Plural Distinct Articulation Type Flow Connections Patents (Class 239/587.2)
  • Patent number: 11825834
    Abstract: A variable width agricultural applicator is provided. The variable width agricultural applicator is attachable to a boom to apply a liquid to a crop in rows. The variable width agricultural sprayer includes a drop tube and a splitter downstream of the drop tube. The splitter is fluidly connected to the drop tube. A pair of flexible delivery tubes is fluidly connected to the splitter. Each one of the pair of flexible delivery tubes has a predetermined bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: WGF LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Heinsohn, Andrew James Blackmer
  • Patent number: 11690324
    Abstract: A field-configurable apparatus for different aerial applications is provided. The field-configurable apparatus attaches to an aerial boom on a mobile carrier. The apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. Additionally, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use a limb clamp to prevent cut limbs/vegetation from arbitrarily falling on objects below the cutting area. Still further, the apparatus can have a grapple or similar device attached to the end of the boom for use in relocating debris or for loading debris. Other industrial applications are also possible (e.g., commercial water blasting, deicing of planes, etc.). In each configuration, the apparatus comprises one or more rotatable or pivoting couplings to allow for rotation about one or more axis and therefore allow precise manipulation of an aerial tool assembly from an operator in the vehicle or on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Steven J Terrell
  • Patent number: 11613669
    Abstract: A system for applying a first coating composition and a second coating composition. The system includes a first high transfer efficiency applicator defining a first nozzle orifice and a second high transfer efficiency applicator defining a second nozzle orifice. The system further includes a substrate defining a target area. The first high transfer efficiency applicator is configured to expel the first coating composition through the first nozzle orifice to the target area of the substrate to form a first coating layer. The second high transfer efficiency applicator is configured to expel the second coating composition through the second nozzle orifice to the first coating layer to form a second coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS IP CO., LLC
    Inventors: John R. Moore, Michael R. Koerner, Christian Jackson, Bradley A. Jacobs, Shih-Wa Wang, Matthew Irwin
  • Patent number: 11446528
    Abstract: System and method relates to a firewater monitor brake system, comprising a vertical locking disc collar adapted to be affixed externally or internally to a horizontal swivel of a firewater monitor system; a horizontal locking disc collar adapted to be affixed externally or internally to a vertical swivel of the firewater monitor system; a vertical brake mount adapted to be affixed to a horizontal swivel mounting pad of the firewater monitor system; a horizontal brake mount adapted to be affixed to a vertical swivel mounting pad of the firewater monitor system; a vertical brake system; wherein the vertical brake system is affixed to the vertical brake mount such that a portion of the vertical brake system is disposed around a portion of the vertical locking disc collar; a horizontal brake system, wherein the horizontal brake system is affixed to the horizontal brake mount such that a portion of the horizontal brake system is disposed around a portion of the horizontal locking disc collar; and a master cylinde
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Eric LaVergne, James Morgan
  • Patent number: 11072064
    Abstract: An intercepting device to inspect a driver including a chassis, an arm mounted on the chassis and articulable between a contracted position and a deployed position, a head assembly mounted on the arm assembly with a camera, a microphone, and a scanner that provides output image, sound, and scan signals commensurate with images, sounds, and documents of the driver, and an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the arm assembly, and the head assembly, and configured to send to the arm actuation signals to articulate the arm from the contracted position to the deployed position, and receive and transmit the output image, sound, and scan signals to a law enforcement electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Majed Jari Alotaibi
  • Patent number: 10743471
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, equipped with a movable unloading apparatus to transport crop material to a container driven in the vicinity, so that the container, seen from the harvester, has a near upper border and a remote upper border, and wherein a 3D camera is provided on the harvester for capturing images in which at least the near border can be seen, to direct the unloading apparatus based on these images. The camera is rotatable mounted around a substantially horizontal axis. The angle of rotation of the rotatable camera can be arranged such that the near border always remains in the field of view of the camera. The unloading apparatus can be controlled such that the processed crop material is deposited in the container at a predetermined distance from the near border.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Karel M. C. Viaene, Bart M. A. Missotten, Bernard E. D. Depestel
