Patents Examined by Lisa Ann Douglas
  • Patent number: 6042018
    Abstract: An assemblage and system for drinking a plurality of potable and/or medicinal liquids simultaneously from discrete receptacles. The assemblage comprises a plurality of conduits joined together that convey isolated streams of the liquids from separate receptacles into the mouth. Preferably, the conduits are mechanically deformable along their axes of elongation. The conduits are joined by a catch, by binding, by molding the conduits as a single unit, by a joining structure, or by raveling. The system includes the assemblage and a number of joined receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert E. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6036111
    Abstract: A liquid sprayer with two side-by-side containers, an interconnecting bridge, and a nozzle insert positioned interiorly of the bridge. Alternatively, a two container piggyback liquid sprayer, a button actuator and a nozzle insert positioned interiorly of the button. One container is for product such as paint, etc., and the other container contains propellant. Very high product/propellant ratios are obtained. An intermediate portion of the nozzle insert has a venturi constriction with an internal propellant outlet orifice. Two product channels transverse to the nozzle insert longitudinal axis overlap the internal outlet orifice by approximately one-half. An outer frustoconical surface surrounds the internal venturi constriction outlet. An expansion chamber diameter is greater than the diameter of both the venturi constriction outlet orifice and the outer frustoconical surface adjacent this orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Henry Abplanalp
  • Patent number: 6032875
    Abstract: A heavy diesel fuel injection pump with precipitate build-up inhibiting features includes a pump body that defines a plunger bore. The plunger has a top end separated from a bottom end by a side surface, and is moveable in the plunger bore between a retracted position and an advanced position. A portion of the plunger bore and the bottom end of the plunger define a pump chamber containing heavy diesel fuel. The top end of the plunger is exposed to lubricating oil. The lubricating oil mixes with the heavy diesel fuel along a guide portion of the side surface of the plunger that has a tight clearance with respect to the plunger bore. At least one of the pump body and the guide portion of the plunger define a plurality of cleaning grooves located adjacent the guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley G. Grimshaw-Jones
  • Patent number: 6029907
    Abstract: An improved sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle received in a recessed seat provided in a peripheral wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle is formed with a plurality of nozzle ports formed by the radially outer ends of a plurality of vertically flexible nozzle tubes. The flow volume of the water stream being thrown by the sprinkler nozzle is adjusted by selectively operating a flow volume adjustment member carried on the nozzle body to selectively open or close various of the nozzle tubes in various possible combinations. The flow volume of the nozzle will comprise the combined or aggregate flow volumes of the water sub-streams being thrown by those nozzle tubes that are left open. The trajectory of the water stream being thrown by the sprinkler nozzle is adjusted by selectively operating a trajectory adjustment member carried on the nozzle body to bend the flexible nozzle tubes about their vertically fixed, radial inner ends to raise and lower the radial outer ends of the nozzle tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Jeff R. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6029912
    Abstract: A device for producing a stream of aerated water, the device having a first opening for producing a first jet of water and a second opening for producing a second jet of water directed into the first jet of water so as to form a single turbulent stream of water in which air is entrained. The device being constructed by forming two relatively angled surfaces on at least one component, the surfaces having respective aligned grooves, forming two oppositely angled surfaces on at least one other component and mounting the two relatively angled surfaces against the two oppositely angled surfaces such that the grooves, together with the oppositely angled surfaces define passages for the formation of jets of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Aqualisa Products Limited
    Inventor: Jack Francis David Woolley
  • Patent number: 6027049
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines includes two preassembled independent assemblies. A functional part substantially has an electromagnetic circuit and a sealing valve, while a connector part is constituted principally by a hydraulic connector and an electrical connector. In the completely assembled injection valve, electrical connecting elements and hydraulic connecting elements of the two assemblies coact so as to guarantee a reliable electrical and hydraulic connection. The fuel injection valve is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, spark-ignited internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Stier
  • Patent number: 6027043
    Abstract: A spraying device includes a nozzle head formed with an axial bore connectible to a source of pressurized liquid, an outlet orifice through which the liquid exits in the form of a jet, and a connecting passageway connecting the inlet end to the outlet orifice. A rod passes through the axial bore; and a liquid distribution member is secured to the rod at the outlet orifice to distribute the liquid laterally of the nozzle head. The rod carries an abutment at the bore inlet end and is displaceable axially and laterally within the bore. The connecting passageway of the axial bore, and the adjacent portion of the rod, include complementary conical surfaces defining between them a metering passageway for the liquid flowing to the outlet orifice such that, during operation of the spraying device, the axial position of the rod within the bore, as determined by the abutment, determines the output rate of the spraying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Peretz Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6027053
