Flexible Coupling Section Patents (Class 239/588)
  • Patent number: 11904336
    Abstract: An atomizer having an atomizer head configured to atomize a first fluid. The atomizer includes, in addition, a measurement module including at least one sensor configured to measure the values of at least one parameter of the atomizer, an electronic control module configured to receive the measured values, and a power supply configured to electrically supply the control module with a power supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Camilien Beaudoin, Michel Colrat, Didier Faure, Guillaume Foubert, Philippe Provenaz
  • Patent number: 11415248
    Abstract: A system includes first and second hose couplings, each having a hose body, an enlarged section integrated with the hose body, and a connecting section that is mobile in relation to the hose body. An intermediate connector includes a central section, a first lateral section and a second lateral section. The first lateral section can fit into the first connecting section and the second lateral section can fit into the second connecting section. A locking device includes a body having a first locking section, a second locking section and a central locking section. The first locking section couples with the enlarged section of the first hose coupling, the second locking section couples with the enlarged section of the second hose coupling, and the central locking section couples with the central section of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN CABOS E SISTEMAS DO BRASIL S.A.
    Inventors: Silmerio Pereira Berbiano, Wagner Gomes De Jesus
  • Patent number: 11185195
    Abstract: An adjustable temperature treatment assembly includes a top seat and a bottom seat respectively connected to the wall in a shower stall. Two guided rods are connected between the top seat and the bottom seat. An up-and-down unit includes a threaded rod connected between the top seat and the bottom seat, a movable seat connected to the threaded rod, a rotary member, a holding member and a first driving member. The holding member is connected to the rotary member. A warm-hot water unit includes a heating box, and a shower head which is connected to a holding member. A control unit is electrically connected to the first driving member to spin the threaded rod to move the movable seat up and down. A driving member is controlled by the control unit to swing the rotary member together with the shower head left and right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Chih-Fang Lo
  • Patent number: 11085175
    Abstract: A faucet including a spring spout supporting a spout nest, and a sprayhead releasably coupled to the spout nest. A docking cradle is supported by the spout base and is configured to releasably couple to the spout nest. The faucet may include a capacitive sensor operably coupled to the spring spout by at least one capacitive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Terrence Lee Fourman, Jeffrey Lee Moore, Kyle Robert Davidson, Randy L. Schneider, II, Joel D. Sawaski, Alfred Charles Nelson
  • Patent number: 11026414
    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 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: WGF LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Heinsohn, Andrew James Blackmer
  • Patent number: 10358807
    Abstract: The invention discloses a suction seat for an intelligent nursing toilet bowl. The suction seat comprises a housing installed on a base, the interior of the housing is an inner cavity, a temperature and humidity sensor, an excrement sensor and a flushing nozzle are respectively installed in the cavity body of the inner cavity, a urine sensor is arranged on the outer side of the lower part of the cavity body, and a discharge port connected with an external negative pressure pipeline is vertically formed in the bottom of the cavity body; and a cleaning device and a ventilation device which are communicated with the interior of the cavity body are arranged on the outer side of the rear part of the cavity body. The cleaning device can automatically adjust the height of the nozzle as well as the pressure and flow rate of running water, thereby realizing overall cleaning on human hip, and overcoming the defects that the existing nozzle is fixed and the flushing area cannot be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SHANDONG CRRC HUATENG ENVIRONMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guodong Chen, Jianjun Li, Baozhen Wang, Yongchao Tang, Jinxia Zheng, Zhe Xing, Jinkan Yan, Kai Qu
  • Patent number: 10065791
    Abstract: An aerosol applicator system include a flexible tube that can be operably coupled to the valve of an aerosol container either directly onto a valve stem, or a valve actuator which is retained on the valve stem. The tube has one or more wires that run along the length the tube and which hold the tube in whatever shape it is configured by a user. The wire or wires are malleable and are disposed in the wall of the tube. A nozzle can be disposed at the terminal end of the tube to atomize the material being propelled out of the aerosol container into droplets of a desired size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Charles
  • Patent number: 9644352