  • Patent number: 10682766
    Abstract: A dust cleaning robot includes: a climbing cleaning robot unit for climbing side surfaces of a dust collection plate to remove dust accumulated on the dust collection plate; and a transfer robot unit operating with the climbing cleaning robot unit mounted thereon to transfer the climbing cleaning robot unit to the side surfaces of the dust collection plate so that the climbing cleaning robot unit is fixed to outer walls of the dust collection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DMBH Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Gil Park, Seung Kuk Kim
  • Patent number: 8827189
    Abstract: The invention provides an actuator apparatus which may be used to adjust flow of fluid or air in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. The device is able to rotate both vertically and horizontally via a mechanism that transforms axial movement into rotary movement. The device is useful in a range of circumstances where required specific and controllable rotary motion is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Southrim Limited
    Inventor: Ekapote Vanagosoom
  • Patent number: 8814070
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has a fine finish tip with an atomization section comprising a first fluid impingement orifice, i.e., a pre-orifice, angled toward an expansion chamber and a subsequent second fluid impingement orifice. The fine finish tip is provided as a unitary assembly that may be applied to a spray gun and that provides a fixed relationship between the pre-orifice, the expansion chamber, and the second orifice, which results in refined spray characteristics, such as uniform particle distribution and uniform fan pattern shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Finishing Brands Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Drozd, Paul R. Micheli, Nekheel S. Gajjar
  • Patent number: 8714466
    Abstract: A high pressure monitor includes an outlet body with a transverse passage, which extends through the body to form two inlets of the outlet body, and a second passage, which is in communication with the transverse passage and extends through the outlet body to form an outlet. The monitor further includes first and second bodies, with the outlet body mounted between the first and second bodies. Each of the first and second bodies has a transverse passage, which are in fluid communication with the inlets of the outlet body. A first swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the first body. A second swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the second body. Further, each of the swivel joints comprises a pressure balanced hydraulic fitting with seals and bearings, wherein the seals and bearings are oriented to reduce the axial pressure on the bearings from fluid flowing through the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Trapp, Raymond A. Boissonneault
  • Patent number: 8678022
    Abstract: A water monitor includes a stationary portion having a fluid inlet. A movable portion having a fluid outlet is coupled to the stationary portion. A fluid flow path extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and is configured to communicate fluids from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A power transmission is coupled to the movable portion such that the fluid flow path bypasses the power transmission. The movable portion is rotatable with respect to the stationary portion to position the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Akron Brass Co.
    Inventor: Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 8637788
    Abstract: A conductor tube for use in a welding gun, and preferably a MIG welding gun, is provided that includes a plurality of flex joints. The flex joints include a body defining a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a cap secured to the proximal end portion of the body, and an extension mounted within the distal end portion of the body, the extension being repositionable within the body. The body, the extension, and the cap are adapted for attachment to each other and to adjacent components of the welding gun. Additionally, a conductor tube for use in a welding gun includes a plurality of thermally and electrically conductive elements secured to each other and extending along a length of the conductor tube, wherein the elements are independently repositionable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventor: Patrick A. Laymon
  • Patent number: 8382011
    Abstract: The shower head apparatus has a first end spaced apart from a second end, a first tube extended from proximal to the first end, a second tube extended from proximal to the second end, a ball valve with lever threadably disposed in-line between the tubes, a pair of spaced apart 90 degree junctions with a swivel connecting the 90 degree junctions at the first end, an attachment collar connected to one swivel at the first end, a pair of spaced apart 90 degree junctions with a swivel connecting the 90 degree junctions at the second end, a head collar connected to one swivel at the second end, a positionally adjustable shower head with face connected to the head collar of the one swivel at the second end, and a plurality of nozzles disposed distally within the shower head face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph M. Baldacchino
