Air Blast Only Patents (Class 15/405)
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Publication number: 20020108207Abstract: An air blower/vacuum includes a nozzle, a fan, and a main body. The main body is formed with a vacuum pathway and a blower pathway, located upstream and downstream, respectively, from the fan with respect to the flow of air. The main body is also formed with an attachment hole in fluid communication with both the vacuum pathway and the blower pathway. The attachment hole supports the nozzle rotatable between a vacuum mode orientation and a blower mode orientation. In the vacuum mode orientation, the pathway of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the vacuum pathway. In the blower mode orientation, the pathway of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the blower pathway.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Shinji Oohama
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Publication number: 20020108211Abstract: An impeller for generating an air flow, for use in a device such as a blower/vacuum, the impeller having a hub structure for mounting the impeller on a rotatable shaft of the blower/vac and a plurality of air-flow generating vanes coupled to the hub structure in a non-uniform manner wherein the spacing between adjacent vanes is irregular. An impeller having non-uniform spacing between adjacent vanes is provided by the present invention. Additional features of the impeller may include a plurality of debris engaging structures or serrations for facilitating a finer mulch of air-entrained debris.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Steven J. Svoboda
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Publication number: 20020108206Abstract: A blower/vacuum having an air inlet cover and a blower tube, both of which attach to a blower housing for operation in a blower mode. The air inlet cover is preferably able to removably attach to the blower housing and the blower tube. Blower/vacuums of the present invention may generally prohibit operation unless both the blower tube and the air inlet cover are first installed. The blower/vacuum is further adapted to operate in a vacuum mode by removing the air inlet cover and blower tube and replacing the same with a vacuum tube assembly and a vacuum collection container, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: The Toro CompanyInventors: Steven J. Svoboda, Chadwick A. Shaffer
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Patent number: 6431024Abstract: A backpack-type working machine comprises an engine on a shouldering frame and a swingable arm on a side thereof. A throttle lever on the arm controls the engine. A base of the arm is connected to a holder by means of an elastic pivot means including a bolt around which the arm swings and a spring. To allow the arm to move on a plane orthogonal to a swing direction (plane including a center line of a pivot means), the holder and the base of the arm are connected such that only parts opposing and oppositely of inclined surfaces thereof are in partial contact with each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsuneyoshi Yuasa, Kunio Tsutsui, Junichi Miyamoto
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Publication number: 20020104186Abstract: A blower tube connected to a blower of an air-jet type cleaner comprises a straight tube part having one end connected to the blower; and a deflecting part, extending from the other end of the straight tube part, for receiving an airflow within the straight tube part and deflecting thus received airflow. A nozzle for jetting out the airflow deflected by the deflecting part is defined in the straight tube part and deflecting part. The deflecting part does not protrude sideways from the straight tube part. In this configuration, the blower tube can be handled as if it is a straight rod-like body, and can be inserted into a narrow space for cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventor: Junichi Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6413324Abstract: A moisture and build up removal system and method which deliver air at high velocity to the surface to be cleaned and/or maintained free of moisture and build up. The system and method having a particular implementation with surfaces of helmet visors and other equipment where having unobstructed view is an important feature of the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventors: Brian P Hanson, David H. Hanson
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Patent number: 6374454Abstract: Device to clean air ducts which, as it includes a header connected to a compressed air generator by means of a supply hose, is characterised because the header has a front part (5) which can be connected in an adjustable fashion, to a back part (4) provided with many compressed air outlets formed by flexible bands (6) which make random movements owing to the reaction forces originated by the compressed air outlet through them, and which lash the walls of the duct.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Maria Teresa Vilarasau Alegre
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Patent number: 6367175Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence. During operation, the channel and air duct are lowered toward the ground and high velocity air passes through the channel. A vacuum is created which draws snow or debris from the runway, out of the air duct, and away from the truck. When turnaround is required at the end of a runway, the operator simply lifts the air duct currently in operation and lowers the air duct on the other side of the truck.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: S&S TrustInventors: Scott Lewis, Mike Weege, Greg Noah
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Patent number: 6353960Abstract: A convenient helper attachment device adapted for use in combination with cleaning apparatuses/units is for use as a universal back up for the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus has a near end for being held by a user and a far end for supporting the attachment device. The helper attachment device has a head portion and coupling mechanism including a clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members dimensioned for coupling with the cleaning apparatus/unit. Tabs, each provided with an aperture, extend upwardly from the upper end of each clamping member. A fastener extends through the apertures of the tabs for securement of the pair of clamping members to the helper attachment device. The clamping assembly is couplable to the attachment device and the head portion is adapted for coupling to a cleaning apparatus/unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Inventor: Edward Jannicelli, Jr.
