Patents Examined by Andres Kashnikow
  • Patent number: 6089470
    Abstract: A control valve assembly for use in a pump or injector of fuel injection systems is provided. A pump or injector body has a pumping chamber, and a valve chamber. The valve chamber defines a valve seat and has an axial guiding portion. A plunger is disposed in the pumping chamber. A valve body disposed in the valve chamber controls fuel. The valve body has a valve stem defining a seating surface. The valve body further has a valve guide in sliding engagement with the valve chamber guiding portion. The valve body is axially movable with respect to the valve chamber over a stroke range. The valve guide has an outer engagement surface that slidingly engages the valve chamber guiding portion with a clearance fit of at least about 5 micrometers in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the axial length of the engagement surface is at most about 7 millimeters. The reduced axial length and/or the clearance fit improve initial sealing performance and sealing performance over the life cycle of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Diesel Technology Company
    Inventors: Richard F. Teerman, Thomas Steele, Philip James Czarnecki
  • Patent number: 6089325
    Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Shaikh Ghaleb Mohammad Yassin Alhamad
  • Patent number: 6085990
    Abstract: A piezoelectric injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines has a piezoactuator guided with spring pretensioning in a valve housing. The actuator presses a sealing piece onto its valve seat through an actuating part, with the actuating part consisting of a pressure pin passing through the piezoactuator and having a head part resting on piezoactuator. The pressure pin and piezoactuator are of the same length and are made of the same ceramic material, in operation the sealing piece is lifted off its valve seat by piezoactuator which is expanded when in the charged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Augustin
  • Patent number: 6085994
    Abstract: A multiple nozzle swivel assembly for mounting on a cable support stretched across the interior of a chamber to be scrubbed with high velocity jet streams or stretched along an array of objects to be cleaned as the swivel assembly traverses the cable from one end to the other. The cable passes through a coaxial bore in an elongated shaft carrying both a relatively stationary an input member for supply of high pressure liquid to the assembly and a rotatable output nozzle-carrying spray head member. The shaft is monolithic with multiple angularly spaced bores around the central bore and parallel thereto and sealed from the central bore carry high pressure liquid from the input member to the output spray head member with very low drag bearings and liquid seals being provided between relatively rotating liquid carrying components. The assembly includes multi-directioned nozzle elements on a rotatable spray head. Positive drive to rotate the spray head is achieved with a rotational speed controlling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Stoneage, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Patent number: 6085997
    Abstract: An inexpensive pneumatically-operated apparatus is disclosed for spraying a broad range of viscous materials that atomizes the sprayable material without using propellant gases, and can be filled with bulk texture or other fluid coatings. A container removably locks onto the bottom of a sealing disk, consisting of a dip tube, an elbow, an air jet member, an equalization port, and an equalization tube. A cap is selectively united with the sealing disk and the container. The user fills the container with the sprayable material, attaches it to the sealing disk and cap, and connects to an external air supply device. A spray nozzle is used to adjust the type of spray, and the user holds up the apparatus as one would hold an aerosol spray can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Spraytex, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory B. Mills, George Pelling
  • Patent number: 6085999
    Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed which includes a center pivot support having an elongated main water boom pivotally connected thereto which extends outwardly therefrom. An elongated extension boom is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of the main boom and is supported by a steerable drive tower. A corner arm sensor is provided for sensing the angle of the extension boom with respect to the main boom. A plurality of first sprinklers are positioned on the extension boom along the length thereof and a plurality of second sprinklers are positioned on the extension boom along the length thereof. The water which is normally allocated to the end gun on the outer end of the extension boom is supplied to the second sprinkler during certain periods of time that the end gun is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Gerdes, Dale A. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6085996
