Abstract: A method for cleaning a pool surface is carried out by structure having a protruding nozzle assembly mounted in a side wall of a swimming pool in communication with a source of water for ejecting through a nozzle of a nozzle housing a stream of water at a predetermined angle relative to the adjacent side wall surface. During each erection and retraction of the nozzle housing precipitated by initiation and cessation of water flow to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle housing rotates incrementally to provide a plurality of streams of water defining a fan-like area from each nozzle as such nozzle comes into fluid communication with an opening in a cover enclosing the nozzle housing. Each nozzle is canted to a different angle above the adjacent pool surface to assist in cleaning sloping parts of the side wall/bottom surface junction and to assist in cleaning any adjacent structures extending from the side wall.

Abstract: A spray cooling system includes a spray delivery device and a cooling liquid delivered to the spray delivery device. The spray delivery device includes one or more inlet apertures and one or more corresponding outlet apertures, at least one pair of inlet aperture and corresponding outlet aperture being positioned relative to each so as to form an asymmetric non-uniform density full-cone spray pattern.

Abstract: An improved fluidic insert, that operates on a pressurized liquid flowing through the insert to generate a jet of liquid that flows from said insert and into the surrounding gaseous environment to form a spray of liquid droplets, includes: (a) a member having top, front and rear outer surfaces, (b) a fluidic circuit located within this top surface and having an inlet, an outlet and a channel whose floor and sidewalls connect the inlet and outlet, and a barrier located proximate the outlet that rises from the channel floor and is configured such that: (i) it divides the channel in the region of the barrier into what are herein denoted as two power nozzles, and (ii) each of these nozzles has a downstream portion that is configured so as to cause the liquid flowing from the nozzles to generate flow vortices behind the barrier that are swept out of the outlet in such a manner as to control the lateral rate of spread of liquid droplets from the insert.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator suitable for use at colder temperatures for generating an exhaust flow in the form of an oscillating spray of fluid droplets has an inlet for pressurized fluid, a pair of power nozzles configured to accelerate the movement of the pressurized fluid, a fluid pathway that connects and allows for the flow of pressurized fluid between its inlet and the power nozzles, an interaction chamber which is attached to the nozzles and receives the flow from the nozzles, a fluid outlet from which the spray exhausts from the interaction chamber, and, at each power nozzle, a step in the height elevation of the floor of the power nozzle with respect to that of the interaction chamber for increasing the instability of the flow from the power nozzles.

Abstract: A fluid discharging apparatus comprising a head including nozzles for discharging fluid, a storage for storing the fluid to be supplied to the head, a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the fluid so that the fluid flows from the storage toward the head, and a receiving unit for receiving the fluid discharged from the nozzles when being positioned at a position opposing the nozzles wherein the receiving unit does not contact the nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of atomizing one or more fluids. Various embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in which one or more fluid streams flow so that impingement of the fluid stream(s) occur which impingement provides atomization of the fluid. Various devices and methods for providing the atomization have been disclosed, where at least some of those provide a large span between maximum and minimum amount of fluid being atomized. The fluid streams may e.g. have a cross section in the order of 0.1 mm before impingement, and the resulting droplets after impingement may have a cross section in the order of 0.01 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an aerosol wherein the aerosol has a known concentration of metals or other chemical components, and wherein the aerosol concentration remains constant over a long period of time, rendering the apparatus and method suitable for application as a reference standard

Abstract: An outlet head (22) for a spray device (10), the outlet head (22) comprising an inlet section (31) having an opening (30) adapted to receive an output section (20) of a spray material container (16), said opening (30) forming a first end of a fluid channel for spray material from the spray material container (16), the outlet head (22) also comprising an outlet portion (14) adapted to eject spray material and forming a second end of the fluid channel for spray material, wherein the inlet section (31) has a first, major, lateral axis and a second, minor, lateral axis, said first and second axes being substantially at right angles to one another, wherein the size of the inlet section along the first, major, axis is greater than the size of the inlet section along the second, minor, axis.

