Flexible Coupling Section Patents (Class 239/588)
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Patent number: 7409968Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Inventor: Tsai-Chen Yang
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Patent number: 7389947Abstract: A fluid atomizer that can include an orientable extension conduit between a pump bottle and an atomizing nozzle. A brace element between the bottle and the conduit limits movement of the nozzle during actuation of the pump mechanism. A resilient enlargement to engage the bottle may be included to permit suspending the bottle in commercially available storage racks.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Wolfe Tory Medical, Inc.Inventor: Marshall T. Denton
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Publication number: 20080135649Abstract: An aerosol nozzle adaptor (10) for a nozzle head (11), the adaptor (10) comprising a mounting attachment (13) capable of maintaining a supporting engagement with an aerosol container (12) and a tube (14) having an internal passage and first (15) and second (16) tube ends, said first tube end (15) being adapted to engage the nozzle head (11) so as to provide a continuous fluid passage therewith and said second tube end (16) being adapted to direct the fluid upon the expulsion therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2004Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: ACA PRODUCTS PTY LTDInventor: David William Smyth
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Patent number: 7344094Abstract: A sprayer for attachment to the spout of a faucet. The sprayer comprises a coupling, a spray head through which fluid may be directed for expulsion and a neck portion. The coupling releasably secures the sprayer to the spout of a faucet. The neck portion connects the coupling to the spray head and includes a passageway permitting the flow of fluid from the spout of the faucet to the spray head. The neck portion is flexibly resilient and permits the spray head to be displaced from a rest position where it is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sprayer to a deflected position where it is deflected from its rest position. The resiliency of the neck portion causes the spray head to be normally biased toward its rest position. The neck portion further includes a deflection limiter preventing the spray head from being deflected more than a pre-determined amount from the longitudinal axis of the sprayer.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventors: Martin Tracy, Peter Colpitts
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Patent number: 7337808Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventors: Menashe Shamir, Ray King, Samuel Rosenbaum
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Patent number: 7320438Abstract: An apparatus includes an inlet conduit that has a threaded coupling removably attachable to the water supply source. A housing is connected to the inlet conduit and includes spaced compartments for storing bathing gels. Each compartment includes an inlet port that is provided with an end cap positional thereon. Each compartment further includes a plurality of seals attached therein for limiting leakage of the bathing gels. An outlet conduit is attached to a lower portion of the housing and is pliable. The outlet conduit receives a mixed solution of water and bathing gels. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for regulating a quantity of the bathing gels that is dispensed and a mechanism for displaying a remaining quantity of the bathing gels.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventors: Rendall H. Latin, Rama Germilus
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Patent number: 7313834Abstract: A bathtub water tap includes a tap body, a fluid control device, a showerhead hose and a showerhead. The tap body has a hose passage and a water passage. The water passage has an outlet and an inlet for transporting water diverted by the fluid control device. The hose passage has a socket hole and a through hole. The showerhead hose is slidably mounted in the hose passage and has two opposite ends respectively connected to the showerhead and the fluid control device. The showerhead has an inside end held in the socket hole of the hose passage to position the showerhead with the tap body. Consequently, additional installations of the showerhead are not required. The showerhead will not occupy bathroom space, and the appearance of the entire water tap is tidy and clean.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.Inventors: Wang-Hong Tan, Gen-Wei Zhau
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Publication number: 20070284460Abstract: A pull-out kitchen sprayer connected to a flexible water supply hose and comprising a wall which can be gripped and is provided with a water outlet at one end, a coupling for connection to the flexible hose being arranged at the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: Orlando Bosio
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Patent number: 7296634Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: PBJ, LLCInventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Publication number: 20070246564Abstract: A pull-out wand is disclosed for use with a water delivery device. The pull-out wand may include one or more sensors, such as a touch sensor and/or a proximity sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: MASCO CORPORATION OF INDIANAInventors: Robert W. Rodenbeck, Anthony G. Spangler, Michael J. Veros, Paul D. Koottungal