    Abstract: A fluid nozzle for an air assisted spray device is disclosed, wherein the fluid nozzle may have a nozzle tip therein which is more resistant to fluid abrasion than other portions of the fluid nozzle. In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzle tips are capable of being interchangeably used with a single main body of the fluid nozzle. Thus, replacement nozzle tips can be used when: (a) a nozzle tip effectiveness deteriorates due to wear, and (b) a fluid to be sprayed requires a nozzle tip with a different configuration. Further, in one embodiment, the fluid nozzle of the present invention provides an annular plenum between a recess wall of the main body, and an exterior portion of the nozzle tip. Such a plenum is used to enhance the volume and turbulence within an air chamber of the spray device prior to the air exiting for atomizing the fluid being sprayed. Thus, such enhanced turbulence provides a more uniform air velocity exiting the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Coating Atomization Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel William Culbertson, Robert Ray Mellette
  • Patent number: 6085987
    Abstract: A variable accumulator or regulator controls grain or other particulate material falling through and being discharged from a conduit. An array of blades are mounted at the discharge end of the accumulator to control the flow of the particulate material therefrom. A counterbalance mechanism is coupled to each of the blades and can be precisely adjusted to provide the appropriate counterbalancing force on the blades to control the particulate material flow without damage to the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Coy N. Haraway
  • Patent number: 6085998
    Abstract: A dismountable hot air nozzle comprising a mounting adapter (2) to be secured to a nozzle pipe (92), a generally annular adapter spring (59) cut in one position and having engaging bosses (59a) adapted to project from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting adapter when assembled, a stopper pin (58) projecting out of the inner circumferential surface of the mounting adapter in a position adjacent to the engaging boss when assembled, and a nozzle holder (3) carrying a nozzle (8) at its lower end and formed as a cylindrical member (6) adapted to fit into the mounting adapter at its upper end, the upper end of the cylindrical member being formed with recesses (61) engageable with the stopper pin (58) at their circumferentially lateral edges and the cylindrical member being further formed with slits (62) engageable with the engaging bosses (59a) as the engageable circumferentially lateral edge of recess (61) is engaged by the stopper pin (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hakko Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6085989
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scent dispenser comprised of a pair of transparent, telescopingly polymeric sleeves, each of the sleeves defining eight apertures. The apertures are selectively aligned for scent emission in various configurations. Contained within the scent dispenser is a scent producing substance which emits scent which travels through the apertures when appropriately aligned. A system of nubs and projections engage to allow the selective positioning of the sleeves relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Larry R. Cox
  • Patent number: 6085995
    Abstract: A rotary drive sprinkler having a multiplicity of nozzles which can be selectively changed at any time. The nozzle assembly has an internal rotor member for bringing one of the nozzles into operation as the internal rotor is turned. A water flow can be directed from a rotor to a selected nozzle in a fixed circumferential row of nozzles to create a nozzle stream leaving the nozzle assembly, or a nozzle stream can be directed from a specific nozzle of a circumferential row of nozzles in an internal rotor to a single passage open to the exterior of the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III
  • Patent number: 6082465
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing sprinkler nozzle includes a body defining a central channel or bore through which water flows during a fire. The sprinkler nozzle includes a fluid flow thrust reverser disposed over the orifice of the central channel such that water exiting out of the channel impinges the thrust reverser. The direction of water flow is reversed by the thrust reverser. After exiting the thrust reverser, the water impinges the impact surface of deflector disposed around the periphery of the sprinkler body. An upright sprinkler nozzle is thereby provided in which the water has a downward momentum prior to its impinging the impact surface of the deflector that is comparable to a pendent sprinkler head. The sprinkler nozzle is activated by conventional fire detecting or heat sensitive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Retzloff
  • Patent number: 6082627
    Abstract: Dispensing apparatus and methods related to a nozzle, gun and filter for dispensing viscous liquid materials. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having a dispensing orifice with a diameter and an engagement dimension. A first visually identifiable indicium is provided on the body portion to indicate the orifice diameter and a second visually identifiable indicium is provided on the body portion independently from the first indicium to indicate the engagement dimension of the nozzle. To provide for easy and precise indication of the nozzle, at least one of the first and second indicia is a colored marking. A dispensing gun and filter used, for example, in a hot melt adhesive dispensing system also incorporate generally similar indications of nozzle orifice and engagement dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Raterman
  • Patent number: 6082638
