With Flexible Coupling Section Patents (Class 239/175)
  • Patent number: 11712709
    Abstract: A spray applicator (1) for spraying a fluid onto a web (W) of material has a first group of spray nozzles (10A) arranged along a first axis (FA) and a second group of spray nozzles (11A) arranged along a second axis (SA). The first (FA) and second (SA) spray nozzle axes are arranged on the same side of a plane in which the web (W) is run. Each spray nozzle (10A, 11A) has an elongated spray opening configured to spray fluid in a direction towards the web (W). The first spray nozzle opening of the first group of spray nozzles (10A) has an inclination angle which differs from the second nozzle opening inclination angle of the second group of spray nozzles (11A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: BALDWIN JIMEK AB
    Inventors: Wesley Clements, Birger Hansson, Frank Månsson, Patrik Månsson, Daniel Persson
  • Patent number: 10980716
    Abstract: A process for making a foamed composition, comprising the steps of a. providing a liquid hair treatment composition, b. providing a foaming device comprising a chamber, a removable or rechargeable pressurised gas unit and a dispensing nozzle, c. placing the liquid hair treatment composition in the chamber of the foamin device, d. charging the chamber with the gas, e. mixing the liquid hair treatment composition with the gas, and f. operating said foaming device such that the composition is ejected from the nozzle as a foam, wherein the liquid hair treatment composition comprises at least one conditioning ingredient and is free from hair styling polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirish Subhash Desale, Christopher John Roberts, Attaporn Somboon, Hannah Mary Southey
  • Patent number: 10759921
    Abstract: A method for producing an aqueous foam comprising (a) preparing a solution comprising at least one surfactant and at least one protic polar solvent, (b) bringing the solution into contact with a pressurised gas to obtain a two-phase mixture, and (c) injecting the two-phase mixture to obtain the aqueous foam after expansion or dispersion of the gas. The solution further comprises at least one gelling compound chosen from a non-nitrogenous polysaccharide and gelatin. An aqueous foam obtained by such method and uses of the same, in particular in the fields of decontamination, the purification of effluents, or the defusing or containment of explosive devices or suspected explosive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A'LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Stephane Cadra, Jean-Felix Salas, Alexia Balland-Longeau, Francois Garonne, Sylvain Faure, Bruno Imbert
  • Patent number: 8616466
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sprayer with a reservoir for a fluid, such as for a pesticide, with a pump device for pressurizing the fluid, whereby the pump device includes a pump drive, which is movably coupled to a pump piston by means of a pump connecting rod, whereby the pump connecting rod features a first connecting rod part and a second connecting rod part, whereby in order to connect the first connecting rod part and the second connecting rod part, at least one connecting device is provided, by means of which the connecting rod parts can be interlocked in at least two different latching levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Willi Strauss, Michael Betz
  • Patent number: 8584964
    Abstract: A liquid manure spreader includes a hollow housing chamber having a generally cylindrical sidewall, a chamber bottom provided with a pattern of obround outlet openings, an array of outlet tubes connected to receive material through the obround openings and an inlet cover on the housing. The slurry distributor also includes a rotating hollow expeller member to secure and distribute slurry to the obround outlets having a central rotational axis and a plurality of outlet chambers which have cutter blades attached. A hydraulic motor is connected to rotate the expeller in the housing chamber. A cutter plate is mounted to the chamber bottom and has a pattern of obround openings matching that in the chamber bottom that cooperates with the cutter blade to prevent clogging of the outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Balzer, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy M. McMahon, Frank D. Bazzoli, Donald R. Marcy, Ronald J. Veenker
  • Patent number: 8282021
    Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid solution to soil includes an articulating tractor, a frame, a pivot point, a boom and a drag hose. The articulating tractor has a front portion and a rear portion connected to an articulation point. The rear portion has a rear wheel axle. The frame is adapted to mount on the rear portion of the articulating tractor. The frame has a front frame end located between the rear wheel axle and the articulation point. The pivot point is on the front frame end and positioned about 12 inches or more from the rear wheel axle. The boom pivotally attaches to the pivot point. The drag hose has a distal end in fluid communication with a source of liquid or solid-liquid solution and a proximal end coupled to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Tom Schottler
  • Patent number: 8016947
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: William Rushin, Charles Rushin
  • Patent number: 7975939
    Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid solution to soil includes an articulating tractor, a frame, a pivot point, a boom and a drag hose. The articulating tractor has a front portion and a rear portion connected to an articulation point. The rear portion has a rear wheel axle. The frame is adapted to mount on the rear portion of the articulating tractor. The frame has a front frame end located between the rear wheel axle and the articulation point. The pivot point is on the front frame end and positioned about 12 inches or more from the rear wheel axle. The boom pivotally attaches to the pivot point. The drag hose has a distal end in fluid communication with a source of liquid or solid-liquid solution and a proximal end coupled to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Tom Schottler