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Patent number: 7275699Abstract: A method and a self-contained, mobile dispensing system, wherein the material to be dispensed is formed by mixing several reactants. A generator provides power to the overall system. Storage tanks are provided for storing the reactants. A chiller unit chills the reactants, and a heating unit heats the reactants. The reactants flow separately through the system until they reach a mix head nozzle operative to combine the reactants. The mix head nozzle has an elongated straight cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of orifices oriented to allow mixing of the reactants in a dispense mode of operation. A metering pump controls and supplies the reactants to the mix head nozzle, in stoichiometric proportions and at predetermined temperature and pressure. A hose connects the mixing tank to the mix head nozzle for dispensing the foam in situ.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Thermal Science Technologies, LLCInventor: Alex Schmidt
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Patent number: 7264180Abstract: The present invention provides for a sleeve that screws into the same opening in a faucet that a typical aerator screws into. This sleeve replaces the aerator and includes a smaller aerator that is inserted within the sleeve. In this fashion, water aeration can still occur when aeration is desired. However, when a hose attachment is inserted into the sleeve, one of the hose attachment moves up and into the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.Inventor: John R. Mueller
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Publication number: 20070170284Abstract: A faucet spray head having a volume control mechanism allowing the user to adjust the flow of water through the spray head from a full-spray to full-stream and to a paused flow and flow levels therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Alfred Charles Nelson, Derek Allen Brown
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Patent number: 7191966Abstract: This Universal Flexible Powder Coating Tip/Nozzle (7) will greatly enhance the application of Powder Coating coverage in hard to reach area's do to the ability to bend the flexible tip/nozzle (7) & (10) to reach into those difficult to reach area's. The Powder Coater will no longer have to try to angle a large cumbersome powder Coating gun (1) into tight corners and openings, he only needs to insert the Universal Flexible Powder Coating Tip/Nozzle (7) into these hard to reach areas and bend and turn for proper angle. The uncharged Powder will flow down the Flexible tip/nozzle and receive charging as it travels past the contact at the powder Tip (9) & (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventor: Jeffrey David Sawczyszyn
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Patent number: 7188787Abstract: A sprayer with a water purifier, a valve system, and a selector switch for the same are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, when the sprayer is in use, the sprayer includes a purifier for purifying water. The sprayer may be compact and ergonomic. The sprayer may include a valve system that provides a selection of water flow paths and/or nozzles or other output mechanisms for the sprayer, and a selector switch for controlling the valve system. In certain embodiments, the sprayer is provided with a multiple position selector switch that can be controlled by one of the operator's fingers, or by the operator's thumb so that the operator can use the sprayer and select the sprayer setting with one hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: William Michael Cannon, John Allen Wooton, Benjamin Jacob Clare, Melissa Ann Kreuzer, Christopher Miles Miller
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Patent number: 7150415Abstract: A spray valve is configured with a fluid path that always provides dynamic water flow on both opposite surfaces of the seating flange of the valve stem when the valve is almost completely closed and when the valve is just beginning to be opened. This equalization of dynamic pressure from the incoming water flow tends to reduce the frequency of vibration that is imposed upon the valve stem and biasing member by the incoming water flow. A check valve is built into the spray valve, which has a trigger lock and a selectively removable spray disk. The valve has an outer sleeve that surrounds the valve's base member and defines a gap therebetween and is formed of mechanical shock-resilient, heat-insulating material.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.Inventors: Mark V. Weaver, Luke Edward Langner
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Patent number: 7083125Abstract: Detachable tube assemblies, such as those useful in remote spraying devices, are disclosed. Tube segments are interconnected using radial extensions interfit with alignable radial holes on tubes to be coupled together. An actuator rod is provided with flexible barbs and a disk guide. The rod can be used to remotely actuate a spray.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Nathan R. Westphal, Steven B. Mineau
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Patent number: 7066411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Male, Milton B. Hollinshead
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Patent number: 7044403Abstract: A rotary drive sprinkler having a multiplicity of nozzles which can be changed at any time. The nozzle assembly can have a cylindrical housing having a plurality of nozzles to rotate against a cylindrical housing assembly can have a cylindrical cavity at its outer portion receiving a flexible nozzle strip for directing flow from a nozzle housing. A nozzle sleeve, or ring, having a plurality of exit nozzles around the outside of the nozzle assembly can be rotated about an inner housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventors: Carl L. Kah, III, Carl L. Kah, Jr.
