Patents by Inventor David C. Huffman

David C. Huffman 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).

  • Publication number: 20100213273
    Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly that utilizes ultrasonic atomization techniques to atomize a liquid into a cloud of small or fine droplets is disclosed. The nozzle assembly also can use various air or gas atomizing technologies to propel the generally directionless droplet cloud toward a surface or substrate to be coated. The propelled droplet cloud may at this state have a conical or cone-shaped spray pattern. Additional air or gas atomizing technologies can be utilized to shape the propelled droplet cloud into a flattened fan-shaped spray pattern that can be usable in various industrial applications. The shape of the spray pattern and the distribution of droplets within the pattern can be adjusted by manipulation of the gas pressure used in gas atomization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Filicicchia, David C. Huffman, Michel R. Thenin
  • Patent number: 7768537
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diminishing display transients and jitter. The method and system disclosed utilizes prior illumination and position histories in displaying and illuminating representations, and elements comprising the representations, on the display. Recognizing repeated representations, finding their prior and current positions, and determining if the difference in position is over a threshold value, diminishes the jitter by displaying the representation in the new position if over the threshold value, or, if it is not over the threshold value, then displaying it in the prior location. The illumination of an element at an intensity, which is based on prior illuminations and/or intensities of the element, diminishes the transients by avoiding flashing or flicker of transient illuminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: L3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Keith I. Tognoni, David C. Huffman, James S. Parker
  • Patent number: 7617990
    Abstract: A shower header type spray device is provided. The spray device includes an elongated spray header having a plurality of laterally spaced liquid spray nozzles each of which is mounted in a corresponding pocket in the spray header. An elongated cleaning brush assembly includes a rotatable brush housed in the spray header for cleaning inlet apertures of the spray nozzles. At least one spray nozzle has a dome portion with a discharge orifice and a substantially flat mounting flange portion extending around the periphery of the dome portion. The mounting flange portion of the at least one spray nozzle has a notch adapted to receive a removal tool for enabling prying and dislodgment of the at least one spray nozzle from its respective pocket in the spray header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Spraying Systems, Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7588199
    Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly is provided. The spray nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body having a liquid passage that terminates in a nozzle body orifice. The spray nozzle assembly includes an impingement element having an impingement surface spaced from the nozzle body orifice. One or more air outlet orifices are disposed upstream of the impingement surface and oriented to discharge a substantially tubular curtain of air around the nozzle body orifice. An air cap defines a chamber extending around and downstream of the impingement surface. The air cap has a plurality of discharge orifices. At least one of the discharge orifices in the air cap has an associated nipple that is integrally connected to the air cap and extends the discharge orifice outwardly away from an outer face of the air cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20090122413
    Abstract: A method for displaying an image according to one embodiment of the present invention includes projecting an image away from a first display surface and a second display surface onto a reflective surface, and orienting the reflective surface to selectively redirect the image onto either the first display surface or the second display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Joe Hoffman, David C. Huffman, Philip A. Moylan
  • Publication number: 20080257981
    Abstract: A shower header type spraying device having an elongated spray header with a plurality of laterally-spaced nozzles and an elongated cleaning brush assembly supported in said spray header for cleaning inlet apertures of said spray nozzles. The cleaning brush assembly includes an axially extending rod and a plurality of brush elements each mounted on the rod by means of a self-aligning member that has an arcuate shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the rod for orienting a row of brush bristles of the brush element in predetermined relation to the elongated axis of the rod. The illustrated brush rod assembly includes a plurality of brush rod segments each having a self-aligning coupling at an axial end thereof such that joining of adjacent rod segments automatically orients the brush elements in predetermined angular offset relation to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: David C. Huffman, Michel Thenin, Richard Gardner
  • Publication number: 20080111004
    Abstract: A shower header type spray device is provided. The spray device includes an elongated spray header having a plurality of laterally spaced liquid spray nozzles each of which is mounted in a corresponding pocket in the spray header. An elongated cleaning brush assembly includes a rotatable brush housed in the spray header for cleaning inlet apertures of the spray nozzles. At least one spray nozzle has a dome portion with a discharge orifice and a substantially flat mounting flange portion extending around the periphery of the dome portion. The mounting flange portion of the at least one spray nozzle has a notch adapted to receive a removal tool for enabling prying and dislodgment of the at least one spray nozzle from its respective pocket in the spray header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7108203