  • Patent number: 8360346
    Abstract: A bodyspray assembly is disclosed that provides a pivotable spray head mounted essentially flush with the surrounding enclosure wall. In one embodiment, a special tool is provided to rotate a waterway housing, to selectively couple the waterway housing to a source from the front of the assembly. In another embodiment, rotation of a spray face assembly rotates a waterway housing, to selectively couple the waterway housing to a source from the front of the assembly. The bodyspray assembly provides ball and socket type articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Michael R. Furseth
  • Patent number: 8245790
    Abstract: A control system for a fire fighting component includes a detector for detecting a position of at least a portion of a fire fighting component relative to an axis, which generates an output position signal indicative of the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting component, and a controller in communication with the detector and receiving the output position signal. The controller generates a display output signal based on the output position signal. The system further includes a display that is in communication with the controller and receives the display output signal. The display generates an icon that is a graphical representation of the fire fighting device, and configures the icon based on the output display signal wherein the configuration of the icon indicates the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Brian Lozier
  • Patent number: 8240584
    Abstract: A hose frame assembly includes a pipe body, a wheel disc, a tensile adjusting device, and a cable. The pipe body includes three aligned pipe sections, and two resilient joints connected between every adjacent two of the three pipe sections. The tensile adjusting device is located between the pipe body and wheel disc, and includes a guide rail, two sliding members slidably mounted to the guide rail, and a resilient member connected between the sliding members. A wheel is rotatably mounted to each of the sliding members. Two ends of the cable extend through the pipe sections and the resilient joints and spacedly are fixed to an inner wall of one of the pipe sections located at a far end of the pipe body. A portion of the cable located out of the pipe body is positioned around the wheel disc and the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Foxnum Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yueh-Hsun King
  • Patent number: 8181892
    Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge device for a cleaning fluid or treatment fluid, in particular to a lance for a high-pressure cleaner, comprising a pivotable head piece and an elongate holder which carries the head piece at its one end and is made at its other end for holding and for remotely controlled pivoting of the head piece, wherein the holder includes a carrier for the holding of the head piece and an actuation member adjustable relative to the carrier for the pivoting of the head piece relative to the carrier, and wherein the carrier and the actuation member extend up to the head piece in an at least approximately axially parallel arrangement, and in particular coaxial arrangement, with the carrier extending inside the actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Anton Jäger
  • Patent number: 8082610
    Abstract: A showerhead assembly includes a water adapter and a water flow diverter. The water adapter includes two rotatable frames having a first water outlet and a second water inlet respectively and a supporting frame, having a first water inlet communicating with the first water outlet and a second water outlet, rotatably coupled between the rotatable frames. The water flow diverter contains a first water opening communicating with the first water outlet, a second water opening communicating with the second water inlet, and a water exit. The water flow diverter is adapted for selectively controlling the water flow at one of the conditions including the water flowing out at the second water outlet only, the water flowing out at the water exit only, and the water flowing out at both the second water outlet and the water exit at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mang Hoi Kwan Henry, Mang Loi Shang
  • Patent number: 8070076
    Abstract: Articulating faucets have segments connected by a plurality of movable joints. Each joint includes a pair of ceramic mating disks arranged in face to face contact, but able to rotate relative to each other when sufficient force is applied. A wave spring helps keep the disks in constant contact, and rubber spheres press against opposing surfaces of the ceramic disks to produce shear forces to keep the joint stable. In the faucet water passes through the joint by means of a tube or a hollow banjo bolt sealed from the joint. The faucet can therefore direct water to a wide variety of positions, without the need for a side spray, and while reducing the risk of joint leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Perry D. Erickson, Christopher M. Shay