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Patent number: 7032840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Hair Patrol LLCInventor: James E. Freidell
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Patent number: 7032680Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 6994269Abstract: A water supply device includes a pipe connected between a water reservoir and a connector which has an opening defined through a wall thereof. A mouth mount has a first end connected to a valve which is rotatably inserted in the connector. The valve includes a hole defined in a wall thereof and the hole can be adjusted to communicate with the opening by rotating the mouth mount. A slit is defined through a second end of the mouth mount so that the user may deform the slit into a hole to suck water from the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Taiwan Vertex Production Corp.Inventor: Chien-Ping Lien
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Patent number: 6976644Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Kevin Troudt
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Patent number: 6938837Abstract: A faucet spray head includes a diverter valve that has a diverter stem constructed and arranged to control water flow patterns. The stem includes a neck and a head that is larger than the neck. A shell encloses the diverter valve, and the shell has an opening through which the stem extends. A pivot member is coupled to the shell, and a rocker arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot member. The rocker arm has a retention opening, and the retention opening is adapted to slidably receive and retain the head of the stem during assembly of the rocker arm to the pivot member. The rocker arm is attached to the diverter valve in order to actuate the valve. The spray head includes lock pins that are configured to engage a lock insert that is secured to a spout.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventors: Alfred C. Nelson, Jeffrey L. Moore
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Patent number: 6907938Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: PBJ, LLCInventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 6877172Abstract: A faucet has a spout and a pullout spray head connected to a flexible water supply tube and releasably connectable to the spout. The spout has a docking collar mounted thereon for receiving a connecting shaft of the spray head. The docking collar has an annular wall with a plurality of U-shaped slots which define a plurality of cantilevered snap fingers. Each snap finger includes a projection that fits into a groove in the connecting shaft when the spray head is docked. An elastomeric O-ring surrounds the annular wall at a point where the O-ring engages the snap fingers to bias them toward the groove. Ridges on the exterior surface of the wall retain the O-ring in place. The spout and docked spray head have parallel shoulders that define a mating plane. The projections and groove define a retaining plane. The mating plane is not parallel to the retaining plane such that rotation of the spray head about an axis normal to the mating plane will cause the projections to release from the groove.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Moen IncorporatedInventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker
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Patent number: 6869035Abstract: A spray extension device for a spray can includes at least a pair of telescopable extension tubes fitted to and in fluid communication with the valve stem of a spray can. Advantageously, the extension tubes are fitted to a closure cap which, in turn, is fitted to the valve stem, and, thereby, in fluid communication with the interior of the can. Depressing of the closure cap causes the valve stem to issue fluid therethrough, into the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventor: Alton J. Doud
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Patent number: 6820291Abstract: A faucet assembly with a vertical riser that is easier to install both for an initial installation and a retrofit installation. The faucet assembly has a main faucet body that defines an axially extending cavity. A positive locking mechanism in the form of a resiliently compressible star lock washer is disposed to rest on the bottom of the cavity, which is provided with an opening that communicates with a pressurized water service. A hollow adapter sleeve is inserted into the cavity on top of the star lock washer. An O-ring between the exterior of the adapter sleeve and the surrounding sidewall that defines the cavity effects a water-tight fit between the adapter sleeve and the sidewall. The tapered threaded end of the riser is detachably connected to the adapter sleeve by being screwed into the tapered threaded opening of the adapter sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.Inventor: Mark Weaver
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Patent number: 6783357Abstract: A burner apparatus comprises a conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant and having outlet and inlet ends, and a conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel and having outlet and inlet ends. The conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel is substantially parallel to the conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant. The conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant is positioned substantially vertically above the conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel. The conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant and the conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel each are positioned within its own respective elongate cavity in a refractory burner block. Each of the conduits are positioned in their respective cavity such that a substantially annular region is present between an outer surface of each conduit and its respective cavity. Each conduit inlet end extends through a respective plenum for receiving an ambient temperature fluid, the plenums adapted to pass the ambient temperature fluid into the respective annular regions.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignees: L'Air Liquide, American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Arnaud Fossen, Harley A. Borders, Remi P. Tsiava, Olivier Charon
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Patent number: 6779745Abstract: A universal pressure washer extension/replacement hose adapted for use with pressure washers which have different diameter liquid discharge outlets. The extension hose has identical connecting fittings at its opposite ends, one of which can be coupled in sealed relation to a pressure washer outlet of either of two known sizes and the other of which is connectable to a spray gun hose through a universal adaptor having connecting chambers of said two known sizes.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: FAIP North America, Inc.Inventors: Gus Alexander, Morgan McCarthy, John Pianetto