    Abstract: A kitchen sink sprayer, comprising a body enclosed in an outer enclosure for being gripped and provided with a coupling to a flexible water supply hose connected to a faucet for adjusting the flow-rate between a closed position and an open position, the body comprising a rod which has, at one end, a tip that is adapted to open selectively the access of the water to a duct for forming a central jet and to ducts for forming a peripheral jet, and is provided with means for actuation by the user, the means for actuating the rod having a tab which is connected directly to the rod in an intermediate position of the rod and protrudes from the enclosure of the sprayer, at its lateral surface, by an extent that is sufficient for contact grip by the user when it is necessary to actuate the rod in order to move it from one of its selection positions to the other and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: AMFAG S.P.A.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Patent number: 9604233
    Abstract: A shaping air ring (10) is configured of a body (11), a cover (13) and a nozzle (15). A tapered conical protrusion (17) is provided in a front end of the nozzle (15) to abut on the cover (13) in contact therewith without a clearance therebetween. Numerous inclined recessed grooves (20) are provided on a forward tapered surfaces (17C) of the conical protrusion (17) over the entire periphery. Further, a first shaping air ejecting hole (23) is formed between each of the inclined recessed grooves (20) and an inner peripheral surface (13B2) of the cover (13) to eject shaping air toward a releasing edge (9E) of a rotary atomizing head (9). Second shaping air ejecting holes (24) are provided on an inner peripheral surface (16A) of the nozzle (15) to eject shaping air along an outer peripheral surface (9C) of the rotary atomizing head (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Kuniharu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 9539169
    Abstract: A water-based erotic stimulation device is disclosed, including a fastener and a chute with a faucet end and a distal end, and having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is substantially horizontal. The distal end may have a groove, a water flow adjustment peg, or an extension, which may have adjustable length. The angle of the chute may be adjusted by adjusting the fastener. A method is also disclosed for using the device for erotic self-stimulation by attaching it to a faucet and directing its water toward the clitoral area of a woman using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Maureen Pollack
  • Patent number: 9468938
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a handheld shower head sprayer with a flexible hose arrangement that automatically expands or contracts according to user convenience. The handheld shower head sprayer comprises shower arm, handheld shower sprayer, and flexible shower hose. The shower hose comprises an elastic inner tube concentrically positioned inside a non-elastic outer tube. When shower water valve is opened, water passes through the shower hose and expands the shower hose up. The radial expansion of the inner tube is constrained by maximum diameter of the outer tube. When the shower water valve is closed, the water pressure inside the shower hose is released and the shower hose automatically contracts to the unexpanded length of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jeff Oblak
  • Patent number: 9149826
    Abstract: A mounting system for a shower head includes a mounting bracket mounted to a pipe passing through a shower wall, wherein the pipe is part of a shower that delivers water to a shower head. A telescoping arm is affixed to the mounting bracket through a multi-directional joint at a first end of the telescoping arm. A shower head holder is affixed to a second end of the telescoping arm by way of an adjustable joint. The multi-directional joint is formed to rotate and pivot relating to the mounting bracket so that the telescoping arm may be rotated and pivot toward and away from the shower wall in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: Vagharshak Vartanian, Manvel J. Vartanian, Margaret Vartanian
  • Patent number: 8991731
    Abstract: A swivel fitting used to connect to various components in a fluid handling system is provided. The swivel fitting incorporates an annular chamfer surface to reduce the affect that the fitting has on the flow properties of the fluid when the fluid is caused to flow through the fitting. The use of the swivel fitting in a paint supply line is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hosco Fittings, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Pitzer, Bill Bertakis, Jerry Verhoven, Randall Sandifur
  • Patent number: 8985484
    Abstract: A spray gun attachment is provided for fluid supply lines in a fluid handling system. A fluid input portion of a gun body is coupled wife a swivel connector, which includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled with a housing stem. In various embodiments, a bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the housing stem and anchored at an opposite end with the rotor. An O-ring seal is positioned between the rotor and the exterior surface of the housing stem. A bearing assembly residing within a raceway that is defined by flat surfaces on each of: the rotor, the housing stem, and ah interior bearing wall within the bearing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eley Corporation
    Inventors: Craig D. Eley, Darin Schollmeyer
  • Patent number: 8887822
    Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George Polan
  • Patent number: 8876021
