Fluent Material Transmission Line Patents (Class 439/191)
  • Patent number: 4963100
    Abstract: An electrified vacuum cleaner hose adapter for electrically and mechanically interconnecting an electrified vacuum cleaner hose with an electrified vacuum cleaner wand or accessory, comprises a handle portion which includes two tubular portions set at an angle to each other, an inlet member for connecting to a vacuum cleaner hose and an outlet member for connecting to the vacuum cleaner wand or accessory. Electrical connectors are provided at each end of the handle portion of the adapter for connecting with corresponding electrical conductors of the hose and wand, respectively. An electrical wire extends between the connectors. The connectors and the electrical wire are covered by a channel-shaped member which defines a closed passage in the handle portion for enclosing the electrical connectors and wire and for serving as a manually grippable protrusion on the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Vacuum Parts Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Genoa, Harold Kaskel, Carl Nelson
  • Patent number: 4953636
    Abstract: A pipe assembly for use in production or drilling systems comprises a plurality of pipe members connected together in end-to-end relationship and a plurality of tubular conductor members electrically connected together in end-to-end relationship. The members have co-operating tapered or stepped portions, and/or screw-threaded portions whereby the pipe members support the conductor members in internal or external coaxial relationship. A logging unit can be moved along the assembly unit under fluid pressure to engage stop means for connecting the unit with the conductor members, or a logging unit can be incorporated in a pipe member wall. An outer pipe can surround the pipe assembly to provide with the pipe assembly interior two passages for the reception, flow or circulation of fluids, for example extracted oil and/or gas and barrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Framo Developments (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Frank Mohn
  • Patent number: 4936943
    Abstract: This relates to the mounting of a sealing head for sealing a plastic lid in a plastic container by way of induction heating. In order that a sealing head may be readily removed and replaced by a like sealing head for cleaning and repair, there is provided a quick detachable coupling between the sealing head and a support which is carried by a movable positioner for vertically positioning the sealing head. Further, there is associated with the support a supply unit which supplies to the sealing head electrical energy for an induction heating coil and for a gas detector. In addition, there is supplied to the sealing head from the supply unit two separate vacuum supplies and an inert gas supply with one of the vacuum supplies serving to hold a lid in place on the underside of the sealing head and the other vacuum supply serving to evacuate the container prior to the lid being applied thereto. The inert gas supply is provided to supply an inert gas to an evacuated container prior to sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Kubis, John Walter
  • Patent number: 4919621
    Abstract: A plug and socket type connector for connecting an endoscope to supply units such as light projectors, pumps and electrical generators, comprises a casing incorporating connections which may be coupled to corresponding connections of the supply unit or units in question, and the casing is provided with a reception device for releasably connecting a plug of a light conductor cable to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Richard Wolf, GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Ams
  • Patent number: 4917619
    Abstract: A tool changer for welding robot comprising: detachable male portions of connectors provided at a substrate fixed to a robot arm side for supplying electricity, gas, air, water to the tool side from the robot arm side; and detachable female portions of connectors to be connected to the male portions of the connectors and provided at a substrate fixed to a tool side for receiving electricity, gas, air, water from the male portions of connectors, each female portion composed of the connector, a protective tube provided at the substrate fixed to the welding gun side, a coupler inserted inside thereof, and an O-ring provided between the protective tube and the coupler, wherein the connector and the coupler are integrally formed and are radially slidable within the protective tube around the O-ring. A transformer is provided centrally of the connectors on the robot arm side substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Obara Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 4915640
    Abstract: A handle for a vacuum hose of a central vacuum system. There is a body having a first and second end. A nozzle projects outwardly at the first end and there is a recess at the second end to receive the vacuum hose. A pathway through the body joins the recess and the nozzle. There is a handgrip formed on the handle and a first connector means on the body, generally adjacent the first end. There is a switch adjacent the handgrip. Conductors join the first connector to the switch. A second connector on the body is generally adjacent the second end, and conductors join the switch to the second connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Theodore R. Hayden
  • Patent number: 4901975
