Vehicle Mounted Heater And Spray Device Patents (Class 239/130)
  • Patent number: 11739485
    Abstract: An ice elimination device for removing ice from a surface, which may be pulled or driven over a surface. The ice elimination device includes an ice elimination section that includes an applicator capable of distributing a flow of steam, hot water or both, a squeegee element capable to scrape liquid off of a surface, and one or more vacuum elements positioned to suction off liquid scraped by said squeegee. The ice elimination may include a surface drying section that includes a heater to apply heat to a portion of the surface and then utilizes a plurality of fans to generate an air flow that engages the heated portion of said surface. The combination of the heat and the fan evaporates all or most of any moisture on the surface after the squeegee and vacuum have collected and removed the melted ice, condensed steam, and/or applied hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Mark Noland
  • Patent number: 11674278
    Abstract: A snow removal blade has a rolling body, a snow-removal knife connected to a bottom portion of the rolling body, a plurality of nozzles for delivering a melting liquid on the snow left on the road surface by the snow-removal knife, and a member for mixing together and pressing the residual snow and the melting liquid, which is arranged behind the snow-removal knife in a direction of advance of the snow removal blade, the snow-removal knife and the mixing and pressing member delimiting between them a channel for lateral outlet of the snow, arranged in which are the delivery nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GILETTA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enzo Giletta
  • Patent number: 11346611
    Abstract: A heat exchanger can include a monolithically formed body defining at least two channels configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough, at least one of the at least two channels at least partially wrapping around or within at least one other of the at least two channels. In certain embodiments, the at least two channels can include a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel is at least partially wound around or within the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Wentland, Eric Karlen
  • Patent number: 11142170
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing and a plunger moveable between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position to spray fluid on a vehicle component. A heater is mounted for movement with the plunger. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, molding a heater element and a body having an internal channel extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet together to form a plunger configured to spray fluid out of the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Venkatesh Krishnan, Jose Garcia Crespo
  • Patent number: 10113284
    Abstract: A blade for removing snow from a road surface comprising a shield oriented to deflect the snow, a cutting edge carried on the bottom part of the shield and adjacent to a road surface when in use, and at least one fluid circuit comprising a nozzle for spreading a de-icing liquid, wherein at least the nozzle is carried by the shield or by the cutting edge to spread at least part of the de-icing liquid on the snow in an area in front of and/or beneath the cutting edge while the cutting edge compresses a layer of snow that remains on the road surface during its passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GILETTA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Enzo Giletta
  • Patent number: 9879388
    Abstract: A coating applicator vehicle is configured to selectively discharge a flow of liquid emulsion and aggregate onto a roadway. The vehicle includes a rolling chassis and a powered spraying assembly supported by the chassis. The spraying assembly includes a strainer enclosure and a strainer basket that cooperatively define a manifold axis along which the strainer basket is manually slidable into and out of a passage of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Bergkamp, Inc.
