These rod bearings are commonly known as heim joints. Further disclosed herein is a method of using a throttle-style spray gun extension apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Floyd Charles McAdams
  • Patent number: 8430272
    Abstract: An apparatus and trigger mechanism enables a user to ergonomically discharge aerosol container contents. The apparatus comprises a trigger unit, a handle assembly, a tension member, a tubular member, an operative end housing assembly, and an actuator assembly. The trigger unit interfaces the tension member to the handle assembly. The tension member transmits force from the trigger unit to the actuator assembly via the tubular structure, which structure interconnects the handle assembly and operative end housing. The operative end housing houses or receives the actuator assembly and an aerosol container. The transmitted force actuates the aerosol container via the actuator assembly. A method of assembling the apparatus is further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Steven P. Porter
  • Patent number: 8366025
    Abstract: A shower head contains a body including an inflow passage, a plurality of distributing passages, and a first groove; a rotary disk including a second disc portion, a post portion extending, an opening; a first resilient element used to provide a driving force and a restoring force onto the rotary disk; a pushing member fixed in the rotary disk and including a number of second ratchet blocks; a second resilient element used to provide the restoring force onto the pushing member after releasing the pulling force; a pulling device served to provide the pulling force on the pushing member and including an external portion extending from the body to be forced and an internal portion located at the body to be pulled, the internal portion at least containing a pull line member with a suitable length to insert through the inflow passage of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Mengfeng Cheng, Shengping Hu, Dajun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8083155
    Abstract: A rolling liquid herbicide applicator with an adjustable shield is attached to a hollow pole having an adjustable width protective shield mounted to one end weighted, textured wheels for rolling over most terrains are attached to the adjustable width protective shield. On the opposite end of the hollow pole handle is a trigger. When the trigger is activated, an internal trigger stick is moved down through the hollow pole, thereby causing a ā€œCā€ shaped piece to move upward. This upward movement pushes on a hard flat disk. The movement of the hard flat disk causes pliable cap center to move. The gravity flow of liquid herbicide from a liquid herbicide container causes the liquid herbicide to move through a tube and nozzle assembly. The adjustable width protective shield over the nozzle prevents overspray and accidental contact of the liquid herbicide on healthy desired vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Elizabeth Gray Crosswell
  • Patent number: 7819288
    Abstract: A combination includes a product container having a longitudinal dimension and a valve oriented to discharge product generally longitudinally therefrom. Valve actuating apparatus extends laterally from the valve in a direction transverse to the longitudinal dimension and terminates at an outer peripheral surface. A housing has a wall that tapers to a discharge opening, and the discharge opening has a size larger than a radius of the container but smaller than the greatest lateral extent of the valve actuating apparatus. The outer peripheral surface is disposed in interfering relationship with the wall when the container is disposed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Healy, Allen D. Miller, Nathan R. Westphal, Simon M. Conway, Scott W. Demarest
  • Patent number: 7654470
    Abstract: A rolling liquid herbicide applicator with an adjustable shield is attached to a hollow pole having an adjustable width protective shield mounted to one end weighted, textured wheels for rolling over most terrains are attached to the adjustable width protective shield. On the opposite end of the hollow pole handle is a trigger. When the trigger is activated, an internal trigger stick is moved down through the hollow pole, thereby causing a ā€œCā€ piece to move upward. This upward movement pushes on a hard flat disk. The movement of the hard flat disk causes pliable cap center to move. The gravity flow of liquid herbicide from a liquid herbicide container causes the liquid herbicide to move through a tube and nozzle assembly. The adjustable width protective shield over the nozzle prevents overspray and accidental contact of the liquid herbicide on healthy desired vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Elizabeth Gray Crosswell
  • Publication number: 20090277979
    Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Steven J. CICHY, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
  • Patent number: 7472849
    Abstract: A device for an operator sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle to deposit a quantity of material at a target location on the ground adjacent the passenger side of the vehicle, from a hopper having a discharge aperture and a valve for selectively opening and closing the discharge aperture. The hopper is removably mountable to the passenger side of the vehicle. A discharge tube is operatively associated with the hopper discharge aperture and extends from the hopper, for receiving material from the hopper and discharging the material substantially at ground level adjacent the passenger side of the vehicle. A controller within reach of the driver and operatively associated with the valve permits opening and closing the valve and thereby selectively depositing a controlled quantity of granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn F. Cusano