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for mixing at least a first and second component is provided. The applicator assembly includes a manifold configured for operable engagement with at least a first and second source of component, the manifold including at least a first and second component channel therethrough, an elongated shaft extending distally from the manifold, the elongated shaft including at least a first and second component lumen extending the length thereof, the at least first and second component channels in fluid communication with the at least first and second component channels, a tip assembly defining a first chamber, an intermediate chamber and a final chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Confluent Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fortier, Les Hull, Art Driscoll
  • Patent number: 8869821
    Abstract: A pre-rinse assembly including: a base and a vertically disposed riser pipe for conveying water therethrough which has a proximal end and a distal end secured at its proximal end to the base. A hose assembly for conveying water therethrough which has a proximal end and a distal end which may be secured at its proximal end to the distal end of the vertically disposed riser pipe and a spray head assembly for expelling water therethrough may be secured to the distal end of the hose assembly. A telescoping arm assembly having a proximal end which may be pivotally mounted on the vertically disposed riser pipe and a distal end which may be pivotally mounted on the distal end of the hose or the spray head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Vito Laera
  • Patent number: 8857744
    Abstract: In a sprinkler head hose adapter, a swivel adapter is rotatably coupled to a head adapter. The swivel adapter defines a bore that extends therethrough and that is in fluid communication with a conduit coupled to the swivel adapter. A coupler is positioned in an end of the conduit and includes a bore in fluid communication with the conduit. A portion of the coupler extends outwardly from the coupler and can be attached to a hose or other apparatus forming part of a sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kochek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Kozey
  • Patent number: 8851196
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 8746596
    Abstract: A manual spray head can be connected with a flexible hose line by means of a coupling that has a ball-and-socket joint inserted between the manual spray head and the hose line. This arrangement not only increases the mobility and flexibility between the manual spray head and the flexible hose line, but also permits twisting of the manual spray head relative to the hose line without fear of unscrewing the screw-type connection or similar coupling provided between the manual spray head and the hose line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Grether, Christoph Weis
  • Patent number: 8727241
    Abstract: A kitchen sink sprayer, comprising a body enclosed in an outer enclosure for being gripped and provided with a coupling to a flexible water supply hose connected to a faucet for adjusting the flow-rate between a closed position and an open position, the body comprising a rod which has, at one end, a tip that is adapted to open selectively the access of the water to a duct for forming a central jet and to ducts for forming a peripheral jet, and is provided with means for actuation by the user, the means for actuating the rod having a tab which is connected directly to the rod in an intermediate position of the rod and protrudes from the enclosure of the sprayer, at its lateral surface, by an extent that is sufficient for contact grip by the user when it is necessary to actuate the rod in order to move it from one of its selection positions to the other and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Amfag S.p.A.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Patent number: 8720800
    Abstract: A shower head includes a main body seal seat fixed to a main body. The main body seal seat is fitted in a rotation seat in a rotation way and located above a cover seal seat. The cover seal seat is fixed to a cover unit. The joint of the main body seal seat and the rotation seat has a groove to receive a first seal ring. The main body seal seat has at least one water inlet. The water inlet is provided with a spring and a second seal ring therein. The spring is located between the second seal ring and the water inlet of the main body seal seat. The cover seal seat has at least one through hole corresponding in position to the water inlet. The cover unit has at least one water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Wei-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8413734
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 8413686
    Abstract: A faucet includes a faucet body, a bent tube mounted on the faucet body, a water outlet pipe retractably mounted in the bent tube and having a connector, an elastic sleeve mounted in the distal end of the bent tube, a first magnetic member mounted in the elastic sleeve, a locking sleeve mounted on the connector of the water outlet pipe and inserted into the elastic sleeve, a second magnetic member mounted in the locking sleeve and movable to approach the first magnetic member, and a spout locked onto the locking sleeve. Thus, when the locking sleeve is inserted into the elastic sleeve, the second magnetic member is attracted magnetically by the first magnetic member so as to position the locking sleeve in the elastic sleeve and to position the spout onto the distal end of the bent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Feng Ko
