System Fluid Diverted Patents (Class 239/113)
  • Patent number: 12064781
    Abstract: A robotic arm includes a tool located at an end of the robotic arm that delivers a material to a surface. A hose attachment manifold is mounted to the robotic arm. The hose attachment manifold includes an array of openings that extend through a manifold body of the hose attachment manifold. Fittings are mounted to the manifold body and within the openings. A plurality of upstream hoses are mounted to the fittings at a side of the manifold body. A plurality of downstream hoses are mounted to the fittings at an opposite side of the manifold body. The plurality of downstream hoses are fluidly connected to the tool for delivering a fluid material received from the plurality of upstream hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Howard Thompson, Devin Cole Harris
  • Patent number: 12023638
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing a sealant. The method includes mixing a first material with a second material at a manufacturing site to produce the sealant. The method also includes applying x-ray energy to the sealant at the manufacturing site. The method includes measuring an amount of fluorescence emitted from the sealant in response to applying the x-ray energy. The method also includes calculating a mix ratio of the first and second materials of the sealant based on the amount of fluorescence. The method includes determining whether the mix ratio is within a predetermined mix ratio range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Erickson, Sarah Dickerson, Nelson N. Akwari, John DeForest
  • Patent number: 11980785
    Abstract: A foam production method includes mixing liquid nitrogen with a foaming material to produce foam. A gas is produced in situ from liquid nitrogen. As the ratio of the volume of the gas produced by gasification of liquid nitrogen to the volume of the liquid nitrogen is relatively high, when a large gas supply flow is needed to generate a large foam flow, a liquid nitrogen storage device of a small volume can be used instead of bulky air supply devices such as high-pressure gas cylinders, air compressors, air compressor sets and the like, reducing the volume of the air supply device. In addition, the liquid nitrogen used in foaming will release nitrogen gas after the foam blast, such that the nitrogen is also able to inhibit combustion on the surface of burning materials, accelerating the extinguishing of the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION QINGDAO RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SAFETY ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Shanjun Mu, Chunming Jiang, Weihua Zhang, Quanzhen Liu, Xuqing Lang, Xiaodong Mu, Lin Wang, Jingfeng Wu, Longmei Tan, Zuzheng Shang, Rifeng Zhou, Jianxiang Li, Hui Yu
  • Patent number: 11982074
    Abstract: A faucet assembly that includes a base from which a spout is coupled to and protrudes from, wherein the spout is operably configured to emit a stream of liquid therefrom an offset length, b, from a spout support axis spanning through the base of the spout. The faucet assembly includes a lever handle member operably configured to rotate about a fulcrum that is offset a length, a, from the spout support axis. The lever handle member defines a length, c, separating the end of the lever handle member and the fulcrum in which the handle rotates, wherein the lever handle member is of a sufficient length, c, and operable configured to rotate a sufficient angle underneath the stream of liquid to wash and clean the handle when being utilized by the user. In one embodiment, the faucet assembly includes a relative geometric spacing configuration of ?{square root over (a2+b2)}?c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Freeman Wilks
  • Patent number: 11953922
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating and calibrating a paint mixture delivery system includes a positive displacement fluid cylinder and a linear transducer that monitors operation of the positive displacement fluid cylinder. A controller is connected to a servo drive whose operation manipulates the performance of the positive displacement fluid cylinder. Operation of the fluid delivery system is controlled such that the ratio of paint or resin to catalyst or hardener can be accurately controlled and calibration of the discrete fluid flow sensors can be quickly and conveniently calibrated to assure delivery of the respective fluids are the desired mixture ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Autoquip, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Elberson
  • Patent number: 11904830
    Abstract: A cleaning system for an agricultural sprayer may include a sprayer boom, a plurality of nozzle assemblies provided in association with the sprayer boom and configured to dispense an agricultural product during a spraying operation of the agricultural sprayer, a first cleaning fluid tank configured to hold a first cleaning fluid, and a nozzle assembly fluid circuit fluidly coupling the plurality of nozzle assemblies and the first cleaning fluid tank. Moreover, the cleaning system may include a cleaning station supported on the sprayer boom, the cleaning station comprising a first valve. Additionally, the cleaning system may include a first cleaning fluid circuit fluidly coupling the first valve and the first cleaning fluid tank. The first valve is configured to supply the first cleaning fluid therethrough when the first valve is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Richard Arden Moen, William A. Roach, Kevin Hammer, John Paul Honermann