  • Patent number: 7401562
    Abstract: A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 7380734
    Abstract: A manually driven spreader for particulate material has two rotatable plates. The dispersed material from the spreader has an even dispense pattern without unwanted skewing found in prior art spreaders. The spreader covers greater area compared with single plate spreaders. The spreader has features that allow an operator to adjust the ports of the container during operation and also blocking/unblocking the ports without having to let go of the grip of the handle used to push the spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: KSAB Golf Equipment AB
    Inventor: Jesper Magnusson
  • Patent number: 7303155
    Abstract: A hand trigger (16) is pivotally mounted on the handlebar (12) of the striper (14). A pair of selectors (26) are pivotally mounted at the trigger pivot points. The selectors (26) are made from a spring or spring-like steel, which allows the selectors (26) to springingly deform for gun selection and adjustment yet return to their original position and shape. This allows delayed gun activation, disabling of one or both guns from the trigger (16) and functioning as a one-handed gun selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kesti, Christopher A. Lins, Jon M. Knutson
  • Patent number: 7140449
    Abstract: The invention employs a blower of the type used by commercial landscapers. The device has an engine mounted on a frame. Shoulder straps attached to the frame allow the user to wear the device on his back leaving the hands of the operator free to operate other tools such as a chain saw or perform other tasks. Also, wearing the device on the back makes it easier to transport the device over long distances to the source of the fire or backfire to be started. The device's blower generates a stream of air at high speeds. This stream of air can be used to feed a fire when the air is directed at a fire. When used to extinguish a fire, air from the blower is tapped from a point 180 degrees removed from the blower output and mixed with exhaust from the engine. This mixture is diverted through a Y-shaped valve into the airstream coming out of the blower. When the device is used to start backfires a fire is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Edwin D. Ebner
  • Patent number: 7063280
    Abstract: A broadcast spreader includes a directional control assembly that defines a pathway for granular material from the hopper to a rotating fan, resulting in the distribution of the granular material in a predetermined distribution pattern, wherein rotation of a first (or rotating) plate of the directional control assembly relative to the hopper causes a clockwise or counterclockwise shifting of the pathway for the granular material, thus altering the direction of the predetermined distribution pattern. Furthermore, the directional assembly includes a second (or shutter) plate that is secured to the first plate, the slidable movement of the second plate relative to the first plate regulating flow of granular material from the hopper to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Brinly-Hardy Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Bogart, Steven H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7036441
    Abstract: A safety system for a mobile anhydrous ammonia fertilizer application system is configured to be remotely actuated closed by the operator in the event of a leak in the system, and to automatically shutdown the system in the event of an actual or impending nurse tank breakaway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Bradley E. Scudder
  • Patent number: 6976644
    Abstract: A spray nozzle mounts to an extension pole end in a swivel joint. A swivel nozzle base connects to the pole and a manifold swivelly couples the base to a swivel nozzle head such that pressurized fluid passing through the pole passes into the base, through the manifold, into the head and then out of an orifice in the head through a spray tip attached to the head at the orifice. All fluid seals, O-rings, are also protected within the base. To effect head rotation and to hold the head in a preferred orientation relative to the base, a lever is attached to the head to the manifold firmly attached to the head. To move the lever on the distal end of an extension pole, it is connected to a rod that runs between the lever and an actuator on the pole. Typically, the actuator comprises a grip around the pole that slides along the pole when exercised by an operator. A spray gun is normally attached to the pole proximal end with a trigger that regulates high-pressure fluid into the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin Troudt
  • Patent number: 6926212
    Abstract: A device for adding soap to a water inlet includes a pump that is positioned in a housing. An actuator for actuating the pump is pivotally mounted on the housing. The pump is fluidly coupled to a reservoir positioned in the housing. A soap inlet is fluidly coupled to the reservoir. A container, having liquid soap therein, is fluidly coupled to the soap inlet by a soap conduit such that the liquid soap is drawn into the reservoir when the pump is actuated. A soap outlet is fluidly coupled to the reservoir. A delivery conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between the soap outlet and the water inlet conduit such that liquid soap positioned in the reservoir is delivered to a water inlet conduit for a shower when the pump is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: George Glass
  • Patent number: 6786431
