Abstract: A device for heating washing liquid to be sprayed onto a vehicle windshield includes a thermally insulating body and a heating element configured to be heated in response to an applied electric current. The heating element is positioned within the thermally insulating body. A path is defined along a surface of the heating element to permit passage of the washing liquid along the surface of the heating element so that the washing liquid is heated by contact with the surface of the heating element.

Abstract: A heating windshield wiper shroud system which is designed to be installed in combination with a conventional motorized vehicle windshield wiper assembly having an electrically activated windshield wiper rocker arm and a windshield wiper blade and supporting frame. The wiper shroud system utilizes a shroud housing with a roof portion along a longitudinal axis having a middle section with a first vertically and transversely designed upper width portion and a second vertically and transversely designed lower width portion which has a differentially wider transverse width dimension than the first upper width portion. The second lower width has a shelf portion which has a perimeter generally between and coextensive with the outside vertical edge of the first upper width and the outer edge of the second lower width portion.

Abstract: A ground heating system is provided comprising an internal combustion engine which has a shaft output and an exhaust gas stream. An electric alternator/generator is driven by the shaft output of the engine. A working fluid is provided for transferring heat to the ground. A heat exchanger receives the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and transfers waste heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. An electric heating element is provided for converting some of the electric output of the generator into heat and transferring this heat to the working fluid. A pump circulates the working fluid through a ground-engaging heat exchanger.

Abstract: A self propelled, walk-behind or surrey drawn striping machine includes a single fluid tank for confining and, delivering under a pressure, fluid drive, heated thermoplastic, paint and the new, environmentally preferred, thin line thermoplastic. The machine is propelled by hydraulic wheel motors. A primary material tank comprises a pressurized interior vessel that is substantially surrounded by a heating fluid circulation jacket. A third wall around the fluid circulation jacket provides a heat riser insulating space. Combustion products from a burner head below the circulation jacket rise through the insulating space. A coaxial flow channel around the conduits that deliver the striping material to a spray head carries heat transfer medium such as hot oil drawn from the heating fluid circulation jacket.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially coating opposite major surfaces of a workpiece such as a printed circuit board and wherein the amount of manual handling is significantly reduced. Boards are arranged end-to-end preferably in closely spaced fashion upon a conveyor having an adjustable drive. First and second spray assemblies provide a low pressure spray having a substantially oval-shaped spray pattern and are arranged upon guide tracks to move in a reciprocating fashion in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor for coating opposing surfaces of the workpiece. The speed of movement of the spray heads and the extreme ends of the range of movement are adjustable by controlling the operation of a drive motor to create a substantially Z-shaped spray pattern on the workpiece with the size of the Z-shaped pattern being a function of the conveyor speed spray head assembly, drive speed and range of movement of each spray head assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for automatically delivering and applying hot asphalt in a liquid state for easy spreading to a roof surface and an apparatus for performing this process. The method involves heating the asphalt to a liquid state and maintaining the temperature while pumping the hot asphalt from ground level to roof level to a hand held spray jet applicator which also rolls the asphalt smooth. The method employs temperature regulation and circulation of the asphalt to maintain the hot liquid state for easy application.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a workpiece such as a printed circuit board. Boards are arranged in closely spaced fashion upon a conveyor having an adjustable drive. A spray assembly for providing a low pressure spray having a substantially oval-shaped spray pattern is arranged upon guide tracks and moves in a reciprocating fashion in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor. The speed of movement of the spray head and the extreme ends of the range of movement are adjustable by controlling the operation of a drive motor to create a substantially Z-shaped spray pattern on the workpiece with the size of the Z-shaped pattern being a function of the conveyor speed spray head assembly, drive speed and range of movement of the spray head assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washer fluid heater for operative connection to a coolant line of the engine cooling system of a vehicle, having a housing formed of a material of low to medium thermal conductivity, which together with end walls positioned in sealing relation thereto, at longitudinally opposite ends thereof, form a washer fluid chamber. Each of the end walls has a central opening of circular cross section. A central heating conduit, formed from a material of high thermal conductivity passes through the washer fluid chamber and through each of the central openings and is adapted for connection into the coolant line of a water cooled automobile engine. A first and a second annular grommets, each formed from a resilient material, are in sealing contact with a respective one of the central openings of the respective end walls. Each grommet has an inner opening dimmensioned to sealingly receive the heating conduit in throughpassing relation.

Abstract: A washer fluid system including a reservoir having a discharge for transferring fluid through a transfer hose via at least one discharge nozzle aligned to discharge the fluid onto a windshield of the vehicle. The device includes a housing having an inlet to receive fluid from the transfer hose at a point downstream from a discharge motor and an outlet to discharge fluid to the transfer hose for discharge by the nozzle. Fluid is held by a container operably connected to the inlet and the outlet. A heating element, preferably powered by the vehicle's electrical system, most preferably only when the ignition for the vehicle is in the on position, heats fluid in the container to a temperature which does not exceed a predetermined maximum temperature such as 50.degree. F. above ambient temperature. Insulation is provided for insulating the container in the housing.

Abstract: A method and device scatter preheated sand, urea, road salt, etc. from a spreading vehicle onto runways and roads to counteract slipperiness caused by snow, ice, sleet, mud and the like. Preheating of the material is by an electronically controlled LP-gas driven burner in close association with feeding of the material from the spreading vehicle to the surface which is to be treated. Flames from the burner have direct contact with the material being preheated. The process can be remotely controlled from the driver cabin of the spreading vehicle. The heating system can be conveniently mounted to an existing spreading vehicle.

Abstract: A system for pin-point injection or application of a viscous, hot-melt conformal coating which is injected or applied onto a surface of an article and is readily removable from the surface to provide a temporary mask to selected areas of the article. The system includes a material supply unit which can accept the coating in at least one of granular, flake, chunk or block form and can heat the coating to transform the coating into a substantially viscous form for pumping out of the unit by a pump member. A heatable hose is also included having first and second opposite ends, the first end being connected for operable communication with the pump member and the hose including a heating element controlled by the supply unit and positioned along the length of the hose for maintaining a desired temperature within an interior of the hose.

Abstract: A weed killing system utilizes hot water or steam, alone, or in combination with an herbicide to kill weeds. Cart, backpack, and vehicle mounted versions are disclosed in propane and electrically powered embodiments. A cart mounted version includes a detachable wheel assembly to allow selective conversion into a manually manipulable wand, and may be provided with an angularly adjustable bifurcated distribution nozzle. In electrically heated embodiments, Salt may be added to the heated water in order to increase the boiling point to enable higher effective application temperatures. A gas powered version includes a microprocessor control system for regulating water level in a tank portion of a heater, gas supply to a burner assembly, electric spark ignition of the burner assembly, and hot water or steam outlet dependent upon temperature and pressure levels in the tank portion.

Abstract: The invention deals with a cleaning installation for windshields of motor vehicles, aircraft, locomotives or the like with at least one wiper arm drivable by a wiper motor, at which arm a wiper blade is fastened by means of wiper blade holders, with a channel provided with outlet apertures extending in said blade, which is connected by a supply line to a water reservoir of a windshield washer installation connected to a pump, wherein the region of the wiper blade (9, 21) pointing towards the windshield (2) is part of the channel wall (11, 23) into which the outlet apertures (12) are mortised, and where a wiper lip (15) is disposed between the outlet apertures (12) by means of a swivel strip (14, 24) or a wiper lip (25) is arranged on each side, wherein selectively water, warm water or steam can exit from the outlet apertures (12)