Abstract: A powder barrier coupling for a pneumatic line of a powder spray system which is air passable but powder impassable. An exterior shell forms a passage. Disposed sealingly within the passage is a porous filter media having an average pore size and thickness which are predetermined to permit passage therethrough of air, but prevent the passage therethrough of powder of a selected average cross-sectional size.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for conveying a flow of particles of insulation material suspended in air to a substrate to form an insulation product on the substrate is provided, including: a nozzle body defining a flow path for accommodating the flow of particles of insulation material suspended in air, wherein the nozzle body comprises an inlet for receiving the flow of particles of insulation material suspended in air; an outlet for propelling the flow from the nozzle assembly; and at least one expansion section in which the cross-sectional area of the nozzle body expands in the direction of flow, the at least one expansion section being effective to reduce the velocity of the particles flowing therethrough; and at least one binder outlet for providing a binder to the flow of particles of insulation material propelled from the outlet.

Abstract: A remote control actuator apparatus comprising a recharger, a battery pack, a valve actuator, and connecting couplers. The valve actuator comprises an RF receiver and a 12 VDC/24VAC inverter. A hand held battery operated remote controller transmits a given signal for a given water valve control to an RF receiver in the valve actuator, which then sends 24 volts AC signal through a coupler to either a cable with magnetic connectors or a remote control module connected to wiring between the valve control and the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for generating a mist comprising a conduit having a mixing chamber and an exit; a working fluid inlet in fluid communication with said conduit; a transport nozzle in fluid communication with the said conduit, the transport nozzle adapted to introduce a transport fluid into the mixing chamber; the transport nozzle having an angular orientation and internal geometry such that in use the transport fluid interacts with the working fluid introduced into the mixing chamber through the working fluid inlet to atomise and form a dispersed vapour/droplet flow regime, which is discharged as a mist comprising working fluid droplets, a substantial portion of the droplets having a size less than 20 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-dose container fitted with a spray tip comprising a generally cylindrical nozzle, the upper end of which comprises a spray opening and the opposite end of which is extended by a plunger of smaller diameter, the free end of which is mechanically reinforced, the nozzle and the plunger being crossed along their longitudinal axis by a traversing cavity, said traversing cavity having at the nozzle a means of creating droplets; it also relates to the actual tip and to a spray kit comprising said nozzle and a pre-filled single-dose bottle.

Abstract: An improved end housing for nozzle assemblies used to project a stream of particulate coal into a burner housings The improvement includes the addition of vertically-oriented, spaced parallel aiming plates. A four nozzle burner assembly has two sets of diagonally opposite nozzles in which all nozzles are aimed directly at the fireball center.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the slow, generally uniform addition of a disinfectant solution comprising an active ingredient, such as chlorine, to achieve a substantially constant level of active ingredient in the liquid of a grey water reservoir of a residential septic tank system prior to dispersal. A container configured to reside in a standard chlorine tablet dispenser is filled with a disinfectant solution, which contains a disinfecting substance as an active ingredient. A drip-valve is used to regulate the drip flow of the disinfecting solution out of the container and into the grey water reservoir.

Abstract: A membrane actuator includes a magnetically actuatable membrane and a magnetic trigger. The membrane includes a shape memory alloy (SMA), and the magnetic trigger is configured to induce a martensitic transformation in the SMA, to produce a larger force than would be achievable with non-SMA-based materials. Such a membrane actuator can be beneficially incorporated into a wide variety of devices, including fluid pumps, shock absorbing systems, and synthetic jet producing devices for use in an aircraft. The membrane/diaphragm can be formed from a ferromagnetic SMA, or a ferromagnetic material can be coupled with an SMA such that the SMA and the ferromagnetic material move together. A hybrid magnetic trigger, including a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, is preferably used for the magnetic trigger, as hybrid magnetic triggers are easy to control, and produce larger magnetic gradients than permanent magnets or electromagnets alone.

Abstract: An adjustable sprinkler including: a sprinkler head having a bearing mounted on a support, the sprinkler head rotatable on the bearing about a vertical axis; an arc adjustment plate mounted on the support for rotation about the axis relative to the support and to the bearing; first and second stops supported on the plate for arcuate movement about the axis, at least one of the stops movable relative to the plate, wherein the first and second stops define limits of rotational movement of the sprinkler head about the axis; and a fluid actuator for moving one of the stops relative to the other of the stops for varying the limits of rotational movement of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.