  • Patent number: 7845487
    Abstract: A tripper car adapted to transfer particulate material such as coal while maintaining a reduced level of dust proximate the area in which said tripper car moves. The tripper car continuously receives coal from a moving conveyor belt and transfers the coal from a first to a second location. At the second location, the tripper car discharges the coal to a silo that stores the coal for subsequent use by boilers. The tripper car sprays liquid, such as water, to reduce the accumulation of coal dust within a structure in which the tripper car operates as well as to wash the inner walls, ceiling and other proximate surfaces to reduce accumulation of coal dust. The spray pattern is oriented to reduce the spraying of liquid on the coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: John S. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7784714
    Abstract: A remote boom lock assembly is provided to secure a boom assembly supported on an agricultural vehicle or implement. The boom lock assembly is generally configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the boom assembly as it is seated in a boom cradle structure mounted on the agricultural vehicle. The boom lock assembly includes a boom lock element mounted to the boom cradle structure, and an actuator assembly configured to selectively move the boom lock element from a locked position to an unlocked position. A remote switch is employed to control operation of the actuator assembly. The boom lock assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the boom lock element toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John P Honermann, Matthew W Gunlogson
  • Patent number: 7780097
    Abstract: An impeller system is provided for the delivery of a fluid, such as liquid manure, through a manifold system to a plurality of hoses. The impeller includes multiple blades for driving the fluid toward the manifold outlets. The impeller also includes a plurality of shut-off gates to close off multiple outlets and, therefore, increase the pressure to the remaining outlets. As the impeller rotates, openings to various outlets are opened and closed, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid delivered to each of the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Benny D. Puck
  • Patent number: 7458526
    Abstract: A remote boom lock assembly is provided to secure a boom assembly supported on an agricultural vehicle or implement. The boom lock assembly is generally configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the boom assembly as it is seated in a boom cradle structure mounted on the agricultural vehicle. The boom lock assembly includes a boom lock element mounted to the boom cradle structure, and an actuator assembly configured to selectively move the boom lock element from a locked position to an unlocked position. A remote switch is employed to control operation of the actuator assembly. The boom lock assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the boom lock element toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John P. Honermann, Matthew W. Gunlogson
  • Patent number: 7413132
    Abstract: A sprayer assembly includes a frame that supports a tank for storing a liquid chemical. A pump moves the liquid chemical from the tank to one or more spray nozzles through a flexible hose supported by a boom arm that is attached to and extends from the frame. To allow for adjustment of the positioning of the spray nozzles, the boom arm has a curved end portion that defines a slot. A fastener can be passed through the slot and into a corresponding opening defined in the frame to attach the boom arm to the frame. As such, the boom arm can be fixed at any orientation between 90° (vertical position) and 0° (horizontal position) depending on the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Brinly-Hardy Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Bogart, Steven H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7275699
    Abstract: A method and a self-contained, mobile dispensing system, wherein the material to be dispensed is formed by mixing several reactants. A generator provides power to the overall system. Storage tanks are provided for storing the reactants. A chiller unit chills the reactants, and a heating unit heats the reactants. The reactants flow separately through the system until they reach a mix head nozzle operative to combine the reactants. The mix head nozzle has an elongated straight cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of orifices oriented to allow mixing of the reactants in a dispense mode of operation. A metering pump controls and supplies the reactants to the mix head nozzle, in stoichiometric proportions and at predetermined temperature and pressure. A hose connects the mixing tank to the mix head nozzle for dispensing the foam in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Thermal Science Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alex Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7182145
    Abstract: A water bucket system having a water bucket is provided. The water bucket system comprises computer controlled loading of the water bucket from a water source, partial drop control means for controlling the drop of water from the water bucket onto a desired location, and variable flow rate control means for varying the flow of water from the water bucket. A water bucket for carrying water is also provided. The water bucket comprises a main support cable, a spreader plate secured to the main support cable, a plurality of secondary support cables secured to the spreader plate, a plurality of equally spaced webbing straps secured to the secondary support cables, a fabric envelope secured to the webbing straps, and a compression hoop secured to the webbing straps and the fabric envelope, and a valve secured to the fabric envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Aerial Firefighting Specialists
