Patents Examined by Darren W Gorman
  • Dual media nozzle
    Patent number: 11298710
    Abstract: A dual media spray nozzle assembly for cleaning an optical viewer or sensor lens is disclosed. The assembly includes two media pathways that terminate in two arrays at the target cleaning area. The nozzle arrays are coplanar. The two media may be activated sequentially or simultaneously. The assembly includes a cover, a spray element, and a media inlet body. The nozzles are formed in a curved, semi-annular opening of the spray element. The spray element includes front and back sides. Formed on the front side is a first media flow path associated with a first media inlet formed on the media inlet body. The first media flow path is associated with the first array of nozzles. Formed on the back side is a second media flow path associated with second media inlets formed on the media inlet body. The second media path is associated with the second array of nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Larry Michael Rachow
  • Automatic nitrogen fill for a fire sprinkler system
    Patent number: 11291871
    Abstract: A gas supply system primarily designed for use with fire sprinkler systems which includes a control system which uses flow demand to automatically determine the mode of operation and switch between providing air and nitrogen. The gas supply system can operate either in standard nitrogen generation mode where nitrogen is supplied to the reservoir tank and/or sprinkler system or in a bypass mode, where sufficient pressure is only obtained by directly supplying air. The gas supply system can provide for improved safety in operation as well as the ability to operate the sprinkler system primarily when filled with nitrogen supervisory gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Tihen, Timothy Decker
  • Spray tip and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 11292015
    Abstract: A spray tip comprises a tip body, a tip piece, and a pre-orifice piece. The tip body has a fluid channel along a channel axis (AC). The tip piece is disposed within the fluid channel, and has a stepped, narrowing passage that terminates in an outlet orifice. The pre-orifice piece has an inlet passage, and is disposed within the fluid channel, abutting and immediately upstream of the tip piece. The pre-orifice piece and the tip piece together define a turbulating chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Dale Becker, Diane Leigh Olson, Craig Joseph Wojciechowski, David John Thompson
  • Fire extinguishing system valve, and fire extinguishing system having same
    Patent number: 11291872
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fire extinguishing system valve (1) comprising a housing (2), a fluid inlet chamber (11) in the housing (2), a fluid outlet chamber (13) in the housing (2), and a closing body (9) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state and which in the blocking state prevents a direct flow of fluid between the fluid inlet chamber (11) and the fluid outlet chamber (13) and in the release state connects the fluid inlet chamber (11) directly in fluid-conducting relationship to the fluid outlet chamber (13). According to the invention the fire extinguishing system valve (1) has at least one manometer (15, 17) which is operatively connected to the fluid inlet chamber (11) or the fluid outlet chamber (13) and which is mounted to the housing (2), and a venting device (21) integrated into the housing (2) for the at least one manometer (15, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kempf, Frank Stachowitz
  • Dispenser with closed loop control
    Patent number: 11292024
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a needle motion of a material applicator are disclosed. The system includes an actuator assembly that contains a piezoelectric device, where the actuator assembly is connected to a needle and translates the needle along a vertical direction, and a sensor assembly that includes an emitter for emitting light, where a portion of the actuator assembly occludes a portion of the light. The sensor assembly also includes a receiver for receiving a non-occluded portion of the light and a sensor holder that secures the emitter and the receiver. The system further includes a controller in electrical communication with the piezoelectric device, emitter, and receiver, where the controller adjusts operation of the actuator assembly based on feedback received from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Aaron Gould, Brandon D. Conner
  • System and method for actuating a boom assembly of an agricultural sprayer
    Patent number: 11284611
    Abstract: A system for actuating a boom assembly of an agricultural sprayer, the system having a frame, a boom assembly supported relative to the frame, and a linkage assembly configured to couple the boom assembly to the frame. The linkage assembly includes a support arm pivotably coupled between the frame and the boom assembly, a lift actuator pivotably coupled between the frame and the support arm and configured to raise and lower the boom assembly in a vertical direction, and a tilt actuator pivotably coupled between the frame and the boom assembly and configured to adjust a tilt angle of the boom assembly relative to the vertical direction. The system further includes a controller configured to selectively actuate the tilt actuator to adjust the tilt angle of the boom assembly to an operational tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Dry alarm valve station and fire-extinguishing facility comprising same