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Patent number: 6324721Abstract: A portable leaf blower having a fan unit (10) with a fan (11) and a combustion engine (12) for driving the fan. The fan unit (10) is arranged in a shell (16,17) provided with a lower inlet opening (23) through which air, during operation, flows to the fan (11). The shell is further provided with an upper opening (24). When the engine (12) has been cut off, air for cooling the engine (12) flows through the shell (16,17) by means of self convection from the lower inlet opening (23) to the upper opening (24).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventor: Gustaf Döragrip
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Patent number: 6308375Abstract: A curved blower exhaust conduit, delivering an air stream carrying pulverized or granulated entrained solids to a substantially sealed cargo chamber enclosure of fixed volume, is provided with a pressure relief vent mounted at an “inner” peripheral region of the curved conduit having a smaller radius of curvature than the outer peripheral region of the conduit, thereby connecting the interior of the curved conduit to the external atmosphere at a point where the majority of entrained solids are carried adjacent to the outer peripheral region by the air stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Woodland Power ProductsInventor: James C. Whitney
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Publication number: 20010032401Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Scott Lewis, Mike Weege, Greg Noah
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Patent number: 6305048Abstract: An enclosure is constructed as a back pack so that it may be worn. Air is conducted into an air intake chamber, then to an air intake plenum by air impeller. An electric motor is coupled with an air impeller, with motor cooling accomplished by the positioning of the electric motor adjacent to a motor cooling intake aperture. A sound absorbing layer lines the enclosure. Air exits through an air exhaust orifice for application in blowing leaves etc. A rotational transmission, terminating with a coupling is adapted for receiving an accessory for operation of the accessory so that a wide range of garden, carpentry and farming accessories may be utilized with the power take-off.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Harold Salisian
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Patent number: 6280532Abstract: An attachment converts a standard hand-held lawn vacuum into a wheeled device for precisely cleaning leaves and debris from lawns and other surfaces. Wheels are mounted through an adjusting mechanism to allow the user to selectively vary the height of the nozzle to the lawn and thus the vacuum force applied. Various conventional lawn vacuums can be employed with the attachment which ensures time, energy and labor savings while providing a more precisely vacuumed lawn.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: J. Scott Allen
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Publication number: 20010005918Abstract: A portable power working machine has an L-shaped frame, a centrifugal blower fixed on a frame in a state that an intake port is opposed to a upright portion of the frame, and a cover having an upper portion spanned between an upper portion of the upright portion of the frame and the centrifugal blower and side portions extending from respective ends of the upper portion to a horizontal portion of the frame and spanned between a side portion of the upright portion and the centrifugal blower. A plurality of through-holes are formed in the upper portion of the cover, the through-holes communicating an interior space defined by the frame, the centrifugal blower and the cover with an exterior space on an outside of the interior space and having a size to block foreign matter in size greater than a predetermined value from passing through.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventor: Junichi Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6253415Abstract: A knapsack engine-driven tool driven by an engine provided on a knapsack frame consists of a supporting tool composed of a hollow tube made of a flexible rigid material, preferably of brass, whose base end is fixed onto the knapsack frame, in which the flexible rigid material can be held at a desired shape, a member for operating said engine provided on the edge portion of the hollow tube, a regulating wire which is inserted into the hollow tube for connecting said engine and said operating member, and a flexible protective member for covering said hollow tube. The knapsack engine-driven tool has a metal fixing member, preferably made of iron.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Shin-Daiwa Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tan Honda
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Patent number: 6253416Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a mobile air blower which allows the blower air stream to be oscillated vertically or redirected away from the work piece to avoid damage to vehicles and structure that are in the path of the air blower air stream and the apparatus provides for redirection of the air stream in forward and rearward directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Billy Goat Industries, Inc.Inventors: G. Kent Lauer, Se Han Kim, Holland A. Mertell