    Inventors: Duane Allan Powers, Timothy James Mikus, Cody Lee Barritt
  • Patent number: 6808126
    Abstract: A lawn mower fluid dispenser includes a fluid dispensing device for a riding lawn mower having a front end and a rear end. A blade cover is positioned generally between the front and rear ends. The device includes a container having a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall. An indicator for determining an amount of fluid positioned within the container is fluidly coupled to the container. A mounting assembly removably supports the container on the rear end of the lawn mower. An elongated hose has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the container. A nozzle is fluidly coupled to the second end. The nozzle is removably extendable through an aperture in the blade cover. A fluid may be positioned in the container such that the fluid is dispensed through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Claude O. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 6752328
    Abstract: A spreader device for distributing particles over a large area of ground includes: (a) a hollow, barrel-shaped body including a distribution door covering an opening at a front, lower end of the barrel-shaped body, and a fill door covering an opening in an upper, rear portion of the barrel-shaped body; (b) a frame on which the barrel-shaped body is mounted at a forward angle, with the front portion of the barrel-shaped body being substantially lower than the rear portion; (c) a remote-operated door opening mechanism attached to the barrel-shaped body for periodically opening and closing the door; and (d) a remote switch mechanism for activating the door opening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Perry Sauls
  • Patent number: 6607146
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus to be mounted on an agricultural sprayer with the purpose of decreasing the drift and improving the deposition, penetration and uniformity of distribution when applying liquids, such as pesticides and liquid plant nutrients, the use of the apparatus and a method of manufacturing a movable part in one piece. The apparatus comprises a movable part (A) on which a sheet (B) and a sprayer (C) are mounted, which movable part (A) is mounted on a boom (D), and is characterized in that the movable part (A) is manufactured in one piece of an elastic material and is stiffened and weakened in sections and in mounting and use has the shape of a parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Acanova AB
    Inventors: Kenneth Alness, Sven Andersson, Per Bengtsson, Sven Bergman, Patrik Enfalt, Anders Engqvist, Niclas Engstrom, Torvald Larsson, Carl Westberg, Per Wretblad
  • Publication number: 20030085299
    Abstract: A self-contained finish spraying apparatus that allows a user to transport the apparatus to a job site and provides the tools to conduct finish spraying regardless of the lack of necessary components at the job site, such as water and electricity, is claimed and described herein. The apparatus includes a generator, a water tank, a dry material silo, a mixer, an air compressor, and a conventional viscous sprayer. The apparatus includes all or most of these materials within security walls so that the apparatus may be left at an exterior location at a job site without risk of damage to the machinery by vandalism or theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Mark W. Schacht
  • Patent number: 6387184
    Abstract: A system and method for modularly interfacing wet components of a coating apparatus to the remainder of the coating apparatus comprising a station whereupon a substrate is located. A fluid cart houses the wet components of the apparatus which comprise a dispensing head in fluid connection to the fluid cart. The fluid cart can be connected to a station and a variety of different types of coating operations subsequently performed. The fluid can be readily disconnected from the station after the coating operation is complete, permitting a different fluid cart to be attached to the same station. The first fluid cart can then receive required servicing without idling the station to which it had been attached. Various embodiments of the means for coating the substrate and powering and controlling equipment of the coating apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: FAStar, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Gibson, Carl W. Newquist, John E. Hawes, Altaf A. Poonawala, Scott A. Snodgrass, Samer Mahmoud Kabbani
  • Patent number: 6202942
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for distributing a slurry flow to plural feed conduits. It has particular application in the injection of swine manure into the soil as fertilizer. The apparatus includes a circular manifold with a central inlet for delivering slurry to the manifold and outlet ports spaced around the outer wall of the manifold for connection to the respective feed conduits. An impeller in the manifold has back swept impeller blades mounted for rotation so that the impeller blades sweep in sequence past the outlet ports. The impeller blades produce pressurized zones in front of them as they sweep in sequence past the outlet ports. This produces a pulsating flow in the feed conduits, ameliorating blockage problems with the conduits. The impeller also includes knives that rotate around the inside of the outer wall and anvils mounted on the outer wall so the knives will act with the anvils to sever trash in the slurry flow. The knives and the anvils are oppositely inclined to produce a shearing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