    Patent number: 11278754
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dry alarm valve station of a fire extinguishing installation. According to the invention it is proposed that the dry alarm valve station includes an alarm valve, an alarm line connected to the alarm valve, an alarm alert device, preferably with an alarm pressure switch, which is connected to the alarm line and is configured to trigger an alarm signal when there is a predetermined fluid pressure in the alarm line, and a pressure-operated valve which is interposed between the alarm alert device and the alarm valve, is controlled by a control chamber, and is configured to block the alarm line as long as there is the predetermined control pressure in the control chamber and to open it when the pressure falls below the predetermined control pressure in the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kempf, Frank Stachowitz
  • Spraying apparatus
    Patent number: 11278923
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus includes a spraying apparatus main body, a liquid introduction portion, a gas introduction portion, a gas-liquid spout portion, a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a tubular flow passage, a spout, a flow passage having a taper, a straightener, and a projection portion. The liquid inlet allows a liquid flow to enter a gas-liquid mixer which is a space inside the annular gas introduction portion. The gas inlet allows a gas flow to enter the gas-liquid mixer. The straightener has an opening having an uneven shape provided in the flow passage having the taper. The projection portion is provided in the liquid introduction portion, protrudes to the gas-liquid mixer, and forms the straightener and a straightening outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Isomi, Daisuke Tabata, Yuki Ueda
  • Agricultural vehicle having an application boom with improved cord member structure
    Patent number: 11272700
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, and an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field. The agricultural vehicle further includes an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a primary longitudinal composite tube for axial torsion support, and an elongated non-composite member coupled to the primary longitudinal composite tube for buckling support. The boom arm segment can further include a truss system, and the primary longitudinal composite tube can be a lower cord of the truss system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Vehicle underbody rinser
    Patent number: 11273800
    Abstract: A water rinsing apparatus is disclosed for spraying water upwardly against the underbody of a vehicle to rinse and clean the surfaces thereof. The water rinsing apparatus includes a water delivery tube connectable at its inlet end to a garden hose, and at its outlet end to a manifold which distributes water to a plurality of upwardly directed water spray nozzles mounted in the body of the manifold. Wheels are rotatably mounted on fixed axle members projecting longitudinally from opposite sides of the body of the manifold, and provide maneuverability for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Scott R. Bell
  • Spinning showerhead
    Patent number: 11267004
    Abstract: A showerhead including an inlet fluid channel, a flow adaptor, an impeller, and an outer body having a plurality of first outlets. The outer body is rotatably supported such that the first outlets rotate about the inlet fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Michael Scot Rosko, Thad J. Eads
  • Fragrance bottle with diffuser
    Patent number: 11267615
    Abstract: A fragrance bottle with a diffuser article for controlled release of fragrance product into an environment. The fragrance bottle uses an atomizing pump for spraying a liquid fragrance product onto a surface. The diffuser article is housed in an exterior section of the container. The diffuser article is able to effect a controlled release of aromatic molecules. The fragrance bottle can also be used to spray perfume onto the skin, in the usual way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventor: Herve Georges Buzot
  • Multi-dimple orifice disc for a fluid injector, and methods for constructing and utilizing same
    Patent number: 11253875
    Abstract: A fluid injector for injecting fluid is disclosed, including a body; a fluid passageway defined in the body and extending from an inlet to an outlet of the fluid injector; a valve seat disposed internally of the body and forming part of the passageway; a valve element that is selectively reciprocated relative to the valve seat to close and open the passageway to fluid flow by seating and unseating the valve element on and from the valve seat, respectively; and an orifice disc disposed in the passageway downstream of the valve seat in a direction of the fluid flow through the fluid injector, the orifice disc including a plurality of dimples and a plurality of orifices defined through the orifice disc, each dimple including at least one orifice located thereon and each dimple having an asymmetrical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Wolfgang Wildgen, Robert Wayne McFarland, Dennis Brian Dezern
  • Rotatable sprinkler
    Patent number: 11253876