    Abstract: The spinner spreader machine includes a funnel that is automatically or selectively repositionable and associated with the spinner. The funnel is used to vary the product spreading pattern or maintain a consistent product spreading pattern in combination with a varying product delivery rate as the machine traverses a geographic land area. The machine is used to disperse stored products over a geographic land area and advantageously reduces or eliminates product waste as well as surface and ground contamination that results from inefficient spreading of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ag-Chem Equipment
    Inventors: Dean I. Anderson, Douglas L. Pettit
  • Patent number: 6024304
    Abstract: A feeder for transporting particles, such as carbon dioxide pellets, includes a container for receiving particles and a suction nozzle having an inlet end disposed adjacent a discharge area of the container. The nozzle is configured generally as a pipe having a circular cross-sectional area. The nozzle is reciprocally carried by the feeder so that the inlet end may be moved into and away from the particles to prevent the particles from clogging. The container bottom is generally shaped as a chute to direct/move the particles toward the discharge area. A vibrator may be used to assist in the movement of the particles. The nozzle may be reciprocated manually or automatically. Alternatively, the nozzle may be stationary and a mechanical assist included to move the particles toward the discharge area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Cold Jet, Inc.
    Inventor: Noboru Sawada
  • Patent number: 6021964
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas introduction pipe in which the least component is replaced when deformation or damage is caused and a magnetic recording medium production method using this gas introduction pipe. The gas introduction pipe according to the present invention includes: a gas supply pipe 20 for supplying a gas; a main body 22, 23 connected to the gas supply pipe and having a gas flow passage 21 for flowing of a gas supplied from the gas supply pipe; and a blowoff block 25 arranged at the opposite side of the main body 22, 23 not having the gas supply pipe and having a blowoff opening 27 exposed outward for blowing off the gas outside. The blowoff block 25 is held so as to be sandwiched by the main body 22, 23 and can be detached and attached from/to the main body 22, 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kubo, Shuetsu Kumagai
  • Patent number: 6019295
    Abstract: A fixed spray sprinkler nozzle has adjustable arc coverage. The nozzle has a nozzle body with sideward facing water discharge slots including a bottom slot and a top slot. Flow blocking skirts control the open length of each of the slots. The bottom slot is fixed on the nozzle body, but the top slot is rotatable on the nozzle body, in concert with the opening or unblocking of the bottom slot's length, from a position overlying the bottom slot to a position directed in an opposite direction from the bottom slot. When the bottom slot is fully open, the top slot may then be progressively opened over its entire length. Thus, the arc coverage can be infinitely adjusted over the combined circumferential length of both the bottom and top slots together. The slots have a grooved bottom wall to provide smooth water flow and good pattern definition at each side of the selected arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Jeff R. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6007002
    Abstract: A hand-held shower comprises a handle through the interior of which the water supply to the shower head is effected, the connection fitting for the shower hose is held in an axially displaceable manner: in a first axial position, the connection fitting is freely rotatable relative to the handle so that the shower hose connected to the hand-held shower is prevented from twisting. In the second axial position of the connection fitting, the free rotatability relative to the handle is suspended by a form closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Roland Huber
  • Patent number: 6003787
    Abstract: An insecticide spray apparatus (5) for spraying insecticide in confined areas. The insecticide spray apparatus (5) has a spray gun (10) and a compressor assembly (14) for providing compressed air through a flow line (12) to the spray gun (10). A nozzle (36) atomizes the insecticide for fogging operations and a trigger (34) on the spray gun (10) provides on and off control of the spray action. The compressor assembly (14) has a base (22) with a handle (28) such that the compressor assembly (14) can be carried in one hand by the user. A plurality of bottle holders (24) are provided on the base (22) for carrying spare pesticide containers (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Cal-Ag Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6003792