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Publication number: 20010005482Abstract: A blower for cleaning a surface is provided. The blower includes a radial blower that is driven by a motor and includes an impeller that is rotatable about a blower axis and a housing that at least partially surrounds the impeller. In the area of the blower axis, the housing is provided with an intake opening on an end wall that is disposed approximately perpendicular to the blower axis. A damping bell is disposed on the end wall in the region of the intake opening. The damping bell is provided with a damping panel that is disposed approximately parallel to and at a distance from the end wall, and covers the intake opening. The damping bell also includes a bell wall that extends about the intake opening and the damping panel in a collar-like manner. At least one intake window is provided in the bell wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: June 28, 2001Applicant: Firma Andreas Stihl AG & Co.,Inventor: Gustav Wolpert
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Publication number: 20010002501Abstract: A portable leaf blower having a fan unit (10) with a fan (11) and a combustion engine (12) for driving the fan. The fan unit (10) is arranged in a shell (16,17) provided with a lower inlet opening (23) through which air, during operation, flows to the fan (11). The shell is further provided with an upper opening (24). When the engine (12) has been cut off, air for cooling the engine (12) flows through the shell (16,17) by means of self convection from the lower inlet opening (23) to the upper opening (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2000Publication date: June 7, 2001Inventor: Gustaf Doragrip
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Patent number: 6226833Abstract: A blower to which power is connected from an electric motor is swingably mounted on a wheeled support. A handle is attached to the wheeled support so as to be vertically adjusted. It is also possible to pivotally support the blower on the moving means in a lower position, construct a vertical swing linking mechanism in a position higher than the above position, attach a lever for adjusting the position in the vertical direction of the discharge pipe, and connect a cable to the vertical swing linking mechanism. A lever for swinging the discharge pipe may be attached to the handle and a cable can be directly interposed between the lever and the discharge pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: New Delta Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyohisa Kawaguchi, Mamoru Iwamoto
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Patent number: 6189179Abstract: An apparatus for drying wet roadway surfaces, and more particularly, paved race tracks. The drying device has a rectangular, box-shaped housing with first and second chambers. The first or leading chamber has a first drip pan for collecting water. At least one brush is rotatably mounted in the first chamber such that the longitudinal axis of the brush is oriented transversely to the device's direction of travel when removing water. The brush is adapted to contact the surface so as to collect water in the brush as the brush rotates. The brush is also adapted to contact the first drip pan so as to dislodge the collected water in the brush and deposit the water into the drip pan. First and second squeegees are mounted respectively to the first and second chambers for diverting water away from the surface over which the apparatus is traversing. Finally, a blower is mounted atop the housing for forcing air into the second chamber for evaporating water on the surface not already collected by the brush.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Saturn Machine & Welding Co., Inc.Inventor: Billy Carr Baird
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Patent number: 6182329Abstract: A portable air blower includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan rotatably mounted in the housing, a gear train attached to the housing to rotate the fan, a drive shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the gear train to operate the gear train, and a crank arm secured to the second end of the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft manually.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Ching-Chih Lin
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Patent number: 6161994Abstract: A propeller with pivoting blades is provided as a cleaning tool (1) for the work area of metal cutting machines, where the angle of adjustment for the pivoting blades is such that an air jet is generated supporting the propeller blades (15) in folding open. The propeller blade (15) is arranged in a tool changer stacker instead of a common tool or on a tool spindle and serves to automatically clean the work area by a blowing process.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Gunter Lang
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Patent number: 6158082Abstract: The present invention provides for noise reduction during operation of a portable blower by reducing the noise or acoustic energy escaping from the housing outlet and blower tube. The noise reduction is achieved by placing sound absorbing material in the blower tube. The sound absorbing material may include flared upstream and downstream ends to reduce turbulence. The sound absorbing material may be held within the blower tube by an insert frame such that substantial portions of the sound absorbing material are exposed to air passing through the blower tube. Also disclosed is a sound absorbing insert that can be placed within an existing blower tube to retrofit portable blowers with noise reduction technology.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Beckey, Rodney D. Lund, Steve R. Porter, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Steven J. Svoboda
