Pedal Actuator Patents (Class 251/295)
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Patent number: 5322084Abstract: The present invention is a foot operated control device that provides variable control by means of a single foot pedal. The foot operated control device can be locked to allow continuous unattended operation. The foot pedal can be flipped into an upper position, for example into a cabinet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foot operated control device comprises a foot operated faucet.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Hilltop CorporationInventor: Hassan Ghiassian
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Patent number: 5309941Abstract: This invention relates to a foot operated control valve in which the water supply is automatically stopped as soon as a foot push button is released. It is not only convenient for use, but can also economize water consumption by means of auto start and stop fully under foot control. The control valve has a housing and a valve body. The valve body includes an inlet cylinder and an outlet cylinder with both cylinders integrally communicated by means of a channel. The inlet cylinder having an adjustment assembly to open or block the water inlet. The outlet cylinder has a spring, valve and sleeve, in which the valve is movable to block or open the valve inlet for stopping or allowing water entry into the outlet. The open/close function can be accomplished by a valve opened by foot or closed by resilience of a spring to ensure that the use and water economization can be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Inventor: Chion-Dong Lin
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Patent number: 5307837Abstract: Water valve apparatus with distal control includes at least one valve for controlling flow of water therethrough and having a movable actuator for starting and stopping the flow of water. A permanent magnet, disposed proximate said actuator for magnetic engagement therewith, is provided for moving the actuator between a first position stopping water flow through the valve and a second position allowing water flow through the valve. A movable member is provided to alter the magnetic engagement between the permanent magnet and the actuator in order to move the actuator. A cable, having a slidable center wire attached to the movable member and a sheath attached to the valve is connected to a manually operable lever, for operating said cable in a manner causing movement of the movable member and concomitant movement of the actuator, as a result of magnetic engagement alteration, in order to start and stop water flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Inventors: Robert L. Woltz, Christopher K. Wynkoop
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Patent number: 5263684Abstract: A foot-operated control for adjusting a water faucet valve mechanism is disclosed herein having a turning mechanism coupled to a faucet valve in a water line responsive to a foot pedal or treadle for selectively opening and closing the valve to control the flow of water therethrough. Examples of a turning mechanism may be a looped cord about a drum or a lever arm attached to the valve, either of which is operated by a push rod or cable actuated by the foot pedal or treadle.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1989Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Inventor: Michael P. McGuire
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Patent number: 5230365Abstract: Water value apparatus with distal control includes at least one valve for controlling flow of water therethrough and having a movable actuator for starting and stopping the flow of water. A movable permanent magnet, disposed proximate said actuator for magnetic engagement therewith, is provided for moving the actuator between a first position stopping water flow through the valve and a second position allowing water flow through the valve. A cable, having a slidable center wire attached to the permanent magnet means and a sheath attached to the valve is connected to a manually operable lever, for operating said cable in a manner causing movement of the permanent magnet means and concomitant movement of the actuator in order to start and stop water flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Inventors: Robert L. Woltz, Christopher K. Wynkoop
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Patent number: 5226629Abstract: A remote controlled faucet has a valve assembly attachable to a nozzle of the faucet. The valve assembly includes a battery-powered motor-driven valve member and a radio receiving unit for actuating the motor in response to signals received from a remote sending unit. The sending unit is operated by the action of the user's foot for providing "hands-free" control of the faucet. In an alternate embodiment, the valve assembly is used to remotely control an independent hot and cold water faucet supply line to regulate water temperature and pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1992Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Inventors: Paul Millman, Mark Schwartz
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Patent number: 5203373Abstract: A foot-actuated valve assembly operable for delivering either a mixture of hot and cold water through a faucet, or solely cold water to the faucet. The user selectively actuates one of two sides of a kick plate. Actuation of one side of the kick plate causes a mixture of hot and cold water to flow through the faucet. Actuation of the other side of the kick plate causes only cold water to flow through the faucet.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1992Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Larry D. Lietz