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling vegetation, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a high pressure pump liquid spray material may be applied to vegetation at a pressure from about 100 psi to as much as about 4,000 psi. The apparatus further includes a heater whereby the liquid spray material may be heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. before it is sprayed. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use. The method of this invention is characterized by its utilization of a high pressure spray so that agricultural chemicals in amounts from virtually 0% to about 50% of their current recommended dose rates can be used with efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for automating the transferral and application of hot asphalt material to roof surfaces. The machine includes a number of reels attached to an outer shell contained on a cart. Each reel contains roughly five-hundred feet of hose and attaches to one of two types of hand-held applicator devices. An electric generator, a storage tank assembly, and a pump assembly are contained within the outer shell. The combination of heating elements disposed within the storage tank and heating wires wrapped around the inner tube members of the hoses keeps the asphalt material in a liquified form during operation of the device. Compared to other conventional methods and apparatus, the present device greatly enhances the safety and efficiency associated with hot asphalt roofing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling weeds and undergrowth, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a heater whereby liquid spray material is first heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. and then sprayed on the substance to be controlled. The apparatus is further characterized by its construction to include an insulating apron for maintaining the heated spray material in close contact with the substance onto which it is sprayed, while at the same time insulating the heated spray and treated substance from ambient conditions. A variety of fluid conduits and controls are provided so that a variety of spray liquids may be applied in predetermined fashion. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use.

Abstract: A spraying device for headlamp-cleaning systems for motor vehicles having an essentially cylindrical nozzle carrier which comprises two sections, with the vehicle-external nozzle carrier section being formed from a number of annular segments connected to one another in a hinge-like manner. In a rest position, the nozzle carrier is retracted in the vehicle body. When moved into the operating setting outside the vehicle, the front nozzle carrier section comprising the annular segments curves in an arc shape, such that a cleaning nozzle fitted to the head end of the nozzle carrier comes to be situated in an area just in front of the headlamp diffusing screen.

Abstract: A system for transporting liquefied, highly viscous waterproofing membrane from a kettle where the membrane is heated and stored to a remote location. The system comprises a pump assembly for pumping membrane out of the kettle, a pipe assembly coupled with the pump assembly for providing a passageway along which the membrane may be transported from the pump assembly to an intermediate location, and a lugger for receiving membrane discharged from the pipe assembly and for transporting the membrane to the remote location. The pipe assembly and the lugger include heating devices for maintaining the temperature of membrane being transported thereby at a selected temperature, typically in the range of 375.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating washer fluid supplied to motor vehicle windshield washer nozzles simultaneously with diesel oil supplied to the diesel engine of the vehicle is disclosed. Engine coolant heats a tank containing separate coils through which the washer fluid and diesel oil circulates.

Abstract: A system for transporting liquefield, highly viscous waterproofing membrane from a kettle where the membrane is heated and stored to a remote location. The system comprises a pump assembly for pumping membrane out of a kettle, a pipe assembly coupled with the pump assembly for providing a passageway along which the membrane may be transported from the pump assembly to an intermediate location, and a lugger for receiving membrane discharged from the pipe assembly and for transporting the membrane to the remote location. The pipe assembly and the lugger include heating devices for maintaining the temperature of membrane being transported thereby at a selected temperature, typically in the range of 375.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: A washing device mounted on a motor vehicle comprises cold water tanks and a high pressure boiler providing water at 100 to 250 bars. A rotary cleaning arm is supplied with the pressurized hot water and has nozzles at its ends directed towards the surface to be cleaned. A protective casing surrounds the rotary cleaning arm. The cleaninig arm can be mounted underneath the vehicle for vertical movement between operative and standby positions. The rotary arm has a rotation axis passing through its center and is provided with a nozzle at each end, the two nozzles being substantially identical, of flat triangular shape and having the same mean general plane. The nozzle therefore deliver two divergent flat jets that are substantially coplanar and which have different angles of attack on the surface to be cleaned. These jets can impinge on the opposite edges of an element of an irregular surface comprising facets perpendicular to the general plane of the surface, such as cobblestones and duckboards.

Abstract: A portable electric water heater for supplying a continuous flow of hot water for outdoor home use includes an impact resistant waterproof housing having a coiled water conducting cooper tube disposed therein and wrapped with an electrical resistance heating element. A manually operated rheostat adjusts the heating current received through a power cord from a standard 110 Volt current source. The tube has a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet adapted to fit standard garden hoses and faucets. Wheels and legs support the housing and a handle facilitates movement thereof. Alternate smaller versions employ skid runners or caster wheels for portability and may have conducting tube sections positioned in a horizontal plane adjacent a respective heating element.Each embodiment utilizes an on/off toggle switch and a flow responsive pressure switch in series with the rheostat. A pop-off valve is also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a liquid heating system utilizing heat from the cooling air and the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. A heat pump driven by the engine is utilized to extract heat from the cooling air and impart that heat to a first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger is associated with the exhaust gases for extracting heat therefrom. Liquid to be heated is conveyed through said first and second heat exchangers.