  • Patent number: 8387899
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for mixing at least a first and second component is provided. The applicator assembly includes a manifold configured for operable engagement with at least a first and second source of component, the manifold including at least a first and second component channel therethrough, an elongated shaft extending distally from the manifold, the elongated shaft including at least a first and second component lumen extending the length thereof, the at least first and second component channels in fluid communication with the at least first and second component channels, a tip assembly defining a first chamber, an intermediate chamber and a final chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Confluent Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fortier, Les Hull, Arthur Driscoll
  • Patent number: 8376248
    Abstract: The disclosure provides faucets, faucet assemblies and methods for delivering liquid through a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body having a first open end configured for connection with a faucet base, a second open end for receiving a faucet handle, and a faucet body portion having an opening therein. The faucet body has an inner wall defining a passage extending therethrough. The faucet also includes a faucet handle and a spray handle having a first end section and a sprayer end section. The first end section is configured to be detachably connected to the faucet body portion, and the spray handle has an inner wall and a passage extending therethrough which is in open communication with the passage through the faucet body. The faucet also has a hose connection that can receive a hose for delivering liquid to the spray handle. The hose connection may be in the sprayer end section of the spray handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David J. Meisner, Walter Pitsch, Jianglin Yan
  • Patent number: 8371392
    Abstract: The invention provides a fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus includes a holding unit for holding various components of the fire extinguishing apparatus. The fire extinguishing apparatus also includes one or more tubes which are operatively coupled to the holding unit. The one or more tubes are capable of rotating with respect to the holding unit, such that an axis of rotation of a tube is angled at a predetermined angle to the earth surface. Further, each tube of the one or more tubes includes one or more nozzles for dispersing a fire extinguishing fluid to a location of the fire. The fire extinguishing fluid is supplied to the one or more tubes through a fluid supplying unit. The fluid supplying unit and the one or more tubes are held together by the holding unit in a suspended manner above the location of the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventor: Mazen A. Ba-abbad
  • Patent number: 8313049
    Abstract: A shower faucet includes a housing having a press bar axially connected; a tube member installed in the housing and including a seat having a second room to distributing water and a displace room; a distributing valve core pushed to move between a higher and a lower positions of the second room to generate a first and a second waterings; a button element biased against by the press bar to actuate a rotary positioning member to engage with the distributing valve core to generate the second watering, wherein the positioning member is retained on ratchet members of the displace so that the second watering is kept without pressing the press bar continuously, a resilient element used to push the distributing valve core so that the positioning member is rotated and pushed to disengage from the ratchet members, such that watering levels are switched by pressing the press bar easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Feng Xu
  • 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: 8205804
    Abstract: A flexible fluid delivery line with an end fitting retention bracket is disclosed for use during installation of an irrigation or sprinkler system. The retention bracket is malleable along its length and facilitates the positioning and orientation of a sprinkler head or other fluid delivery device with respect to the surrounding ground level. The retention bracket has two annular sleeves connected by a malleable elongate member. Through the pair of annular sleeves passes a semi-flexible riser. The annular sleeves are configured to substantially match the external circumference of the end fittings and retain the fitting therein. The retention bracket may be bent to suit various installation angles. The retention bracket prevents undesired turning or displacement of the end fittings during installation/use/removal of a sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Parker
  • Patent number: 8157192
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in spraying a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle portion, a base portion, and a plurality of elastic bellows disposed between the nozzle portion and the base portion. The bellows are coupled to both the nozzle portion and the base portion. Movement of the nozzle is achieved by activation of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: James Claas
  • Patent number: 8033483