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Publication number: 20040140376Abstract: A universal pressure washer extension/replacement hose adapted for use with pressure washers which have different diameter liquid discharge outlets. The extension hose has identical connecting fittings at its opposite ends, one of which can be coupled in sealed relation to a pressure washer outlet of either of two known sizes and the other of which is connectable to a spray gun hose through a universal adaptor having connecting chambers of said two known sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: FAIP North America, Inc.Inventors: Gus Alexander, Morgan McCarthy, John Pianetto
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Patent number: 6757921Abstract: A pull-out faucet has a hollow faucet body with open top and bottom ends and a cylindrical (laterally extending) side opening. A hollow, cane-shaped spout mounts to the top end and seats a spray head at one end. A separate valve block mounts in the housing through the side opening and connects to a mixing valve cartridge lying adjacent thereto on a lateral side. Water supply hoses snap into inlet passages of the valve. One end of a counterweighted spray hose assembly snaps into an outlet passage of the valve block and the other end connects to the spray head. The spray head can be extended from the spout and then retracted. A method of assembling the hoses and valve assembly into the hollow faucet body through the side opening is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventor: John C. Esche
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Publication number: 20040124287Abstract: A flexible pressure-washer hose and pressure washing apparatus are disclosed. The hose is of concentric laminar construction and comprises an inner core, an intermediate metallic sheath covering the core, and a jacket covering the intermediate sheath. The disclosed hose has a burst pressure of at least 12,000 psi, yet is highly flexible. The disclosed pressure washer comprises a hose made in accordance with the invention and fluidically connecting a source of pressurized fluid to an operator wand.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: FAIP North America, Inc.Inventors: John Pianetto, Morgan McCarthey, Gus Alexander
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Patent number: 6755361Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: The Green Six Ltd.Inventors: Peter C. Danielson, Jim A. Stewart
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Patent number: 6752335Abstract: A pivoting blow-gun with a pivoting barrel having sufficient strength to receive pressurized air while at the same time dimensioned to allow the manipulation of the pivoting barrel into non-linear configurations which non-linear configurations are maintainable during use of the blow-gun in order to use the pivoting blow-gun to reach areas which would otherwise be hard to reach. A quick-connect attachment device can be used to permit relatively fast and easy changing of barrels.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Summit Tool CompanyInventor: Kimothy Levia
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Patent number: 6752218Abstract: A support system for use in fire-protection sprinkler systems and for positioning and supporting a fire-protection sprinkler head in a suspended ceiling including a T-bar grid for supporting panels. The support system includes a hub defining an annular opening configured to receive the fire-protection sprinkler head, which is connected to a flexible conduit. A leg is attached to the hub and has first and second ends attached to the T-bar grid of the suspended ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Publication number: 20040056122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Male, Milton B. Hollinshead
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Publication number: 20040050962Abstract: An airless application system. The system includes a primary product container and a sprayer in fluid communication with the primary product container. The primary product container may include a relatively rigid canister, a collapsible bag within the relatively rigid canister, and propellant between the bag and the relatively rigid canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Mark Hammarth, Stephen J. Lacivita, Kevin J. May, Christopher Molina, John S. Piwnica, Paul A. Raymond, Jonathan C. Waters, Timothy Oberg, John Ekpenyong
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Patent number: 6685110Abstract: An actuation mechanism is used with a sprinkler to allow water to flow out of the sprinkler or to shut off the flow of water. Rather than a conventional trigger, the activation mechanism uses a pushbutton assembly that can be toggled open or closed. This allows the person directing the sprinkler to use the sprinkler without undue stress on the hand and fingers from having to squeeze the conventional trigger. The actuation mechanism is comprised of a pushbutton, a guiding member, a limiting sleeve and a shell. The pushbutton, guiding member and limiting sleeve are housed in the shell. The pushbutton is attached to the guide member that selectively slides in the limiting sleeve. A connecting rod attached to the guiding member interfaces with the valve in the sprinkler and actuates the flow of water.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: Tzu-Meng Wang
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Patent number: 6648376Abstract: A flexible, sectioned plastic arm for a showerhead comprises a series of interconnected ball-and-socket (B&S) sections (10) with a proximal (shower pipe) end piece (12) and a distal (showerhead) end piece (14). Each B&S section has a proximal (cup or socket) end (10S) and a distal (ball) end (10B). The proximal end piece has a proximal end with female threads which can be screwed onto a shower pipe and a ball-shaped distal end for snapping into the socket of the most proximal section of the shower arm. The distal end piece has a proximal end with a socket for snapping onto the most distal end section of the shower arm and a distal end with male threads (12T) which can be screwed onto the showerhead. The arm has a through hole containing a series or chain of cylindrical brass or other metal sections, tubes, or sleeves (16). These prevent the arm from being bent too far, thereby to keep the B&S from separating.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: ShowerTek, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Christianson