    Inventors: Gordon Hultgreen, Philip Leduc, Corwin Puryk
  • Patent number: 6164560
    Abstract: A lawn care applicator system which is used on a vehicle having a vehicle electrical power system. The lawn care applicator system is specifically designed to be easy to use by an operator and to minimize electrical current usage, thereby allowing use of the applicator system with standard vehicle electrical power systems. The applicator system includes an applicator module that is removably mountable on the vehicle. The applicator module preferably includes a housing, at least one liquid supply tank disposed in the housing, and a liquid dispensing system disposed in the housing and connected to the liquid supply tank for dispensing liquid from the liquid supply tank and onto a lawn. A control system is electrically connected to the applicator module for providing power to, and controlling the operation of, the applicator module. The control system is adapted to be connected to the vehicle electrical power system to provide electrical power for the applicator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Wanner Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Eugene Lehrke, Frederick Allan Powers, Timothy Lynn Sebion, Gary Dean Ingle, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5810213
    Abstract: A portable pressurized reservoir supply tank comprises a tank housing with a flat upper surface, a flat lower surface and a hollow interior, air and water being contained within the tank in an operative orientation, a pressure gauge being positioned through the tank housing, the pressure gauge including a mechanism to measure and indicate the air pressure within the hollow interior of the tank housing, a compressed air charging valve being positioned through the tank housing, the compressed air charging valve including a coupling mechanism, a pressure relief valve being positioned through the tank housing, a fill spout being positioned through the tank housing, a fill cap being coupled to the fill spout, a discharge assembly being formed in a cylindrical configuration with an outboard end including screw threads and an inboard end positioned through the tank housing adjacent the lower surface, the discharge assembly including a handle to regulate the flow of water therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Salvador Flores, Ramiro O. Flores
  • Patent number: 5733376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Argus International
    Inventor: Bernard J. Costello
  • Patent number: 5613635
    Abstract: A self-aligning row crop spraying device includes a parallelogram-shaped device comprised of a pair of guide support members disposed parallel to each other and a pair of transverse members also parallel to each other. One of the transverse members is fixed to a structure allowing the remainder of the parallelogram-shaped device to move freely about the transverse member. A pair of guide members form a channel for receiving plants. The device allows a spray nozzle to remain aligned with a row of crops throughout the spraying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventors: Jerrell W. Harden, Russell J. Harden
  • Patent number: 5588996
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Argus International
    Inventor: Bernard J. Costello
  • Patent number: 5538185
    Abstract: A reversing switch and more particularly a diaphragm operated electrical polarity reversing switch which has general utility but in the application the reversing switch is disclosed for use in combination with a vehicle mounted spray device including a discharge nozzle which may be used for applying chemicals, liquid fertilizers and other liquids such as when applying such materials alongside of roadways to effectively apply liquid throughout the width of the road right-of-way in which spray nozzles are mounted adjustably on a pivotal arm-type support assembly at the right front of a vehicle and a control arrangement is oriented in the cab of the vehicle to enable the vehicle operator to control the spray apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Rabitsch, Douglas G. Rabitsch
  • Patent number: 5482553
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joe F. Loftin, James E. Roberson, Wayne A. Wood
  • Patent number: 5398874
    Abstract: An agriculture sprayer for applying herbicides between crop rows while simultaneously applying root growth stimulants, fungicides, fertilizers and/or insecticides to plant rows. The sprayer includes a tool bar to which a plurality of adjustable primary spray hood assemblies are pivotally mounted so as to be vertically movable as well as adjustable in pitch angle from front to rear so that the assemblies will follow the terrain of a field being sprayed. The primary spray hood assemblies include detachable nozzles for supplying chemicals to weeds confined within the hoods of the assemblies. Auxiliary spray nozzles are mounted exteriorly of the hoods for spraying chemicals toward the base of adjacent crop rows. In some embodiments secondary hood assemblies for covering plant rows are provided intermediate the primary spray hood assemblies and are used for spraying chemicals to the foliage of the plants in the crop rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Darrell R. Dailey
  • Patent number: 5383599
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus to be used primarily in orchards or any other groves where the trees are of considerable height. The apparatus comprises a chassis on which is mounted an air blower attached to a vertical inflatable sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a longitudinal row of apparatus and spraying nozzle adjacent to said apertures. Flexible conduits connect said nozzle to a container for liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: David Zur
  • Patent number: 5371969