    Abstract: A novel portable conversion washing device for, including but not limited to, a car washing, building washing and boat washing is comprised of; 1) a brush head equipped with a soap water tank; 2) a water pipe with a water nozzle; 3) and a controlling handle for soap water and fresh water openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: James In Song
  • Patent number: 6758412
    Abstract: An overcap for use with a spray canister includes a peripheral wall adapted to attach to the spray canister, a cantilevered lever arm hingedly attached to the peripheral wall, and a nozzle within the cantilevered lever arm. The nozzle includes a stem socket adapted to receive a valve stem of the spray canister and adapted to provide a fan-shaped spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Allen D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6742717
    Abstract: An actuator cap for use in radially locating a pressurized can in a sprayer device having a cradle for receiving the can. The actuator cap has a recess that engages an engagement land of the cradle and an actuator arm that is so located as to be movable by an actuation pin located in the engagement land. By such movement, the can's valve can be activated and its contents released. A method is also disclosed for activating a pressurized, axially extending can having a forwardly presenting valve while the can is held in pre-determined radial orientation within a sprayer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 6705550
    Abstract: A closed circuit fuel nozzle for engaging an adapter on a fuel tank. The nozzle may include a body having an inlet aperture, a tubular assembly, an outlet aperture, and walls forming a closed flow path from the inlet aperture to a tubular assembly. The distal end of the tubular assembly may form the outlet for the nozzle. The tubular assembly may comprise a tube extending in the longitudinal direction and a sealing collar secured proximate the distal end to form the outlet. An articulator may provide resilient articulation of the sealing collar with respect to the tube about lateral and transverse axes. A biasing member may urge the tubular assembly distally in the longitudinal direction. A poppet valve may be selectively translatable in the longitudinal direction and shaped to stop flow through the body when seated against the sealing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Scot P. Bell
  • Patent number: 6663307
    Abstract: A device for spraying pesticides and/or agricultural treatment chemicals has a housing configured to retain a spray canister, an actuator rod on the housing configured to contact an overcap attached to the canister, a shaft connected to the housing, and a linkage to reverse a triggering force so that the actuator pushes against the overcap. Attachments can be provided in front of the sprayer nozzle, such as a shroud to limit back spray, a rake to disturb soil prior to treatment, a tapered director to focus spray in corners, or a fan shaped outlet to provide a wide spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kopanic, Jonathan N. Mandell, William G. Madala, Douglas A. Soller, Nathan R. Westphal, Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Brian K. Linstedt, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20030111555
    Abstract: A novel portable conversion washing device for, including but not limited to, a car washing, building washing and boat washing is comprised of; 1) a brush head equipped with a soap water tank; 2) a water pipe with a water nozzle; 3) and a controlling handle for soap water and fresh water openings. The brush head is composed of threads of brushes anchored to the lower surface of a “V” shape plastic plate. A soap water tank is adhesively mounted on the upper surface of the plastic plate. A stopper pin, which penetrates the barrier on the brush head vertically, blocks the pinhole at bottom of the barrier. The head of the stopper pin is connected to a lever, which is pivotally attached on the upper surface of the barrier. The other end of the lever is connected to a trigger at the controlling handle via a wire. One end of a solid pipe is connected to the upper-back side of the brushing head and the other end is connected to a controlling handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: James In Song
  • Patent number: 6565281
    Abstract: A device for working road surfaces comprising an automotive running gear (2) with a working roll (4) enclosed by a cover (8) forming a working chamber (6), and a drive motor for providing the power required for driving the working roll (4) and the travel, it is provided that a plurality of adjacent mixing components with foam outlet nozzles (14) for producing foamed bitumen are arranged in an upper portion of the cover (8), hot bitumen supplied from a bitumen reservoir via supply lines (16, 42) and a bitumen injection nozzle (18) together with water supplied from a water reservoir via a water injection nozzle (22) may be mixed under pressure in an expansion chamber (26) of the mixing components, and that the spray jet of foamed bitumen leaving the foam outlet nozzles (14) is directed into the working chamber (6) and becomes mixed into the construction material mixture granulated by the working roll (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bruns, Walter Grueber, Siegbert Dittmann
  • Patent number: 6561481
    Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus for controlling and delivering fluid at a continuously variable flow rate to a hose. The fluid control apparatus comprises a fluid-tight housing for housing a control assembly, a rotating ball valve for allowing fluid to flow therethrough and increasing or decreasing the amount of fluid flow, a fluid hose for supplying fluid therethrough, and a switch attached to the outflow end of the fluid hose for activating the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Filonczuk
  • Patent number: 6551001