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Patent number: 6629651Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Male, Milton B. Hollinshead
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Patent number: 6619567Abstract: A structure of flexible water tap with a nozzle having an extension pipe that can be pulled out from the water outgoing pipe to facilitate the rinsing and water supply, wherein the middle of the outgoing water section of the inner nozzle has an axial pipe and a plurality of passages transversally disposed in the middle section of the inner nozzle. Different elements are installed at the two water outgoing positions on the end cover in order to give different ways for the outgoing water. A splitter set is installed by passing through the middle section of the nozzle for producing a transversal displacement such that the entire structure only requires one hand to pull the nozzle from the position of the water outlet of the water tap, changes the flow path as well as the outgoing water condition, and thus attains the effect of convenient rinsing with simple control.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.Inventor: Scott Ouyoung
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Patent number: 6588453Abstract: In a pull-out spray head faucet or hand shower an insert is disposed in the tube spout to keep the pull-out spray head or wand from wobbling when it is seated in the tube spout. The insert is generally tubular and is shaped and sized to fit into the tube spout. The insert has two opposed tabs on the interior walls which engage two wings on an adapter which is mounted in the wand, thereby securing the adapter and wand against wobble.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Masco CorporationInventors: Garry R. Marty, Darrell S. Crowe, David M. Hardesty
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Patent number: 6572029Abstract: A recirculating paint supply system having a supply conduit, a return conduit and a push to connect fluid coupling assembly. The supply conduit supplies a liquid coating composition received from a supply to a spray nozzle. The return conduit returns the excess liquid coating composition supplied to the spray nozzle to the supply. The push to connect fluid coupling assembly receives an end portion of at least one of the supply conduit and the return conduit. The push to connect fluid coupling assembly includes a connector housing defining a bore having a first annular groove to retain an annular lock ring positioned within the groove. The lock ring is operable to grip and engage the outer periphery of the conduit to securably retain the conduit in the connector housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Earl R. Holt
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Patent number: 6568610Abstract: A flexible water spray wand for connection to a standard garden hose, having a housing connectable at a lower end to the garden hose and at an upper end to a flexible tube assembly connected at an opposite end to a spray nozzle. The pistol grip housing includes a water flow control valve such as a trigger mechanism operatively connected to a water valve for controlling the flow of water from the nozzle of the wand. The flexible tube assembly includes a flexible outer ribbed tube and an inner flexible tube for carrying the water, each connected to the handle and the nozzle by fittings. The position of the flexible tube assembly is held by a bendable metal rod which extends therethrough so as to enable the flexible tube assembly to be bent such that the water spray wand directs the water as desired to reach non-readily accessible places such as overhead plants and for flushing leaves from gutters.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: K. C. Ericksen
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Publication number: 20030055399Abstract: Devices and methods for personal hygiene. The devices of the present invention include a connector that can connect to an output of a shower head to deliver a flow of fluid through a fluid conduit to an applicator for delivery of a fluid flow and/or cleaning agent to a target area, such as the vagina. Optionally, a valve assembly and reservoir for medicant or a cleaning solution can be disposed adjacent the applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Timothy B. Hoenig
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Publication number: 20030019954Abstract: A sprayer including a sprayer container adapted to be filled with a fluid. The sprayer container has at least a portion thereof including thermochromic color-changing properties. The sprayer container includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. A spraying gun is connected to the sprayer container, with the spraying gun including a trigger for selectively spraying pressurized fluid in the sprayer container onto a predetermined object. The sprayer container indicates the amount of fluid in the sprayer container by a color change line located at a transition line between the fluid and gas within the sprayer container when fluid is located within the sprayer container, thereby causing a top area of the sprayer container having the interior surface adjacent the gas to be a first color and a bottom area of the sprayer container having the interior surface adjacent the fluid to be a second color.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Michael T. Clarke
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Patent number: 6508410Abstract: A mounting member (A) is carried beneath a closure member at the top of a liquid container positioning a receiving member (B) in opposed cantilevered relation thereby providing a lateral passageway (C) for accommodating a liquid dispensing tube so that a sprayer may be carried in upright position in the receiving member.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Package Supply & Equipment Co., Inc.Inventors: James G. Thomas, Jr., Harold S. Phipps
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Publication number: 20030010851Abstract: A sprinkling nozzle structure comprises a fixation body, a hose connecting body, a hand grip, a spout member, and a barrel member. The hose connecting body is fastened with one end of the fixation body. The fixation body is fastened at other end with the barrel member which is in turn fastened with the spout member. The barrel member is pliable to facilitate the directing of the spout member at a hard-to-reach area which is intended to be washed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
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Patent number: RE40441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.Inventors: David J. Kolacz, Ross Mack, Robert W. Steingass, Brian M. Tylisz