    Abstract: A polymeric spray shield assembly adapted to be connected to a support frame moved over plants growing in spaced rows from the earth and to be moved along the earth between the rows of plants while liquids such as herbicides not intended for contact with the plants in the rows are sprayed onto weeds between the rows of plants. The spray shield assembly comprises a polymeric spray shield having an inner surface defining a channel opening through an open side and front and rear ends of the spray shield, a top wall portion being adapted to have means attached thereto for suspending the spray shield from the support frame and through openings adapted to receive connector assemblies through which liquids are sprayed into the spray shield, and dependent opposite side wall portions. Stiff polymeric slotted end closure sheets are attached across the open front and rear ends of said channel to help retain the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: C. A. P., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Claussen, Michael D. O'Dougherty
  • Patent number: 5299767
    Abstract: A pressure washer frame is modified to include a hose reel and a gunvalve rack so that those items can be transported to a job site with the pressure washer. The hose reel is created by connecting a stop member to the conventional handle with a pair of brackets so that a hose can be coiled about the handle and held against slippage by the stop member. The rack for the gunvalve is created by adding a pair of longitudinally spaced cradles to the frame. The first cradle is added to the handle end of the frame and supports the pistol grip part of the gunvalve. The second cradle is added to the opposite end of the frame and supports the distal end of the gunvalve. A strap associated with the second cradle holds down the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Simpson Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Simpson, deceased
  • Patent number: 5222614
    Abstract: A carrier vehicle is solidly connected to a stationary support frame (2) which carries, by pivot joints or of a ball joint (3), a movable support frame (1) obliged to pivot only about a transverse axis relative to the direction of the travel of the vehicle and, optionally, a vertical axis. The movable support frame (1) carries a treatment boom of a suspension, for example of the swinging or rocker link type, acting in a transverse plane. The center of gravity of the assembly that includes the movable support frame and the boom is maintained on a vertical line passing through the pivot joint or the ball joint (3) or in a plane passing through the transverse axis and containing the resultant of the gravitational and inertial forces which are exerted on this assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Tecnoma
    Inventor: Patrick J. Ballu
  • Patent number: 5190218
    Abstract: A medium sized spraying system quickly and easily mountable on a small sized tractor having an auxiliary power take off at or near the front of the tractor. A fluid pump is mountable near the front power take off and utilizes the power of a front power take off to produce pumping action. Fluid conduits are directed to the rear of the tractor where a support framework is releasably connected to the rear of the tractor. The support frame holds a substantially sized fluid tank and a spraying boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: Howard H. Kayser, Steven A. Claude
  • Patent number: 5176322
    Abstract: A device for spraying liquid onto a crop with the assistance of directed air streams. Air is impelled into a central air chamber, through left and right hollow swivelling joints along extended air booms to pass out through outlet funnels. Associated with each outlet funnel is a spray nozzle which directs spray liquid into the outgoing air stream. The extended booms can be pivoted to a trailing position behind the device. The flattened outlet funnels together with the positioning of the nozzles provided an enhanced, directed atomized spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Giuseppe M. Sartor
  • Patent number: 5155933
    Abstract: An elongate polymeric spray shield adapted to be connected to a support frame moved over plants growing in spaced rows from the earth to temporarily enclose the plants. The spray shield has opposite arcuate side wall portions along its axis and nozzle anchor portions along each of the side wall portions that are recessed inwardly of the spray shield from the side wall portions along which they are positioned. Each nozzzle anchor portion has a generally planar anchor part having a generally centered through opening adapted to receive a liquid outlet nozzle assembly with the axis of a nozzle in the assembly oriented at a right angle to the surfaces of the anchor part and the outlet end of the nozzle adjacent the inner surface of the side wall portion oriented at a predetermined relationship relative to the side wall portions to direct spray from the nozzle in a desired pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventors: Steven W. Claussen, Robert L. Claussen
  • Patent number: 5098018
    Abstract: A crop spray apparatus is provided having controls for varying the height of a spray device and an operator's cab, which are pivotally mounted on opposite sides of a drive assembly. The controls are located in the operator's cab for continuing control of changes in height of the spray device and the operator's cab from the operator's cab while the drive assembly is moving the apparatus and while simultaneously spraying. By this control, both high and low level crops may be sprayed continuously without need for stopping operation of the crop spray apparatus to vary the height of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Kibbuts Degania Bet
    Inventors: Ezra Hadar, David Tsur, Zev Rotem-Bar
  • Patent number: 5029757