  • Patent number: 7802630
    Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a base, an outlet, and a plurality of jointed hollow members forming a flexible body. The hollow members are pivotably coupled together and extend between the base and the outlet to provide a flexible fluid path. A base-end hollow member is coupled to the base, and an outlet-end hollow member is coupled to the outlet. Each of the hollow members has a ball portion and a socket portion, with the socket portions adapted to receive the ball portions and form a seal therebetween. Optionally, a drive unit may be incorporated into the base for rotatably driving the fire-fighting monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Nathaniel Combs, Todd Brian Lozier
  • Publication number: 20100147978
    Abstract: The invention provides an actuator apparatus which may be used to adjust flow of fluid or air in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. The device is able to rotate both vertically and horizontally via a mechanism that transforms axial movement into rotary movement. The device is useful in a range of circumstances where required specific and controllable rotary motion is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Ekapote Vanagosoom
  • Patent number: 7644777
    Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a housing, a nozzle coupler, and a pivot joint coupler comprising an internal passageway and a pivot member. The pivot member is pivotally mounted to the housing at the outlet of the housing. The nozzle coupler is mounted to the pivot joint coupler wherein the internal passageway of the pivot joint coupler is in communication with the internal passageways of the housing and the nozzle coupler, wherein the weight at the nozzle coupler generates a gravitational moment about the pivot axis. In addition, the nozzle coupler has a central axis defining a reference line, which is offset from the first pivot axis wherein a reaction force generated by fluid flowing through the nozzle coupler generates a moment about the first pivot axis in a direction opposed from said gravitational moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Combs, James M. Trapp
  • Patent number: 7434748
    Abstract: There are disposed a spray nozzle 12 which includes a supported section 13 and a spray section 14 for spraying cleaning water; a nozzle holder 9 into which the supported section 13 of the spray nozzle 12 is inserted and which supports the spray nozzle 12 so as to allow rotation only about an axis extending in the direction in which the spray nozzle 12 is inserted into the nozzle holder 9; and a water-supply unit 5 which has a fluid passage for supplying cleaning water to the spray nozzle 12 and to which the nozzle holder 9 is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Takada, Masato Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7337990
    Abstract: There is provided an attachment for an air spray gun, to be connected to the bottom of a grip of the spray gun. It includes a control valve to adjust the air flow rate, a gun coupling disposed in the body of the control valve to communicate with an outlet-side passage and thus connect to the spray gun, and a rotary joint having a hose coupling fixed thereto and which is to be fitted rotatably into an inlet-side passage to allow the hose coupling to communicate with the inlet-side passage. The hose coupling is freely turned in relation to the gun coupling fixed to the spray gun for the angle formed between them to freely be variable. A pressure gauge is installed on the attachment to communicate with the outlet-side passage and indicate the pressure of air supplied through the passage. The display surface of the pressure gauge forms an obtuse angle in relation to the axis of the gun coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Kurosaka, Kunihisa Tomita
  • Patent number: 7337808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible hose easily converted to a rigid hose. The flexible-rigid bimodal hose comprises a plurality of adjacently engaged hollow members defining a tube having a first end, a second end, and an elongated hollow. A flexible tube as well as a cable pass through the hollow and extend therethrough. The cable acts as a means to apply tension on the hollow members. The hose has a flexible state in which each one of the hollow members is rotating in respect to neighboring hollow member and a rigid state in which the hollow members are forced together by the cable so that there is no relative movement between neighboring hollow members. An actuation means, which can be mechanically or hydraulically operated, is adapted to apply different tensile forces on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: Menashe Shamir, Ray King, Samuel Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 7243864
    Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Trapp, Raymond A. Boissonneault
  • Patent number: 7191964
    Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor for directing the flow of fluid from a fluid source includes a base, which is adapted to connect to a fluid source, and a monitor housing. The monitor housing includes an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet releasably mounted on the base and for receiving fluid through the base. The outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet for discharging fluid from the housing. A rotatable connection is provided between the inlet and the base. The inlet is rotatable about the base at the rotatable connection about a first axis. A drive mechanism is associated with the rotatable connection for rotating the inlet about the base at the rotatable connection. The monitor further includes a control system for selectively actuating the drive mechanism and includes a receiver for receiving an input signal from a transmitter remote from the monitor. The control system actuates the drive mechanism in response to the receiver receiving the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James M Trapp
  • Patent number: 7147062
    Abstract: A fire fighting monitor includes a stationary element and a rotating element for directing a water stream at variable trajectories. Electrical components, such as drive motors, are mounted on the rotating element and are connected to electrical sources remote from the monitor. A wire management system is provided for the monitor that protects the electrical wiring while accommodating relative rotation between the stationary and rotating elements of the monitor. In one embodiment, the wire management system includes a two-piece wiring skirt with a first portion connected to the stationary element and a second portion connected to the rotating element. The two portions define a circumferential channel and associated openings for passage of a wiring cable. The cable incorporates a 180° bend within the channel that travels around the channel as the cable coils and un-coils within the channels of the two portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kolacz, Robert W. Steingass
  • Patent number: 7140561
    Abstract: An adjustable spray wand is disclosed. The spray wand comprises a spray head body, a swiveling member, a locking mechanism, and a handle. The spray head body is rotatably coupled to the swiveling member. The spray head further has a locking mechanism having a contact arm having a first position allowing the swiveling member to rotate relative to the spray head body and an engagement position engaging the swiveling member and locking the swiveling member in one position. The swiveling member is coupled to a handle with a conduit, which may be coupled to a water source. In operation, water flows from the water source, through the handle, through the swiveling member, through the spray head body, and out of the outlets in a variably selected spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: L.R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Heren, Jincheng Xu, Scott Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7137578
    Abstract: A firefighting segmented monitor for redirecting a trajectory of a pressurized fluid discharge towards a target comprises a flowpath with minimum convolutions. The monitor flowpath comprises in series a stationary segment and three rotating segments including a lower segment, a middle segment and an upper segment connected in series each of which comprises a predetermined curvature. The lower segment swivels in one axis about the stationary segment. A nonorthogonal swivel is arranged on each end of the middle segment at the interfaces with the lower segment and the upper segment, and the swiveling of the middle and upper segments are synchronized with a single rotary input to produce an approximately planar elevational motion of the fluid discharge end of the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Steingass, David J. Kolacz
  • Patent number: 7066411
    Abstract: A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Male, Milton B. Hollinshead
  • Patent number: 6994282
    Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: James M. Trapp, Raymond A. Boissonneault
  • Patent number: 6945477
    Abstract: A cryogenic coupling device includes a valved receptacle and a valved nozzle. Rollers in an outer collar of the receptacle are received in helical channels along a collar of the nozzle. A notch or detent in each of the channels provides a vent position to vent fluid before the nozzle is fully disconnected from the receptacle. Interface seals on the nozzle include first and second annular seals that function as ice and containment scrapers, as well as fluid seals. The nozzle has a rotatable handle assembly, isolated from the fluid path, which provides easy connect and disconnect of the nozzle from the receptacle. The handle assembly includes a thermal break, and is easily removable from the nozzle, along with other parts of the nozzle and receptacle, for service and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd D. Lambert, Keith J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6802463
    Abstract: A spray-coating system includes a spraying implement (2) affixable to a support (4) by a tightening element (26) which is affixed to one of the implement and the support (2, 4) so as to be rotatable relative to both parts (2, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: ITW Oberflachentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Dankert
  • Patent number: 6789755