Abstract: A compact highly efficient heat exchanger is used to utilize waste heat from a motor vehicle engine cooling system to heat a source of water for use with a shower or the like in a recreational environment. The heat exchanger comprises a hollow cylinder having a cylindrical wall to define an annular space therebetween. Within the annular space is located a neatly fitting helical tubular coil with spaced helixes to define a helical pathway between adjacent coil helixes working fluid passes through the tubular coil and process fluid passes through the helical pathway to effect heat exchange between the working and process fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus, for a motor vehicle having a liquid-cooled engine, for heating windshield washer liquid or the like. The apparatus includes a cylindrical heat-exchanger housing that, via hose connectors that are disposed at both ends of the housing, can be disposed directly in the coolant line between the engine and a radiator, with the interior of the housing, through which the coolant flows, containing a tube coil that is helically wound in the longitudinal direction of the housing. Liquid that is to be heated flows through the tube coil, and the ends of the latter are conveyed out of the housing in a radial direction. The housing is divided, in an axial direction, into two semicylindrical shells which have abutting longitudinal edges that can be sealingly interconnected.

Abstract: A system for the collection of fats and oils is described in which an open ended container is up-ended upon a hollow rod. Means are provided for holding the up-ended container over the hollow rod. Steam or compressed air are introduced to said hollow rod to thereby force the solid fats from the container or to force the container away from the fats. A collection area is provided underneath the up-ended container.

Abstract: In a windshield washing system for motor vehicles which includes a line for the supply of heated washing liquid to a spray nozzle, the line is part of a closed circulatory system which extends from a heating device in a reservoir tank to the spray nozzle in back and in which a pressure producer in case of need acts upon the washing liquid with an increased spray pressure, at which the spray nozzle releases washing liquid onto the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A heated sand spreader apparatus has an inclined elongated screw conveyor mounted at the rear end of a mobile chassis for receiving and conveying sand in a rearward direction along a spiraling path. A plurality of heat generators are attached to the conveyor for directing heat on the sand grains moving within the conveyor. The grains are heated to such a degree that upon subsequent contact with ice on a road surface the grains will melt the ice and deposit in it. After the ice refreezes the grains form a granular surface on the ice. The apparatus includes a broadcast-type spreader supported from the auger conveyor which receives heated sand therefrom and is operated to uniformly broadcast the sand grains on the road surface at the rear of the mobile chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating air for a pneumatic conveyor implement is disclosed. Air is heated in a variety of fashions including passing input air to fan (26) through radiator (53) of fan drive motor (54). Air is also heated by mixing it with the exhaust gases from exhaust pipes (66), (72) from the propulsion engine of vehicle 16 or the fan drive engine (54). The heated air enhances distribution uniformity of substance 20 at the outputs (28) of the implement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of forming a durable and immediately reflective line rking on roadways are described. The method includes melting a thermoplastic resinous material, projecting a continuous stream of the melted material onto the roadway in a line and simultaneously (a) projecting a first continuous stream of glass beads into the stream of thermoplastic material as the stream is being applied to the roadway; and (b) dropping a second stream of glass beads onto the top of the thermoplastic/glass bead line immediately after the line is applied to a roadway. The equipment includes a multisection melting tank for the thermoplastic material having a temperature gradient across the different sections, a heated holding tank separably connected to the melting tank, a spray unit for spraying the thermoplastic material, and means for simultaneously projecting glass beads into the liquid marking material as it is being applied and for dropping glass beads onto the applied line after it is applied.