    Abstract: The invention herein discloses an improved and unique new sprayer implement for spraying crops. The sprayer comprises two wing booms, a left and a right which are controlled independently from one another by hydraulic cylinders. The sprayer is capable of maintaining one wing boom in the transport position while the other main wing boom is extended transversely to the direction of travel in the operating position therefore allowing the operator to spray with one side of the sprayer only. This allows the operator to have access to areas of a field where he would not normally be able to work with a wide sprayer. The sprayer is also equipped with an anti-damage locking system whereby a resilient spring or shear pin is released when either one of the main wing booms strikes an obstacle such as a tree or power pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: F. P. Bourgault Industries Air Seeder Division Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard Bourgault, Stanley Boyko
  • Patent number: 5012608
    Abstract: This spray boom is provided with nozzles delivering spray under a shield that confines the spray to a downward-rearward direction. The boom is mounted on a conventional tractor with a freedom to swing upward and to the rear on accidental contact with an obstruction. The boom can also be elevated for transport. The outer section of the boom is yieldable and can swing back separately on contact with a tree trunk, and this outer section is also provided with a resilient whip extension to lay down grass and weeds between trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Philip A. Brown
  • Patent number: 4967960
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile system for washing vehicles which supplies water at high pressure through a discharge hose to a user-operated spray gun or wand. The mobile washing system contains means to receive water at low pressure from the municipal or domestic well water supply. There is an engine and pump that pressurizes the water received; an onboard sdelf regenerating water softening unit to remove impurities from the wash and rinse water so that washed vehicles may dry virtually spot-free without manual drying; reservoirs for storing a liquid cleaning agent and a liquid wax which can be introduced into the discharge stream under operator control to eliminate the need to manually apply soap or wax; and valves and controls to effectively operate the wash system. All components are mounted on a wheeled cart which can be easily rolled from vehicle to vehicle by the operator or rolled to a convenient washing location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Edgar V. Futrell
  • Patent number: 4947581
    Abstract: A spray shield assembly adapted to be moved over row crops to temporarily enclose the crops when liquids are sprayed onto them or the ground around them, which assembly includes a liquid distribution system for distributing liquid to outlet nozzles, and a polymeric shield defining a channel opening through one side and front and rear ends of the shield for receiving the crops. The shield has a converging leading portion for directing portions of plants into the channel, and a semi cylindrical portion in which the nozzles are mounted, with two of the nozzles in one of an array of openings in opposite sides of the shield, which arrays of openings allow adjusting the location of the nozzles to accommodate the portion of the plants desired to be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: C.A.P., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Claussen, William A. Schwendemann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4943448
    Abstract: A system applying a coating material to surfaces situated adjacent to or on live, high voltage electrical bus work or the like utilizes a liquified coating material stored in containers and is electrically isolated from potential ground sources by a dielectric barrier. A pump means draws the coating material from the containers and transports the coating material through a conduit formed of a dielectrical material to a moveable cart supporting an applicator boom thereon which applies the coating material to the surfaces. The pump means is driven by compressed air which provides the pumps with a nonconductive fluid drive source eliminating an electrical potential or a potential ground source in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Leaksealers, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Lacourciere
  • Patent number: 4875526
    Abstract: This invention discloses a firefighting track driven apparatus for use in rugged terrain. A crawler track driven tractor vehicle pushes a front platform vehicle and pulls a rear platform vehicle. The front platform vehicle travels on steerable crawler tracks, and is equipped with communication device, directionally controlled lamp system and a water cannon for spraying a fire extinguishing substance. The water cannon is mounted on a telescoping and rotating boom, and has a swiveling nozzle, for accurately aiming the fire extinguishing substance to burning material in difficult places such as treetops. The front platform vehicle has a cab which protects an operator, who operates the boom and cannon and steers the tracks. A reeled firehose arrangement feeds the cannon, and may be lengthened with extension sections to accommodate the telescoping boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventors: Vincent P. Latino, Sandra L. Latino
  • Patent number: 4834249
    Abstract: In a vehicle provided with a boom assembly that extends laterally therefrom during use, a self-leveling mount for said assembly employs a swinging linkage having dampening device incorporated into the pivotal connections of the linkage to suppress side-to-side oscillation of the boom. Each such device includes a tubular member arranged on a fore-and-aft axis of the vehicle, an axle in the member movable with an associated leg of the linkage, a resilient bushing in the member around the axle, and means subjecting the bushing to axial compression to force the bushing radially outwardly and inwardly into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the member and an outer surface of the axle it surrounds. Compression of the bushing is caused by force against pressure elements in the form of washers that bear against the ends of the bushing, thereby eliminating the need for oil-filled shock absorbers or other costly components to suppress boom oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Dennis A. Dahl