    Abstract: A rotatable sprinkler comprises a base with a continuous curved surface and a rotation element disposed rotatably and relatively to the base. The rotation element has an outlet that connects to a water source. A decorative unit is disposed on a support, part of which is located on the rotation element and the free end of which is in contact with the continuous curved surface of the base. Therefore, the decorative unit may rotate relatively to the base, or move up and down when the free end of the support is pressed against the continuous curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: Shun Nan Lo
  • Sprinkler assembly with levers
    Patent number: 11253737
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body defining (a) a passage having an inlet and extending along a longitudinal axis and (b) an outlet fluidly coupled to the passage. The sprinkler includes a seal engaging a button and the body to fluidly seal the inlet from the outlet. A link and lever assembly includes a first lever and a second lever engaging the button. The first lever and the second lever each include (a) a leg positioned near a base end of the lever and extending outward from the longitudinal axis, the leg defining an engagement surface, (b) a head positioned near a tip end of the lever, and (c) a main body extending from the leg to the head. A fusible link limits movement of the heads. The engagement surfaces each engage a surface of the body to limit movement of the button along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • System, method, and apparatus for the suppression of fire growth
    Patent number: 11247082
    Abstract: An improved system and method for detection and suppression of fire that addresses the elements of the fire tetrahedron (e.g., heat, oxygen, fuel-rich smoke) to detect and suppress fires is described. Embodiments are comprised of a processor in communication with a detector, a fan, and a number of dampers. Upon detection of a triggering condition by the detector, the processor causes signals to be transmitted to the fan and dampers. Resulting changes to dampers and fans redirects airflow to evacuate heat, oxygen, and fuel-rich smoke through one or more vents in the compartment in which the triggering condition was detected. Advantages of described embodiments include utilizing existing HVAC systems, removing elements of the fire tetrahedron to suppress fires, and reducing unnecessary damage that may be caused by prior art suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ArchAngel Fire Systems Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Archie Wayne Tignor
  • Fire containment device and kit
    Patent number: 11247083
    Abstract: The invention is a container having an opening at one end and a flap or other closure to close the opening, the interior of the bag includes a liner filled with free-flowing expanded glass granulate having fire extinguishing properties, the liner is compartmentalized to separately retain the free flowing granulate to defined regions of the bag interior and it is formed from a sacrificial material that is combustible and will disintegrate upon exposure to the heat of a fire whereby when a electronic or other device that has caught fire is placed inside the bag, the free-flowing expanded glass granulate contained by the liner is caused to be released onto the device to extinguish the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: CELLBLOCK FCS, LLC
    Inventors: Dylan Francis Vandemark, Matthew Lloyd Vandemark
  • Pilot actuator for actuating a control valve
    Patent number: 11247086
    Abstract: A pilot actuator for controlling the operation of a control valve. The control valve can be part of a dry-type fire suppression sprinkler system in which the sprinkler piping network is filled with pressurized gas such as, for example, air, nitrogen, or another gas. The pilot actuator is a differential valve that actuates the control valve when the gas pressure in the sprinkler piping network is at or below a value for tripping or actuating the pilot valve to the open position. The pilot actuator has a ratio of a change in a trip pressure set point to a change in an inlet pressure that is in a range of 0.007 to 0.045.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Shawn J. Feenstra, Marc Serge Ferere
  • Showerhead with scanner nozzles
    Patent number: 11241702
    Abstract: A showerhead assembly including a plurality of scanner nozzles. Each scanner nozzle includes an oscillation chamber fluidly coupled to an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and configured to discharge a random sweeping jet from the outlet aperture over a coverage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Todd A. Huffington, Gregory A. Russell
  • Arthropod repellent or attractant liquid reservoir with fill indicator
    Patent number: 11229197
    Abstract: A progressive liquid fill capacity indicator located inside a vapor diffusion membrane liquid reservoir that utilizes index refraction matching of liquid contact to components, dyes, and surface tension gradients. This fill capacity indicator is low cost and reliable. It enables users to visually assess readiness and remaining liquid capacity to deliver attraction, masking, and repulsion scent vapors from wearable and stationary devices to repel or attract mosquitos and arthropods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Energy Related Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Hockaday