Abstract: A device for heating liquid for one or several washer systems.The present invention relates to a device for heating liquid for one or several washer systems, e.g. a wind screen washer system, a head lamp washer system, a rear screen washer system, etc, including a heat exchanger, preferably connected into a return pipe from the engine of a car to the cooling system of the engine.An object of the present invention is to accomplish a device for heating of washer liquid with high efficiency although a very simple design.

Abstract: A portable self-contained device for heating and spraying a coating material from a tank onto a surface, the device having a fluid fuel supply for heating the material, which fuel in addition to heating drives an engine that is coupled to a generator device for supplying electrical energy to heating elements in a spray hose and nozzle that communicate with the tank and to a main pump which causes a fluid medium to circulate to drive a stirring engine which operates a stirring apparatus in the tank, and to drive a discharge pump for discharging heated material through the spray hose and nozzle operatively connected to it.

Abstract: The specification describes an arrangement adapted for use in a carpet cleaning system and more particularly, an arrangement in which the heat given off by an internal combustion engine, is used through heat transfer to heat cleaning fluid of the carpet cleaning system. The cleaning fluid is carried in its own conduit so that it is maintained out of contact from the engine itself. The bulk of the heat picked up by the cleaning fluid is through heat transfer at the exhaust of the engine although, a preheat may also be incorporated from heat transfer at the engine's cooling system. Shutdown controls are provided to automatically shut the system down in case of malfunction, to ensure that the system does not overheat.

Abstract: A heating system is provided, for heating liquid in a truck mounted hot line pavement striping system, including a paint storage tank and spray guns, the heating system including a conduit from the internal combustion engine of the truck leading to a series of smaller conduits passing through the thermal oil bath, as the sole heat source for heating the oil bath, and thereafter being exhausted to the atmosphere, the inner walls of the tubes having sufficient heat exchanging surface, and of sufficient number to conduct sufficient heat from the exhaust gases through the conduit wall to the oil bath to heat the thermal oil, the oil surrounding tubes within the bath, containing the paint to be sprayed "hot" from the paint guns, and a heat by-pass from the engine to by-pass the heat past the heating system.

Abstract: The apparatus provides an internal means for spraying and heating quick drying traffic paint to a minimum temperature of 120.degree. F. utilizing a primary heat collector within which engine liquid is in thermal communication with engine exhaust gases and heated compressed air. Such heated engine liquid is then used as a heat transfer medium to elevate the temperature of quick drying traffic paint within a shell and tube heat exchanger.

Abstract: A windshield washing and deicing system comprising a reservoir for containing washer fluid having a sealed container supported therein. A pump is effective to transfer washer fluid from the reservoir to the container and from the container to a plurality of nozzles located adjacent a vehicle window. A conduit is located in the reservoir for carrying heated engine coolant through the reservoir to heat the washer fluid therein. An electrical resistance wire is provided for further heating the washer fluid in the container whenever the temperature of the fluid in the container is below a predetermined minimum to quickly deice the vehicle window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rustproofing relatively inaccessible areas of a vehicle body wherein a quantity of rust-proofing liquid is stored on the vehicle and distribution means incorporated in the vehicle structure and communicating with said tank provided for connection to an external pressure source and for pressurized spray of said liquid against rust prone areas of the body. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention a non-drying, non-corrosive oil such as automatic transmission fluid is used as the rustproofing liquid.

Abstract: In a high pressure spray cleaning apparatus and method there is provided separate pressurized flow circuits to separate inlets of a spray head. A chemical flow circuit delivers a cleaning chemical fluid under pressure and a carrier flow circuit delivers a heated carrier fluid, preferably water and or soap, under a relatively high pressure. The pressurized cleaning chemical fluid and heated water are intimately mixed and distributed by a novel spray head. A power-driven air compressor is coupled to a chemical storage tank containing a cleaning chemical in the chemical flow circuit. A power-driven positive displacement pump associated with a by-pass unloader valve regulates the pressure of the water from a water tank delivered to a heating coil in which the water is heated in the carrier flow circuit. When the heated water is not being sprayed at the spray head, it is automatically returned by the operation of the by-pass unloader valve at a reduced pressure to the water tank.