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning head, a housing connected to the cleaning head and configured to retain a spray canister, an actuator rod configured to contact an overcap attached to the canister, and a pivot link pivotally attached to the housing about a pivot point. The pivot point is positioned to allow contact between the actuator rod and the pivot link. In addition, a shaft assembly including a core is slidably disposed within the shaft assembly, with the slidable core being adapted to rotate the pivot link about the pivot point, and a handle is attached to the shaft assembly including a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is adapted to move the slidable core toward the housing, which then pivots the pivot link, ultimately bringing the actuator rod into contact with the cap and causing a dispensing of contents of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Brian Linstedt
  • Patent number: 6547165
    Abstract: A device for mounting and controlling a paint spray gun, caulking gun, or similar device on an elongate extension member in order to work on high or hard to reach surfaces without a ladder or scaffold. The device includes a head to which a standard gun can be releasably attached, a pivot adjustment to point the gun in the desired direction, and a trigger cam and strap to move the gun trigger, and a trigger pole rotated by the hand of the operator and connected to the trigger cam. The device allows for fine adjustment of the gun trigger and counteracts the gun kickback when it sprays, thus producing uniform paint spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Wallace M. Goodwin, Neil A. Goncalves
  • Publication number: 20030052195
    Abstract: An actuator cap for use in radially locating a pressurized can in a sprayer device having a cradle for receiving the can. The actuator cap has a recess that engages an engagement land of the cradle and an actuator arm that is so located as to be movable by an actuation pin located in the engagement land. By such movement, the can's valve can be activated and its contents released. A method is also disclosed for activating a pressurized, axially extending can having a forwardly presenting valve while the can is held in pre-determined radial orientation within a sprayer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20030052204
    Abstract: An overcap for use with a spray canister includes a peripheral wall adapted to attach to the spray canister, a cantilevered lever arm hingedly attached to the peripheral wall, and a nozzle within the cantilevered lever arm. The nozzle includes a stem socket adapted to receive a valve stem of the spray canister and adapted to provide a fan-shaped spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Allen D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6520428
    Abstract: A foam gun handle extension attachment for allowing a foam gun to be used more easily and effectively in high or hard-to-reach places. The foam gun handle extension attachment includes an elongate tubular member being adapted to be removably attached to a hose for a foam gun; and also includes an elbow tubular member having a first end and a second end which is removably attached to the elongate tubular member; and further includes a tubular connector having a first end portion and a second end which is removably attached to the first end of the elbow tubular member; and also includes a trigger assembly being adapted to be connected to a gun trigger of the foam gun for allowing foam to be dispensed through the foam gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Randolph J. Elam
  • Patent number: 6474621
    Abstract: A control apparatus (10) for controlling flow of water through a shower head (21) supplied with water from conventional taps (11,12) through a water outlet (14), the control apparatus (10) including a flow valve (17) connected to the outlet (14) and operating means for the valve in the form of a rigid rod (24) attached to the valve (17) and extending to a position adjacent the taps (11,12). Movement of the rod (24) in opposite directions effects opening and closing of the valve (17). The rod (24) may also carry a cover or shield to cover the taps (11, 12) to prevent their inadvertent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jordan Walter George Vogel
  • Publication number: 20020071710
    Abstract: The present invention is a squeegee with squeegee handle and remote spraying device, which includes a squeegee section having an enclosed container for holding liquid, a sprayer head, which is in connection with the squeegee section, and a surface extending in a lengthwise direction. The enclosed container has a threaded neck. The sprayer head has a threaded cap adapted for engaging the threaded neck, as well as a dispensing means for dispensing the liquid. The dispensing means includes a trigger being in connection with a conduit, a nozzle at an end of the sprayer head, and pressure inducing means for inducing a pressure change in the conduit so as to draw spraying agent into the conduit and out of the nozzle. The conduit extends through the threaded cap and into the enclosed container. There is also a squeegee blade attached to the sprayer head and being nearly perpendicular to the surface of said enclosed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: John Vito
  • Patent number: 6322005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shower system with a showerhead (18) which is connected to a mixer faucet (12) for warm and cold water via a water delivery channel (16) and can be operated with various, according to selection, streams. According to the invention, a remote control unit is provided for adjusting the stream of the showerhead in order to enable an easier and more reliable change of the stream. To this end, an actuating element is located at a distance from the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Fƶrderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Kern, Rainer Schopp, Wilhelm Bauer, Andreas Frede