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Patent number: 6145161Abstract: A multifunctional dust-abating gun includes a main coupler for coupling with a dust-abating fitting, an inflation needle for inflating balls, or an inflation fitting for inflating rubber life rings, thereby performing the functions of dust abatement or inflation of tires or balls. The main coupler may be coupled with a quick coupler which, in turn, is coupled with a sprayer fitting, dust-suction fitting, or dust-abating fitting, thereby performing the functions of water spraying, dust suction, or dust abatement. The quick coupler includes a U-shaped groove to allow easy and quick engagement/disengagement with/from a dust-abating barrel, a sprayer fitting, or a dust-section fitting. Alternatively, the main coupler may be coupled with an inflation device that includes a freely rotatable main body to prevent a pressure gauge on the main body from being damaged.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: Wuu-Cheau Jou
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Patent number: 6141824Abstract: A blower nozzle (30) and a vacuum nozzle (40) extending in parallel with each other are connected to a main body (10) housing therein a fan (19) and a motor (20). The main body (10) is provided with a dust bag (50). In a vacuum mode, air is directly sucked from the vacuum nozzle and is introduced into the dust bag by the rotation of the fan. In a blower mode, the air similarly sucked from the vacuum nozzle is directed toward the blower nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignees: Ryobi North America, Inc., Ryobi LimitedInventors: Nobuaki Fujiwara, Naoki Kikuchi, Robert G. Everts
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Patent number: 6125503Abstract: A device for promoting safe, comfortable, economical, and timely use of all currently manufactured, new in stock and used backpack blowers, by using this retracting rotational backpack blower air discharge tube unit (1) that utilizes one section of blower air discharge tubing, wherein the retracting rotational backpack blower tube unit (1) being larger in inside dimension than the outside dimension of a modified backpack blower straight tube, while the retracting rotational backpack blower tube unit (1), will retract in effect over a modified backpack blower straight tube when the upper longitude end of said is attached to a backpack blower discharge air flex tube, as to become a ridged fixed means, thus allowing the retracting rotational backpack blower tube unit (1), to retract and extend by longitudinal means over a modified backpack blower straight tube as to the full length of said when controlled by the hand of the operator while a modified backpack blower straight tube becomes a ridged fixing axis poinType: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Az-Tech Research and Development CorporationInventor: Michael D Callahan
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Patent number: 6105206Abstract: An improved portable electrically powered leaf blower is disclosed that can provide levels of air flow and velocity comparable to those of gasoline-powered blowers, yet that generates substantially reduced noise, eliminates exhaust emissions and emissions from spilled fuel, and is lightweight and convenient to operate. The leaf blower incorporates a sound-insulated duct that encloses an electric motor and fan assembly, and a handle projects above the duct's inlet end. Electrical power is provided by a battery pack carried in a backpack worn by the operator. Positioning the primary noise sources within a duct that in use is positioned close to the ground minimizes noise levels both at the operator's ears and at a distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Department of Water and Power City of Los AngelesInventors: Phillip T. Tokumaru, Bart D. Hibbs, Scott C. Newbern, Thomas Zambrano
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Patent number: 6105205Abstract: A power working machine has a noise level display device which enables the noise level of the machine to be easily recognized with the naked eyes. When compressed air that is pressurized and delivered by a blower fan is delivered to an air-ejecting pipe, a noise level proportional to the magnitude of the force of the ejected air flow is indicated by the noise level display device, which is mounted on the air-ejecting pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventors: Kazunori Takahashi, Fumihiko Aiyama
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Patent number: 6076231Abstract: An output nozzle for allowing plural air flow passage channels in different directions from a gas/electric yard/lawn air blower. The blower uses nozzles having a primary airstream for blowing debris such as leaves, dirt and trash upward above an obstacle such as grass and curbs and a second airstream for propelling debris outward over the obstacle. One version uses a second smaller nozzle upwardly angled at a slight angle of approximately 45 degrees from the upper surface of the main exhaust nozzle. Another version uses a flapper shut off valve in the second nozzle for selectively opening and closing the second nozzle. A still another version uses an extension member having a swivel base for allowing the second airflow exhaust to be directed into different angled directions therefrom. A still another version has a slidable second nozzle having one position closing off airflow, and a second position where airflow passes out from the second nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Charles Bucher
