Patents Examined by Dinh Q. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8622147Abstract: Stovetop fires are among the more prevalent of resident fire hazards and smoke detectors are among the most prevalent and economical forms of residential fire alarms. Automatic stovetop fire extinguishers can prevent property damage and even personal injury; however, these stovetop fire extinguishers may also limit smoke emissions and the subsequent detection of smoke. While an initial fire may be efficiently subdued by an automatic stovetop fire extinguisher, it is often desirable to alert present and future occupants of a fire hazardous condition. A sound based fire alarm system and method are described herein, which detects a sound burst emitted upon deployment of an automatic stovetop fire extinguisher and triggers a continuous fire alarm to alert occupants of a potentially fire hazardous condition. Alarm signals can be audible, visual, or both. The system may be a stand alone system and use battery power for affordability and ease of installation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: WilliamsRDM, Inc.Inventors: Brent W. Williams, Andrew W. Stell, Preston N. Weintraub
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Patent number: 8622145Abstract: A firefighting station is provided. The firefighting station includes an optional portable cart, one or more chemical foam proportioners, one or more first manifolds, one or more first valves, one or more first check valves, one or more second manifolds and one or more optional chemical fire suppression agent reservoirs. Methods of suppressing or preventing a fire are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: James D. Guse
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Patent number: 8616466Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sprayer with a reservoir for a fluid, such as for a pesticide, with a pump device for pressurizing the fluid, whereby the pump device includes a pump drive, which is movably coupled to a pump piston by means of a pump connecting rod, whereby the pump connecting rod features a first connecting rod part and a second connecting rod part, whereby in order to connect the first connecting rod part and the second connecting rod part, at least one connecting device is provided, by means of which the connecting rod parts can be interlocked in at least two different latching levels.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventors: Willi Strauss, Michael Betz
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Patent number: 8604451Abstract: A target supply apparatus controls a gas pressure inside a tank storing a liquid target material to be outputted from a nozzle by a pressure of gas supplied from a gas supply having a pressure regulator. The target supply apparatus comprises a gas passage introducing gas supplied from the gas supply into the tank, and a high-precision pressure regulator arranged on the gas passage and regulating a pressure of gas flowing the gas passage. The high-precision pressure regulator is able to regulate pressure with accuracy higher than the pressure regulator.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.Inventors: Takayuki Yabu, Masaki Nakano, Hitoshi Nagano, Takanobu Ishihara
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Patent number: 8602329Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly includes a pressure dependent variable spray orifice and an internal chamber which is at least partially bound by a flexibly deformable sidewall. At its distal end, the sidewall terminates at a distal face defining the spray orifice extending therethrough. A metering member extends distally from the internal chamber and through at least a portion of the spray orifice. As the pressure of a liquid supplied to the internal chamber by a liquid supply pathway varies, the flexibly deformable sidewall expands or contracts in response thereto. As the sidewall expands and contracts, the distal face moves relative to the metering member to change the effective size of the spray orifice.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventor: Lei Tian
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Patent number: 8596554Abstract: Provided is a light cleaning device for washing lights located on an external portion of a vehicle. The device has an elongate housing formed with an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized liquid and a rinsing head fitted with at least one jet nozzle. The jet nozzle is mounted at a distal end of a telescopically retractable hollow tube of the device, which is normally retracted. There is a liquid flow path from the housing to the rinsing head which can emit a jet spray therefrom when the tube is projected from the housing. The nozzle may have a jet forming member fitted therein to turbulate the jet spray fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Raviv—Agriculture Cooperative Societies Ltd.Inventors: Konstantin Litvinov, Michael Levitsky
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Patent number: 8584968Abstract: A height adjustment assembly for a drop hose on an irrigation machine is composed of an elongated bracket having a first end provided with a pair of fittings, and a second opposite end provided with a drop hose retention ring; the drop hose retention ring formed with an opening adapted to permit a drop hose to slide through the opening, the opening defined by an interior surface provided with a pair of diametrically opposed open slots, and a pair of diametrically opposed locking recesses. A key lock fitting is adapted for connecting aligned hose ends of the drop hose and is provided with a pair of diametrically-opposed keys which, in use, are adapted to slide through the pair of opposed open slots and, upon ninety degree rotation of the diametrically-opposed keys, to be received in the pair of diametrically opposed locking recesses.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Reid A. Nelson, Barton R. Nelson, Craig B. Nelson
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Patent number: 8581220Abstract: A target supply apparatus includes a tank for storing a liquid target material, a nozzle for outputting the liquid target material in the tank, and a gas supply source for supplying gas into the tank, and controls a gas pressure inside the tank with a pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply source which is provided with a pressure regulator. The target supply apparatus also includes a pressure-decrease gas passage of which one end is connected to the tank and the other end forms an exhaust port, a pressure-decrease valve provided on the pressure-decrease gas passage, and a controller for controlling open/close of the pressure-decrease valve. The controller, when the target material is caused not to output from the nozzle, opens the pressure-decrease valve and decreases the pressure inside the tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignees: Gigaphoton Inc., CDK CorporationInventors: Takanobu Ishihara, Hiroshi Itafuji
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Patent number: 8573511Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and devices for spraying fluid materials such as paints, stains, and the like, and more specifically, but not by limitation, to a dual voltage electromagnet motor for an airless fluid sprayer. In one example, a dual-voltage electric airless fluid sprayer is provided and includes a fluid reservoir and a pump configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir. An electric motor is operably coupled to the pump and includes a plurality of windings. The plurality of windings include a first winding portion having a first wire gauge and a first number of windings and a second winding portion having a second wire gauge and second number of windings. A power-module receiving portion is configured to receive a power module to couple one of the first or second winding portions to a source of electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech CorporationInventor: Jeffrey E. Sandahl