  • Patent number: 6299035
    Abstract: A remote activation dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluids. An actuating device positioned on a dispensing tube is operably connected to a flexible elongated member, which is operably connected to a valve in a dispensing unit. Upon manipulation of the actuating device, the valve is actuated for passing or cutting off fluids from the dispensing unit to the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro Systems Company
    Inventor: Mark D. Dalhart
  • Patent number: 6267308
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly connectable to a pressure washer water output line that is adapted for cleaning curbs. The curb cleaner nozzle assembly includes multiple nozzles that are oriented at different angles and are adjustable by the user to the desired orientation to most effectively clean a particular curb. The nozzle assembly is mounted onto a wheeled support structure to allow the nozzle assembly to be moved along the curb while supporting the nozzles at the correct orientation and spacing for optimal cleaning of the curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Tommy Hall
  • Patent number: 6167586
    Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. Supply tanks are removably mounted to the handle or base while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle or base. An outlet in each supply tank includes a valve to close the outlet when the supply tank is removed from the base. A protrusion in a bottom surface of the supply tank defines a measuring volume for concentrated cleaning solution and is further adapted to stabilize the supply tank in the base or handle. The supply tank also includes an aperture through a lower portion selectively closed by a drain plug. A conduit connecting each supply tank to a dispensing nozzle includes a check valve restricting fluid flow to a direction from the tank and to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Reed, Jr., Timothy E. Kasen, Luke E. Kelly, Gary L. Smith, Eric R. Metzger
  • Patent number: 5904302
    Abstract: An aircraft fueling nozzle includes a generally cylindrical nozzle body having an extending adaptor receiver housing within which a rotatable interlock ring is supported. A generally planar annular locking lug retainer overlies the interlock ring and is secured to the upper surface of the adaptor receiver housing. A valve seat is supported upon a center wall of the interlock ring and supports a valve seat which cooperates with a valve poppet for fuel flow control. The nozzle body defines a vertical channel within which a movable poppet link is disposed and movable. The interlock ring defines a downwardly extending plate which is rotatable between positions covering a portion of the vertical channel and exposing the vertical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Albert W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5875926
    Abstract: A slide trigger for a liquid delivery system has a handle and a retractable trigger assembly. The handle has a grip portion and a barrel portion with a guide. The trigger assembly has a slide which travels freely within the guide and a trigger portion attached to the slide which activates the liquid delivery system when the trigger portion is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John J. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5806767
    Abstract: A cleaning machine, particularly for domestic use, that provides the greatest possible protection against the risk of electric shocks even if the discharge pipe comes into contact with or is immersed in water in the course of cleaning operations, comprising a line for the communication of fluid between the discharge pipe and the machine, also comprises electrical components and switches for their actuation housed inside a casing, manually actuated pressure-generating means located alongside the discharge pipe, actuator means sensitive to the variations in pressure and connected to said switches and means of pneumatic transmission connected between said pressure-generating means and said actuator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Polti S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Polti, Mauro Pogliani
  • Patent number: 5779155
    Abstract: A decoupled liquid delivery system positioned within a housing for dispensing a liquid from a liquid filled canister includes a cylinder having an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for dispensing the liquid, a piston moveably engaging the cylinder for exerting pressure on the liquid when the piston is actuated, a compression spring connected to the piston and the housing, and a recoil spring connected to the piston and the housing to prevent the piston from moving prior to actuation. The piston is actuated by disengaging the recoil spring from the piston which allows the compression spring to exert a force on the piston, thereby enabling the piston to exert a pressure on the liquid within the cylinder and dispense the liquid from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Schennum, Vernon S. Ping
  • Patent number: 5775595
    Abstract: A sprayer apparatus for dispensing liquid fertilizer, weed control or liquid insecticide from an elongated storage tube using one hand. A see-through plastic storage tube has a spray nozzle one end and a handgrip with trigger on the opposite end. Compressing the trigger moves a trigger rod to move a piston that forces gravity fed liquid through the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle can be located in a housing having a convex curved outer surface along with a wheel protruding from the bottom surface of the housing. The wheel can have conical side edges and a flat exterior side. Alternatively, the wheel can have rounded outer edges. Visible markings on the exterior of the plastic storage tube can tell the user the remaining amount of the liquid stored inside. An optional protruding handgrip can be located halfway down the storage tube for allowing the device to be controlled by two hands. A second version includes a two way valve located inside the storage tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: John J. Knodel, Kenneth D. White