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Patent number: 6077033Abstract: A portable air-blowing working machine includes a prime mover and an air-blowing system. The air-blowing system incorporates first-stage and second-stage centrifugal air-blowing sections, which are rotatably driven by an output shaft of the prime mover and are interconnected by an air-blowing passage for delivering air discharged from the first-stage air-blowing section to the intake of the second-stage air-blowing sections. The inlet portions of the air-blowing passage are respectively positioned at the outer circumferential portion of a volute chamber of the first air-blowing section, and the outlet portion of the air-blowing passage is positioned near the air-intake port of the secondary air-blowing section.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventor: Takeshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6073305Abstract: A debris blower for use in dispersing and collecting grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from sidewalks, driveways, lawns, golf courses and other ground surfaces. The debris blower is designed to be connected underneath a chassis of a tractor or lawn mower, and includes a housing containing a power-driven fan which rotates in a plane generally parallel to the ground surface. An air flow generated by the fan exits the housing through first and second chutes projecting from the housing. The chutes direct the air flow towards the ground surface. Air flow through the chutes is controlled by deflectors and closures that are moveable to selectively open and close the chutes and to adjust the direction of the exiting air flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventor: Scott Hesskamp
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Patent number: 6039062Abstract: A combined portable umbrella and air blower comprising an elongate shaft, an umbrella canopy coupled to the elongate shaft for providing protection from adverse weather conditions, and an air propulsion mechanism operably coupled to the elongate shaft for enabling a clearing of debris from an external surface. Air may be propelled through an air conduit that comprises an elongate hollow tube that is devoid of air-conveying openings therealong, that is disposed within the elongate shaft, and that has an air outlet coincident with a first end of the elongate shaft. A nozzle may be disposed at the first end of the elongate shaft for focusing and directing propelled air. A removable, protective cap with a ground-engaging spike may be attachable to the air outlet and retained by a tether.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Glen Karakaedos
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Patent number: 6009595Abstract: A vegetation debris blower and carrying cart assembly is provided with a quick mount and dismount assembly. The cart has two vertically orientated mounting tubes. The blower has a mounting bracket attached to its bottom rear end. The mounting bracket has two U-shaped rods with downward extending legs adapted to be slid into the tubes to thereby quickly mount the blower to the cart by merely vertically lowering the blower onto the cart. The blower can be quickly dismounted from the cart by merely upwardly raising the blower from the cart with the rods merely sliding out of the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jeremy D. Leasure, Harold M. Bigham
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Patent number: 6006400Abstract: A battery powered, back-pack blower comprising a mounting frame, a horizontally mounted impeller oscillated by an electric motor powered by a battery pack. The impeller and motor are positioned on the mounting frame above the battery back to better distribute the weight. The electric motor reduces the level of noise and smoke emissions from blowers using internal combustion engines. A U-bracket serves to horizontally mount the electric motor which allows for greater heat dissipation from the motor and also aids in dismantling the blower.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: Tom Presenza
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Patent number: 6003199Abstract: An improved air concentrator nozzle for creating an increased air exit velocity from an extension tube of a portable blower or blower/vacuum. The extension tube tapers from a larger, upstream end to a smaller, downstream end. The nozzle is inserted into the upstream end of the extension tube and drops until it protrudes outwardly from the downstream end of the extension tube. An interference fit between an exterior surface of the nozzle and an interior surface of the downstream end of the extension tube restrains the nozzle relative to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventor: Chadwick A. Shaffer
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Patent number: 6004093Abstract: A portable air-blowing working machine includes a prime mover and an air-blowing system. The air-blowing system incorporates first-stage and second-stage centrifugal air-blowing sections, which are rotatably driven by an output shaft of a prime mover and are interconnected by an air-blowing passage for delivering air discharged from the first-stage air-blowing section to the intake of the second-stage air-blowing section. The first-stage air-blowing section and the second-stage air-blowing section share a common unitary double fan, which includes fore and rear centrifuged fan blades mounted on the fore (first stage) and rear (second stage) faces of a main disk plate integrally mounted on the output shaft of the prime mover.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventor: Takeshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6000095Abstract: A dual port blowing device for drying a vehicle includes a centrifugal fan powered by a blower motor. The centrifugal fan is rotated upon the motor shaft and surrounded by a housing having a first outlet nozzle for discharging air toward the rear end of the vehicle, and including a second outlet nozzle for discharging air toward the front end of the vehicle. A pivoting damper moves between a first position for sending discharged air through the first outlet nozzle, and a second position for sending discharged air through the second outlet nozzle. An actuator selectively pivots the damper between its first and second positions. The actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston for pivoting the damper. Control circuitry determines when the rear of the vehicle is proximate to the dual port blowing device, and operates the hydraulic cylinder to move the damper from its first position to its second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Superior Investments, Inc.Inventor: Archie L. Johnson