    Inventors: Maynard Cunningham, Cade Pacey
  • Patent number: 9309637
    Abstract: A method for applying a fast curing epoxy traffic marking composition is provided in which curing agents are coated on a carrier such as glass beads or porous silica. These carriers are dropped onto the epoxy coating and promote rapid curing of the top layer of the epoxy coating while the bottom layer is given additional time to adhere to the roadway surface. This enables the application contractor to open a marked roadway in a quicker manner with less motorist disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: POTTERS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Suruliappa Jeganathan, Chris Davies, Kevin Goforth
  • Patent number: 9221669
    Abstract: A pumping system comprises an internal combustion engine, a generator, a pumping unit and a heat recovery system. The generator is driven by the internal combustion engine. The pumping unit is powered by the generator. The heat recovery system thermally couples the internal combustion engine with the pumping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger, Richard D. Anderson, Jeffrey N. Velgersdyk, Nicholas K. Studt, Gregory A. Regenscheld, Matthew R. Theisen, Kenneth C. Floer, Mark J. Brudevold, Arthur T. Graf
  • Patent number: 9010661
    Abstract: A washer nozzle includes a heat emitting unit for smoothly washing a glass in a winter season is installed. The washer nozzle for a vehicle which, by realizing a new type of washer nozzle to which an integral structure of a heat conductor and a nozzle cover is applied through insert injection-molding of the heat conductor is applied and to which a structure where a heat emitter is firmly fastened to the housing by using a structure in the housing is applied, can improve a washer liquid ejecting performance through an increase in a heat transfer efficiency inside the nozzle and reduce the number of processes and a defect rate through fixing of the heat emitter at an optimum location, thereby improving quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Soo Nam Kim, Jae Hyun An, Jin Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8984706
    Abstract: A window washer system for a vehicle may include a fluid reservoir and a nozzle. The fluid reservoir may be disposed on an exterior side of a tailgate of the vehicle and may be adapted to store a quantity of window washer fluid. The nozzle may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and may be operable to deposit the window washer fluid onto a rear window of the vehicle. The window washer system may be disposed proximate a spare tire carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: John S. Kargilis
  • Patent number: 8978579
    Abstract: A method for regeneration of internal conduit surfaces by thermal projection of metals, includes inserting a device including a vehicle having a rolling assembly to permit rolling of the vehicle and carrying a thermal projection system, through a manhole in a conduit installation, including the steps of inserting the device in a conduit with the rolling assembly in a retracted position, and expanding the rolling assembly inside the conduit until the device is centered in the conduit; inserting electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic conduits and conduits for supplying metal to be thermally projected, through the manhole, such that the conduits are connected with the vehicle; positioning a regeneration device including the thermal projection system connected with the vehicle by a remote-control pulling system in a particular position to be regenerated; thermally projecting metal from the regeneration device; advancing the vehicle and connected regeneration device to a new regeneration position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ingeníera y Marketing, S.A.
    Inventors: Héctor Dominguis Perez, Fernando Lazaro Terron, Marcelo Soto Tomas, Juan Ferre Prieto
  • Patent number: 8925620
    Abstract: A windshield washer fluid heater for an automotive vehicle has an elongated housing with two open ends and in which the housing defines a housing chamber. A tubular subhousing divides the housing chamber into an outer housing chamber and an inner housing chamber. A core is disposed in the inner housing chamber and this core forms an annular chamber between the core and the subhousing. A pair of end caps is attached to the ends of the housing and these end caps sealingly engage the housing and the subchamber to fluidly separate the outer housing chamber from the annular chamber. The housing includes a washer fluid passageway which fluidly connects a washer fluid port on the end cap with the annular chamber as well as a coolant fluid passageway which fluidly connects a coolant port on each end cap with the housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TSM Corporation
    Inventors: Jere Lansinger, Brian Tait
  • Publication number: 20140217194
    Abstract: A system, for inhibiting ice formation on a vehicle surface, and de-icing if determined needed to remove any frozen matter formed on the surface, including an anti-icing reservoir, a fluid-selecting control valve, and code that causes a processor to perform operations including determining whether the vehicle is parked, initiating, if parked, activation of, or obtaining of readouts from, any local sensors or routines to be used to determine whether a condition triggering initiation of an anti-freezing cycle is present. The operations include commencing, if triggered, an anti-icing cycle, including initiating changing of the fluid-selection valve to select the anti-freezing reservoir, and initiating pumping of the anti-icing fluid from the anti-icing reservoir to and through a fluid-dispensing nozzle, and onto the surface for inhibiting bonding of frozen material on the surface and/or remove any already formed frozen material on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Taeyoung Han, Shailendra Kaushik, Bahram Khalighi, Jeffrey A. Bozeman
  • Patent number: 8721805
    Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Roger Pedlar