Abstract: Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion are provided. A base module includes a modular frame structure and fluid distribution conduits secured within the frame structure. Diffuser assemblies or other equipment may be coupled to the fluid distribution conduits via a mating tube. The mating tube is inserted into an aperture in the wall of the fluid distribution conduit, and provides a fluid tight joining method.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a body having a first wall and a second wall, at least one appending structure extending from an end of the body and at least one actuator positioned between the first and second walls. The actuator includes first end coupled to a portion of the body and a second end coupled to a portion of the appending structure. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire is connected to and extends between the first and second ends of the actuator. The SMA wire is adapted to controllably constrict when activated by heat, whereby the constriction causes the appending structure to move from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically configurable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water. The irrigation system can additionally comprise fire sensors. Based upon input from the fire sensors, the controller activates the sprinklers.

Abstract: A fluid can be discontinuously atomized with an atomizer of the present invention. The atomizer can include a helical spring, disk spring or gas spring, acting as a pressure spring, as an energy storage device, a cylinder, piston, two ducts and two valves. Atomization can be initiated manually by triggering a locking mechanism. The energy storage device can be disposed outside a storage container for the fluid. The energy storage device can be provided mechanical energy manually. Via the piston, the stored energy can exert pressure onto the fluid in the cylinder, which ranges from 1 MPa to 5 MPa (10 bar to 50 bar). Distribution of the droplet size in the atomized jet can be independent from the level of experience and behavior of the person actuating the atomizer, and can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The mean droplet diameter can be smaller than about 50 micrometers. The mass flow of the fluid through the nozzle can be less than about 0.4 g/s.

Abstract: An irrigation device having a plurality of spans emanating from a common vertically oriented source of supply.

Abstract: A texturing system for applying a desired texture pattern on a patched portion of a surface. The texturing system comprises a texture material, a selecting system, and a dispensing system. The texture material comprises a carrier, a binder, a filler, and a change material. The texture material changes from a wet form to a solidified form when exposed to air and appearance when a pH of the texture material changes. The selecting system defines an outlet opening and is supported by the dispensing system such that texture material dispensed from the dispensing system is dispensed through the outlet opening in any one of a plurality of spray patterns.

Abstract: The nozzle for introducing and for metered addition of a treatment medium into the exhaust gas stream in combustion processes comprises a nozzle tube (2) and an inner displacement body (1) having a round cross section to form a nozzle ring gap (14). The displacement body (1) borders a mixing chamber (18) inside the nozzle tube (2) and on this end has a tapered area (3) with which it is held exclusively on a feed tube (5) for the treatment medium. The feed tube (5) crosses through a pressure chamber (6.1), which has two axial bordering walls (4, 7). The feed tube is held in these bordering walls, with a holder (12) being provided in the bordering wall (4), allowing the carrier medium from the pressure chamber (6.1) to flow through to the nozzle gap (14).

Abstract: A system for retaining and locating a jewel of the type comprising a nozzle for a water cutting system includes a first support structure component having a water discharge passageway extending therethrough and having an exterior locating surface formed at the water receiving end of the water directing passageway. A second support structure component has a water directing passageway formed therein and has a jewel receiving cavity formed therein at the discharge end of the water receiving passageway. The second support structure component further comprises a chamber for receiving and retaining the first support structure component with the locating surface thereof positioned in engagement with the locating surface of the jewel.