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Patent number: 5991966Abstract: A cleaning system includes a housing, an air compressor, a plurality of air hoses, and a plurality of air nozzles. The housing has a first plurality of sidewalls. The first plurality of sidewalls define an enclosure. The housing includes at least a first opening defined therein. The first opening communicates with the enclosure. The air compressor is mounted within the enclosure. The plurality of air hoses are coupled to the compressor and extend through the first opening. The plurality of air nozzles are coupled to the air hoses. An apparatus includes a housing, a cleaning platform, an air compressor, at least one air hose, and an air nozzle. The housing includes a first plurality of sidewalls. The first plurality of sidewalls define an enclosure and have at least a first opening defined therein. The first opening communicates with the enclosure. The housing also includes a second plurality of sidewalls. The second plurality of sidewalls define a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Roger Allen Sproule
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Patent number: 5991973Abstract: A yard blower is provided which includes a housing mounting a source of high volume pressurized air, a hose fluidly communicating with the housing for directing the pressurized air, a nozzle with a rear end connected with the hose for distributing the pressurized air. The nozzle has a front end with an opening for releasing the pressurized air. The nozzle also has a generally rigid rake formed by a plurality of spaced apart tines projecting from the nozzle allowing the nozzle to agitate yard debris.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Timothy A. Simpson
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Patent number: 5989360Abstract: A portable, self-contained vacuum device designed for hand-held use to create a moderate vacuum effect for various applications. A small diameter tube (10) is firmly attached (14) to the nozzle or spray tip of an aerosol canister and inserted at a point (16) through the wall of, and directed in one direction along the interior length of a larger diameter tube (12). The tubes may be fixed to the exterior of the aerosol canister, may be detachable for storage, or may be manufactured into the interior of the aerosol canister. When propellant gas from the aerosol canister is released and injected out of the outflow end (20) of the smaller diameter tube toward one end of the larger diameter tube, the resulting aspiration of ambient gasses creates a vacuum effect at the opposite end, or intake end (18), of said larger diameter tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Thomas I. Hamilton
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Patent number: 5950276Abstract: A hand-held blower and adjustable blower nozzle attachment is disclosed for providing a variable rate air flow discharge from the nozzle attachment. The blower includes a housing having a handle, a discharge portion and a motor with an operatively connected impeller within a chamber connected to the discharge portion. A tubular body is attached to the discharge portion at one end and a blower nozzle attachment at a second end. The blower nozzle attachment includes at least one constrictor flap provided within the nozzle attachment body to change the air flow rate between a low air velocity rate in a first position and a higher air velocity rate in at least one second position. The adjustable blower nozzle attachment is provided with at least one aperture corresponding to the at least one constrictor flap for adjustment of the flap between the first and the at least one second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Ryobi North America, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Everts, Kenneth M. Brazell
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Patent number: 5944911Abstract: A method and apparatus for sweeping seating areas is provided which enables the operator to stand substantially upright while directing a stream of air substantially horizontally along the floor supporting the seats. The apparatus includes a handle adapted for connection to a source of compressed air, a substantially elongated wand connected to the handle, and a nozzle which directs a stream of air along the floor substantially perpendicular to the wand. The nozzle is configured to intake additional air besides the compressed air supplied through the handle to provide increased air volume at pressures reduced from that supplied by the compressed air source. The method includes positioning the apparatus behind seats, particularly in stair-stepped stadium seating areas to provide a substantially horizontal air flow reaching into corners between the riser wall and landing of the seating area and around the bottoms of the seats.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Winters CompanyInventors: Robert L. Winters, Thomas P. Wagner
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Patent number: 5926910Abstract: A blower pipe is disclosed which is substantially prevented from being damaged, which is easily applicable even to a varied operation site to thereby attain improved operating characteristics, and which can be produced at a reduced cost. The blower pipe (31) is utilized in a power blower, and has its upstream end formed into proximal connecting means (33) and its downstream end formed into a blow-off opening (32), and has its bottom portion (36) provided with an arc-shaped expanded portion (34) in the vicinity of the blow-off opening (32).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventors: Masanori Nishimura, Giichi Iida