  • Patent number: 5704550
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser comprises a dispenser body and a flow restrictor. The dispenser body has a pump mechanism, an intake port adapted for fluid communication with a source of liquid, an intake liquid flow path providing fluid communication between the intake port and the pump mechanism, a discharge port, and a discharge liquid flow path providing fluid communication between the pump mechanism and discharge port. The flow restrictor is in the discharge liquid flow path and is moveable between first and second positions. The flow restrictor is configured for permitting fluid flow from the pump mechanism to the discharge port when the flow restrictor is in its first position, and is configured for at least partially impeding fluid flow from the pump mechanism to the discharge port when the flow restrictor is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Contico International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Philip L. Nelson, Martin S. Laffey
  • Patent number: 5480096
    Abstract: A portable watering device includes a reservoir having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, a portable delivery wand having a top handle, a bottom channel, and a shiftable channel closure mechanism biased in the closed position. The top handle includes a trigger remotely coupled with the closure mechanism for activating the closure mechanism. A flexible hose intercouples the reservoir outlet and the wand channel and serves to convey liquid from the tank and out through the wand channel by gravity when the closure mechanism is in the open position. A pair of wheels is mounted to the bottom portion of the reservoir to permit easy rolling movement of the device over uneven terrain. In particularly preferred forms, the reservoir includes a laterally extending handle for supporting the device in a horizontal loading position while the reservoir is filled through the upper inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Innovation Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5443211
    Abstract: A portable wall and ceiling texture machine applicator is housed in a relatively small cabinet mounted on relatively large rear wheels for easy pulling up stairs and on swivel front casters for easy steering. A first material delivery system includes a variable speed pump which delivers particulate texture material at a selected flow rate which enables a creative application of texture. A completely separate delivery system delivers pressurized air to a spray head which merges the particulate texture material and pressurized air to spray it onto a wall or ceiling. Separate power cords supply energy for delivering the particulate texture material and pressurized air so that existing 15-amp house supply circuits may be used. The spray head may be on either a pole gun or a hand gun. A check valve on the spray head prevents a back flow of the particulate material when the spray head is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Lesley Young, Brian D. Rhodes, Gary Acton, Michael L. Oglesby, Michael L. Fureigh
  • Patent number: 5330108
    Abstract: An ergonomic hand held paint spray gun which reduces operator fatigue and stress. The handle of spray gun has an ergonomically designed shape and the size of the handle may be changed through the use of different size handle covers. The spray gun has a plurality of triggers arranged to be operated by different fingers and to facilitate operation when the gun is held in different orientations to reduce fatigue and operating frequency stress on an operator's fingers. Some of the triggers operate low force valves which supply pilot air to a pilot valve which opens the fluid and air valves. The paint and air hoses may be attached to alternate locations on the gun to reduce hand and wrist fatigue when painting predominantly vertical surfaces or predominantly horizontal surfaces. A junction box may be located in the paint and air hoses to allow connection of lighter weight hoses to the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Grime, James P. Baltz, Roger T. Cedoz
  • Patent number: 5312049
    Abstract: A nozzle mechanism (10) comprising a flexible barrel (13) annularly spaced about a fluid jetting tube (12) apertured as at (16) to a rear tubular portion (15), a manipulative sleeve (33) on the barrel (13), and a valve control member (24) to open and close its valve (28) aligned with aperture (16). Valve control member (24) includes a pin 29 operatively connected to the sleeve (33) via a slot (30) in barrel (13), so that manipulative motion of sleeve (33) opens and closes valve (28), as well as locking open valve (28) by reason of pin (29) being retained in a catch (31) on slot (30) in flexible barrel (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Howard O. Bayler
  • Patent number: 5232131
    Abstract: A hinged nozzle incorporates a valve for permitting or stopping the flow of a liquid wherein the valve is responsive to the movement of a portion of the nozzle. The nozzle includes a spring which provides a motivating force for rotating the portion of the nozzle to a position which closes the valve and thus stops the flow of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries
    Inventors: Sylvain Janssen, Jacques Fournier, Frans de laHaye