    Abstract: Two components, such as a support tube and handset of a herbicide delivery lance, are interconnected in a manner which provides an electrical connection between leads in the tube and the handset respectively. Fluid communication is also provided between a flexible tube in the tube and a passage of the handset. The leads on the tube are connected to two terminal plates situated on the outer surface of the tube. These terminal plates move into positions opposite bosses on a sleeve provided on the handset when the tube is pushed into the sleeve. Screws, engaging bushes accommodated in the bosses, are then screwed into contact with the terminal plates to secure the tube in position. The screws also complete the electrical circuit between the leads. One of the components includes a valve which includes an operating member. Displacement of the operating member against the action of a spring not only opens the valve, but also actuates an electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Nomix Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: David C. Gill, Gary K. Pressey
  • Patent number: 4899822
    Abstract: Control apparatus for a sub-sea wellhead installation, for example of a satellite well, is disclosed which includes a plurality of control devices 80 each for providing a control function for the installation 10 and a connector 40, 45, 50 for connecting the devices 80 to the installation 10, each control device being independently engageable and disengageable with the connector 40, 45, 50. The connector includes a manifold 40 to which are connected a plurality of receptacles 50, each control device 80 being engageable with the the receptacle 50. The receptacles and control devices are preferably provided with complementary engageable portions 52, 54, 56; 82, 84, 86, which include hydraulic and electrical connectors 58, 60, 62, 70, 72; 88, 90, 92, 98, 100, so that control signals may be passed via the connectors 40, 45, 50 to the control devices 80 from a command installation and actuation signals may be passed from the control devices 80 through the connector 40, 45, 50 to devices on the installation 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Daeschler, Anthony J. Asbury
  • Patent number: 4895528
    Abstract: A hose-to-wall fitting for attachment to one end of a current-carrying flexible hose to enable such hose to be connected through a wall-mounted current-carrying inlet valve to both (1) a source of vacuum and (2) dual sources of electrical power, e.g., a high-voltage source for powering a motor or the like, and a low-voltage source for powering a control circuit or the like through a switch built into the handle/wand fitting attached to the other end of the hose. The high-voltage male contacts of the hose-to-wall fitting can be reversed to enable use with the types of inlet valves which incorporate only the connections to the source of vacuum and to the low voltage source, or only the connection to the source of vacuum, the high-voltage connection being made in either case through a short electrical cord to a conventional electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Automation Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alcide W. Choiniere, George T. Dunn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4894020
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the vacuum cleaner hose construction comprising an elongated vacuum hose having an electrical conductor extending therealong and being provided with an end portion, and an electrical connector carried by the hose and being fixed to the end portion, the connector having a pair of spaced apart knife-like portions each being provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot therein that has an open end and a closed end, the knife-like portions of the connector having the open ends of the slots thereof facing in the same direction and being interconnected together at one end thereof to an intermediate part of the connector whereby the portions and the part define a U-shaped configuration that has a bight facing in the same direction as the open end of the slots, the end portion being disposed in the slots of the connector and being wedged between the opposed edges thereof for providing electrical connection therebetween, the connect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Homer N. Holden, Philip K. Loyer, Lowell T. Noyes, Janos J. Legrady
  • Patent number: 4894021
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose construction, insert therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the vacuum cleaner hose construction comprising an elongated vacuum hose having an end and an electrical conductor extending therealong and being provided with an end portion at the end thereof, an electrical terminal connector carried by the hose and being fixed to the end portion, an enlarged cuff disposed onto the end of the hose and covering at least part of the connector to hold the connector and its interconnected end portion in a predetermined position on the hose, and an insert that initially holds the connector and its interconnected end portion in the predetermined position thereof before the cuff is disposed thereon, the insert also being at least partially covered by the cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Homer N. Holden, Roger D. Meadows, Philip K. Loyer
  • Patent number: 4886466
    Abstract: A sealed electrical and pneumatic connector for a hollow piston rod or the like comprises mating connector bodies which provide pneumatic and multiple electrical interfaces. The pneumatic interface includes a hose which carries seals and a slide for sealing the pneumatic interface effectively. The upper connector body houses conductor seals and carries an external seal sleeve for sealing the opening of the hollow piston rod. The upper connector is retained by a retainer which assures proper positioning of the electrical terminals. The retainer is locked by a clamp which assures proper mating of the connector bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Doherty, Timothy N. Tackett, Lawrence R. Gavin
  • Patent number: 4881909