    Abstract: A cylinder injection type fuel injection valve 1 has a valve body 10 of a hollow cylindrical shape, a valve seat 12 having a fuel injection nozzle 11 at its center, which is disposed at an end of the valve body 10, a hollow housing 2 having an end connected to the valve body, which is capable of coming to contact with and separating from the valve seat 12 so as to open and close the injection nozzle 11, a core 3 disposed in the housing 2 and a coil assembly 4 disposed around the core 3 and inside the housing to cause opening and closing operations of the valve body 10, wherein an O-ring 14 is fitted to a space defined by the housing 2 and the core 3, in which the coil assembly 4 is disposed, at a side to which a fuel pressure is applied, so that the pressure is not applied to the coil assembly, or wherein a sealing ring having a hollow cylindrical shape 17 is fitted to a space defined by the housing 2 and the core 3, in which the coil assembly 4 is disposed, at a side to which a fuel pressure is applied, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Munezane, Kensuke Imada, Masayuki Aota, Mamoru Sumida
  • Patent number: 6003779
    Abstract: A spray gun for applying powder to coat a work piece uses triboelectric and optionally a corona discharge electrode to charge powder particles electrostatically. The gun communicates with a source of pressurized air through a handle with an air valve controlling flow of the air. Powder in a container in fluid communication with the air flow is fluidized and entrained when the valve is opened. A nozzle with an internal surface defining a passageway to an open end communicates with the powder container. The internal surface of the nozzle frictionally imparts a net electrical charge of a first polarity to part of the powder by frictional contact during spraying. A plurality of discrete tubes are disposed in the central passageway and impart a net electrical charge of a second polarity to another part of the powder due to frictional contact as that part flows around and through the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Eastwood Company
    Inventor: Mark Alan Robidoux
  • Patent number: 6000474
    Abstract: A home fire extinguishing system is provided including a sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler heads adapted to dispense water in the rooms of a home upon the actuation thereof. Also provided is a manual switch for allowing the selective actuation of the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventors: Charles E. Warnick, Peggy Sue Warnick
  • Patent number: 5996905
    Abstract: A kit for fitting to a sprinkler head that includes a fixed distance spacer. The spacer is designed to fit into the top of the head of an underground water sprinkler system. The second end of the spacer will threadably engage the stem. The spacer will raise the stem above the top of the head, so as to not require digging to get to the base of the head. In this way, when the grass grows or the level of the soil is elevated, one may raise the level of the stem by putting a spacer between the stem and the head, without having to dig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: William L. Bedford
  • Patent number: 5992529
    Abstract: An improved mixing passage in a foam fire fighting nozzle, the nozzle having a barrel with a first inlet to receive liquid under pressure and a second inlet to receive additive fluid and having a discharge end for discharging liquid and additive fluid. The additive fluid is communicated from the second inlet to the barrel discharge through a channel and a baffle is structured with said channel to provide a flow path for additive fluid through the baffle. The baffle cooperates with barrel wall portions to shape a relatively smooth annular liquid stream having a cross sectional area that diminishes to a minimum proximate the nozzle discharge. A mixing plate is affixed to the nozzle downstream of the baffle, the mixing plate being adapted together with the baffle to define a mixing passage in which additive distributes itself around 360.degree. and exits into a portion of the shaped liquid stream at the point of minimum cross sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight P. Williams
  • Patent number: 5992757
    Abstract: A fountain having a spherical element over which water flows is disclosed. The sphere includes an upper pole, a lower pole, a polar axis connecting the upper and lower poles, an equatorial plane, and a sphere surface. The sphere is mounted in the fountain so that the upper pole forms the apex of the sphere. A water outlet is provided at the upper pole for providing a flow of water over the surface of the sphere. The surface of the sphere is provided with a plurality of annular grooves circumscribing the polar axis, and extending above and below the equatorial plane for a predetermined distance towards each pole. Each annular groove has a radius of predetermined size, with the annular grooves located on the lower hemisphere being canted downwardly and inwardly from the equatorial plane so that the water or other liquid will flow slowly, evenly and continuously downhill over the surface of the sphere from groove to groove to the lower pole, without shedding or loss beneath the equatorial plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Smith, Henry Kopecky
  • Patent number: 5992756
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for generation and ejection into air of discrete agglomerations of a particulate material with a proportion of liquid from a liquid having the particulate material therein. The apparatus defines an ejection location (128) and an electrical potential is applied to the ejection location to form an electric field at the location, and liquid (122) with the particulate material is supplied to the ejection location. An oscillating voltage (A) is applied to the ejection location, the magnitude of the voltage being below that required to cause ejection of particles from the ejection location, and an ejection voltage (B) is superimposed on the oscillating voltage additively with the oscillating voltage in order to cause the sum of the voltages at the ejection location to exceed the threshold required for ejection, when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Tonejet Corporation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Charles Fernley Newcombe, Martin Goodchild