Patents by Inventor Alan Sheard

Alan Sheard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Rotary spa jet incorporating a rotating nozzle supported by a radial ball bearing intended to reduce clogging of the bearing
    Patent number: 6491238
    Abstract: A rotary spa jet, of the type which comprises a nozzle rotatably mounted within the end of a spa jet housing by a radial ball bearing, is provided with an internal flow guide to reduce impairment of the free rotation of the nozzle caused by debris in the spa water. The flow guide is positioned within the spa jet housing and acts on a portion of the water flow which reaches and flows through the radial ball bearing to flush and lubricate it. The flow guide includes one or more annular baffle walls which deflect water flow which reduce the amount of water that flows through the bearing and slows down its rate of flow to promote settlement and collection of debris before it reaches the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin Swanson, Jack Buck, Paul Beaumont, Alan Sheard