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Patent number: 5902414Abstract: An apparatus (5) for renovating synthetic grass playing surfaces (1) which include a layer of particulate material. The apparatus (5) comprises a plenum chamber (20) which directs a fast moving jet of air against the particulate so as to dislodge it and direct the particulate into a collection chamber (40). The plenum chamber (20) may be adapted to effect a reciprocating motion parallel to a playing surface (1) and orthogonal to a direction of conveyance of the apparatus (5) over the playing surface (1). The collection chamber (20) may incorporate a screw conveyor system (44) to displace particulate material directed into the collection chamber (20) to an appropriate container which may be conveyed along side the apparatus (5) by a separate vehicle. The apparatus (5) may further include a particulate dispensing apparatus for applying an evenly spread layer of fresh particulate material in place of that which has been dislodged and removed from the playing surface (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Air Force LimitedInventors: Mark Anthony Keal, Charles Clifford Seager Lawrence
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Patent number: 5894630Abstract: An air conducting convertor for a powered string trimmer is disclosed, wherein the trimmer to be converted has a power shaft with opposing proximal and distal ends, a power-providing unit disposed upon the proximal end thereof, and a string head coupling disposed on the distal end thereof. The converting apparatus includes a collar bracket adjacent the distal end of the trimmer, and struts projecting from the collar bracket and supporting a surrounding fan shroud. A fan having blades pitched to move air distally through the shroud is coupled with the trimmer's standard trimmer head coupling. A curved, rotatable air duct with interior baffle plates is engaged with the shroud and projects distally therefrom. A debris bag is suspended from the trimmer's shaft has a collector portion which is engaged with the proximal rim of the fan shroud, so when a fan pitched to move air proximally is mounted on the trimmer, the apparatus is able to act as a vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: International Retail Direct Promotions, Inc.Inventors: Hubert E. Bitner, William A. Brown
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Patent number: 5852846Abstract: A windshield airstream deflector for vehicles which projects a blanket of fast moving air over the vehicle's windshield. The blanket of fast moving air is a barrier which prevents rain, snow, freezing rain or sleet from impacting the windshield. A turbine accelerates fresh air over the windshield via windshield ducts. A heating element is selectively operated to heat the air to aid defrosting of the windshield. Attached to the end of the windshield duct is a windshield exhaust duct which distributes the blanket of fast moving air equally over the windshield. An electrical heating element is disposed on the windshield exhaust duct to prevent or dispel any buildup of ice on the windshield exhaust duct. Power to drive the turbine comes from either the engine via a belt attached to the engine and turbine via a shaft, a direct current motor which has a battery as the power supply, or from the vehicle exhaust system via a dual turbine.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Inventor: E. H. Gonzalez
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Patent number: 5813088Abstract: A backpack blower includes a control handle carried by a flexible arm which permits the control handle to be positioned at any location in a three dimensional position range. User comfort and controllability are enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventors: Jeffrey F. Wagner, Kerry D. Roosmalen, Darren K. Riley, Michael S. Despain, Gary T. Johnson
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Patent number: 5813089Abstract: An improved power-driven brush assembly is disclosed, useful for cleaning the interior surfaces of ducts, pipes, and other similar structures. The apparatus comprises a cable having a brush at one end, and a motor at the other end for spinning the cable and the brush. A casing surrounds the cable, allowing a fluid to be injected through the casing to the brush. A fluid directing assembly at the end of the casing near the brush allows fluid to the be injected into the duct in a desired direction, to flush particulate matter from the vicinity of the brush.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Abatement Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James R. Nolan, Gary E. Kruse
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Patent number: RE36627Abstract: An improved convertible electric blower/vac. The blower/vac includes an improved air inlet cover with an adjustable choke member. The air inlet cover also includes a pressure ring for increasing the efficiency of the blower/vac impeller when the unit is operated in the blower mode. The blower/vac also includes a blower tube and a vacuum bag collar, each with resilient tabs that engage receptacles on the blower/vac to retain the blower tube and vacuum bag collar on the unit. The housing outlet of the blower/vac includes guides that interact with longitudinal ribs on the blower tube and the vacuum bag collar to reduce unwanted rotational deflection of the blower tube and vacuum bag collar when either is engaged on the housing outlet. The blower/vac includes an improved vacuum tube for use of the blower/vac in the vacuum mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Anthony N. Pink, Dean R. Toensing