  • Patent number: 11618048
    Abstract: The present application is related to reducing the paint left inside the piping of the painting device. More specifically the present application is directed to a painting device that includes: a paint output part for outputting paint towards an object to be painted; a paint piping for the paint to pass through towards the paint output part; and a steel ball provided inside the paint piping; and a paint supply part supplying the paint to the paint piping from a side opposite to the paint output part. After the paint supply part stops supplying of the paint, the steel ball moves inside the paint piping towards the paint output part while the paint output part outputs the paint towards the object to be painted. The first moving fluid causes the steel ball to move inside the paint piping towards the paint output part by pushing the steel ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Takahiro Tawata, Kuniharu Yamauchi, Jose Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 11559820
    Abstract: A dispenser system for applying multi-component adhesives or like substances to work surfaces in carpeting, roofing and like applications as well as a method of dispensing and applying multi-component adhesives to work surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: 4 C's Spray Equipment Rental, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Jay Calaman, Timothy E. Curtis
  • Patent number: 11474036
    Abstract: Provided is a flocculation state monitoring sensor with which blockage of an ejecting part which ejects a gas towards a light emitting part and a light receiving part can be prevented, and which performs stable monitoring. A flocculation state monitoring sensor comprising: a light emitting part which irradiates laser light towards a measuring region which measures a flocculation state; and a light receiving part which receives light scattered along a direction which intersects with a direction along an optical axis of said light emitting part, wherein the light emitting part and the light receiving part are cleaned by air being ejected from nozzles theretowards. A small amount of air is provided to the nozzles between cleaning periods to purge floc, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Nagao
  • Patent number: 11441426
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly with: a valve body defining valve inlet and outlet ports; a manifold connected to the valve outlet port, the manifold includes: a manifold inlet body portion defining: a manifold internal surface forming a manifold channel; and a first manifold external surface defining a manifold inlet opening that opens to the manifold channel, the manifold channel is fluidly coupled to the valve outlet port via the manifold inlet opening; a manifold outlet port, and a manifold outlet conduit extending from the manifold inlet body portion to the manifold outlet port; a manifold exhaust port, and a manifold exhaust conduit extending from the manifold inlet body portion to the manifold exhaust port, the manifold exhaust and outlet conduits are fluidly coupled to each other via the manifold channel, heat fins extend from the manifold exhaust conduit; and a eutectic plug disposed within the manifold exhaust conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott W. Simpson, David J. Zawilinski, Robert DeFelice
  • Patent number: 11192128
    Abstract: By injecting a chemical fluid and a carrier fluid directly at each nozzle, and by then mixing the fluids at each nozzle to produce a mixed fluid, an improved spray system may be provided which does not contaminate the tank or distribution system with chemical fluid and which allows improved spraying with minimal delay. Accordingly, a system is provided on a field sprayer for independently controlling the flow rate of concentrated chemical fluid to individual spray nozzles using a high pressure chemical distribution rail or loop routed to each nozzle and solenoid injection valves to control the flow of chemical fluid to each nozzle independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Posselius, Tim Stombaugh
  • Patent number: 11148158
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer system includes a solution circuit including solution lines and a fluid pump to pump a solution from the solution tank through the solution lines to the spray nozzles; an air circuit including air lines and a source of compressed air to selectively introduce air pressure into the solution circuit; and a control system including a controller configured to control flow of the solution and the compressed air. The controller is configured to perform a spray cycle in which, during a primary portion, a control valve is controlled to isolate the air circuit from the solution circuit so that the solution is pumped by the fluid pump from the solution tank to the spray nozzles, and in which, during an air pressure application portion, the control valve is controlled so that the solution is forced through the solution circuit by the compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Joshua J. Engelbrecht, Pierre van Raaij, Julien Saint Laurent