    Abstract: An internal mix spray nozzle assembly adapted for operation with lesser pressurized air requirements. The spray nozzle assembly includes a liquid passage for directing a liquid flow stream against an impingement pin, and an air guide is provided for forming an annular pressurized air passage about the liquid flow stream for striking and atomizing a laterally spreading dispersion of liquid from the impingement surface. For enhancing liquid atomization, the air guide defines a relatively narrow width air flow opening for substantially accelerating and increasing the pressure of the atomizing air stream, and the impingement pin is formed with a relatively large primary impinging surface and a parallel downstream secondary impingement surface that facilitates further liquid particle breakdown and prevents the accumulation of liquids about the bottom of the impingement pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: David C. Huffman, John E. Ekpenyong, John W. Bartell
  • Patent number: 7083121
    Abstract: A modular automatic spray gun manifold is provided. The manifold includes a plurality of spray gun modules arranged in an array in laterally spaced relation from each other. A junction element is arranged at an upstream end of the manifold. The junction element includes a liquid supply connection and a pressurized air connection. A first support assembly is arranged between the junction element and a first spray gun module in the spray gun module array for supporting the first spray gun module relative to the junction element. The first support assembly includes a plurality of fluid conduits for supplying fluid to the first spray gun module. The fluid conduits in the first support assembly communicate with the liquid supply and pressurized air supply connections of the junction element. A second support assembly is arranged between each adjacent pair of spray gun modules in the array of spray gun modules for supporting the adjacent pair of spray gun modules relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7083115
    Abstract: A spray gun having a relatively simple outer heat jacket designed to accommodate a multiplicity of fluid supply lines connected to the spray gun while effectively heating and maintaining the supply fluids directed through the gun to the desired temperature for optimum spraying. The heat jacket is mountable and removable from the spray gun without disconnecting the fluid supply lines to the spray gun or the heating fluid supply line to the heat jacket. The illustrated heat jacket is formed with a plurality of external, longitudinally extending open-ended slot each for receiving a respective fluid supply line connected to the spray gun and an internal heating fluid passageway composed of a plurality of interconnected, longitudinally extending heat transfer chambers through which heating fluid is directed in swirling fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7066401
    Abstract: A lance-type spraying assembly for directing a reducing agent into a combustion zone or discharging combustion gases for Nox emission control. The spraying assembly including a lance body having an inlet end and a downstream end and a spray nozzle arranged at the downstream end of the lance body. The lance body includes an air passage for connection to an air supply, a liquid reducing agent supply passage for connection to a liquid reducing agent supply and a liquid reducing agent return passage. The liquid reducing agent supply passage communicates with the spray nozzle. The liquid reducing agent return passage communicates with the liquid reducing agent supply passage near the downstream end of the lance body for recirculating a portion of the liquid reducing agent and extends near the liquid reducing agent supply passage along at least a portion of the length thereof in order to help cool the liquid reducing agent therein. The liquid reducing agent return passage is sealed against the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: David C. Huffman, Michel Thenin
  • Patent number: 7036753
    Abstract: A nozzle for atomizing and spraying liquid is provided. The nozzle includes a longitudinal liquid flow passageway that terminates in a liquid orifice for directing a stream of liquid along a predetermined axis. A plurality of intersecting, transverse passageways extend perpendicular to and intersect the predetermined axis. Each of the transverse passageways terminates at either end in an outlet. The transverse passageways define a first impingement surface downstream of the liquid orifice for breaking up a stream of liquid impinging thereon into a laterally spreading dispersion which disperses through the transverse passageways. An air annulus is arranged in surrounding relation to the outlets of the transverse passageways and oriented to discharge air in a downstream direction so as to strike the fluid dispersed through the outlets of the transverse passageways. An expansion chamber is arranged downstream of the transverse passageways and air annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 6995774
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diminishing display transients and jitter. The method and system disclosed utilizes prior illumination and position histories in displaying and illuminating representations, and elements comprising the representations, on the display. Recognizing repeated representations, finding their prior and current positions, and determining if the difference in position is over a threshold value, diminishes the jitter by displaying the representation in the new position if over the threshold value, or, if it is not over the threshold value, then displaying it in the prior location. The illumination of an element at an intensity, which is based on prior illuminations and/or intensities of the element, diminishes the transients by avoiding flashing or flicker of transient illuminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: L3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Keith I. Tognoni, David C. Huffman, James S. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040222317