    Abstract: A livestock enclosure washing assembly for automatically spraying down a livestock enclosure to remove dirt and waste materials includes a cart movable within an animal enclosure, an adjustable articulated arm that rotates around the cart in a settable range, a pivoting spray nozzle for spraying in and out from the cart as the articulated arm rotates around the cart, and a pressurizing unit for dispensing a pressurized fluid through the spray nozzle to effectively remove dirt, debris and waste material from surfaces contacted by the pressurized fluid spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Jerome Mack, Kerry Nilson
  • Publication number: 20040164188
    Abstract: A length adjustable conduit has a hollow tubular body and a hollow tubular shaft coaxially disposed in fluid tight communication with the hollow tubular body. The conduit further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the combined length of the tubular body and tubular shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Swingley
  • Patent number: 6755361
    Abstract: An adjustable spray apparatus and method for attachment to a high pressure liquid source, such as a car wash wand, comprising a flexible hose, the spray end of which is directionally adjustable by flexing and straightening the hose through the use of a tensile connector attached at the end thereof. Preferably the hose is mounted inside a housing to assist in attaching it to a high pressure source and a sleeve slidable about the housing aids in adjusting the tensile connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: The Green Six Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter C. Danielson, Jim A. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6745957
    Abstract: A fire hose nozzle includes a safety device to prevent the nozzle from being displaced due to the action of the water supplied to the nozzle. The safety device includes a tubular body and a butterfly disc with two coaxial trunnions pivotally mounted on the body. The butterfly disc is movable inside the tubular body between an open position, in which the butterfly disc allows water to flow, and a closed position, in which the butterfly disc restricts this flow. An external control lever is integral with one of the trunnions. A trigger is borne by the control lever and bears against the ground. The trigger holds the butterfly disc in its open position when the control lever exerts a downwardly directed vertical force thereon due to the action of the water flowing over the butterfly disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: St-Mihiel S.A.
    Inventor: Didier D. Parey
  • Patent number: 6732958
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device generally comprising an improved nozzle that is adaptable, connectable, threadable or integrally formed with a standard trigger spray head. The improved nozzle is also swivelable or rotatable and directional to spray in any direction, up or down, left or right, straight ahead, or any variation thereof. It also has a cap that can be turned to produce a stream, a spray or a foam, or any variation thereof. The nozzle may be manufactured either as an attachment to an existing trigger spray unit or as a pre-manufactured integral assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: 360 Enterprises
    Inventors: John M. Norville, James B. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20040056122
    Abstract: A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Male, Milton B. Hollinshead
  • Patent number: 6685115
    Abstract: A spray nozzle mechanism includes a fluid conduit which has an operating handle on one end and a spray nozzle unit on another end. A linkage connects the operating handle to the spray nozzle unit to move the spray nozzle unit in response to operation of the operating handle. A stop unit limits the movement of the spray nozzle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel D. Hardin
  • Patent number: 6659374
    Abstract: A spray head which includes a plurality of interconnected hollow spindles wherein each of the hollow spindles is arranged to be axially rotated and means is provided for fluid flow through the spindles sequentially. Each of the spindles is provided with at least one motor configured so as to facilitate, in use, 360° rotation of the hollow spindle about a central longitudinal axis thereof, each hollow is substantially perpendicular to an adjacent hollow spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Goldenvale Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Dante Vincenzo Chiera
  • Patent number: 6629651
    Abstract: A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Male, Milton B. Hollinshead
  • Patent number: 6592057
    Abstract: A multi-directional spray nozzle is disclosed. The multi-directional spray nozzle may include a grip member and a pivotal member. A rounded end of the pivotal member pivotally engages a socket of the grip member in either a ball-and-socket configuration or a hinged joint configuration. An internal passage of the grip member is in fluid communication with a pivotal passage situated within the rounded end of the pivotal member. The pivotal passage is in fluid communication with an exit port on the pivotal member. A pressurized fluid may be emitted from an exit port on the pivotal member. The pivotal member may be positioned at various angles with respect to the grip member to direct the emitted fluid to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigtion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Robert Parker