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Patent number: 5199119Abstract: A remote control wash basin is disclosed having a foot pedal operation. The foot pedal operates a crank to pull a wire cable that operates a lever to open a normally closed push button valve. Depressing the foot pedal latches the valve into the open position where it remains until a release pedal is depressed. The release pedal occupies the portion of the face of the foot pedal and releases the latch to allow the foot pedal to return to its normally non-operational position. The foot pedal operated fluid controlling mechanism can be added to a wash basin cabinet with minimal changes.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Inventor: Ronald D. Weber
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Patent number: 5192050Abstract: The foot operated water valve apparatus is adapted for providing control of the flow of water through a water pipe without the necessity for using one's hands to shut off or start water flow. The apparatus comprises a valve in a housing attached to a water pipe fitting. A seal is provided to minimize water leakage of the unit. A fixed center rod is surrounded by a moving outer wall piston which is driven by water pressure differential. A series of small water exhaust holes are positioned at the based of the apparatus. Also, provided are a series of apertures from the piston interior to the flexible tube to the foot valve in order to provide pressurization to the foot pump and the extra pressure necessary to open the valve. The foot pump contains a fluid reservoir that allows for a pressure surge when the pump is stepped upon. This action causes the moving outer wall piston to move upward causing fluid to flow through the main pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1992Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Inventor: Peter C. Mele
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Patent number: 5170513Abstract: A toilet flusher for a disabled person is provided and consists of an elongated cord having a first end connected to a flush handle on a tank of a toilet and a mechanism mounted on the floor next to the toilet and connected to a second end of the cord, for triggering the cord to operate the flush handle when the disabled person steps on the trigger mechanism with their foot instead of with their hand. In a modification an adjustable extension handle is attached to the triggering mechanism so that the disable person can operate the triggering mechanism by pressing down on the extension handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Inventors: Deepak Ambooken, George Spector
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Patent number: 5125623Abstract: An apparatus capable of being installed onto an existing single spout of a plumbing system wherein the spout receives tap water from valves that adjust flow rates from separate lines of hot and cold water utilizes a control valve that attaches to the single spout. The control valve is operated by a foot pedal which communicates with the control valve by a cable whose path is constrained by guides and rollers.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Inventor: Robert Kiedinger
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Patent number: 5095941Abstract: This device is an automatic faucet with three temperature settings activated by a pressure switch which is mounted on or near the floor by the user's foot. The invention includes a device which will, after a period of time, automatically turn the water off after the switch has been depressed. In the preferred embodiment, the user upon approaching the sink, could, by viewing indicator lights, readily discern whether a hot, cold or warm temperature setting has been selected.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Inventor: John J. Betz
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Patent number: 5029806Abstract: A foot-controlled water faucet for regulating the outflow of water from a water faucet by means of air pressure comprises a compressing bladder connected with an air bladder in the water faucet by a passageway, a valve block, a ring body and a knob associated in proper order to form the water faucet. When stepping on the compressing bladder by foot the air inside is compressed and is squeezed to the air bladder in the water faucet via the passageway. The air bladder expands and pushes the platform as well as the stem in the ring body and the valve block respectively downward. The stem moves away from the opening of the valve block and water flows out. Water is stopped by releasing the compressing bladder which sucks back the air from the air bladder that is then contracts and allows the stem to move back to the original position. It can also be controlled by hand as an ordinary water faucet.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventors: Chuang Huo-Lien, Chuang Shih-Wei, Chuang Kan-Jung
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Patent number: 4945874Abstract: A throttle body for an internal combustion engine, comprising a suction passage for supplying a suction air to the internal combustion engine; a throttle valve provided in the suction passage and fixed to a rotatable throttle valve shaft so as to adjust a quantity of the suction air; an interconnecting lever rotatably mounted to an interconnecting shaft and adapted to be rotated by pulling an accelerator cable; a throttle valve operating lever mechanically connected to the interconnecting lever and fixed to the throttle valve shaft, the throttle valve operating lever being rotated in predetermined relational association with rotation of the interconnecting lever to open and close the throtle valve; and a tension spring for normally biasing the throttle valve in a valve closing direction, the tension spring having one end or pivotal point fixed to a part fixed to the throttle body and the other end or operation point fixed to the throttle valve operating lever; wherein the pivotal point and the operation pointType: GrantFiled: December 19, 1988Date of Patent: August 7, 1990Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tutomu Nishitani, Takio Suzuki, Yasuaki Kono, Tadamasa Osako, Sunao Kitamura, Youzou Sakakibara, Naruto Ito
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Patent number: 4909477Abstract: A vacuum dump valve comprises a housing having a cylindrical cavity therein communicating with ambient pressure and with a vacuum line, and a plunger in said cavity having a pair of diametrically spaced tabs acceptable in a pair of slots in said housing to limit travel and guide the plunger relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1989Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignee: Microdot Inc.Inventor: Stephen M. Heiman
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Patent number: 4877218Abstract: A drain valve device mounted on the bottom of a pressure tank for the purpose of disposing of unwanted, accumulated waste liquids in the tank. The valve portion of the device is of a type comprising a stem-mounted disc moving longitudinally against, or away from a valve seat in the process of closing or opening the valve, rspectively. Movement of the stem is achieved by means of a pivotally mounted valve operating lever, or by air pressure. The valve includes as special features thereof limited contact between the disc and the valve seal; a specially positioned valve seat which provides a pressure relief safety feature; a non-jamming spring configuration with positioning means therefore, and a self-aligning stem. In one of the preferred embodiments, a constricted opening is provided in the outlet of the valve to create an audible signal and to reduce loss of pressure when the valve is in its open position, draining the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1988Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignee: Design Improvement CorporationInventor: Clayton S. Kasner
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Patent number: 4868931Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for activating the flush valve handles of conventional toilet room fixture, such as urinals, with the user's foot. The apparatus provides for both horizontal and vertical adjustment. These adjustments provide the apparatus with the necessary flexibility required for adaptation of the device for use with most conventional toilet room fixtures. Use of the hands in actuating the flush valve handle is avoided, thereby providing for sanitary use and avoiding inadvertent contamination due to a prior user.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1988Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Inventor: Morton Schneeweiss
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Patent number: 4860786Abstract: The combination of a fluid conductive pipe line and an in-line valve adapted to open and close the fluid passage in said line, said valve having an external handle operatively connected to open and close the valve, said handle having an enlarged free end forming a foot pedal and being positioned such that the handle can be pivotally rotated to close said valve by foot or other pressure on said foot pedal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1987Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Inventor: Stephen L. Pollard
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Patent number: 4836244Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for the injection of very small amounts of samples into cells (74) with the aid of a microcapillary (10). During the injection, a constant injection pressure of about 0.12 bar, provided by a pressurized cylinder (46) is applied ot the microcapillary (10), which is reduced after the completion of the injection to a holding pressure of 0.02 bar until the next cell (64) is to be injected. A high-pressure (p.sub.1) supplied from another pressurized cylinder (44) serves for blowing out the microcapillary tip (12). A three-way valve (42) permits simple and rapid switching between the various pressure (p.sub.1, p.sub.2 and p.sub.3). Reproducible amounts of sample in the range from 10.sup.-11 ml to 10.sup.-13 ml can be injected reprodicibly, simply and rapidly.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1985Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Assignee: Europaisches Laboratorium fur MolekularbiologieInventor: Wilhelm Ansorge
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Patent number: 4656862Abstract: The present invention relates to a press machine that has a vertically movable ram for supporting upper or lower bending tools, said ram being integrally provided with an operation member, and a position determining member having an adjustable position located at a suitable point on said press machine such that when the operation member on the ram contacts the position determining member, the vertical movement of the ram is stopped. The press machine further includes a screw mechanism that is screw-coupled to the position determining member and is movable in an axial direction, a pulse motor drive unit which turns the threaded bolt, and a manual pulse generator for operating the pulse motor from a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1985Date of Patent: April 14, 1987Assignee: Amada Company, LimitedInventors: Tsuneo Kogure, Yuji Tsuchiyama, Tadashi Amano, Hideaki Takahashi, Katsuji Sekita, Ichio Akami
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Patent number: 4630644Abstract: An improved, remote controlled valve and dual push button assembly, having a hand operated push button which, when depressed and released, opens a water valve for a predetermined length of time after which the valve closes. The valve is also connected to a foot operated push button which, when depressed, holds the valve in an open configuration as long as the foot button is depressed. The improved valve and button assembly provides an air flow path through the foot button when the foot button is not depressed. The air flow path utilizes a hole in a diaphragm of the foot button which communicates with an air flow path in the base of the piston which depresses the foot button diaphragm. The disclosure also includes a check valve held in the needle valve which is a part of the timing mechanism of the hand operated button. The check valve prevents the flow of air out through the needle valve and permits air to only flow in through the needle valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1986Date of Patent: December 23, 1986Assignee: Acorn Engineering CompanyInventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron T. Hahn, Keith D. Marshall, Theodore J. Sally
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Patent number: 4612954Abstract: A pedal operated flushing system includes a hydraulically-actuated flush valve connected to a hydraulic fluid source by a supply line having a control valve therein. The control valve is mounted on a pocket portion of a bracket, the pocket forming an enclosure about an opening in a wall. A pedal is hinged to the bracket and normally covers the wall opening. The pedal pivots into the enclosure to actuate the control valve. A spring interposed between the pedal and control valve absorbs overtravel of the pedal toward the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1985Date of Patent: September 23, 1986Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventors: Frederic Lissau, deceased, Michael R. Stoltenberg
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Patent number: 4523911Abstract: A foot-actuated control arrangement, in particular for dental apparatuses, including an actuating element acting on a switch or control element, and which is equipped with a treadle. The actuating element is displaceable towards both sides from an initial position in one plane, is displaceable along a pivoted path about a stationary position, and can be restrained through at least one setting or control element in the mentioned initial position along the pivoted path and, subsequent to a displacement from this position, can be automatically returned thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1984Date of Patent: June 18, 1985Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voight GmbH & Co.Inventors: Hartmut Braetsch, Karl Herter
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Patent number: 4469208Abstract: A control mechanism for a differential lock having a control pedal isolated from the operating mechanism for engaging the differential. A platform resiliently mounted on the vehicle allows relative movement between the platform and the chassis. A foot operated control element mounted on the platform extends through the platform to a point adjacent an operating mechanism on the vehicle chassis. The operating mechanism selectively operates the differential lock control valve and in its retracted position completely disengages the operating mechanism. The differential lock valve is maintained by a detent in its actuating position and can be released by operating a brake system having a relay valve in the differential lock valve. When the brake system is operated, the relay valve releases the detent means in the differential lock valve allowing the valve to return to its differential release position and the operating mechanism to return to its retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1981Date of Patent: September 4, 1984Assignee: Allis-Chalmers CorporationInventor: Kenneth N. Hansen
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Patent number: 4242088Abstract: Improved actuator for a control valve especially useful for a compressed air-operated dentist's drill comprises a foot actuated roller connected to provide axial movement through a screw threaded connection to a spring-biased valve control element.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1977Date of Patent: December 30, 1980Assignee: Dental ABInventor: Bjorn Ekman
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Patent number: 4221359Abstract: A hydraulic valve normally mounted at a convenient level for manual operation on a machine can be operated by a person's foot as opposed to his hand. Towards this end, there are provided mounting means for mounting the valve in an upside down position at the same level together with an elongated tube extending from the normally existing manually operable portion of the valve vertically downwardly terminating short of the floor. A transverse foot pedal is pivoted to the machine frame at the level of the lower end of the tube, this lower end in turn being pivoted to the same foot pedal at a point spaced from the first pivoting point. The arrangement is such that rocking movement of the foot pedal will actuate the valve in the same manner as manual actuation when the valve was upright.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1978Date of Patent: September 9, 1980Assignee: American Machine & Hydraulics Inc.Inventor: Samuel Grimaldo
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Patent number: 4205705Abstract: Linkage which extends between right and left brake pedals and a valve construction provided with an outwardly extending shiftable shaft and a pair of valves disposed to either side of the shaft. A bolt assembly passes through one end of the shaft and mounts a yoke for rocking movement, the yoke having ends equally offset from the valves. Right and left substantially identical linkages are employed, each linkage including a push rod mounted for limited adjustable sliding movement in a trunnion carried by a bifurcated arm of a bell crank. The other bell crank arm is connected to an end of the yoke by a ball joint assembly, one end of a tubular intermediate portion being adapted to bear against a valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1978Date of Patent: June 3, 1980Assignee: Massey-Ferguson Inc.Inventor: Paul R. Chervenak
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Patent number: 4194720Abstract: A transmission control for a motor vehicle includes a valve and a spool mounted in the valve biased to extend therefrom. A spool actuator member controls extension of the spool from the valve. A spool control member is connected to move in response to movement of an operator control. An adjustable engaging member on the spool control member moves a predetermined distance free of forced engagement with the spool actuator. Subsequently the engaging member engages and moves the spool actuating member.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1977Date of Patent: March 25, 1980Assignee: Towmotor CorporationInventors: William I. Callaghan, Dennis E. Dawson, William D. Gubser, Joseph A. Vero
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Patent number: 4152951Abstract: A control mechanism for a hydraulically driven vehicle in which a control member is mounted and linked to forward and reverse actuating pedals such that when one of the directional pedals is depressed the control member body is maintained stationary and an operating shaft is rotated to generate a first directional control signal, and when the other directional pedal is depressed the operating shaft is held stationary and the control member body is rotated to generate a second, opposite directional control signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1977Date of Patent: May 8, 1979Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Lawrence L. Korczykowski
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Patent number: 4089619Abstract: A vacuum control system is disclosed consisting of a pedal actuated valve connected between a source of air under pressure and a Venturi tube where the valve and the Venturi tube are enclosed within a base and a treadle member pivotally mounted on the base for actuating the valve. The Venturi tube has a port in which a vacuum is created upon actuation of the valve to its open position. Air ejected from the Venturi may be noiselessly diffused by porous filler material disposed adjacent the output side of the Venturi. Further, the ejected air is directed away from the foot and leg of the operator by enlarging the clearance between the forward edges of the treadle member and base while decreasing the clearance between the rear edges thereof when the treadle member is depressed to actuate the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1975Date of Patent: May 16, 1978Assignee: Pace IncorporatedInventors: Loring E. Young, William J. Siegel
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Patent number: 4052035Abstract: A remotely-controlled valve is disclosed having a faucet-attachable control valve member and a foot-control member for generating air or water pressure which is communicated to the control valve member by means of a flexible tube or conduit. The air or water pressure urges a piston and a rigidly attached rod within the control valve member against a control ball valve away from an aperture connecting a first water chamber connected to the water supply from the faucet and a second water chamber connected via an exit passage to a spray head. Manual override means are provided to force the control ball valve in an open position regardless of the operation of the foot-control member.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1975Date of Patent: October 4, 1977Assignee: Conservocon, Inc.Inventors: Shaun S. Kenny, Leonard J. Armstrong
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Patent number: 4007499Abstract: Control apparatus used in connection with commodes automatically moves a trip lever for flushing the commode and includes a member adapted to be connected to the trip lever for moving between an initial position and a flushing position to cause the trip lever to raise a drain valve to its open position. A spring moves the member to its flushing position, and a person-operated device causes energy to be stored in the spring and releases subsequently the energy from the spring to move the member toward its flushing position. A latching device connected to the member connects releasably the member and the trip member for moving it and the valve against the force of water pressure acting on the valve until the water pressure equals the force applied by the spring after sufficient water discharge.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1976Date of Patent: February 15, 1977Inventor: Teng Ke Lin
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Patent number: 3963391Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling speed and torque of hand held air driven vane type motors is available in several embodiments. For example, one embodiment is used in tool and die work and another embodiment is used in dental work. In reference to the latter, a foot operated control regulates the speed of an air driven handpiece, driving in turn various tools such as cutters and drills as they are generally used in a dental laboratory, by regulating the flow of compressed air both to and from the handpiece. Application of an operator's foot pressure on a floor level foot control, simultaneously depresses two valves which control the flow of compressed air. One valve controls the flow of compressed air from its source to the handpiece, and one valve controls the release into the atmosphere of compressed air from the handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1974Date of Patent: June 15, 1976Inventors: Fred E. Thorburn, T. Michael Thorburn