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for mixing at least a first and a second component is provided. The applicator assembly includes a manifold configured for operable engagement with first and second source of component, the manifold including first and second component channels therethrough, an elongated shaft extending distally from the manifold, the elongated shaft including first and second component lumens extending the length thereof, the first and second component channels in fluid communication with the first and second component lumens, a tip assembly defining a first chamber, an intermediate chamber and a final chamber, wherein the first chamber is configured to receive a distal end of the elongated shaft, the second chamber is configured to receive an insert, and the final chamber is configured to receive the first and second components prior to the mixture being ejected from an outlet defined in the distal end of the tip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Confluent Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fortier, Les Hull, Arthur Driscoll
  • Publication number: 20110240771
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid spray container extension device which has a trigger at the spray container to actuate a remote spray nozzle at the end of an extension tube to deliver a spray upon objects at a distance from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Paul Legeza
  • Patent number: 7942350
    Abstract: A supply line system for conveying a fluid is provided. First and a second conduit segment have at least one inner conduit surface and an outer conduit surface. At least one fluid chamber is within the conduit segments and is formed by the at least one inner conduit surface. At least one electric wire is located between the at least one inner conduit surface and the outer conduit surface. A conduit connection element is connecting the first and second conduit segments, thereby mating the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the first conduit segment with the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the second conduit segment. At least a portion of the quantity of fluid and the electric signals is passed from the first to the second conduit segment. A control system is connected to the electric wire and in communication with at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7934667
    Abstract: A diffuser for a device for packaging and dispensing a product. The arrangement is particularly advantageous for foaming cosmetic products. The diffuser includes a collar which can be mounted on a container and a product diffusion head extending from the collar and provided with at least one output aperture. Preferably, the output aperture is oriented at an angle, relative to an axis of the collar, lying between 0° and 85°. The diffusion head is movable relative to the collar. Moreover, the diffusion head has an extension axis inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the collar, and has a size which is contained within the maximum cross-section of the collar and/or of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Caroline Westrich
  • Patent number: 7900851
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an irrigation pop-up with a flexible stem which may be a pulsating or conventional (i.e., non-pulsating) irrigation sprayer or sprinkler. The flexible stem enables an extended stem to be bent instead of being severed, as experienced by traditional irrigation systems, if impacted by an outside force. In one embodiment, the flexible stem contains a lower rigid segment and an upper rigid segment, each having a passageway extending from an inlet, through the segment, to an outlet. An elastic hollow member, such as a rubber tube, is coupled to and in fluid communication with the passageways of the lower and upper rigid segments. Therefore, a water flow path extends from the water inlet, through the passageway within the lower rigid segment, through the channel of the elastic hollow member, through the passageway within the upper rigid segment, and out through the nozzle, such as a sprayer or sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Developed Research for Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Ruttenberg
  • Publication number: 20110049273
    Abstract: A movable spread head comprises a tubular member, a watering member, a valve core, a housing, a front cover, a control member, and a first and a second watering elements. The valve core is axially installed on a front end of the tubular member, the control member is located on a top end of the housing and includes a first and a second press portions to be selectively pressed to generate a levering action, such that the valve core is actuated to move axially to engage with the tubular member or the watering member tightly, so that water flow from an outlet of the tubular member is guided to one of first and second water orifices to flow outward from one of the first and the second watering elements, thereby decreasing related components and size, simplifying structure, and operating the movable spread head easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Nan-Hai Huang
  • Patent number: 7871022
    Abstract: A positionable mister assembly comprises at least one nozzle structured to disperse an amount of fluid delivered from a fluid supply in the form of a mist. The positionable mister assembly includes a primary positioning portion comprising a conduit member and being structured to interconnect to a fluid supply. A secondary positioning portion is disposed in a fluid communicating relation with the primary positioning portion wherein the secondary positioning portion includes a mister supply member to which the at least one nozzle is mounted. The positionable mister assembly also includes a support portion structured to support at least the primary positioning portion in a plurality of operative orientations. In at least one embodiment the primary positioning portion, secondary positioning portion, and support portion of the positionable mister assembly are structured to be selectively interconnected to one another, allowing for a variety of configurations of the positionable mister assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Franklin Plyler
  • Patent number: 7819340
    Abstract: A spray nozzle (10) has a nozzle body (20) with an inlet (24) and an outlet (26). The inlet (24) is attachable to a hose (2). The outlet (26) is configured to receive a chemically-containing cartridge (70). A forwardly-disposed trigger (30) is finger-actuated and operates the valve (52) of a first valve assembly (50) to control water flow through the nozzle (10). An inlet conduit (56) connects the first valve assembly (50) to a second valve assembly (60). The second valve assembly (60) is thumb-actuated by a toggle (40) to pass water through the nozzle (10) as clean water supplied to the nozzle (10) via the hose (2) or through the nozzle (10) as chemical-added water that is created by a venturi-induced assembly (80) contained within the cartridge (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Mueller, Patricia M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7819345
    Abstract: The system contains a plurality of conduit segments and at least one electrically-powered pump. At least one conduit connector joins the conduit segments and the electrically-powered pumps, thereby mating at least one fluid path. A plurality of electric power wires are coupled with the conduit segments and connected to the electrically-powered electric pumps. At least one electrical connector, within said conduit connectors, mates corresponding electric power wires between the conduit segments. An electric power source electrically connected to the electrically-powered pump via the electric power wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7806351
    Abstract: A stowable device for ejecting fluids onto the underside and wheel regions of a vehicle includes a base member joined at one end to a handle member such that the angle between the members can be controllably varied and retained at a desired angle. A source of fluid is coupled through flexible tubing terminating in a fluid jet disposed adjacent the base member distal end. The desired angle is determined by a length of cord extending from base to handle member. The exposed cord length is user-controllable by lockably spooling excess cord length into a rotatable spool reservoir attached to the handle member. User-adjustment of the desired angle also determined handle height above ground. Alternatively, the desired angle (and handle height above ground) is user-determined by adjusting effective length of a rigid rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: John Bakas
  • Patent number: 7770822
    Abstract: A handheld shower assembly is provided. The handheld shower assembly includes a water conduit, a handle, and a showerhead. The water conduit is adapted to attach to the showerhead at one end and to a water source extending from a wall of a shower stall at another end to receive water flow. The handle includes a first portion and a second portion adapted to accept the water conduit within an interior portion of the handle. The first portion is adjustably coupled to the second portion. This allows the first portion to telescope with respect to the second portion, thereby the first portion extends from a first retracted position to a second extended position. The showerhead is coupled to the water conduit and the handle. The showerhead may receive the water flow from the water conduit as well as expelling the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventor: Leland C. Leber
  • Patent number: 7744018
    Abstract: A power operated pressure washer having a high pressure liquid supply hose with an inlet fitting formed with an axial stem having a central liquid passageway that can be connected to a pressure washer outlet fitting by a threaded retaining ring. As a feature of this invention, the retaining ring can be unscrewed from the pressure washer outlet for permitting the dissipation and venting of high pressure buildup within the hose while the retaining ring safely retains the hose fitting on the outlet. In one embodiment, the stem has a pair of axially spaced annular sealing members adaptable for sealing engagement with relatively smaller and larger size pressure washer outlets and the stems is formed with a transverse passageway for venting liquid from the central stem passageway around one of the sealing members, as an incident to unscrewing of the retaining ring, while the other sealing member remains in sealed engagement with the pressure washer outlet fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: FAIP North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus Alexander, Morgan McCarthy, John Pianetto
  • Patent number: 7614569
    Abstract: A stream nozzle resides between a water source and a sprinkler nozzle and provides a stream of water for watering a bush, shrub, or tree. The stream nozzle may either reside between a fixed height riser and a nozzle, or under the nozzle of a pop-up sprinkler. In the case of a fixed height riser, the stream nozzle may be attached to an adapter or directly to the riser. In the case of a pop-up sprinkler, the stream nozzle is preferably attached to an independently rotatable collar below the nozzle. The stream nozzle is preferably adjustable in elevation angle and in azimuth angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lavacot
