Distributor Having Overflow Discharge (e.g., Weir Type) Patents (Class 239/193)
  • Patent number: 11478802
    Abstract: An arrangement for spraying a fluid to a piece of material, such as a web or strip, has a chamber through which the material runs, and an applicator (15) which is configured to spray the fluid on the material. The applicator includes at least a first and a second valve (16, 16a, 16b, 16c) arranged within the chamber, each valve having a longitudinal axis, and each valve comprising a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c). Each spray nozzle has an elongated opening extending along an axis. The longitudinal axis of the valve and the axis of the corresponding nozzle span a plane and the at least said first valve and said second valve are arranged spaced on a common axis (CA) running through a center point of each valve. The plane is inclined in relation to the common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Baldwin Jimek AB
    Inventors: Patrik Månsson, Frank Månsson, Joacim Wellander
  • Patent number: 11162735
    Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a plurality of evaporator tubes through which a volume of thermal energy transfer medium is flowed, a separator to separate a flow of liquid refrigerant from a vapor and liquid refrigerant mixture, and a distributor operably connected to the separator to distribute a flow of liquid refrigerant over the plurality of evaporator tubes. The distributor includes a distributor inlet to receive the flow of liquid refrigerant from the separator, a sparge channel connected to the distributor inlet to flow the liquid refrigerant therethrough and exiting the sparge channel via a plurality of sparge openings in an upper surface of the sparge channel, and a distribution sheet disposed below the sparge channel through which the liquid refrigerant flows onto the plurality of evaporator tubes. A flow rate of liquid refrigerant through each sparge opening of the plurality of sparge openings is substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marcel Christians, Jack Leon Esformes
  • Patent number: 11154045
    Abstract: A boom for mounting to an agricultural sprayer comprises an elongate frame supporting a plurality of liquid application devices, liquid delivery means connected to the application devices, and an elongate tray attached to, and extending along, the boom. The tray is movable between a first position in which the tray extends substantially horizontally beneath one or more of the application devices to prevent material from leaking onto the ground below, and a second position in which the tray is located clear of delivery paths of the liquid application devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: AGCO Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Joris Jan Hiddema, Harm Mertens
  • Patent number: 10955152
    Abstract: In devices for air-conditioning stalls having evaporation members which can be supplied with fluid by means of spray pipes which are arranged thereabove, the deflectors are provided above the spray pipes, which deflectors have to be removed for cleaning purposes and temporarily stored elsewhere, which is complex and can lead to damage to the deflectors. The disclosed device for air-conditioning stalls has a provision for deflectors to have hinge connections to retention members. The deflectors can thereby be pivoted upwards in order to clean spray pipes without the deflectors having to be completely removed from the retention members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Barnstorfer Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Egon Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10682662
    Abstract: Nozzle means for directional jetting of a fountain fluid comprising at least one, in particular elongated, nozzle for directed radiation of the fountain fluid, wherein the nozzle has a main extension direction, so that the fountain fluid can be removed substantially parallel to this main extension direction along a main distribution direction, at least one nozzle carrier on which the nozzle is arranged detachably or inseparably, characterized in that the nozzle carrier forms a main extension plane of the nozzle carrier, and wherein at least the main radiation direction of the nozzle leads away from the main extension plane of the nozzle carrier in at least one directional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Manfred Grünbeck
  • Patent number: 10232386
    Abstract: A user-friendly water discharge device with a pause structure includes a valve body, a valve core front cover, a gasket, a push block, a magnet, an iron push rod, and a button. The valve core front cover has a water inlet chamber and an inner chamber. The water inlet chamber is provided with a drain hole. The button is pressed and cooperates with a magnetic structure to close or open a through hole of the gasket to achieve a pause function, such that the water can only slightly flow out from the drain hole. It is convenient for operation. The button may be pressed again to open the waterway. There is no need to spend time in re-adjusting the temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN EASO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huibin Lu, Shixiong Lin, Ximin Chen
  • Patent number: 9884338
    Abstract: A modular tire spraying system includes a downdraft spray booth for receiving a tire, a fluid delivery system disposed in the spray booth, a robot for transporting the tire to the spray booth, and a platform on which each of the spray booth, the fluid delivery system, and the robot is disposed. The fluid delivery system includes at least one spray gun for delivering a coating to the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Hendricks, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9027848
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes two separate reservoirs wherein the first reservoir is molded into the body of the larger artificial body of water and filled using a standard pump from the main body of water. From the larger body of water, the water is then moved upward through the apparatus through the manual opening of a valve assembly. Once the valve assembly is opened, the water moves through the valve assembly and through a grate and into a second reservoir. From this second reservoir, the water is pulled by the force gravity over the spillway into the main body of water, creating a clean, sheer waterfall effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Waterway Plastics
    Inventors: Brooks Hilton, Jason Hillyard
  • Patent number: 8313707
    Abstract: A product housing for use with a vacuum breaker, a solid product dispenser, and a solid product having a bottom surface comprises a product holder, an overflow outlet, and a flood plane. The product holder has a bottom and is configured and arranged to receive the solid product with the bottom surface proximate the bottom. The bottom of the product holder is positioned proximate above the solid product dispenser and proximate below the vacuum breaker. The overflow outlet is proximate the bottom, and the flood plane is proximate the overflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Limback, Thomas P. Berg, Kristine J. Williams, Brian P. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7975937
    Abstract: A liquid management system comprising a first chamber that has a first boundary wall, and a second chamber that has a second boundary wall. The second chamber has a base surrounded by the second boundary wall and the second boundary wall is within the first boundary wall. The second boundary wall height is lower than the first boundary wall height. The liquid management system also comprises a liquid level control module for controlling i) a first level of the liquid within the first chamber, and ii) a second level of the liquid within the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Crystal Fountains Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Poos, Zachary Ficyk
  • Patent number: 7832662
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shower head comprising a housing-type first part (T1) inside which a water duct extends. One end of said water duct communicates with a water inlet. The first part (T1) is connected to a second part (T2) that is embodied as a discharging element. The receiving space of the discharging element communicates with the other end of the water duct in at least one mode of operation of the shower head. In said mode of operation, the external edge of the second part (T2) forms an overflow edge in one region, via which water can flow off. The second part (T2) forming the discharging element is composed of a top portion and a bottom portion, between which an interior space is located that communicates with the second end of the water duct in a second mode of operation of the shower head. A plurality of nozzle-type discharge ports (A2) are arranged in the bottom portion of the second part (T2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Dina Gallo
  • Patent number: 7740191
    Abstract: A shower device includes: a driving unit including a housing and a core allowed to reciprocate by water which is introduced into the housing; a shower part allowed to swing; a water guide channel introducing water which is introduced into the housing to the shower part; and a power transmission part transmitting a motion of the core to the shower part. The shower part sprinkles water while swinging when water is introduced into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Ohashi, Ryoko Ishimaru, Kazuki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7686234
    Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lindsay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Parod, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 7654471
    Abstract: The invention is directed to, in one embodiment, a waterfall apparatus having an at least one water supply inflow supplying water to the waterfall apparatus and a body member having the water flowing therethrough. A water accumulation portion of the body member can be coupled to and filled by a water supply inflow. An at least one baffle having an at least one tube member interspaced thereon and extends from the accumulation portion of the body member to an outlet portion of the body member. An outlet flow path is in communication with the outlet portion of the body member, passing the water from the outlet portion of the body member along the outlet flow path and through a waterfall outlet, forming a sheet like waterfall outflow. The at least one interspaced tube member, angled entry portion and optional deflection member work to deflect, slow and smooth the flow, reduce debris accumulation and generally improve the sheet like quality and consistency of the flow of the sheet-like waterfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090283158
    Abstract: A chamber with a fluid distribution network for uniform fluid flow within the chamber is provided. The chamber includes a first chamber wall that has a first surface and an opposing interior surface. The first surface is formed with a first set of channels, and the interior surface is exposed to the interior of the chamber and includes a plurality of interior ports that are connected to a plurality of the first set of channels. The chamber also includes a second chamber wall that has a second surface and an opposing exterior surface. The second surface has a second set of channels that partially intersect the first set of channels when the first surface is mated with the second surface. The exterior surface also includes at least one exterior port that provides access to the second set of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: KENNETH C. MILLER, Mike Wallis
  • Patent number: 7594617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shower attachment which comprises a first part (T1) which comprises a water guiding channel (2), and a second part (T2) which comprises at least one first and one second outlet opening (A1, A2) which can be selectively connected to the water guiding channel (2) by means of a valve (V). Said valve (V) is embodied by areas (BI, B2) of the two parts (TI, T2), which are connected to each other in a manner such that they can be displaced and are arranged in the inside of the second part (T2). The valve (V) can be changed by displacing at least one part (T2), and the both known areas (B1, B2) are connected together in such a manner that they can pivot. The first part (T1) comprises a pivotable axis (24) and at least one outlet opening (7) which is arranged at a distance therefrom. The second part (T2) comprises, optionally, at least two inlet openings which are arranged at a distance in relation to said pivotable axis (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignees: Weidman Plastics Technology AG, Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventors: Henning Kaess, Paul Boesch, Kurt Kremm
  • Patent number: 7340913
    Abstract: An ice machine has an ice-making assembly that includes a water distributor in which one or more structural elements form a first chamber. The first chamber is configured to receive an inflow of water, distribute the water laterally, and to controllably release the water. A mating member cooperates with the one or more structural elements to form a second chamber. The second chamber is configured to receive water from the first chamber and to controllably release the water onto a receiving surface. The mating member is configured to be detached from the one or more structural elements in a direction perpendicular to the direction of lateral water distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Miller, Marty J. Lafond, Howard G. Funk
  • Patent number: 7232076
    Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: FF Seeley Nominees Pty Ltd
    Inventors: James Robert Harrison, Andrew George Reed, Mark Simon Ledson
  • Patent number: 7229027
    Abstract: Devices for producing waterfalls, which provide a decorative effect in pools, spas, bathtubs, and sinks. The devices include a water inlet, and a water chamber connected to the water inlet. An elongated water outlet is connected to the water chamber, such that water exiting the water outlet forms a waterfall-type flow. In one arrangement, a light chamber including at least one lamp is included. The light chamber has a window which allows light generated by the lamp to shine through the water outlet. In another arrangement, the elongated water outlet is provided on an outlet insert, the insert and water chamber having complementary inclined surfaces such that the outlet insert may be positioned at varying distances from the water chamber. In a further arrangement, a plurality of pins are located at the egress of the water chamber, the pins acting as baffles to the flow of water through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Nexxus Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Ehresman, Paul Koren, Daniel Kim
  • Patent number: 7073728
    Abstract: A combination water feature and writing board has a front displaying a flow of water, and a number of movable writing board segments. These segments can be moved between a stored position in which the segments are stored behind the water feature, and an deployed position in which the segments cover the front of the water feature to provide a writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kloppenberg & Company
    Inventors: Arthur D. Watson, Gary R. Kiepke
  • Patent number: 7007871
    Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lindsay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Parod, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 6883722
    Abstract: A portable relaxation and therapy device or kit includes a liquid retention basin having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall upstanding from the bottom wall to define at least one liquid chamber therewithin. A waterfall is provided having a reflecting surface extending generally upwardly from the retention basin to a liquid dispersing waterfall ledge thereabove. The device or kit includes a pump disposed in the liquid chamber in communication with a tube for directing liquid in the retention basin upwardly to the waterfall ledge. The waterfall ledge causes liquid to cascade downwardly to the liquid chamber of the retention basin in front of the reflecting surface of the waterfall wall. The device also includes a cover for the retention basin disposed over the liquid chamber so as to overlie and substantially isolate from view liquid in at least a portion of the retention basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventor: Greg Pankow
  • Patent number: 6695222
    Abstract: A decorative fountain includes a hollow body having a recessed area provided with a nappe zone and a shower zone, and a reservoir defined in a bottom portion of the hollow body for receiving therein water. A water pump assembly is received in the reservoir for pumping water in the reservoir to the inlet of the control valve to selectively sprinkle water out of the primary outlet, the secondary outlet or the third outlet. A cover is mounted on top of the hollow body to cover the recessed area and has a controlling knob rotatably mounted inside the cover. Therefore, rotation of the controlling knob is able to control activation of the primary outlet, the secondary outlet and the third outlet to sprinkle water from the reservoir to either the nappe zone or the shower zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6669119
    Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet (28) leading to generally vertical projections (38) disposed over several levels. The projections (34, 37, 38) are adapted to divide a single steam of water entering the inlet (28) into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of tho evaporative pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: FF Seeley Nominees Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: James Robert Harrison, Andrew George Reed, Mark Simon Ledson
  • Publication number: 20030178502
    Abstract: A portable relaxation and therapy device or kit includes a liquid retention basin having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall upstanding from the bottom wall to define at least one liquid chamber therewithin. A waterfall is provided having a reflecting surface extending generally upwardly from the retention basin to a liquid dispersing waterfall ledge thereabove. The device or kit includes a pump disposed in the liquid chamber in communication with a tube for directing liquid in the retention basin upwardly to the waterfall ledge. The waterfall ledge causes liquid to cascade downwardly to the liquid chamber of the retention basin in front of the reflecting surface of the waterfall wall. The device also includes a cover for the retention basin disposed over the liquid chamber so as to overlie and substantially isolate from view liquid in at least a portion of the retention basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Greg Pankow
  • Patent number: 6595435
    Abstract: A spa with a pop-up waterfall apparatus constructed according to the invention includes a container for a reservoir of water and a water-sheeting manifold assembly mounted on the container The water-sheeting manifold assembly includes a water-sheeting manifold that is adapted for movement between a lowered first position and an elevated second position. A waterfall apparatus constructed according to one aspect of the invention includes a housing defining an upwardly opening chamber that extends from a bottom portion of the housing to a top portion of the housing, and it also includes a water-sheeting manifold that fits at least partially within the upwardly opening chamber. The housing includes a water inlet in fluid communication with the upwardly opening chamber that functions as means for coupling water from a separate source of pressurized water to the upwardly opening chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Vortex Whirlpool Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Oscar Cardenas
  • Patent number: 6527949
    Abstract: A man-made aquatic environment comprises a falls assembly and a skimmer assembly. The falls assembly has features designed to help the assembly blend into the surrounding landscape. The skimmer assembly has a removable bucket for holding filter media and other means for removing debris from the water before it is pumped from the skimmer to the falls assembly. Various features of the falls and skimmer assemblies are optimized for manufacturing and storage prior to installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hedberg Aggregates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hedberg, Josette E. Caldwell, Timothy J. Walker
  • Patent number: 6450418
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new waterfall apparatus water reservoirs such as pools, spa's and the like. It comprises a manifold having a water inlet connected to the a water supply, preferably the water supply from the reservoir's plumbing. The manifold has internal baffles to remove turbulence from the water, which is then directed to a spillway water outlet. The spillway has a through slot that allows water to flow out from the manifold. It also has a removable outlet cap which forms the water into a particular waterfall shape. Another embodiment of the invention for spas, has a tubular body and a outlet that is in the form of a longitudinal slot in the body. The outlet cap is then mounted in the slot. In both embodiments the outlet cap can be easily removed to clean the apparatus if debris becomes lodged within it. It can also be removed if the spillway becomes damaged or it the pool/spa owner would like to change the type of waterfall produced by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Waterway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rich F. Simpson, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6443364
    Abstract: A candle stand in combination with a fountain to provide ornamental effects includes a hollow base, a candle stand assembly, and a fountain assembly. A pump is disposed inside the base. The candle stand assembly is mounted on top of the base. The fountain includes a hollow connector and a tube communicating the connector to the pump. A bottom semi-sphere is disposed around the connector and on top of the cover plate. A top semi-sphere is disposed around the connector and above the cover plate. An upper plate and a lower plate are disposed around the connector and between the bottom semi-sphere and the top semi-sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6382520
    Abstract: A decorative and educational waterfall device has a substantially continuous film of a liquid, such as water, low viscosity oil or an aqueous solution, extending between spaced guide surfaces. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and extends to a trough with a lip portion or a tank with a flow orifice from which water flows to form the waterfall between the spaced guide surfaces. The trough or flow orifice is configured to cause the flow of water to be directed outwardly toward the guide surfaces to improve the capability of the liquid to form a continuous film and the adherence of the liquid film to the guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: William G. Hones
  • Patent number: 6349557
    Abstract: A water sprinkling apparatus for an ice making machine. The sprinkling apparatus includes a spray tube formed by two snap fit parts from which water flows over onto vertical evaporator plates in the ice making machine. The open top channel body permits the water to flow easily as well as having the apparatus cleaned in a simpler and more efficient manner. Furthermore, particle buildup as well as clogging of apertures is eliminated, thereby maintaining continuity of flow and simplifying maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hoshizaki America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Gresham
  • Patent number: 6347750
    Abstract: A water display installation generating two-dimensional flow patterns on a net wall which includes a reservoir supplied with liquid by a conduit incorporating a plurality of perforations emerging into the reservoir, and provided with an overflow lip arranged such that the liquid flows from the reservoir along the wall. The reservoir includes a filtering foam for ensuring uniformity of the liquid flow from one end of the lip to the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Delettre
  • Patent number: 6311898
    Abstract: A sealed-cell waterfall display unit comprises a closed cell having front and back walls (20 & 22), side walls (24 & 26), and top and bottom panels (28 & 30); a reservoir for water in the top of the cell (32); a reservoir for water in the bottom of the cell (34); a pump (46) for conveying the water in the lower reservoir (34) to the upper reservoir (32), whereby the water overflows the upper reservoir (32) and flows down the front wall (20) in a waterfall fashion; and indentures (40) in the front wall (20) for producing a rippling effect in the flowing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory Phillip Gruff
  • Patent number: 6183631
    Abstract: An apparatus for associating a solution at an infinitely-variable level and/or flow rate with respect to an agent including an agent amount indicator that promotes agent-solution association adaptable for use in a chlorinator, or comparable component, of a fluid treatment plant. An embodiment configured according to the invention includes a chamber with an inlet and a vertically-inferior outlet. The level and flow of fluid in the chamber is regulated by a weir mounted on the outlet. Fluid in the chamber passes through an agent the retainer maintained in the chamber and washes over the agent, dissolving and depleting the agent. A magnetic follower on top of the agent urges the agent toward the bottom of the retainer. As the agent becomes depleted, the follower approaches the bottom of the retainer until it attains a predetermined distance from a sensor which activates a low-agent-supply alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cormier General Contractor, Inc.
    Inventors: Murphy Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, Jr., Donald L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6152381
    Abstract: A decorative and educational waterfall device has a substantially continuous film of a liquid, such as water, low viscosity oil or an aqueous solution, extending between two vertically upstanding guides. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A tower containing a liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and a trough having two side walls and a bottom wall which terminates in a lip portion at the front edge of the trough is mounted to the tower so that liquid from the tower flows over the bottom wall and lip portion of the trough to form the waterfall between the two upstanding guides. The bottom wall of the trough is configured to cause the flow of water to be directed outwardly toward the guides to improve the adherence of the liquid film to the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: William G. Hones
  • Patent number: 6149070
    Abstract: A decorative and educational waterfall device has a substantially continuous film of a liquid, such as water, low viscosity oil or an aqueous solution, extending between two vertically upstanding guides. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A tower containing a liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and a trough having two side walls and a bottom wall which terminates in a lip portion at the front edge of the trough is mounted to the tower so that liquid from the tower flows over the bottom wall and lip portion of the trough to form the waterfall between the two upstanding guides. One or more flow restrictors are mounted transversely across the trough, substantially parallel to the lip portion to decrease the turbulence of the flowing liquid and improve the capability of the liquid to form a continuous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: William G. Hones
  • Patent number: 6076741
    Abstract: A device for forming and rendering luminous a jet of water projected from the device. An optical lens element is provided through which water is directed before being formed into a jet. The lens element also functions to receive light from light emitting elements which are mounted about an upstream water conductor such that the light is focused on the jet of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Paul Dandrel, Genevieve Marie nee Duveau Dandrel
  • Patent number: 5934557
    Abstract: A decorative fountain includes a body, a motor pump housed in a water box, a water deflector and an IC battery chamber housed at the bottom of the body. The body includes a base which has a lower water trough which holds the water box and a top cover including an upper trough which attaches the water deflector at an opening thereof. The water box has a water inlet fluidly communicates with the lower water trough. The motor pump has a water outlet leading to the upper trough. Activating the motor pump, water will be pumped from the lower water trough to the upper trough and then drops to the lower water trough for continuous circulation. The IC battery chamber is located below the water troughs and thus is free from water moisture erosion. The base and the top cover may be integrally formed. The body therefore may be made water tight without additional painting work. It is simple to produce and assemble, and also more reliable and trouble free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Barry Shih
  • Patent number: 5906773
    Abstract: Significant savings of space inside a mass transfer tower can be obtained by use of a liquid distributor system with efficient uniform distribution from conduits such as troughs, pipes or deck distributors using flow spreader devices located predominantly below the conduit enabling closer spacing of liquid distribution points within the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Norton Company
    Inventors: Gail W. Hausch, Douglas S. Byrd
  • Patent number: 5758824
    Abstract: Pressurized fluid enters by way of the flow control valve 90 which regulates flow and thus simulated raindrop size, through the fluid supply tube 80 and enters the fixed fluid distributor body 20, past a rotational seal 154 and into the rotating shaft 10, cushioned by the accumulator chamber 50. As the rotating shaft is made to rotate by means of the drive motor 60 and transmission means 70, the radial outlet port(s) 14 sequentially line up momentarily with each side port 26, allowing fluid flow through each outlet tube 30-35 in turn overflowing each respective conical vessel 40-45 to create a fluid drop at the lower point 48 which falls as simulated rain 160 in a desired three dimensional array. Each raindrop is thus timed perfectly according to the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft 10. The transducer 100 produces an electrical pulse for each rotation, also perfectly timed to the raindrops, which is input to the triggered oscillator 110 to ultimately control the strobe light 140.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5738280
    Abstract: A waterfall-producing device includes an elongate housing having an "T" -shaped or "X" -shaped turbulence suppressor positioned within the housing. Water under pressure is introduced into the center of the housing and is constrained to divide into two counterflowing streams that flow to the opposite ends of the housing. The turbulence suppressor divides the interior of the housing into a rearward chamber, a lower chamber, a forward chamber, and an upper chamber. Openings are formed in preselected walls of the turbulence suppressor and are spaced and sized so that the rearward chamber fills first, followed by the lower chamber, forward chamber and upper chamber in sequence. Water escapes the upper chamber through a space between an interior top wall and a rear wall of the housing and then flows to a discharge opening that covers an area substantially equal to the collective areas of the openings formed in each of the turbulence suppressor walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas Ruthenberg
  • Patent number: 5725020
    Abstract: Packed columns generate fluid flows which must be evenly divided, preferably over a broad range of fluid flow volumes. Runoff tongues are used to divide and distribute such flows. According to the present invention, each runoff tongue (2) is bifurcated in its lower portion to define two dripoff points (5). Mounted parallel to each bifurcated portion is a guide element (6), preferably of woven or perforated material. Each guide element is associated with a particular fluid outlet opening (3) in an end wall (1). An upper portion (6a) of the guide element extends through the opening (3) in end wall (1) into a fluid-containing zone whose bottom is defined by a seal (4). Preferably, at low-fluid-height states (H1), the guide element feeds fluid through the opening (3) by capillary action, while at high-fluid-height states (H2), direct overflow occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Julius Montz GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Streuber
  • Patent number: 5680989
    Abstract: An adjustable weir for use in a liquid distribution system utilizes a weir plate having a weir opening whose height can be adjusted vertically. The weir plate is mounted to the end of a fluid distribution outlet in a manner which will maintain its proper orientation while allowing its vertical position with respect to the outlet opening to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Norman F. Gavin
    Inventors: Richard F. Plachy, Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 5651501
    Abstract: A valve for use in a fuel injector includes a moveable valve member disposed in a first chamber and an armature coupled to the valve member and reciprocally disposed in a second chamber which dampens the motion of the valve member when fluid is present in the second chamber. A fluid passageway extends into the second chamber and delivers fluid to the second chamber while a further fluid passageway drains fluid from the second chamber when the fluid within the second chamber reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dale C. Maley, Ronald Dean Shinogle
  • Patent number: 5608927
    Abstract: A spout which can effect a waterfall in the form of a sheet of water in conjunction with the recirculation of bathing water is described. An accumulator with a baffle structure receives the recirculating bathing water to place it in a quiescent state before passage from the spout. In a preferred embodiment, there is a whirlpool basin which receives bathing water from the spout as well as body spray nozzles which also receive recirculating water from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Scott R. Lowry, Thomas A. Bonnell, Robert C. Giese
  • Patent number: 5533303
    Abstract: A downspout water conservation diversion adaptor is provided for insertion within the lower part of an upstanding downspout and is selectively operable to divert water flowing downward through the downspout laterally outwardly of the adaptor and along a building wall outwardly beyond which a roof eaves projects for irrigation of ground vegetation disposed beneath the eaves. The adaptor is constructed to automatically bypass excess water flowing downwardly to the adaptor, in excess of that water which may be laterally outwardly directed from the adaptor, in a manner such that the excess water is discharged from the bottom of the downspout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Robert B. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5439620
    Abstract: A liquid distributor for use in substance and/or heat exchanging tower for effecting uniform liquid distribution. The liquid distributor distributes and supplies a liquid to be treated from an upper part of the inside of the tower to the whole area of the tower through distributing tubes. The distributing tubes are provided along the lateral axis of the tower, and the tubes have at least one nozzle hole provided on the upper side thereof. A sheet-like material is fixed on the surface of the distributing tube at a position lower than the nozzle hole in such a manner that the sheet-like material contacts the surface of the distributing tube, extends in the axial direction of the distributing tube and is spaced apart from the distributing tube at the lower end of the sheet-like material. The sheet-like material has zigzag notches formed on the lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Maeda
  • Patent number: 5345482
    Abstract: A passive containment cooling system for a nuclear reactor containment vessel. Disclosed is a cooling water distribution system for introducing cooling water by gravity uniformly over the outer surface of a steel containment vessel using a series of radial guide elements and cascading weir boxes to collect and then distribute the cooling water into a series of distribution areas through a plurality of cascading weirs. The cooling water is then uniformly distributed over the curved surface by a plurality of weir notches in the face plate of the weir box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Conway, Susan V. Fanto
  • Patent number: 5302250
    Abstract: Paper machine deckle defining structure is protected from fiber accumulations by a uniformly distributed water film that continuously flows from a flat, horizontal upper surface over all smoothly faired lower surfaces of the deckle elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph S. Peterson, William J. Thurston
  • Patent number: 5298127
    Abstract: A paper machine deckle board is supported and protected from fiber accumulations by a multi-functional structure which adjustably positions the deckle board with an integrated flushing water conduit and film distribution fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Beran