Abstract: A method for placing a liquid material includes a) discharging the liquid material from a plurality of nozzles into a single region of a substrate during a scan of the substrate performed by a head having a nozzle group including the plurality of nozzles using a first electric pulse, and b) discharging the liquid material into the single region from the plurality of nozzles during the scan using a second electric pulse. The first and second electric pulses are supplied to a pressure controller to control pressure of a liquid chamber communicated with the plurality of nozzles so as to cause the plurality of nozzles to discharge the liquid material. The first and second discharge steps are performed by using the same plurality of nozzles during the same scan.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator suitable for use at colder temperatures for generating an exhaust flow in the form of an oscillating spray of fluid droplets has an inlet for pressurized fluid, a pair of power nozzles configured to accelerate the movement of the pressurized fluid, a fluid pathway that connects and allows for the flow of pressurized fluid between its inlet and the power nozzles, an interaction chamber which is attached to the nozzles and receives the flow from the nozzles, a fluid outlet from which the spray exhausts from the interaction chamber, and a means for increasing the instability of the flow from the power nozzles, with this means being situated in a location chosen from the group consisting of a location within the fluid pathway or proximate the power nozzles. In a first preferred embodiment, the flow instability generating means comprises a protrusion that extends inward from each side of the fluid pathway so as to cause a flow separation region downstream of the protrusions.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and system for use in irrigating and controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, a method pauses irrigation at a field station when an amount of rain detected exceeds a first threshold, detects an indication of an amount of rain received after the pausing, resumes irrigation, and reduces a station runtime corresponding to the amount of the rain received after pausing. Some methods determine when an amount of rain received exceeds a first threshold and pause irrigation from a field station, and determine when the amount of rain received exceeds a second threshold and stop irrigation from the field station. Some embodiments provide systems that comprise a field station, a rain detector, and a controller that monitors detected rain and pauses irrigation when a first threshold of rain is detected and shuts down irrigation when a second threshold of rain is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes: a container operable to hold a liquid; circuitry operable to provide an electrical stimulus; and a piezoelectric element electrically coupled to the circuitry. The piezoelectric element includes a first face positioned beneath the liquid when the liquid is placed in the container, the piezoelectric element being responsive to the electrical stimulus to produce acoustic energy that causes droplets to form from the liquid. The piezoelectric element has a focal length along a focal axis intersecting the first face. The piezoelectric element and the container are structured in relation to one another to form an oblique angle between the focal axis and an axis generally parallel to a surface of the liquid when the liquid is at rest in the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for simulating multi-phase fluid flows, including fire suppressant flows, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes estimating flow properties of a multi-phase flow at a boundary of a volume and, based on the estimate of flow properties at the volume boundary, at least estimating a value for a quality of the multi-phase flow at the volume boundary. Based on the quality of the flow and the flow properties, the method can further include at least estimating a value for a liquid phase droplet velocity of a liquid phase portion of the flow, and based on the liquid phase droplet velocity, simulating characteristics of the flow into the volume. Accordingly, the method can be used to predict constituent concentrations in the volume, for example, concentrations of a fire suppressant in an aircraft engine compartment.

Abstract: A flow sensor for detecting liquid flow generated by a spray device is non-invasive and capable of responding to rapid changes in the flow. The flow sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector, which may be disposed adjacent the liquid outlet of the spray device and oriented such that a light beam projected by the light emitter is aimed at the spray generated by the spray device and reflected by the spray into the light detector. The light detector senses the reflected light and generates an output indicative of the presence of the flow from the spray device. A deviation of the spray from the intended spray axis may also be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for solid-state deposition and consolidation of powder particles entrained in a subsonic or sonic gas jet onto the surface of an object. Under high velocity impact and thermal plastic deformation, the powder particles adhesively bond to the substrate and cohesively bond together to form consolidated materials with metallurgical bonds. The powder particles and optionally the surface of the object are heated to a temperature that reduces yield strength and permits plastic deformation at low flow stress levels during high velocity impact, but which is not so high as to melt the powder particles.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for applying a biologically active or chemical substance to a relatively large volume harvested or pre-harvested crop includes relatively small container of a mixture biologically active or chemical substance and water in fluid communication with fluid conduit. A pump moves mixture from the bottle through the conduit. A source of pressurized air is in fluid communication with the conduit to aerate the mixture. The aerated mixture is expelled through a nozzle at distal end of the conduit. In one aspect, the controller can monitor speed of the pump by monitoring operating voltage of the pump. Speed of the pump can be adjusted to adjust application rate. In one aspect, a process combines a flow of air through an orifice with the metering of a low volume of additive, such as an aid to preservation, to a crop as it is being cut or harvested to provide for even distribution of the additive to the crop.

Abstract: A system and process for dispensing a liquid agrochemical such as ammonia into a field is disclosed. The ammonia is placed in a vessel under sufficient pressure to maintain a substantial portion of the ammonia in a liquid form. From the pressurized vessel, the ammonia is fed to a distribution manifold where it is ultimately injected into a soil through a plurality of dispensing tubes. A constant pressure flow rate control device is placed at each dispensing tube for metering the amount of ammonia fed to the soil. Furthermore, the outlet flow of each constant pressure rate control device is made to vaporize nearby the inlet flow path to create a heat exchange effect thereby cooling the inlet flow. In particular, the flow control devices allow ammonia to be dispensed from the system while maintaining sufficient back pressure and temperature within the distribution manifold to maintain the ammonia in a liquid form.