  • Patent number: 7614570
    Abstract: A bathing system is disclosed. The system includes a water supply line, an injectant supply line for supplying an injectant such as shampoo and conditioner, and an injector for combining the water and injectant and homogenizing the mixture. The system also includes a sprayer, which is connected to the outlet of the injector and is capable of producing a pulsating spray. Additional injectant supply line or lines can also be included. The injectant lines can be combined with a distribution manifold and in turn fed into the injector. In a preferred embodiment, the injector is of a differential pressure type. A bypass path and valve switch water directing to the sprayer for rinsing without mixing with injectant. The injector and sprayer are configured to produce a water-injectant mixture with a consistent mixing ratio over a wide range of water flow rates and pressures while providing pulsating action in either the wash or rinse cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hair Patrol LLC
    Inventor: James E. Freidell
  • Patent number: 7611170
    Abstract: A hose having a compressible wall which is adapted to be connected at one end thereof to a nozzle of a sprayer. The other end is attached to a stub pipe or stem extending from a tank of the sprayer which can contain a pressurized liquid which flows through the hose and is sprayed via the nozzle. The coupling provides a quick connection for the hose to the pipe stem and also allows the coupling/hose assembly to freely rotate 360° while remaining sealed. The coupling is an assembly of a nipple and a sleeve retainer having a throat which compresses the hose wall and provides a retainer, retaining the end of the hose on the nipple. A spring clip is sprung apart as the assembly of retainer, nipple, and hose is seated on the pipe stem. To disconnect or release the coupling, the spring clip is spread apart to free the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Hillhouse
  • Publication number: 20090218421
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel nozzle for a combustor which includes a tip section and a tube section. The tube section, in which a first end is connected to the tip section includes an outer tube having a tube axis and connected to the tip section and an inner tube disposed at least partially inside of the outer tube and connected to the tip section. The inner tube includes at least one flexible portion capable of reducing stresses in the fuel nozzle. Also disclosed is a fuel nozzle which includes a tip section, a base section, and a tube section disposed between the tip section and the base section and connected to the tip section at a first end and connected to the base section at a second end. The tube section includes an outer tube having a tube axis and an inner tube disposed at least partially inside of the outer tube and connected to the tip section. At least one rib is disposed on the outer tube and extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Balachandran Kumaravelu
  • Patent number: 7490783
    Abstract: A spray nozzle (10) includes a nozzle body (12) and a chemical containing cartridge (28) releasably attached to the nozzle body (12). The cartridge (28) can be adapted to be releasably secured to the nozzle body (12) at the outlet end (16), the inlet end (14), or on the nozzle body (12) itself, in order to dispense a chemical contained within the cartridge into a water stream flowing through the nozzle. The nozzle (10) also includes a dispensing mechanism utilized to control the amount of the chemical dispensed into the water stream. The dispensing mechanism can be disposed on the nozzle body (12), or directly on the cartridge (28) itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Mueller, Patricia M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7475830
    Abstract: A system for transporting insulation particles suitable for use in a process for forming an insulation product is provided, comprising: a blowing machine for forming an insulation particle/air suspension, wherein the blowing machine comprises at least one opening, and a hose in communication with the at least one opening, for transporting the suspension to or from the blowing machine, wherein the internal diameter variation of at least a portion of the hose is less than about 0.20 inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fellinger
  • Patent number: 7409968
    Abstract: A faucet with a water outlet controlled by a central pull stick capable of being installed easily comprises a valve body consisting of a main body and a head portion connected together by screw threads. The valve body further comprises a main body and a head portion connected to the main body by a screwing mechanism. A stopper on the main body and a retaining part on the head portion are coupled together upon the screwing so that the retaining part will be fixed on an attached object after the valve body penetrated through the object. Thereby, idle rotation between the head portion and the main body can be prevented. Further, the valve body can be locked onto the attached object by screws applied through the upper surface of the object, facilitating quick installation of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Tsai-Chen Yang