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Patent number: 8573318Abstract: An extinguisher for minimizing fires includes a container for holding an extinguishing fluid, a propellant disposed within the container for expelling the fluid from the container if desired, and a nozzle for directing the fluid towards a fire. The nozzle has an input for receiving the fluid from the container and an outlet for directing the fluid towards the fire. The nozzle includes an expansion chamber disposed between the input and the outlet of the nozzle. The nozzle outlet has a restrictor for restricting flow of the fluid from the expansion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Guillaume Pierre Novero
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Patent number: 8567696Abstract: A unitary nozzle body is provided for use with an irrigation device, such as a pop-up irrigation device.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan
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Patent number: 8561922Abstract: A faucet aerator is provided with a plurality of pins oriented in a flow direction, spaced apart from one another, and extending essentially over the distance between a flow-dispersing device and an adjacent grid and/or lattice structure. The pins each have an evaporation surface, which is situated outside the region that is struck directly by the individual streams but can be wetted by the water flowing through the aerator housing and for this purpose, the pins are situated laterally outside the projection of the through-flow holes oriented in the flow direction. These comparatively long pins around which the flowing water circulates are covered by an enveloping water film even after the water valve is closed, which results in an increased humidity and therefore a reduced evaporation in the housing interior of the aerator housing. This prevents a complete drying-out of the interior of the aerator housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Neoperl GmbHInventor: Georg Staedtler
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Patent number: 8550380Abstract: The spray head has a housing-mounted inflow passage for feed water, and a central first outflow passage. A second and a third outflow passage are offset in the circumferential direction with respect to an axis of rotation. Each of the outflow passages is connected to a corresponding water outlet for producing different spray jets. A control element having a connecting channel is disposed in the interior of the spray head and is rotatable about the axis of rotation by the actuating element. The actuating element can execute a lifting movement. In the starting position of the actuating element, the connecting channel exclusively connects the inflow passage to the first outflow passage. In the lifting position of the actuating element, the inflow passage is connected either to the second or the third outflow passage as a function of the actuating element and the associated rotational position of the control element.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: KWC AGInventors: Christian Gautschi, Michael Lehner
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Patent number: 8550375Abstract: A cylindrical, protective housing and accompanying insertion tool for shielding an in-ground sprinkler head. The cylindrical housing is inserted into the ground surrounding an in-ground sprinkler head, protecting the sprinkler head and subterranean feed lines from damage resulting from yard work or other traffic. The cylindrical housing prevents inadvertently sprinkler head collisions with lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, golf carts, or similarly wheeled vehicles. The insertion tool is a male-fitting press tool that provides vertical loads on the cylindrical housing upper extent to force it into soil surrounding a sprinkler head.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Tim Curtis
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Patent number: 8544767Abstract: A fuel injection device has therein a recovery channel provided in a first valve body, and a fuel channel provided in the first valve body and a second valve body. The fuel channel is opened by openings at a first end surface of the first valve body and a second end surface of the second valve body. One of the first end surface and the second end surface is provided with an end surface groove connected to the recovery channel. In the fuel injection device, the end surface groove is provided to enclose at least a part of the opening and is separated from the opening by a clearance, and one of the first valve body and the second valve body has a side surface groove extending in a circumferential direction at an outer periphery of the one of the first valve body and the second valve body.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Naofumi Adachi, Tsukasa Yamashita
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Patent number: 8540167Abstract: A rotary tool and method for spreading mulch outwardly from a mound of the same. The tool has an elongated shaft with a rotatable body mounted proximate a first end thereof. The body has a peripheral edge with a plurality of flexible fingers radiating outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The fingers may be individually securable to the body. In a second embodiment, a ring is detachably mounted to the body and the fingers are on the ring. When the tool is activated, the fingers engage the mulch mound and cause pieces of mulch to be flicked outwardly away from the body. The tool may also be used as a shovel-type device when the motor is not activated and the mulch can then be carried on the upper surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Todd E. Pugh
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Patent number: 8528834Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventor: Paul W. Skinner
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Patent number: 8522888Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
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Patent number: 8517284Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body forming an actuator portion. An actuator bore is formed in the actuator portion and is at least partially defined by an inner surface and by an end surface. An actuator disposed in the actuator bore and has an outer surface such that a flow channel can be defined between the inner surface of the actuator bore and the outer surface of the actuator. A cooling flow passage is formed in the injector body, in fluid communication with the actuator bore, and is adapted to supply cooling fluid to the actuator bore. A drain passage is formed in the injector body, in fluid communication with the actuator bore. An internal cooling fluid flow path extends from the cooling flow passage, through the flow channel, and from the flow channel through the drain passage.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Ibrahim, Stephen R. Lewis, Avinash R. Manubolu
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Patent number: 8511585Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter has first and second inlets through which liquid enters the emitter from an irrigation pipe, an outlet through which liquid exits the emitter, and a first flexible diaphragm portion seated on the second inlet and serving as a valve. Liquid at a pressure in the pipe that is below a predetermined level enters the emitter via the first inlet and travels along a first flow restricting path before exiting via the outlet and liquid at a pressure in the pipe that is above the predetermined level biases the first flexible diaphragm portion so that liquid can enter the emitter via the second inlet and travels along a second flow restricting path before exiting via the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.Inventor: Ron Keren