Abstract: A sprinkler has a housing with an inlet portion and an outlet portion in which a first outlet aperture is formed. The first outlet aperture may cooperate with other outlet apertures to define a spiral shape. A cam is disposed upstream of the first outlet aperture. The cam is rotatable about a cam axis to cover varying portions of the outlet apertures. After moving through the outlet apertures, water strikes a deflector and is sprayed outward from the head. The orientation of the cam establishes an arc angle through which water is sprayed, including a full-circle spray pattern. The deflector may be stationary or rotatable. In one alternative configuration, the outlet apertures and each leads to a different strip nozzle. The cam has an open portion that can be rotated into alignment with each of the outlet apertures to determine which of the strip nozzles are active.

Abstract: A single use, disposable reservoir of low volume for use in conjunction with a spray gun for spray painting small areas, for example ‘spray out’ cards for color matching a paint mix for spray painting a vehicle. The reservoir is in the form of a syringe body with a plunger having a sealing member slidable within the body for drawing paint into the body via an open end. The body has an aperture adjacent to a closed end and the plunger can be moved to position the sealing member between the aperture and closed end for releasing a partial vacuum created when the paint is drawn into the body and allow the paint to be withdrawn, in use, when the reservoir is connected to a spray gun without actuating the plunger. In other embodiments, the reservoir comprises a concertina-type body or a pipette body.

Abstract: A flow diverter for diverting an initial flow stream of pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid. The flow diverter comprises a housing having an upstream end, an inlet opening in the upstream end, a downstream end generally opposed to the upstream end, a top plate extending between the upstream end and the downstream end, a bottom plate generally opposed to the top plate and extending between the upstream end and the downstream end, and a pair of generally opposed lateral sides extending between the upstream end, the downstream end, the top plate and the bottom plate. The upstream end is adapted to be attached to the source of pressurized fluid and the inlet opening is adapted to receive the initial flow stream of pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid. The downstream end is adapted to divert the initial flow stream of pressurized fluid toward the pair of generally opposed lateral sides.

Abstract: In a dynamic flow rate adjusting method, a press-fitting degree of an adjusting pipe is adjusted to regulate a load applied to a needle by a spring in a direction for closing an injection hole. Thus, a dynamic injection quantity of an injector is adjusted. An injection command signal having one-minute long pulse width is applied to the injector to measure a static flow rate, from which the press-fitting degree is calculated. Thus, the press-fitting degree, in which variation in the static flow rate is taken into consideration, can be calculated. Therefore, variation in the dynamic flow rate of each injector, which is calculated from the press-fitting degree, includes only a dynamic flow rate error, while a static flow rate error is eliminated from the variation in the dynamic flow rate.

Abstract: A drop on demand printer has a nozzle with an orifice and a surrounding annular land. Surrounding the land is an edge, which is surrounded by a perimetrical surface that is inclined to the land at an angle ?. A pressure controller maintains a positive overpressure on liquid to be printed such that a cap of liquid is substantially always present covering the orifice and the land. The edge between the land and the perimetrical surface prevents liquid from overflowing, and maintains the cap, if the pressure is maintained between lower and upper limits disclosed. The liquid to be printed preferably wets the orifice land, which may be alumina, glass, ceramic, and others. Liquids with very small, even zero, wetting angles relative to the land may be used, such as water and organic solvents, including, isopropyl and ethyl alcohol and chloroform. The liquid can be loaded with dissolved polymers, or particles, such as of polymer or ceramic.