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine that applies chemical anti-icing agents to any surface to be protected from snow and ice, i.e., driveways, walkways, rooftops, etc. More specifically, the device is affixed to stationary surfaces and permits adjustment to spray nozzles. Thus liquid chemical anti-icing agents are applied to the target surfaces by spraying the liquid in a manner intended to prevent snow and ice from forming a bond with the target surface. The device permits the permanent installation of spray nozzles on, in or near the surface intended to be protected by anti-icing agents. The device is easily maintained and left in a state of preparedness for use in the event of icing conditions. The invention provides a durable, adjustable and permanent point of attachment for spray nozzles for anti-icing purposes. The device may be surface mounted or embedded in an existing structure. Use of the device greatly increases the margin of safety for users of the driveways, sidewalks, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Odin Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Ask, Tom Ask
  • Patent number: 6082636
    Abstract: In a washer nozzle assembly, the upper lip portion defining a nozzle opening extends more forwardly than the lower lip portion so that the part of the washer liquid directed upward is blocked by the longer upper lip portion, and the upper part of the spray pattern includes more liquid droplets of larger sizes as compared to the prior art. Thus, the loss of washer liquid by being flown above the windshield at high speed can be reduced, and the spray pattern of the washer nozzle assembly can be optimized for all speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yoshida, Akira Takayama, Koji Iwazaki, Takatoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6082630
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted high pressure water cleaning apparatus includes a water delivery system, hydraulic system, and an electrical system working together to provide, alternatively, high pressure water for a cleaning operation, or recirculation of high pressure water back to a water tank. The hydraulic system is operable to either direct water toward a cleaning operation, or to wind in or play out the water delivery hose while either supplying water to the delivery hose under pressure or recirculating the water back to the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Lee A. Bohrer
  • Patent number: 6082631
    Abstract: A transportable, trailer-mounted system for removing graffiti from exterior and interior surfaces is disclosed. The system includes a water supply tank, a pressure washer, provision for applying cleaning chemicals to surfaces, storage areas for cleaning chemicals, sandblasting apparatus, and painting apparatus. Also included are sources of electrical power, air compressor, painting equipment and surface preparation tools. Using the system enables the cleaning and restoration of graffiti-damaged surfaces in the minimum possible amount of time after the graffiti is applied. It is generally agreed that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the incidence of graffiti application and that graffiti is more easily removed if removal is accomplished soon after it has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Graffiti Gone Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Aslakson
  • Patent number: 6082597
    Abstract: A dispenser for a single cartridge has a yoke pivotably mounted on a stock. The yoke has a square-section open end and a circular section closed end. One flat side on the square section end provide an abutment for defining the closed position of the yoke. The yoke has a similar flat surface engages the plate side of the yoke. The flat surface on the stock is easily formed in the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: P.C. Cox Limited
    Inventors: Clifford E. Beckett, Andrew C. Leech
  • Patent number: 6082596
    Abstract: A solid-foods dispenser adapted to receive a stick of solid edible material and dispense the material in at least one ribbon of desired thickness is disclosed. The solid-foods dispenser comprises an elongate housing having structural walls defining a chamber bounded by terminal ends, the chamber having an internal configuration generally corresponding to the configuration of the stick of material to be dispensed. A first closure adapted to be removingly engaged to one end of the elongate housing has an advance associated therewith and a second closure adapted to be fitted to the other end of the elongate housing has an interchangeable die associated therewith. The advance has a plunger for dispensing the stick wherein the advance moves the plunger. The plunger has a forward end surface configured to mate with the interior surface of the second closure and is positioned within the housing and movable therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Drake L. Koch, Vijay S. Malik
  • Patent number: 6082464
    Abstract: A fire is inerted, extinguished and suppressed, by a dual stage fire extinguisher. In a first stage, a sufficient volume percentage of an inerting agent is delivered to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is extinguished, in the second stage, a different amount of inerting agent is delivered to the fire to suppress it and prevent re-ignition. Since suppression typically requires less of the inerting agent than extinguishing, a reduction in the weight of the inerting media is achieved with the dual stage process making the system particularly amenable to aircraft applications such as in an engine nacelle or cargo dry bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Primex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Mitchell, Paul H. Wierenga