  • Patent number: 4796808
    Abstract: A street, sidewalk and gutter water sweeping apparatus that mounts to the front bumper of trucks as small as a pickup. The apparatus is actuated and the sprayhead directionally controlled from inside the truck cab. The sprayhead is positioned such as to permit water to easily flow beneath any parked vehicle interposed between the sweeper and the sidewalk. The apparatus is moveable from a first stowed position to a second operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventors: John W. Linda, Anthony Matracia
  • Patent number: 4771947
    Abstract: An improved irrigation device is provided for precision, relatively low energy and close range delivery of irrigation water to crops and the like with little or no soil erosion. The irrigation device comprises a generally cylindrical body for connection to the lower end of a vertical drop tube adapted for connection in turn to a water supply pipe, for example, of a traveling irrigation system, such as a center pivot or linear system. The cylindrical body carries a downwardly open nozzle for discharge of water into a pressure-regulated chamber defined in part by a funnel-shaped regulator cover slidable about the cylindrical body. The chamber is shaped or otherwise includes means for dissipating a substantial portion of the flow energy of the water discharged into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Donald W. Smeller, Stephen H. Govero
  • Patent number: 4736888
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing implement having a tool bar and a plurality of liquid dispensing assemblies pivotally connected to the tool bar. Each fluid dispensing assembly has a body having an upright member in the rear portion thereof. A ground engaging wheel moves the body along the contour of the ground. A pair of liquid dispensers are mounted on a cross beam connected to the upright member. Each liquid dispenser has a pair of side nozzles and a top nozzle for directing fluid in band along opposite sides of the row of crops and onto the top of the crops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Fasnacht
  • Patent number: 4593855
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular fire fighting apparatus which may be quickly and easily mounted onto an ordinary pickup truck, and conveniently operated by the vehicle driver from the cab of the vehicle. The module generally includes a pump coupled to an engine for pumping a fire-retardant liquid, a control means for regulating the amount of liquid pumped, and a reservoir tank fluidly connected to the pump. The frame of the apparatus both unitizes the pump, engine and tank, and positions the engine and pump controls within the reach of the operator when the operator is in the cab of the vehicle. The invention further includes a tank level indicator including a transparent conduit and an elongated float engaged onto a guide rod in the tank for providing a visual display of the tank level which is positioned so that it may be observed through the rear-view mirror of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Vehicle Systems Development Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 4359188
    Abstract: A recirculating sprayer assembly directs treatment spray streams against a collector means having its lower end extending through an enlarged opening in a reservoir means. A screen means extends between the collector means and the adjoining edge or edges of the reservoir means. Alternatively, a fibrous mat collector is folded over with its free ends positioned within a tray member. A plurality of ports pass the recovered liquid retrieved by the mat into the reservoir as well as limit the admission of foreign particles into the reservoir. At the upper end of the tray, lip surfaces flare outwardly away from the collection plane of the mat to collect loose drops falling from the mat and return them to the tray for passage into the reservoir. In a still further embodiment, a folded-over fibrous mat collector fits into an upper slot opening of a trough-shaped reservoir having upper wall side openings extending generally outwardly from the collection plane of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Sprayrite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: John O. Moore
  • Patent number: RE31297
    Abstract: A recirculating sprayer adapted for mounting on a vehicle is improved for use at increased travel speed and for operation in higher wind conditions by angling the solid spray streams forwardly or rearwardly from a direction transverse to the travel direction. The sprays are employed in criss-cross, opposite pairs, with the spray stream patterns of adjacent pairs of spray nozzles abutting or overlapping one another for full coverage of all upstanding weeds or crops in an area traversed by the sprayer. A series of collector mats or panels may be arranged transverse to the travel direction, with sprays trained thereon for contacting each weed twice in its upstanding position once by each spray of a pair; the weeds may also be contacted once more as they are bent forward to pass beneath the panels and a reservoir thereunder. The collector may also be arranged in panels parallel to the travel direction, for increased ease in negotiating sloping terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Sprayrite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: John O. Moore, Ray H. Dawson