Abstract: A system and method for spray application of polyurethane used to spray form an article is disclosed. A spray nozzle is rotated as the polyurethane composition is sprayed onto a mold surface to apply a swath of polyurethane to the mold surface. The spray nozzle may be of an internal mixing or external mixing type that is moved relative to a mold surface in a path to create a skin layer with multiple partially overlapping swaths being applied in multiple passes. A motor and gear drive are used to rotate the nozzle tip and associated structure.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device by internally mixing and breaking up a desired coating fluid prior to atomization at a spray formation section of the spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has a mixture-inducing valve disposed adjacent a flow barrier upstream of a spray formation exit. The mixture-inducing valve may have a variety of blunt/angled structures and internal passages to facilitate fluid mixing. The mixture-inducing valve also may interact with the flow barrier to enhance the fluid mixing and fluid breakup. One embodiment of the present spray coating device has an internal fluid breakup section, such as an impinging jet section, adjacent the mixture-inducing valve. The resulting spray coating has refined characteristics, such as reduced mottling.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for dispensing a colored polymerizing composition. Two reactive components and one color component are pumped from respective containers at a metered volume. The color component, which is preferably a low-viscosity automotive paint is injected into either the first or second stream of reactive component at a point immediately prior to mixing all components in a dispensing device for dispensing the resulting colored fluid mixture onto a surface to be coated. The mixture may be dispensed by pouring or spraying onto the surface. The method and system are particularly useful for mixing and dispensing colored polyurethane or polyurea coatings, such as for spray-on truck bed liners.

Abstract: A fluidic insert that receives fluid under pressure from a fluid inlet tube and generates a specified spatial distribution of the fluid exiting the insert includes: (1) a body member having top, bottom, front and rear outer surfaces, (2) top and bottom fluidic circuits located, respectively, at least partially within the member's top and bottom surfaces, wherein each of these circuits has at least one power nozzle, an interaction chamber, and an outlet whose exit lies within the member front surface, (3) the bottom fluidic circuit having a portion of its surface area located upstream of the power nozzle and adapted so that it can mate with a fluid inlet tube that supplies fluid to the insert, and (4) an inter-circuit flow passage that allows fluid to flow from the bottom fluid circuit to the top fluid circuit, the bottom end of this passage located such that it is downstream of the point where the inlet tube mates with the bottom circuit and upstream of the bottom circuit's power nozzle, with the top end of t

Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency. A dispense controller allows for reverse-compatibility such that the fluid pump of the present invention can be mounted to, and controlled by, conventional pump position controllers.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing thermoplastic material and configured for easy cleaning and maintenance procedures to address residual thermoplastic material in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a distribution body having an interior space for receiving a removable insert. The removable insert includes a flow passage for providing the thermoplastic material, for example, to a dispensing element. Alternatively, or in addition, the distribution body may be formed of separable portions to allow easy access to the passage and/or insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to use steam to atomize water to produce a mixture of moisture and heat for application to the web of a paper machine for both production improvement and paper quality control. The method allows independent droplet size and heat control in the mixture, resulting in flexibility that can not be offered by conventional steam showers or water spray systems individually. In one embodiment the apparatus consists of a plurality of actuator nozzle modules which control the water volume flow feeding the nozzle through a pneumatic pressure signal. Pressurized steam feeding the nozzle is used to break the water into fine droplets. The resulting nozzle spray is a mixture of moisture in fine water droplets and steam vapor, and heat stored in the steam. Alternatively, a plurality of steam valves can be used to regulate the steam volume flow feeding each atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: When the dripline used for watering soil, low pressure air in the range 10–100 inch water column is flowed through a buried dripline, in alternation of with flow of water at 5 psig or more. The flow of air provides oxygen to the soil, and more widely and evenly disperses the water within the soil, and impedes or counters saturation. A buried dripline runs in a U-shape path, so that low pressure and flow of air from emitters near the dripline terminal end is compensated for by higher pressure and flow of air near the inlet end. Flow of low pressure air or other gas, which pushes water from the dripline and surrounding soil, enables use of driplines in soil subject to freezing.

Abstract: A spraying device comprising a housing 12 containing a top and bottom portion defining a chamber therein for fluid ingress and egress into the bottom portion wherein the housing includes an outer structure 18 containing an inner structure 16, and a tensioning device 22 which releasably positions the outer structure at the housing bottom. The inner structure 16 is engaged to an arm member 20 for spraying said fluid, such that the inner structure causes the arm member to move in a linear and rotating relationship relative to housing. The outer structure 18 and inner structure 16 are engaged to one another such that the outer structure 18 causes the inner structure to move in a linear and rotating relationship relative to the housing.