    Abstract: A nozzle for atomizing and spraying liquid is provided. The nozzle includes a longitudinal liquid flow passageway that terminates in a liquid orifice for directing a stream of liquid along a predetermined axis. A plurality of intersecting, transverse passageways extend perpendicular to and intersect the predetermined axis. Each of the transverse passageways terminates at either end in an outlet. The transverse passageways define a first impingement surface downstream of the liquid orifice for breaking up a stream of liquid impinging thereon into a laterally spreading dispersion which disperses through the transverse passageways. An air annulus is arranged in surrounding relation to the outlets of the transverse passageways and oriented to discharge air in a downstream direction so as to strike the fluid dispersed through the outlets of the transverse passageways. An expansion chamber is arranged downstream of the transverse passageways and air annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20040008206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diminishing display transients and jitter. The method and system disclosed utilizes prior illumination and position histories in displaying and illuminating representations, and elements comprising the representations, on the display. Recognizing repeated representations, finding their prior and current positions, and determining if the difference in position is over a threshold value, diminishes the jitter by displaying the representation in the new position if over the threshold value, or, if it is not over the threshold value, then displaying it in the prior location. The illumination of an element at an intensity, which is based on prior illuminations and/or intensities of the element, diminishes the transients by avoiding flashing or flicker of transient illuminations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Keith I. Tognoni, David C. Huffman, James S. Parker
  • Publication number: 20030066905
    Abstract: A spray gun having a relatively simple outer heat jacket designed to accommodate a multiplicity of fluid supply lines connected to the spray gun while effectively heating and maintaining the supply fluids directed through the gun to the desired temperature for optimum spraying. The heat jacket is mountable and removable from the spray gun without disconnecting the fluid supply lines to the spray gun or the heating fluid supply line to the heat jacket. The illustrated heat jacket is formed with a plurality of external, longitudinally extending open-ended slot each for receiving a respective fluid supply line connected to the spray gun and an internal heating fluid passageway composed of a plurality of interconnected, longitudinally extending heat transfer chambers through which heating fluid is directed in swirling fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 5732885
    Abstract: The nozzle effects three stages of liquid atomization. The first stage is carried out by means of a single liquid orifice and an expansion chamber containing an impingement pin. A high velocity stream of liquid is discharged through the liquid orifice and is broken-up upon striking the flat end of the impingement pin. The second stage is produced by an air guide which reduces in area to form jets of air into a high velocity annular air curtain, the curtain passing through the liquid orifice in surrounding relation with the liquid stream and striking the broken-up flow of the first stage to atomize the particles. The mixture is then allowed to expand in the expansion chamber to reduce the tendency of the liquid particles in the atomized mixture from commingling together and reforming into larger particles. The third stage is effected by the expansion chamber and by multiple discharge orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 5168199
    Abstract: An improved system for continuously detecting and correcting the display in a cathode ray tube for errors in size and linearity. The system employs a crystal oscillator as a reference frequency to determine absolute error which is represented as "size" on the display screen, and relative error which is represented as linearity. The error is determined from the index pulse feedback, which is an output of a phase lock loop voltage controlled oscillator which is compared to the reference frequency to provide an error voltage level. This output level is then digitized and processed in terms of general control, interpolation, extrapolation, filtering, etc., testing, and stored in digital memory. The digital error data is converted back to analog levels for insertion into a horizontal auxiliary amplifier circuit for linearity correction. A main horizontal amplifier circuit receives size correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Loral Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Huffman, Joseph W. Goode, III
  • Patent number: 4875627
    Abstract: A solid-cone spray nozzle in which the flow-directing vanes are disposed in opposed pairs spaced axially in the nozzle chamber and rotatively displaced a quarter-turn from each other to provide clearance at each vane set, and between them, for the passage of a solid object capable of passing outwardly through the nozzle orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Lechler, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Coulston, David C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 4505431
    Abstract: Apparatus in which water and liquid detergent meet in a venturi chamber to be commingled there, the detergent being drawn into the venturi by the condition of unbalanced (lowered) pressure there resulting from the velocity of the water flowing through the venturi throat. Compressed air is introduced into a nozzle in communication with the venturi, and the commingled water, detergent, and air are then discharged for use in the form of a foam. The water inlet includes a removable insert separate from the venturi, the upstream end of the insert being exposed for direct accessibility for a mounting tool, and an annular chamber located upstream from the discharge end of the venturi outlet initially receives the compressed air which is then caused to be discharged in an annular condition about the commingled detergent and water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Spraco, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Huffman