    Abstract: An electrically conductive hose assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a hose body having a plurality of resilient helical conductive wires and a handle assembly having a projecting hollow end portion received within the hose body. Handle assembly wires are connected to the hose body wires by terminals fitted over the wire ends and crimped thereto, and a shrink wrap insulation is secured therearound. The hollow end portion has outwardly projecting wire termination blocks defining circumferential slots for removably securing the hose body wire end portions adjacent their connection to the handle wires, and the hollow end portion includes a depressed section aligned with that connection. At least one of the hose wires is secured between the hollow end portion and an axially extending resilient arm which is supported from one end in a radially spaced relation from the hollow end portion and has an inwardly extending tab at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon R. Blackman
  • Patent number: 4854886
    Abstract: An electrical coupling for conducting electricity between areas of different pressures including a hollow housing extending between the areas of different pressures, an electrical cable extending through the housing, a seal located in the housing, a compression assembly for compressing the seal, a first pressure-equalizing assembly at one end of the housing for maintaining the pressure inside the housing at least equal to the pressure outside the housing at that end, and a second pressure-equalizing assembly at the other end of the housing for maintaining the pressure inside the housing at least equal to the pressure outside the housing at that other end. Each of the pressure-equalizing assemblies comprises a dielectric flowable grease filling the otherwise empty spaces inside the housing and a movable wall, that is exposed to the exterior pressure, pressurizing the grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: David H. Neuroth
  • Patent number: 4846712
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose construction, terminal connector therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the vacuum cleaner hose construction comprising an elongated vacuum hose having an electrical conductor extending therealong and being provided with an end portion, and an electrical connector carried by the hose and being fixed to the end portion, the connector having a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot therein that has an open end and a closed end. The end portion is disposed in the slot of the connector and is wedged between the opposed edges thereof for providing electrical connection therebetween. The connector has a holding unit carried thereby and having a part thereof disposed adjacent the conductor to hold the conductor in the slot by trapping the conductor between that part and the closed end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Homer N. Holden, Roger D. Meadows
  • Patent number: 4840574
    Abstract: A multiconnector is composed of a stationary socket unit (FIG. 1a) and of a free plug unit (FIG. 1b). The multiconnector is able to supply both hydraulic and electric services, the hydraulic connectors being located in a sealed chamber (7). The force necessary to couple or uncouple the two units is applied via an engagement lever (10). Only one manipulator arm is necessary, first to bring the two units into alignment and then to operate the engagement lever, the two units being temporarily held by a claw (16) before the engagement lever is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)
    Inventor: Simon F. Mills
  • Patent number: 4826444
    Abstract: An electrified vacuum cleaner hose adapter for electrically and mechanically interconnecting an electrified vacuum cleaner hose with an electrified vacuum cleaner wand or accessory, comprises a handle portion which includes two tubular portions set at an angle to each other, an inlet member for connecting to a vacuum cleaner hose and an outlet member for connecting to the vacuum cleaner wand or accessory. Electrical connectors are provided at each end of the handle portion of the adapter for connecting with corresponding electrical conductors of the hose and wand, respectively. Electrical conductors extend between the connectors. The connectors and the electrical conductors are covered by a projecting member which defines a closed passage in the handle portion for enclosing the electrical connectors and conductors and for serving as a manually grippable protrusion on the handle portion. A switch may be provided in the projecting portion to control the electrified wand or accessory connected to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Atlantic Vacuum Parts Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Genoa, Harold Kaskel, Carl Nelson
  • Patent number: 4806114
    Abstract: An electrically conductive coupling, suitable for passing an electric current to or from an underwater well or underwater equipment comprises:(a) an outer body having, on its inner surface, a recess,(b) an inner body having, on its outer surface, a recess, the recesses being positioned so that they are aligned when the inner and outer bodies are mated to form an annular space,(c) a resilient non-conductive member associated with the outer body having at least one inset conductive contact,(d) a resilient non-conductive member associated with the inner body having at least one inset conductive contact, the two conductive members occupying the annular space and providing, through their inset conductive contacts an electrical path between the outer and inner bodies, and(e) a passage for dielectric fluid to pass from the inner to the outer body or vice versa between the resilient non-conductive members and around or through the contact surfaces of the inset contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventor: Hans P. Hopper