  • Publication number: 20140103138
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for controlling vegetation which apparatus comprises a hot-liquid reservoir (28), release means (38) connected to the hot-liquid reservoir (28) and at least one nozzle (74), for applying a stream of foam that contains steam, connected to the reservoir through the release means. The apparatus includes a heating means (34) to keep the liquid hot so the pressure is above atmospheric pressure. The liquid may be pumped by a pump (36) through the hot-water reservoir (28), the water being heated on demand by heaters (34) within the reservoir (28). The apparatus is either propelled by or mounted on a vehicle; and during use of the apparatus to control vegetation the vehicle provides power (24) to the heating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Weeding Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hobbs, Jason Morehen, Malcolm Myers
  • Publication number: 20140054393
    Abstract: A movable irrigation machine contains a machine body including plural wheels; a heating system including a supporting frame and plurality heat devices; a gas cylinder to supply gas toward the heat devices. Each heat device has an inlet for flowing water inwardly, an outlet for flowing heated water outwardly, and a gas intake for feeding gas into the each heat device; a first heat device on a right side of the heat devices has an inflow tube connected with an inlet of the first heat device; a second heat device on a left side of the heat devices has an outflow tube coupled with an outlet of the second heat device; the first heat device has a connecting pipe coupled with the outlet thereof and an inlet of a third heat device on a middle portion of the heat devices, and the third heat device has an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Tung-Tsuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140042243
    Abstract: A washer nozzle includes a heat emitting unit for smoothly washing a glass in a winter season is installed. The washer nozzle for a vehicle which, by realizing a new type of washer nozzle to which an integral structure of a heat conductor and a nozzle cover is applied through insert injection-molding of the heat conductor is applied and to which a structure where a heat emitter is firmly fastened to the housing by using a structure in the housing is applied, can improve a washer liquid ejecting performance through an increase in a heat transfer efficiency inside the nozzle and reduce the number of processes and a defect rate through fixing of the heat emitter at an optimum location, thereby improving quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Soo Nam Kim, Jae Hyun An, Jin Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8629375
    Abstract: A defogger system includes structure defining a window or a mirror, a heating element operatively connected to the structure to selectively apply heat to the structure, and a source of electrical energy. The defogger system also includes a switch and an electrically conductive path from the source of electrical energy to the heating element. The switch includes an active material member, and is configured such that the switch interrupts the electrically conductive path when the active material member is above a predetermined temperature. The switch is also configured such that the switch does not interrupt the electrically conductive path when the active material member is below the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8622653
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for sterilizing seed beds in soil. The apparatus is comprised of at least one hot water injecting chamber defined by a pair of spaced-apart side walls secured to one another and defining therebetween a passage. A plurality of jet holes are provided in an inner surface of each of the side walls and facing the direction of the passage. The jet holes communicate with a manifold associated with each side wall which is connected to a supply of pressurized hot water. Each of the side walls is configured to penetrate into the soil in at least a lower region thereof whereby to inject into the soil in the passage between the pair of plates the pressurized hot water as the hot water injecting chamber is displaced in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Arnold Lipes, Pierre-André Daignault
  • Patent number: 8624684
    Abstract: A power-oscillator-starting circuit for an electronic high frequency induction-heater driver. The induction-heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, generates a high frequency alternating current, wherein the alternating current through an induction-heater coil is magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component for a variable-spray fuel-injection system. The induction-heater driver uses a power oscillator that is started and restarted as is appropriate based on a threshold current limit referenced to the supply voltage of the induction-heater driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Perry Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8596486
    Abstract: A washing liquid tank for a vehicle, includes a vertically extending wall (1) that divides the tank into a first chamber (2) including at least one liquid filling opening (4) in the lower portion thereof, and a second chamber (3) including at least one pumping opening (5) in the lower portion thereof, the second chamber having a wall that is common with a reheating body (6), the first and second chambers communicating together through a communication opening (7) formed in the lower portion of the wall (1) in order to allow the filling of the second chamber (3). The tank is characterized in that the second chamber has a volume lower than that of the first chamber and in that the first and second chambers (2, 3) further communicate together via an air passage (8) provided at the upper portion of the second chamber (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA, Tristone Flowtech Solutions (TFS)