  • Patent number: 6565668
    Abstract: The device relates to a method for the cleaning of animal stalls, which have a number of spaces that are to be cleaned by means of an automatic clean device. The method is characterized by the steps of (a) positioning the device in a parking position, in which the device can reach into and clean a first space, (b) cleaning of the first space through manual controlling of the device, (c) the repetition of steps (a) and (b) until all the spaces in the premises which are to be cleaned have been cleaned by the device, programming the device with the movements which were performed during the above-mentioned steps, by means of signals representing these movements which are supplied to a control unit, through registering the movements performed by storage of the steps in a memory which is provided in a control unit which is part of the device, and the use of the contents of the memory during the next cleaning of the same animal stall as a program for the control unit for the automatic controlling of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jan Sandberg, Bjarne Graff, Anders Lif
  • Patent number: 6554212
    Abstract: A spray head assembly for attaching to an industrial robot having an overload protection device coupled to a changer with an attached spray head body with a common nozzle supply and a plurality of nozzles selectively attached to the common nozzle supply. Each of the plurality of nozzles is selectively rotated into position and may provide a different spray pattern depending upon the application. The spray head assembly is compact and suited to working in tight spaces, and in particular spraying the interior of cavities. The present invention is particularly applicable to applying an anticorrosion wax to the inside of automobile or car body cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: IPR Automation LP
    Inventors: Nicky Borcea, Fredy Doll
  • Publication number: 20020170988
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device generally comprising an improved nozzle that is adaptable, connectable, threadable or integrally formed with a standard trigger spray head. The improved nozzle is also swivelable or rotatable and directional to spray in any direction, up or down, left or right, straight ahead, or any variation thereof. It also has a cap that can be turned to produce a stream, a spray or a foam, or any variation thereof. The nozzle may be manufactured either as an attachment to an existing trigger spray unit or as a pre-manufactured integral assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Norville, James B. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6474562
    Abstract: There is provided a nozzle section having a nozzle for injecting gas and a spherical portion composed of a nozzle nut part and a spherical base end portion, respectively on its front end portion and base end portion. There is provided a nozzle case for supporting the spherical portion so as to make an outward gas injection direction of the nozzle adjustable. The spherical base end portion and the nozzle nut part are provided so that they are separated from one another by the rotation of one of the nozzle and nozzle nut part about the axis of the longitudinal direction. The nozzle section which has been adjusted to have a gas injection direction is fixed from the side of the nozzle, thereby simplifying adjustment of a gas injection direction at the nozzle section by eliminating conventionally required additional operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Imanaka, Hiromitsu Harada, Mitsuhiro Fujita, Yukio Miyaki
  • Patent number: 6442775
    Abstract: A shower fixture has a base adapted to be fixed to a wall, connected to a pressurized-water supply, and having a pressurized water outlet. A pair of generally parallel and spaced tubes have inner ends pivotal about an inner horizontal axis on the base and outer ends. At least one of the tubes is internally connected at the base to the outlet so that pressurized water can flow from the supply through the base to the tube. An element joins together the two tubes for joint pivoting. A shower head mounted between the outer ends is pivotal on the tube about an outer horizontal axis and is connected internally at the outer axis to the one tube so that water from the one tube can flow into the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eckhard Gransow, Hans Lobermeier, Bernd Bischoff, Hans-Peter Strelow, Sascha Körfer, Holger Ellerbrock, Andreas Kirchhoff, Thomas Raadts, Joachim Störk, Hans-Jürgen Linde, Uwe Neumann, Andreas Rehklau
  • Patent number: RE40441
    Abstract: A pivoting joint with a ball and socket joined by trunnions for use in fluid conduits, particularly firefighting devices such as portable monitors and the like. The pivoting joint can be used on an inlet of the device to provide a pivoting motion for one or more inlet hoses, and/or on the outlet of the device to direct the discharge in one or more directions. An optional one-way brake can be used to limit unintended movement about one or more axis of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kolacz, Ross Mack, Robert W. Steingass, Brian M. Tylisz