  • Patent number: 4804329
    Abstract: A connecting means for an illuminant handpiece being characterized in that the connecting device is adapted such that at least one of the electrical connections of the electric power receiving terminals of the illumination lamp and the electric power supply terminals is performed by fitting at a position close to the axis of the grip section almost symmetrically about the axis, and the other electrical connection is performed by fitting almost symmetrically about the axis or by abutting coaxially about the axis so as to permit a mutual rotation of the terminals. With this structure, the diameter of the connection area can be made small and the grip section can have an easy-to-hold size. In addition, the distance to the irradiation section can be reduced and efficient irradiation with less optical loss is obtained. Moreover, the space or lamp replacement can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shozo Nakayama, Shinichiro Madenokoji
  • Patent number: 4804333
    Abstract: An electrified vacuum cleaner hose adapter for electrically and mechanically interconnecting an electrified vacuum cleaner hose with an electrified vacuum cleaner wand or accessory, comprises a handle portion which includes two tubular portions set at an angle to each other, an inlet member for connecting to a vacuum cleaner hose and an outlet member for connecting to the vacuum cleaner wand or accessory. Electrical connectors are provided at each end of the handle portion of the adapter for connecting with corresponding electrical conductors of the hose and wand, respectively. An electrical wire extends between the connectors. The connectors and the electrical wire are covered by a channel-shaped member which defines a closed passage in the handle portion for enclosing the electrical connectors and wire and for serving as a manually grippable protrusion on the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Atlantic Vacuum Parts Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Genoa, Harold Kaskel, Carl Nelson
  • Patent number: 4799544
    Abstract: A multi-conduit tubular having fluid conduits (30) and electrical conduits (108), with associated surface fluid (182) and electrical (186) commutators, and downhole sensors (18, 20, 290) for providing surface monitors (22) with instantaneous formation data. Each tubular (50) includes a plurality of uniform linear conduits (30) therethrough, with a gasketed seal plate (86) interposed between joined tubulars for assuring a high pressure seal between joined conduits. The seal plate (86) includes an intermediate electrical connector (126) for connecting electrical conduit connectors (116) of one tubular to another. A coupling collar (84) with uniform diameter internal coarse and fine threads (92, 94) joins the tubular ends having similar threads by differential thread action without respective tubular rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Pangaea Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry B. Curlett
  • Patent number: 4787117
    Abstract: A plug retainer for use in a vacuum cleaner having a handle removably connected to a wand. The plug retainer is arranged to effectively preclude discharge of static electricity from the dirty suction air to the electrical conductors and interconnected plugs so as to avoid spurious operation of electrostatic discharge sensitive control structure of the vacuum cleaner, which may include microprocessor control elements. The plug retainer structure includes a locking tongue and an integral static shield extending over a substantial area between the connected male and female plugs of the control wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: George A. Westergren
  • Patent number: 4781607
    Abstract: A pilot valve system including an electrical connector assembly for a subsurface safety valve operated by control fluid pressure from the surface including a pilot valve connected with the control fluid line to the subsurface safety valve and into the well production string immediately above the safety valve to bypass the control fluid pressure directly into the tubing string and dump the control fluid pressure from the subsurface safety valve into the tubing string directly above the valve to minimize the time delay between control fluid pressure reduction and the safety valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: William D. Rumbaugh
  • Patent number: 4767349
    Abstract: Connector assembly for use in a fluid medium comprising a male connector with a cylindrical pin with several axially spaced contact elements, and a female connector with a tubular housing and axially spaced annular contacts secured inside the housing. Seals with a flexible central portion are alternated with the contacts and with the latter define a bore to accommodate the pin. A chamber filled with dielectric liquid is defined within the housing as a rear extension of the bore, the entry of which is closed to external fluid by a sealing member. A free space is left around the flexible portion of each tubular seal, and each of said spaces communicates with the aforementioned chamber. Means are provided by which the pressure increases in the chamber when the pin is inserted. The pressure rise in the spaces around the seals increases the pressure force of the seals against the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alain P. Pottier, James J. Walulik, Ralph L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 4767257
    Abstract: A piping for control/drive medium of an industrial robot having at least one robot arm, which is to be supplied from a main body of the robot to a hand device thereof, is composed of a plurality of pipe segments adjacent ones of which are connected by a rotary joint disposed on a joint portion of the robot arm, with a rotary axis of the rotary joint being aligned with a rotary center of the joint portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisao Kato