    Inventors: Sylvain Merour, Ghislain Gaudiau, Gerard Jeuffe, Nicolas Magnier
  • Patent number: 8597434
    Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Roger Pedlar
  • Patent number: 8576017
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a zero-voltage switching oscillator that utilizes a full H-bridge topology wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronized within the bridge for function. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of the tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Perry Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8576019
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a scalable array of zero-voltage switching oscillators that utilize full and half-bridge topology with inductors between semiconductor switches wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronous within each bridge for function, and each bridge is synchronized for function along the entire array. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of each tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Perry Czimmek, Mike Hornby
  • Patent number: 8576016
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a zero-voltage switching oscillator that utilizes a full H-bridge topology with inductors between semiconductor switches wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronized within the bridge for function. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of the tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Perry Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8576018
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a scalable array of zero-voltage switching oscillators that utilize full and half-bridge topology wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronous within each bridge for function, and each bridge is synchronized for function along the entire array. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of each tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Czimmek, Mike Hornby
  • Patent number: 8561917
    Abstract: A liquid heating assembly including a heat-conductive displaceable element and a liquid heating enclosure defining a liquid heating volume including a primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid heating volume portion, separated by the heat-conductive displaceable element, the primary liquid heating volume portion including a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in the primary liquid heating volume portion and for indirectly heating liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion via the heat-conductive displacement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: M-Heat Investors, LLC
    Inventors: Uri Arkasjevski, Joseph Rogozinski, Vychislav Ivanov
  • Patent number: 8550147
    Abstract: A windshield washer fluid heater having a housing which defines a housing chamber. A subhousing is disposed in the housing chamber. This subhousing is constructed of a thermally conductive material and divides the housing chamber into an outer housing chamber between the housing and the subhousing, and an inner housing chamber inside the subchamber. The outer housing chamber and inner housing chambers are fluidly isolated from each other. A core is disposed in the inner housing chamber thus forming an annular fluid chamber between the core and the subhousing. A washer fluid inlet on the housing is open to one end of the annular chamber while a washer fluid outlet at the other end is open to the other end of the annular chamber. An engine coolant inlet is open to the outer chamber while an engine coolant outlet is also open to the outer chamber at a position spaced from the inlet so that fluid flow into the coolant inlet flows through the outer housing chamber and to the coolant outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Vision Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Jere R. Lansinger
  • Publication number: 20130206862
    Abstract: A system is provided for use with, a wheeled vehicle. The system includes a media reservoir capable of holding a tractive material that includes particulates; a nozzle in fluid communication with the media reservoir; and a media valve in fluid communication with the media reservoir and the nozzle. The media valve is controllable between a first state in which the tractive material flows through the media valve and to the nozzle, and a second state in which the tractive material is prevented from flowing to the nozzle. In the first state, the nozzle receives the tractive material from the media reservoir and directs the tractive material to a contact surface such that the tractive material impacts the contact surface that is spaced from a wheel/surface interface. The system can modify the adhesion or the traction capability of the contact surface with regard to a subsequently contacting wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Bret Dwayne Worden, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Matthew John Malone, Jennifer Lynn Coyne, Nikhil Subhaschandra Tambe, Milind Bharat Garule, Anubhav Kumar
  • Patent number: 8505832
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Uusi, LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 8458852
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of creating and applying a heated cleaning fluid to a surface. The system includes a housing with a first, a second and a third exhaust gas opening. A first, second, and third heat exchanger are enclosed within the housing. The first and second exchangers are serially arranged, while the third is at an angle relative to the first and second and directly adjacent to the first opening. Super heated exhaust gas flows through first opening and third exchanger. Heated gas flows through the second opening and passes below the third exchanger. Super heated exhaust gas exiting the third exchanger mixes with the heated gas in a mixing chamber of the housing, which is then supplied to the first and second exchangers. Fluid passes through the three exchangers and exits the third exchanger heated. That heated fluid passes to a cleaning wand for application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Kärcher North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Williams
