Patents Examined by James S Hogan
  • Patent number: 7648083
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container. In one embodiment, the fluid pump is a peristaltic pump. The present invention may further include a valve having a membrane for controlling flow through the valve, the membrane having open and closed positions; and an element urges the membrane to the closed position, and a vacuum pressure at one end of the valve may overcome the urging of the element, thereby moving the membrane to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7647981
    Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: William Grant, Sharon Grant, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7644877
    Abstract: This invention finds application in the field of liquid distributing devices, and more particularly relates to a sprinkler head device, for example for use in sprinkler systems for distributing liquids or the like. The device comprises a support body to be removably coupled to a sleeve for connection to an external liquid supply line, a convergent nozzle between the body and the sleeve, and a diverter member downstream from the nozzle for diverting flow and sprinkling fluid out. The device further includes main connection means for removably attaching the nozzle to the support body while preventing any accidental separation thereof upon mutual coupling and uncoupling of the sleeve to the body, thereby allowing fast and easy periodic replacement of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Patent number: 7635097
    Abstract: An automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a shower enclosure with a liquid cleanser dispenses the cleanser using a pump and rotatable spray head. A motor drives the pump and rotates the spray head. The sprayer has a showerhead mountable housing with a hanger. The housing supports a bottle of cleanser in an inverted fashion. Cleanser is delivered from the bottle through a cleanser conduit in the piercing post into a well of the housing. The bottle is vented from the well through an air vent path in the piercing post or from a well vent outlet through the air vent path in the piercing post. An outlet valve in the well permits outflow of cleanser from the well. Various bottle caps and bottle closures are also provided to improve venting and/or limit cleanser leakage from the bottle when the bottle is installed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Amber N. D. Mazooji, Terry M. Kovara, Peter M. Neumann, David H. Leifheit, Michael W. Allen, Paul M. Blankenship, Lawrence M. Pillion
  • Patent number: 7625016
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7621469
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with LPG or other volatile fuels has fuel inlets through a cylindrical wall of a valve group tube assembly. Fuel venting is along a longitudinal axis of the fuel injector to an end opposite the injection end. An O-ring retaining cup is welded to the tube assembly above and below the fuel inlets to seal these members and to maintain alignment of holes in the cup with the fuel inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
  • Patent number: 7617993
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for atomizing a fluid. This apparatus includes an atomizing nozzle assembly. The atomizing nozzle assembly includes: a spray applicator enclosure having a fluid entry zone, a flow shape profiler region, a transducer, and a cavitation enhancer module, wherein the cavitation enhancer module includes a residence modulation zone and the residence modulation zone includes a backward facing step region. The apparatus is configured such that fluid can enter the fluid entry zone to the nozzle profiler, the transducer and the cavitation enhancer module. Other embodiments relate to methods for atomizing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Corporation, University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Vedanth Srinivasan, Abraham J. Salazar, Kozo Saito, Richard Alloo, Masahito Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7614571
    Abstract: Disposable cup for preparing, applying and preserving a paint to be set up on a paint spray gun characterized in that it includes on one of its end faces a closable vent device (7) forming a vent valve with valve duct (22) and valve plug (25) which allows when opened, to let the air pass for occupying the inner volume that empties and when closed, to close liquid-tightly the opening (6) of air passage to form a container for the preparation of the paint and then to form a pot for the preservation of the leftover paint. This invention is of interest to manufacturers of paint spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michel Camilleri, Joseph Guarino
  • Patent number: 7611081
    Abstract: A cylindrical adapter to a fire nozzle is disclosed which produces not only a forward stream but also at the same time a second rearward directed safety spray cone shaped bubble which encloses the fireman and any persons or property being rescued. This adjustable cone shaped bubble protects the fireman by reducing the radiant heat felt by the fireman as well as dangerous gases. Also is taught a small pipe centered in the cylinder with the purpose to allow a shaft to be inserted therein. This shaft can be used to control the forward stream in future models of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Howse Partee
  • Patent number: 7604325
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead integrated circuit includes a substrate defining an ink supply channel. An ink chamber structure is arranged on the substrate to define an ink chamber into which ink from the ink supply channel can be supplied and an ink ejection port from which ink can be ejected from the ink chamber and an internal rim interposed between the ink supply channel and the ink chamber. A support extends from the substrate outside the ink chamber. A thermal bend actuator extends from the support and terminates in a paddle within the ink chamber. The thermal bend actuator is configured to move the paddle towards and away from the ink ejection port upon actuation to eject ink in the ink chamber through the ink ejection port. A periphery of the paddle and the internal rim are shaped to limit flow of ink from the ink chamber back into the ink supply channel when the paddle is displaced towards the ink ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7597274
    Abstract: An aerosol assembly for dispensing texture material. The aerosol assembly comprises a main container assembly, a secondary container, and a conduit. The main container assembly comprises a main container containing texture material, an aerosol valve assembly, and an actuator member. The aerosol valve assembly is operable in a normally closed configuration and an open configuration. Displacement of the actuator member places the aerosol valve assembly from the normally closed configuration to the open configuration. The conduit is connected between the main container and the secondary container to allow fluid flow between the main container and the secondary container. When the actuator member is displaced to place the aerosol valve assembly into the open configuration, the pressurized fluid within the secondary container enters the primary container to force texture material out of the main container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 7597273
    Abstract: A turbine for a sprinkler is disclosed for self-governing its rotational velocity. As a rate of fluid through the sprinkler increases, particularly when air is used to flush the sprinkler system, a portion of the turbine shifts outwardly so as to decrease alignment of vanes located thereon with directed water streams for controlling the rotation of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A McAfee, Cesar A Gomez
  • Patent number: 7588201
    Abstract: An irrigation pipe with a plurality of connector elements adapted for attachment of lateral branches thereto, where the connector elements are integrally fitted to the pipe's wall during the manufacture. Connector elements may be fitted open and be adapted for closing after manufacture if not intended for use, or may be fitted closed and be adapted for opening after manufacture to enable the attachment. A method of production of such irrigation pipe from a strip of flexible weldable or bondable material includes fitting integrally the connector elements to predetermined locations on the strip, with or without punching the strip; bending or twisting the strip so as to juxtapose or overlap lateral edges thereof; and welding or bonding integrally the edges so as to obtain a closed pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Netafim Ltd
    Inventors: Abed Masarwa, Avi Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 7588198
    Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7568637
    Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7568633
    Abstract: Digital fuel injector, injection and hydraulic valve actuation module and engine and high pressure pump methods and apparatus primarily for diesel engines. The digital fuel injectors have a plurality of intensifier actuation pistons allowing a selection of up to seven intensified fuel pressures. The disclosed engine operating methods include using at least one cylinder for a compression cylinder for providing compressed intake air to at least one combustion cylinder. A pressure sensor in each combustion cylinder may be used to indicate temperature in the combustion cylinder to limit combustion temperatures to below temperatures at which substantial NOX is generated. A re-burn cycle may be used to complete the burning of hydrocarbons, providing a very low emission engine. A compression cylinder may be provided with a pump actuated by the piston in the compression cylinder. Various aspects and embellishments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Sturman Digital Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Patent number: 7568638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity cup for a paint spray gun. The gravity cup includes a reservoir (1) and a lid (2) that is placed thereon and that has a connecting part (3) so that the gravity cup can be placed on the paint spray gun or an adapter. The reservoir (1) is provided, in a wall (4) thereof, with a ventilation hole (6) that can be obturated by means of a valve (5). The aim of the invention is to provide a gravity cup that comprises a valve that can be easily actuated by hand so as to obturate the ventilation hole. For this purpose, the valve (5) is configured as a sliding valve comprising a valve housing (7) and a slide (8) that can be displaced in relation to the valve housing (7) in a direction of displacement (V) extending parallel to the wall (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Sata GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Gehrung
  • Patent number: 7562834
    Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7552878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor nozzle, in particular for high pressure cleaning devices, having a nozzle housing which has a swirl chamber between an inflow opening for a fluid, in particular water, and a discharge opening, with a rotor inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis during operation being supported at its front end at a bearing, in particular at a cup-shaped bearing, in said swirl chamber and with the rotor being able to be driven to make a rotating movement around the longitudinal axis by fluid flowing into the swirl chamber, wherein an adjustment device is positioned in front of the swirl chamber for the speed regulation of the rotor and forces the inflowing fluid to make a rotary movement around the longitudinal axis for the generation of a rotating fluid field before the transition into the swirl chamber, and wherein the rotating fluid field is disrupted more or less pronouncedly on the transition into the swirl chamber in dependence on the position of the adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Anton Jäger
  • Patent number: 7546960
    Abstract: A snow making apparatus comprises at least one water/air nozzle for ejecting a water/air mixture. The snow making apparatus comprises at least one jet pump which operates with water as a driving medium and mixes air with the water and compresses the water/air mixture in order to form the water/air mixture which is supplied to the at least one water/air nozzle. A method of operating a snow making apparatus comprises corresponding features. The snow making apparatus and method enables unused energy to be used in a particularly effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Nivis GmbH-SRL
    Inventor: Wilhelm Stofner