  • Patent number: 4758170
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a current carrying inlet valve for central vacuum system providing tubular elements and connecting fittings with an integral electrical receptacle to permit operation of any electrically driven attachments and/or other cleaning devices, specific to the operation of a central vacuum cleaning system, without the necessity of an electrical outlet in close proximity, to which the location of an inlet valve was hereto restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Theodore R. D. Hayden
  • Patent number: 4740171
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose construction, terminal connector therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the vacuum cleaner hose construction comprising an elongated vacuum hose having an electrical conductor extending therealong and being provided with an end portion, and an electrical connector carried by the hose and being fixed to the end portion, the connector having a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot therein that has an open end and a closed end. The end portion is disposed in the slot of the connector and is wedged between the opposed edges thereof for providing electrical connection therebetween. The connector has a holding unit carried thereby and having a part thereof disposed adjacent the conductor to hold the conductor in the slot by trapping the conductor between that part and the closed end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Homer N. Holden, Roger D. Meadows
  • Patent number: 4735579
    Abstract: An inlet valve assembly for a central vacuum cleaner system is provided with a mounting bracket plate having a circular inlet aperture therethrough and at least one electrical service aperture, and an adaptor for snap engagement with the mounting bracket plate through said inlet aperture. The adaptor comprises a deformable open-ended cylindrical connector of outside diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the inlet aperture, a flange projecting laterally from one end of the connector and adapted to overlie at least a part of the mounting bracket plate including the electrical service aperture, and an outer peripheral groove about the cylindrical connector and adjacent said flange. The deformable cylindrical connector is adapted for insertion into the inlet aperture until the flange abuts the connector plate, whereupon the edge of the inlet aperture snaps into the groove in the outer surface of the cylindrical connector to securely attach the adaptor to the mounting bracket plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Oscar P. Muser
  • Patent number: 4708201
    Abstract: A pivotally adjustable, low profile, top entry, electrical transmission assembly for removably effecting electrical communication through a tubing hanger between an above ground electric power supply cable and an electric power receiving cable that extends upwardly from a submersible unit in a bore hole. The assembly may be removed from the tubing hanger for maintenance without removing the tubing hanger from the wellhead in which it is disposed. The portion of the assembly above the wellhead is of angled structure to minimize the height thereof which is of importance on oil islands where wells are closely spaced and drilling and maintenance equipment must be periodically moved over the wells. The assembly due to being pivotally adjustable permits the power supply cable associated therewith to extend from the wellhead in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: Lehman T. Reed
  • Patent number: 4690212
    Abstract: A drilling pipe and pipe connection system for maintaining electric connection between the surface and a subsurface location during drilling having sidewalls consisting of a bundle of parallel, longitudinally oriented, tightly packed wires cemented to each other thus creating a structural "reed bundling effect". Individual insulated conductive wires distributed around the reed bundled sidewall in two concentric subsets are attached to a pair of concentric electrical contact rings located at each end fitting such that when drilling pipe sections are interconnected electrical continuity is maintained. Such a drilling pipe is useful to deliver electricity to a downhole drilling motor or the like and for transmitting electrical signals or data during the drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: David E. Termohlen
  • Patent number: 4673108
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing gun includes a case housing a replaceable nozzle, which defines a number of liquid passageways, and a beverage selection button array. The liquid passageways are connected to flexible liquid lines. A printed circuit (PC) board, mounted within the case underlying the button array, includes pressure actuated switches actuated when the corresponding button is depressed. Holes in the rigid PC board beneath each button house light emitting diodes to light up the buttons to aid visibility. The PC board is protected from moisture using a flexible plastic film on the upper surface and a rubber boot covering the bottom and the peripheral edge of the PC board. A metal band sealingly secures the peripheral edge of the rubber boot to the PC board. The speed of the liquid is reduced as it passes through the nozzle by increasing the area of the passageway. This is achieved by either injecting the fluid into a common, enlarged passageway section or by enlarging each passageway with a venturi region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Inventor: Heiko T. de Man