  • Patent number: 10835934
    Abstract: A wand apparatus for controlling a pressure washing system and an associated method for controlling a pressure washing system is provided. The wand apparatus may include a first wand portion and a second wand portion. The wand apparatus may further include a chemical control assembly that includes a housing and a chemical control element. The housing defines an outlet aperture, an inlet aperture, and a chemical control aperture. The chemical control aperture is configured to operably engage the chemical control element. The outlet aperture is configured to operably engage the first wand portion, and the inlet aperture is configured to operably engage the second wand portion. Further, operable engagement of the chemical control element may provide for switching the wand apparatus between a chemical spray configuration and a wash spray configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: James Padgett
  • Patent number: 10828655
    Abstract: A mobile agricultural sprayer includes a chemical tank that holds a chemical fluid to be sprayed at a worksite and a rinse fluid tank that holds rinse fluid. The mobile agricultural sprayer also includes a first sensor coupled to the rinse fluid tank configured to detect a characteristic of the rinse fluid within the rinse fluid tank, and, generate a first sensor signal indicative of the characteristic of the rinse fluid. The sprayer also includes a distribution system, including a fluidic pathway and a nozzle, configured to pump the rinse fluid from the rinse fluid tank along the fluidic pathway through the nozzle of the sprayer. The sprayer also includes a second sensor coupled to the fluidic pathway configured to detect a characteristic of the fluid within the fluidic pathway, and generate a second sensor signal indicative of the characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kathryn L. Dunkel, Richard A. Humpal
  • Patent number: 10517424
    Abstract: An eductor suitable for use in an assembly for preparing a liquid product comprises a housing having a substantially cylindrical wall. The eductor comprises an injector valve which is displaceably arranged within the cylindrical wall from first position to a second position longitudinally spaced from the first position, and vice versa. On its outer surface the injector valve comprises two annular protrusions which are spaced from each other, each of the annular protrusions engaging the inner surface of the cylindrical wall for forming a seal therewith, said annular protrusions together with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall forming an annular chamber, said protrusions being arranged for isolating the annular chamber from fluid communication with any environment outside the annular protrusions when said injector valve is positioned in the first position or the second position or any position in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: FrieslandCampina Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Joannes Botman, Lambertus Cornelus Adriaan Oppers, Wiebe Nicolaas Van Druten
  • Patent number: 10074449
    Abstract: A radiation-shielding attenuation structure and method of forming the attenuation structure, wherein the attenuation structure is made by additively manufacturing a concrete material that includes one or more attenuation dopants configured to enhance the radiation shielding of the concrete material. The one or more attenuation dopants may be configured in the concrete material to attenuate one or more types of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation, gamma radiation, X-ray radiation, or neutron radiation. The attenuation structure formed by the concrete material may be additively manufactured on-site according to a model that has already been pre-certified for safe or secure use, thereby providing a repeatable and reproducible process that can reduce lead times and fabrication costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ryan D. White, Andrew Michael Wilds, Jerry L. Schlabach
  • Patent number: 9840035
    Abstract: A head is disclosed for use with a manufacturing system. The head may have a housing configured to discharge a tubular structure reinforced with at least one continuous fiber and having a three-dimensional trajectory, and a cure enhancer operatively connected to the housing and configured to cure a liquid matrix in the tubular structure during discharge. The head may also have a nozzle configured to discharge a fill material into the tubular structure, and a wand extending from the housing to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Lyle Tyler
  • Patent number: 9789498
    Abstract: An improved structure of gyrating nozzle spray gun includes a grip including an air inlet and a trigger-controlled valve seat, a gas delivery tube connected to the valve seat, and a gyrating nozzle head including a connection nut threaded onto a front tubular mating connection screw rod of the gas delivery tube, an end cap threaded onto outer thread of the connection nut, a bearing positioned in the end cap, and a rotator mounted in the bearing and rotatable with an inner race of the bearing and defining therein a gas accumulation chamber for receiving compressed air from the valve seat via the gas delivery tube and the connection nut and an oblique jet hole eccentrically located in the front wall thereof for ejecting compressed air and causing the rotator to rotate during ejection of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: NEUTEK INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Den-Nan Fu, Huang-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 9157384
    Abstract: A dual fuel engine utilizes a compression ignited pilot injection of liquid diesel fuel to ignite a mixture of gaseous fuel and air in each engine cylinder. The gaseous fuel is injected at a relatively low pressure directly into the engine cylinder from a fuel injector. The liquid diesel fuel is injected directly into the engine cylinder from the same fuel injector. In-cylinder dynamic gas blending during the compression stroke can reduce potential hydrocarbon slip that could occur when unburned fuel resides in crevice volumes within the engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Cory A. Brown
  • Patent number: 9067219
    Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, it is necessary to first dislodge or release them from the surface, next to transport them to the detection instrument, and last to accumulate them on or in a particle collection device associated with the instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. A nozzle to release particles of narcotics and explosives employs a coaxial configuration that permits particle release at an increased distance from the nozzle compared to existing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Implant Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N. Bunker, Keith A. Richards
  • Publication number: 20150144709
    Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus comprises a head having an discharge port surface on which a discharge port is provided for discharging a liquid, and a liquid moving unit arranged apart from the discharge port surface and configured to be movable along the discharge port surface, wherein, the liquid moving unit moves a liquid on the discharge port surface to a collecting position in which the discharge port is not provided, with a moving of the liquid moving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Tohru Ishibashi, Yoshimasa Araki, Akio Saito, Koichi Kitakami, Yasuyuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 9040116
    Abstract: A method for spraying a coating and a cold gas spray nozzle is disclosed. The method includes spraying a coating by the cold gas spray nozzle. A rinsing gas is fed to the cold gas spray nozzle during an interruption of the spraying or at an end of the spraying. Deposits in the cold gas spray nozzle are cooled and detached by the rinsing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Jakimov, Stefan Schneiderbanger, Manuel Hertter
  • Publication number: 20150102125
    Abstract: A sprinkler and side-loading nozzle insert assembly includes a sprinkler body provided with a flow passage, a bearing housing in a side wall of the sprinkler body, and a nozzle insert received in an access opening formed in the side wall of the sprinkler body substantially opposite the bearing housing. The nozzle insert includes an insert body having a bearing portion received in the bearing housing, a ball-valve portion connected to the bearing portion and provided with a nozzle bore having an inlet and an outlet orifice, and a lock/release portion connected to the ball-valve portion, the lock/release portion including plural, flexible spring arms extending away from the ball-valve portion. The nozzle insert is rotatable to plural operating positions by manipulation of the spring arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: George L. SESSER, SEAN M. SCOTT
  • Publication number: 20150001313
    Abstract: A sprinkler and side-loading nozzle insert assembly includes, in a preferred arrangement, a sprinkler body provided with a flow passage along a sprinkler body axis and a nozzle insert spring-loaded received in a complementary recess formed in the sprinkler body. The nozzle insert has an axis of rotation transverse to the sprinkler body axis and is rotatable from an insertion position to plural operating positions. The nozzle insert is provided with an elongated, substantially cylindrical insert body including a nozzle bore extending through the insert body on an axis transverse to the axis of rotation and alignable with the flow passage in at least two of the plural operating positions. Plural index tabs extend radially from the insert body at circumferentially-spaced locations, and are adapted to engage respective plural index notches in the sprinkler body as the insert body is rotated to the plural operating positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Barton R. Nelson, Craig B. Nelson, Reid A. Nelson, Richard L. Schisler, Meade M. Neal
  • Publication number: 20150001312
    Abstract: A sprinkler and side-loading nozzle insert assembly includes a sprinkler body provided with a flow passage and a nozzle insert seated in a complementary recess in said sprinkler body. The nozzle insert is rotatable to plural operating positions and it includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical insert body having an insert axis about which the nozzle insert rotates. A nozzle bore extends through the insert body on an axis transverse to the insert axis and alignable with the flow passage in one of the plural operating positions. A forward end face is provided with a turning knob and plural index tabs extending radially from the insert body at circumferentially-spaced locations proximate the forward end face. The index tabs are adapted to engage respective index notches in the sprinkler body as the insert body is rotated to the plural operating positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: George L. SESSER, Barton R. NELSON, Craig B. NELSON, Reid A. NELSON, Richard L. SCHISLER, Meade M. NEAL
  • Patent number: 8833672
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a flow control device for reducing fluid flow through the sprinkler when the nozzle is removed, such as might occur due to vandalism. The flow control device is coupled to the nozzle and is moveable between a first irrigating position and a second signaling position. In the first position, the sprinkler discharges fluid for irrigation. In the second position, the sprinkler discharges a reduced amount of fluid and signals that the nozzle has been removed and should be replaced. The flow control device also allows sufficient fluid flow for flushing debris out of the sprinkler when a flush cap is mounted to the sprinkler, instead of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Skripkar, Krishnadidya G. Arkalgud, Gregory S. Palumbo
  • Publication number: 20140239090
    Abstract: In the present invention, a cylinder chamber is provided in a main injector body having a nozzle that injects fuel. In the cylinder chamber, a command piston for driving a needle that opens and closes the nozzle is reciprocably received. A cleaning liquid supply pathway for supplying cleaning liquid and a cleaning liquid discharge pathway for discharging cleaning liquid are connected to the cylinder chamber. As a result, adhesive accretions in the cylinder chamber of the main injector body are discharged out of the cylinder chamber together with the cleaning liquid, and therefore it is possible to prevent a negative effect resulting from the adhesive accretions without using an additive or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Wataru Minami, Shouji Yamaguchi, Yasushi Arai, Kouji Tahara
  • Patent number: 8807462
    Abstract: A two component spray gun with low/high flow rates allows the operator to spray in confined areas at lower flow without having to change the mix module. The lower flow reduces undesirable “spray back” and will also help reduce material waste. Pneumatic piston 12 travel, which determines on/off fluid flow, can be selected on the fly to either close the fluid ports 14 which stops fluid flow, partially open the fluid ports 14 which limits fluid flow, or to fully open the fluid ports 14 to allow for maximum flow. Pneumatic piston 12 travel can be limited by means of a simple multi-position mechanical stop plunger 16. The stop bar 22 can be connected to a knob 18 or other operator input and turned or adjusted to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Christopher J. Pellin, Mark T. Weinberger, Jeffrey N. Velgersdyk, Douglas S. Ryder
  • Patent number: 8746592
    Abstract: An improved sprinkler has a flow altering device to change water direction and control the direction of a blade wheel. A gear set causes a sprinkler head's repetitive rotation. The sprinkler head includes a set of corresponding upper plate and lower plate to divide an interior chamber of the sprinkler head to two chambers: a control chamber and a gear chamber. A water inlet pipe connects only with the control chamber to provide water to enter the control chamber. The upper plate and the lower plate form a filtering channel interconnecting between the control chamber and the gear chamber. The water from the control chamber can flow into the gear chamber through the filtering channel. The filtering channel filters the large/coarser particle debris in the water and the water flowing into the gear chamber can lubricate and cool the gear set in the gear chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corporation
    Inventor: Shun Nan Lo
  • Publication number: 20130186971
    Abstract: An improved shower soap dispenser for use with liquid soap, gels and body washes. It consists of a soap storage reservoir, main body containing control valves that intersects and connects directly to a conventional shower pipe and shower head. It mixes an adjustable amount of liquid soap with air into the flowing water. Its improved main valve, through incorporation of a truncated cone, provides greater vacuum and water flow to make it compatible with a wider range of water pressure and soap density and viscosity. The improved main valve also provides the capability for the user to clean out water passages of the dispenser without disassembly or removing any parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Bishop
  • Patent number: 8453595
    Abstract: A jetting apparatus for jetting droplets of viscous medium onto a substrate and a method of improving the performance of the jetting apparatus are provided. The jetting apparatus includes a jetting outlet through which the droplets are jetted, a flow generator for producing a flow of air past the jetting outlet for removing viscous medium residue at the jetting outlet, a receptacle for receiving viscous medium residue transported by the air flow away from the jetting outlet, and a flow path for the air flow between the jetting outlet and the flow generator, via the receptacle. A flow sensor is arranged in the flow path for measuring the air flow. An air flow signal representative of the air flow is obtained, the air flow signal is evaluated for determining at least one status of the jetting apparatus, and an indication of the status is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventors: William Holm, Håkan Sandell, Johan Kronstedt
  • Patent number: 8413847
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations LLC
    Inventor: William A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8387896
    Abstract: A self cleaning header assembly for use within a spray application system includes a plurality of spray guns for spraying a mix of air and liquid, e.g., an adhesive, and comprises a cleaning mechanism including one or more wash nozzles and a shroud. During a cleaning cycle, the shroud is closed and the spray guns rotate to approach the wash nozzles. The wash nozzles apply pressurized liquid, e.g., water, to the spray gun nozzles to remove excess adhesive that may affect the spray pattern and flow. After the washing cycle is complete, the spray guns are rotated to again face the target of interest and the shroud is reopened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: Paul David Wanthal
  • Patent number: 8322301
    Abstract: An intermediate reserve tank for temporarily storing a conductive coating medium is provided in a coating medium supply passage for supplying the conductive coating medium from a color switch valve mechanism to a spray gun. A block valve mechanism for electrically insulating the color switch valve mechanism and the intermediate reserve tank is provided. A coating medium extrusion portion for supplying water or a cleaning solution is connected to a transmission passage between the intermediate reserve tank and the spray gun via a switch valve. When an amount of the coating medium necessary until an end of a coating operation becomes a predetermined amount, the conductive coating medium is extruded by the water or the cleaning solution by switching the switch valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nakazono, Kohei Ogata, Masaki Shigekura
  • Patent number: 8100347
    Abstract: A paint feeding device is equipped with a paint feeding passage, which has a discharge port at one end, to which a rinsing liquid feeding device for feeding a rinsing liquid to the inside, and an air feeding device for feeding air to the inside, are connected to the end portion on the opposite side of the discharge port. A plurality of paint feeding devices for feeding the paint to the inside are connected between the discharge port and the opposite side end portion. The rinsing liquid feeding device and the air feeding device are connected to the paint feeding passage through a rinsing liquid feeding passage disposed separately of the paint feeding passage. The rinsing liquid feeding passage has a passage content volume set according to the feeding capacity of the rinsing liquid per a unit time by the rinsing liquid feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsuo Nabeshima
  • Publication number: 20110290823
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: William A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100258649
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device comprises a capillary spray electrode having a spraying end, a reference electrode, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the spray electrode. In use, the electrodes are connected across a generator in order to establish an electric field between the electrodes and cause fluid in the reservoir to be sprayed from the spray electrode. The spray electrode has a focus that defines a point at which the electric field is focused on the spraying end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Atrium Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Alastair Pirrie
  • Patent number: 7779777
    Abstract: A substrate-processing apparatus includes a sample table which mounts thereon a to-be-processed substrate, a first line which supplies a chemical solution, a second line which supplies a cleaning liquid, a three-way valve connected to the first and second lines and configured to select one of the first and second lines, a filter provided across the first line upstream of the three-way valve, and configured to eliminate a foreign material from the chemical solution, and a nozzle provided downstream of the three-way valve and configured to discharge the chemical solution or the cleaning liquid when the first or second line is selected via the three-way valve. The three-way valve selects the first line when the substrate is coated with the chemical solution, and selects the second line in other cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Eishi Shiobara, Hirokazu Kato, Seiro Miyoshi, Shinichi Ito
  • Patent number: 7712681
    Abstract: A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Terry John Thompson, Jeffery Edward Dailidas, Kenneth A. Kreeger, Joseph G Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7644870
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a self-flushing mechanism to prevent accumulation of debris in a sprinkler control member and/or the interior of the turret. The sprinkler includes a main flow path that delivers water to a nozzle for irrigation and a secondary flow path that delivers water to flush part of the member and/or interior of the turret. The secondary flow path delivers water when the sprinkler cycles on and when the sprinkler cycles off. For example, with a pop-up sprinkler, the secondary flow path would deliver fluid sometime during its movement to the elevated position and movement to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mona-Lisa Alexander, Bradley D. Helzer
  • Publication number: 20080251604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water tap outlet mouthpiece (1) comprising a switchable jet control insert (2) which consists of a cleaning jet channel (34) and at least one flow chamber (22, 23) provided with a plurality of water outlet nozzles (17), wherein one orifice (21) of the flow chamber (22, 23) is controllable by means of a valve (20) prestressed in a closed position by a spring in such a way that flowing-in water (35) enables to open the valve (20) by a predetermined water pressure. For this purpose, the valve (20) is provided with a piston (19) which is axially movable in a direction of flow and comprises a valve head (30), the cleaning jet channel (34) extends in the hollow piston (19) and the valve head (30) comprises at least one water inlet orifice (33) towards the cleaning jet channel (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Lars Schmid
  • Patent number: 7273187
    Abstract: A nozzle (100) for air-assisted atomizing of a liquid fuel comprises a fuel feed passage (110) and an air feed passage (114) and a swirling chamber (118) from which fuel and air may be passed to an exit orifice (126) for emerging a cone shaped spray. An air bypass passage (122) is provided for leading a fraction of the air flow in the air feed passage (114) past the swirling chamber (118) and to an air exit (124) arranged such with respect to the exit orifice (126) that, during operation of the nozzle, air emerging through the air exit (124) reduces depositing of residues of fuel on a downstream surface (130, 132, 136) of the nozzle element (108). Grooves or other flow-guiding elements may confer swirling or rotation of air in or downstream of the air feed passage (114) and/or the air bypass passage (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Bent Kjeldal, Ove Steen Boe
  • Patent number: 7191955
    Abstract: An irrigation unit (20) for irrigating an area (12) with a fluid (19) from a fluid source (18) includes a housing (200), a nozzle (220), one or more electronic components (221), and a unit control system (240). The nozzle (220) is secured to the housing (200) and the nozzle (220) is in fluid communication with the fluid source (18) so that fluid (19) from the fluid source (18) is transferred to the nozzle (220). The unit control system (240) can perform a self-test on the irrigation unit (20) to make sure that the irrigation unit (20) is functioning properly. Additionally, the irrigation unit (20) can include a cleaner (259u) that is coupled to the housing (200). The cleaner (259u) can clean one or more electronic components (221) that are part of the irrigation unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Norman Ivans
  • Patent number: 7140555
    Abstract: A line marker carries a spray nozzle assembly for marking or painting a line on a horizontal surface. The line marker has a hydraulic circuit which includes a reservoir for holding marking liquid therein and a tank for holding water therein. A pump can pump marking liquid through the spray nozzle during a marking mode of operation or water through the spray nozzle during a flush mode of operation. In the marking mode, at least some marking liquid is recirculated back through the reservoir to help keep the marking liquid in the reservoir agitated and mixed. In the flush mode, water is blocked from entering the reservoir and is recirculated back into the water flow from the tank. In the clean out mode, the hydraulic circuit is operated as if in the marking mode, except that the reservoir is rinsed with an external source of water with the rinse water circulating through the hydraulic circuit and back to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Bricko, Timothy S. Martinson
  • Patent number: 7032834
    Abstract: A filtering system for filtering particles from a flow of fluid is disclosed, and includes a filter device for removably positioning in a lumen of a pipe carrying the flow of fluid. The filter device has an upstream side for positioning in an upstream direction of fluid flow and a downstream side for positioning in a downstream direction of fluid flow. The filter device comprises a perimeter rim extending along the perimeter edge of the filter device and defining an opening, and a plurality of filter bars extending across the opening to form a plurality of slots therebetween. Each of the filter bars of the plurality of filter bars has a transverse cross sectional shape. The transverse cross sectional shape has a transverse width toward the upstream side of the filter device that is relatively wider than the transverse width toward the downstream side of the filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Dale D. Anderson, Bret Anderson
  • Patent number: 6957781
    Abstract: A nozzle attachment for removing residual material retained on the dispensing nozzle of a fluid dispenser, having a retainer adapted to releasably attach the nozzle attachment to a dispensing nozzle, and a pair of hollow-bodied nozzle attachment components that define, when nested together, an intervening space useful as a gas passageway for pressurized gaseous fluid introduced and directed to a discharge opening at a lower axial end of the nested nozzle attachment components. The gas passageway is adapted to emit gas introduced into the gas passageway as a gas stream in a manner effective to remove residual material clinging to the nozzle. Dispensers using the nozzle attachment are presented, including one using a truncated valve head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Food Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Gowens, Ryan Aafedt
  • Publication number: 20040060510
    Abstract: A powder paint color changer features a single cleaning fluid port at one end of the color changer manifold for direction of cleaning fluid, such as pressurized air, through the main output interior chamber of the color changer manifold thence through a supply hose which is adapted for coupling to a paint application device. Additionally, the powder paint color changer manifold includes a replaceable insert of impact fusion resistant material which defines the surface of the manifold's interior cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gary J. Ciarelli, Melissa L. Koster, Dragoslav K. Milojevic, Christopher M. Rennie
  • Patent number: 6662814
    Abstract: A mid-level spray-arm assembly for a dishwasher includes a bracket for mounting a spray-arm hub to an upper rack of the machine, and a bearing coupling extending between the hub and the bracket. The bearing coupling forms a first bearing surface for rotation of the bearing coupling relative to the bracket, and a second bearing surface for rotation of the spray-arm relative to the bearing coupling. Thus, redundant bearing surfaces are provided that facilitate a more even wearing of the bearing surfaces and allow rotation of the spray-arm even when one of the bearing surfaces fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Jesse A. Curran
  • Patent number: 6622937
    Abstract: A spray gun includes a handle portion and an extension portion. A nozzle is connected with an outer end of the extension portion. An electrode assembly is disposed in the extension portion to establish an electrical field to electrostatically charge particles of coating material. A coating material flow control member and a purge air flow control member are disposed on the handle portion. Operation of either one of the two flow control members actuates a membrane switch assembly. Operation of the purge air flow control member directs the flow of air to the coating material passage in the extension portion to remove excess coating material from the passage and from the nozzle. Different size hand grips may be mounted on the handle portion of the spray gun to accommodate operators having hands of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph G. Schroeder, Jeffery Dailidas
  • Patent number: 6589342
    Abstract: A powder paint color changer features a single cleaning fluid port at one end of the color changer manifold for direction of cleaning fluid, such as pressurized air, through the main output interior chamber of the color changer manifold thence through a supply hose which is adapted for coupling to a paint application device. Additionally, the powder paint color changer manifold includes a replaceable insert of impact fusion resistant material which defines the surface of the manifold's interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Attinoto, Gary J. Ciarelli, Melissa L. Koster, Dragoslav K. Milojevic, Christopher M. Rennie