  • Patent number: 8403234
    Abstract: A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gerry Wolter
  • Patent number: 8308080
    Abstract: A spreader unit, for spreading deicer on a pavement, has at least one supporting arm having a casing connected to a rigid structure of the unit, a sliding member connected telescopically to the casing, and at least one telescopic pipe for the deicer and defining a connecting port connectable to a spreader assembly for spreading the deicer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Giletta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enzo Giletta
  • Patent number: 8157187
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element and the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet through the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 8141794
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8123148
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, Thomas Gronski
  • Patent number: 8100168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reheating the water of the windscreen washers of a motor vehicle comprising, in the engine compartment thereof, a degassing box (1) forming part of the engine cooling system, and at least one tank (3) for pressurised washing water, said tank being associated with a circulation pump which pumps water therefrom and supplies said water to nozzles for spraying the same over the windscreens. The inventive device is characterised in that the tank (3) at least partially surrounds the degassing box (1), leaving a separation space of a determined thickness thereinbetween, and a double-walled hollow body (4) is integrated into said space, defining a closed thermal insulating volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Gerard Jeuffe
  • Patent number: 8096112
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system having a main tank configured to retain and supply a reductant is disclosed. The exhaust after-treatment system includes a main heat source disposed in the main tank and configured to thaw the reductant. The exhaust after-treatment system also includes a secondary tank configured to retain a supply of reductant and a pump configured to pass reductant from the secondary tank to the main tank. The exhaust after-treatment system further includes a secondary heat source configured to thaw the reductant within the secondary tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Arnold Dalton
  • Patent number: 8047451
    Abstract: A washer fluid heater apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a heat exchanger having a washer fluid inlet to allow washer fluid to enter the heat exchanger and a washer fluid outlet to allow the washer fluid to exit the heat exchanger; and (b) a coolant passage traversing through the heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet operably coupled to an engine's coolant system to allow passage of engine coolant through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: McNaughton Incorporated
    Inventor: Patrick James McNaughton
  • Patent number: 8006482
    Abstract: A fluid injector for use in an exhaust treatment system is disclosed. The fluid injector may have a nozzle portion, a heater associated with the nozzle portion, and a controller in communication with the heater. The controller may be configured to recognize a condition triggering a purge event of the fluid injector. The controller may also be configured to activate the heater to purge the fluid injector in response to the recognized condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Brian Cox, James Richard Weber, Orhan Altin, Roger Leroy Urven, Jr., Andrew John Kieser, Justin Werner McMenamy
  • Patent number: 7959090
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 7934664
    Abstract: A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gerry Wolter
  • Patent number: 7878421
    Abstract: A wash system for window glasses and/or headlamps of a vehicle, with a fluid line through which a fluid is conducted from a fluid reservoir into a nozzle and with a heating cable which is laid in the fluid line is disclosed. The heating cable is laid so as to enter the nozzle or to pass through the nozzle and to heat not only the fluid line but also the nozzle. One obtains a wash system that can be manufactured at low cost and ensures freeze protection at reduced energy expense by the fact that the heating cable is laid in a meander pattern in the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Vola Plast Werner Hoppach, KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Hofmann, Markus Bickel, Lutz Seyfarth
  • Patent number: 7857238
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, Thomas Gronski
  • Patent number: 7775224
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a window of a vehicle, including a vessel, having an inlet through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating element for heating the fluid in the vessel, which element preheats the vessel before the washing fluid is received therein, whereby at least an initial quantity of the fluid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: M-Heat Investors, LLC
    Inventors: Shlomi Franco, Jossef Wodnik, Vychislav Ivanov
  • Publication number: 20100200671
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Publication number: 20100102140
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element coil or tube covered with a plastic sheath that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 7673814
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7657961
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element coil or tube covered with a plastic sheath that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
  • Patent number: 7641131
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLC
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell