Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 239/289)
  • Patent number: 5715999
    Abstract: An atomizer comprises an atomizing head having a spray nozzle, an assembly part mounted over the atomizing head, a fan mounted in front of the assembly part and driven by a motor inside the assembly part. The fan has a jet head, the jet head being provided at a center of the front of the fan. A delivery tube is connected between the jet head and the spray nozzle, the delivery tube is located by a cramp disposed on the frame of the fan. The fan comprises a frame disposed therearound, by which the delivery tube is guided and further comprises a hole defined beneath the frame, a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is connected between the spray nozzle of the atomizing head and the hole and the second conduit is connected between the hole and the jet head of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-tien Hsu
  • Patent number: 5667731
    Abstract: A portable fan device for use with a spray misting bottle which is capable of being mounted atop a spray applicating head portion of the misting bottle so that a fan blade unit of the fan device is positioned forwardly and in communication with an atomized spray nozzle of the spray head and cools and atomizes the mist spray issued by the nozzle. Releasable securing means such as an attachment bracket or contoured gripping tabs extending from the fan underside are employed for securing the fan body in a generally horizontal fashion atop the spray head. A stand member is held within a recessed cavity in the fan underside and can be rotated downwardly to support the fan device in an upright position for use as a portable fan once the fan body has been detached from atop the spray head. In a further embodiment, a gripping tab which forms part of the releasable securing means can provide the dual function of gripping part of the spray head and supporting the fan body in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Circulair, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric F. Junkel, Linda M. Usher
  • Patent number: 5667732
    Abstract: A compact portable misting fan includes a novel and attractive housing which makes extremely efficient use of space, encased fan blades which are mounted between front and rear baffles, a liquid reservoir with an atomizer, conveniently located mist and fan controls, and an easily accessible battery compartment. The housing has a substantially flat profile with a substantially cylindrical upper section in which the fan is mounted and a substantially rectilinear lower section in which the reservoir and batteries are contained. The fan on/off switch is located on a lower portion of the cylindrical upper section and the misting button is located on an upper portion of the rectilinear lower section and on a side opposite to the fan switch. It is easily held in the user's hand so that the fan and the mister can be operated separately by thumb or index finger. A small hole is provided in the housing for the outlet of the atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Lederer
  • Patent number: 5628273
    Abstract: A misting apparatus for a boat comprised of a length of tubing secured to a frame supporting a canopy on a boat. A pick up tube is removably secured to a distal end of the length of tubing. A plurality of sprayers are secured to the length of tubing in a position beneath the canopy. A pump is adapted to receive the length of tubing therethrough. The pump will draw sea water through the pick up tube to be sprayed out of the plurality of sprayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Dale E. Crouse, II
  • Patent number: 5620633
    Abstract: A portable misting device and fan for use by sunbathers and those engaged in athletic pursuits. The fan encloses a fan blade unit and the misting device includes a body which contains a volume of a liquid and which is mounted to a rear of the fan by a mounting bracket. A spray applicator extends from the body and is in a direction above and toward a front of said fan blade unit. The spray applicator is actuable to withdraw fluid from within the misting device body and to supply it as an atomized spray in front of the fan blade unit. The fan blade unit cools and distributes the spray in a direction chosen by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Circulair, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric F. Junkel, Linda M. Usher
  • Patent number: 5613731
    Abstract: A sunbathing apparatus includes a lounge chair equipped with six water spray nozzles at selected points along the chair surface, for generating a water mist atmosphere above the person reclining on the chair. Each spray nozzle has a tubular section extending through a rigid wall of the chair for gripment by a fastener, to achieve a rigid mounting of the spray nozzle. Water flow through the nozzles is controlled by a manual control valve connected to a flexible tube system joining the various nozzles. The valve is preferably a manually operable ball valve that can be adjusted to different settings for varying the water flow through the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Don Aspinall
  • Patent number: 5609298
    Abstract: A magnetically-attached exhaust nozzle assembly for use as part of an exhaust extraction system for a fire truck includes an annular nozzle locator ring which is designed to slide over and secure to the exhaust pipe of the fire truck. The nozzle locator ring includes an inner sleeve which fits closely against the outside diameter of the exhaust pipe and an outer sleeve which receives a flexible exhaust nozzle. The exhaust nozzle is integrally connected with a flexible hose of the extraction system and establishes sealing engagement at two locations on the nozzle locator ring. There is axial sealing by abutment up against a flange of the nozzle locator ring and circumferential or radial sealing due to the fit of the nozzle on the outside surface of the outer sleeve. The flexible exhaust nozzle includes a guide rail which helps with the initial alignment and a magnet housing which ultimately attaches by magnetic attraction to the surface of the exhaust pipe for securely holding the nozzle in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Patent number: 5598972
    Abstract: An optical spray paint optimization system can be removably mounted to a spray paint gun, thus enhancing the ability of the user to guide the direction of the spray and also locate the nozzle at an optimum spray distance from the surface being painted. The preferred apparatus uses a diode laser, a beam splitter and a reflecting mirror to generate a reference beam and a gauge beam. The reference beam propagates in a fixed forward direction, but the direction of the gauge beam is adjustable by adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror. The reference beam and the gauge beam intersect at a convergence point which can be repositioned to a selected distance from the nozzle of the spray painting system by adjusting the path of the gauge beam, thus allowing the user to spray at the optimum spray distance by locating the convergence point on the surface being painted. The beams also aid in aiming the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: University of Northern Iowa Foundation
    Inventors: Richard J. Klein, II, Douglas L. Sevey, Alireza Badakhshan, Ricky J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5564900
    Abstract: A fan blade cover slip is removably secured to each blade of a ceiling fan with fabric extending over the lower face of each blade to substantially cover the lower face of each blade. Each cover slip includes an elongated fabric sheet having longitudinal edges folded over the upper face of a blade to form longitudinal flaps, and with an outward end folded over the upper surface of the fan blade to form an outward end flap. A cord is journaled through a sleeve formed along the longitudinal edges and the outward end of the fabric sheet, with ends projecting out inward ends of the longitudinal sleeves. The projecting ends of the cord are pulled tight and then fastened together to secure the cover slip to the fan blade. An opening is formed generally midway along each longitudinal sleeve, with the cord crossing over from an inward sleeve on one side to the outward sleeve on the opposing longitudinal edge at the openings, to further secure the cover slip on the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: LCRM Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Becky J. McAuley
  • Patent number: 5542604
    Abstract: A drinking fountain having a spout, a human actuatable valve for controlling the flow of water from the spout, a basin for collecting the water and a drain pipe. An audio system includes a speaker wherein the speaker is mounted to the drain pipe in such a manner as to direct soundwaves into the drain pipe. The audio system is responsive to actuation of the valves such that it plays an audible sound from the speaker in response to the actuation. The audio system may include a sequential sound source having a plurality of sound clips that are playable in response to respective actuations of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 5540383
    Abstract: A spray apparatus includes a pump for pressurizing water, a drive unit for driving the pump, a flow regulator for regulating the flow of water pressurized by the pump, and a modular spray assembly. The modular spray assembly includes piping connected to the pump, a plurality of quick coupler units connected to the piping, and water outlets connected to the quick coupler units through which the pressurized water is sprayed, wherein the pressurized sprayed water creates a mist and a wind. The spray apparatus can be assembled in a tent-like structure to provide a rain room, wherein a mist and a wind are generated by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Potomac Rain Room, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Ducey
  • Patent number: 5533676
    Abstract: A lawn care machine including an engine powered mower unit having a front deck element which overlies a blade cutting element and which mounts a liquid storage container for a liquid material spraying unit and a particulate container for a granular spreading unit. The deck being pivotally mounted to the tractor. An operator-seat positioned on the front of the tractor to overlook the front deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Rick A. Conley
  • Patent number: 5531344
    Abstract: An actuator for a personal protective spray canister having a container for holding a pressurized protective material capable of being propelled in a gaseous cloud to at least partially disable a person and a manipulative valving device protruding outwardly from the container, with the valving device having an outlet for directing the gaseous cloud from the container, and a valve element movable between a first biased normal position closing the outlet and a second depressed operative position opening the outlet to allow the material to be propelled from the container as a cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Winner
  • Patent number: 5515623
    Abstract: A road and/or airport runway scraping blade for use with a ground supported vehicle, which scraping blade includes a frame for attaching the scraping blade to the vehicle. The scraping blade has a front facing side, a rearward facing side, a top edge and a bottom edge, both edges extending laterally of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when coupled to the vehicle. Coupling structure is provided for facilitating a coupling of the frame to the vehicle with the rearward facing side facing the rear of the vehicle. An elongated conduit and a fastening structure is provided for fastening the conduit to the rearward facing side of the blade intermediate the coupling structure and the bottom edge of the blade. A longitudinal axis of the conduit extends generally parallel to the lower edge. A plurality of laterally spaced spray nozzles are provided and are oriented along a length of the conduit and communicating with an interior of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Root Spring Scraper Co.
    Inventor: W. Dan Weeks
  • Patent number: 5509607
    Abstract: A lance tube for a sootblower device for cleaning internal surfaces of large scale combustion devices. The lance tube includes two sets of nozzles for ejecting fluid cleaning media. A readily accessible fluid flow restriction device is positioned between the two sets of nozzles and accommodates interchangeable plug elements providing different fluid flow restrictions. One set of nozzles is optimized for steam as the cleaning media whereas the other is designed for ejecting water. This lance tube configuration is especially adapted for selectively ejecting steam or water blowing medium as cleaning requirements dictate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Joel H. Booher, Cevdet G. Koksal, Ronald E. Sherrick
  • Patent number: 5489045
    Abstract: A portable anti-burglar device with optional fluid dispensing, alarm and fingerprint retention features is disclosed which when activated by the opening of a door or window or other violation of a secured aperture a spring biased actuating member operates to discharge a pre-packaged tear gas or identification fluid or other liquid dispersing canister and simultaneously close an electrical switch which is in series with another switch which controls the optional operation of an audible alarm when the device is activated regardless of whether a pressurized canister is in place. The device is portable and is coated with a wax or tar which can preserve fingerprints that may be deposited on the device by an intruder's attempt to deactivate it. The device is fitted with moveable mounting brackets which allow for a variety of mounting situations and also with a tamper resistant locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Roy H. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5487406
    Abstract: A valve for permitting fluid flow in a first desired direction and preventing fluid flow in a reverse direction. The valve includes a valve body having a rigid wall defining inlet and outlet openings at opposite ends thereof and a main flow passageway between the inlet and outlet openings. Secured to the rigid wall, so as to receive fluid entering the passageway through the inlet opening, is a tubular valve member of elastomeric material having upstream and downstream ends in fluid communication with one another. The tubular valve member is normally open to fluid flow but is yieldingly collapsible in response to downstream pressure increases to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. A ring is secured about the tubular valve member and is dimensioned to prevent the passage of the downstream end through the inlet opening in the event of a downstream pressure increase. The drain control valve may be employed in conjunction with a novel manifold for irrigation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: James D. Jirasek
  • Patent number: 5484427
    Abstract: The invention requires a brush having a passage through which water forced under pressure is supplied to the brush area and having a passage attached to a vacuum. The water supply passage and the passage under vacuum must be so aligned that the cleaning solution is removed from the area to be cleaned along with debris without allowing the contaminated solution to collect on the surface of the skin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, no moving parts are required for the brush. The brush may be made of any soft material that is easily cleaned. However, a brush made of soft plastic bristles such as those used for surgical scrub brushes is preferred. The invention does not require formation of a foam as a cleansing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: DeLmar Gibbons
  • Patent number: 5477640
    Abstract: A fragrance emitting plant watering system having a bottom vase providing a reservoir for water supply for a potted plant, an air freshener cartridge supported on the vase, a cap adapted to overlie the cartridge and having a central section for supporting a plant, and wherein the cap is adjustable relative to the vase for movement between a first position in which the cap is raised to variably expose the cartridge to emit fragrance, and a second position in which the cap substantially covers the cartridge to seal said cartridge and inhibit fragrance emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: International Plant Breeding AG
    Inventor: Reinhold Holtkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5477583
    Abstract: An implement for cleaning mowing machinery, adapted for connection to the end of a hose, which receives a pressurized supply of water. The implement includes a tube, a channel for passage of the pressurized water extending through the tube, a connection mechanism for connecting one end of the tube to the hose, and a scraper element disposed at the other end of the tube. The scraper element has a base section, a hosel-like neck section, connected to one end of the base section, and a water outlet positioned over the base section. Finally, there is a pivot mechanism for adjustably rotating the scraper element about the tube through a range of approximately 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas L. Deloe
  • Patent number: 5467827
    Abstract: A fire truck having a flat bed includes a conveyor system for loading a number of interchangeable firefighting modules onto the bed. The conveyor system comprises a frame carrying a number of rollers or casters which allow the units to be easily slid on and off the bed. A pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roller frame to engage or disengage the flat bottoms of the firefighting modules. Among the various modules disclosed are a hose module having fold-down chutes which lay the hose out alongside the truck as the truck moves ahead, and a tank module, which is coupled by quick-connect hoses to the intake and discharge lines of a pump carried in the truck bed. The intake and discharge lines of the pump may double as chassis rails for the truck. Also disclosed is a ladder carrier device which pivots downwardly and rearwardly to let the ladder slide down under its own weight after a sufficient length of the ladder has been pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: John E. McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 5452853
    Abstract: A sprayer for applying an uncured grout to the interior surface of an enclosed wall includes a sprayer motor having a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. A spray head is attached to the rotor and a spray conduit is adapted to introduce fluid grout under pressure to the spray head so that it will be thrown radially outwardly in a circular pattern. The motor and spray head are inserted into a conduit and actuated to throw the grout outwardly on to the interior walls of the elongated conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Action Products Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Shook, Danny C. Jury, Carroll O. Trimble
  • Patent number: 5436811
    Abstract: A light pole assembly is configured to be placed substantially in line with a fence for optimally providing light within the fenced area. For mounting the light pole assembly in close proximity to the fence, the light pole assembly can have a sleeve(s) transversely situated therethrough serving as a passthrough for a horizontal rail of the fence, or a clamping means for clamping the light pole assembly to the fence, or some other mounting mechanism for disposing the light pole assembly near the fence so that the light pole assembly appears substantially in line with the fence. The light pole assembly further comprises an electrical channel for supplying power to a light fixture or some other device disposed at the upper end of the light pole assembly. Moreover, the light pole assembly can have a water path for providing water to a sprinkler to be affixed to the light pole assembly at an elevated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Dirck J. Hecking
  • Patent number: 5433646
    Abstract: A water gun system comprises a water gun, firing sound emulator, launching tube and rocket type water grenade. Converting the air pressure to be the momentum, the water gun generates the chain shot made of the air and fluid and the firing sound emulator generates the click sound of machine gun. Converting the air pressure to be momentum, the launching tube fires rocket type water grenade. Hitting on the target, the rocket type water grenade sprays fluid on the enemy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Min M. Tarng
  • Patent number: 5425589
    Abstract: A two-piece tool inter-connected by a flexible soap water tube (12) which will perform a quick and clean car wash, void of soap film or streaks. The user simply rinses off the loose dirt and cools down the hot metal surface of a section of the car with one piece of the tool held in one hand (FIG. 18), and then washes with the other piece of the tool held in the other hand. The user again rinses with the other tool in the opposite hand to remove the soap before it dries leaving a soap film or streaks. This process is repeated until the last section of the car is completed. The user can expect about five car washes from one ounce of liquid soap before refilling and will find easy control of the rinse water flow rate and pattern whereby conserving soap and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventors: Glenn L. Griffin, Grace E. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5415246
    Abstract: A gas projection apparatus for disabling the engine of an automobile being ursued by, for example, a police cruiser. The gas projection apparatus comprises a housing having a charging chamber which receives carbon dioxide gas under pressure from an external source of supply. The charging chamber is partially sealed by a blast valve which is attached to a movable shaft centrally located within the housing. There is also attached to the movable shaft a diaphragm which is positioned in a rear chamber of the housing adjacent the charging chamber. Carbon dioxides from the charging chamber is supplied to the rear chamber exerting a force on the diaphragm. When the force exerted by carbon dioxide gas on the diaphragm exceeds a predetermined pressure level, the diaphragm moves the shaft unseating the blast valve which the pressurized carbon dioxide gas to enter a wave shaping chamber within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Guy F. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5395046
    Abstract: A hand-held powder spray gun includes a wand type handle that extends from the top of the handle and away from the rear of the gun, which provides for ergonomic operation of the gun. The wand handle can be converted to a pistol handle by removal of the handle from the gun body. The parts of the wand handle and the pistol handle are interchangeable to facilitate conversion and repair. The wand handle can be used with a diffuser having hose connections extending from the rear of the spray gun to make the gun easier to operate when held from above. A diffuser having hose connections at the bottom is also provided for use with a pistol type handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Alan J. Knobbe, Gerald W. Crum, Curtis B. Haller
  • Patent number: 5385306
    Abstract: A spreader is attachable to a conventional lawn mower to spread granular material over the area cut by the mower. The spreader has a hopper, at least one adjustable orifice at the bottom of the hopper, and a rotating regulator for dispensing granular material behind the lawn mower. In one embodiment, a first sprocket attached to the wheel of the lawn mower, and a second sprocket attached to the spreader receive a chain for driving the rotating regulator of the spreader. In a second embodiment, the spreader is driven by a pair of bevel gears, one of which is mounted on the rear axle of the mower. A novel drive does not convey rotational movement to the impeller of the spreader when the mower is moved a short distance backwards. Also, the lever operating the clutch to engage power to the Pear wheels simultaneously operates a stop to block the flow of particulate matter out of the hopper of the fertilizer spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Cervenka
  • Patent number: 5366158
    Abstract: An airbrush which comprises a handle and a front body is provided. The handle and the front body together define a tubular cavity through which air may travel. The air brush defines a longitudinal axis. The front body is rotationally connected to the handle in such a way that the tubular cavity is in communication through the handle and the front body as the front body is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the airbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Badger Air Brush Co.
    Inventors: Herman Robisch, Walter Schlotfeldt
  • Patent number: 5364027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) comprising a container (2) which is to be partly filled with liquid active substance and has a wall that is at least locally resiliently deformable. The dispenser further comprises two immersion tube channels (9, 10) extending from a point adjacent the bottom of the container up to the top of the container (2), one channel terminating in a spray nozzle (8) and the other channel containing a wick (4) or similar absorbent material and terminating in an evaporation space that communicates with the atmosphere. In further elaboration of the invention, the spray nozzle (8), the evaporation space and at least one of the immersion tube channels (9, 10) can be formed as a single moulding which can be click-fitted in the mouth of the container (2) so as to seal it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus H. A. N. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5353879
    Abstract: A door includes an apparatus for reducing smoke associated therewith. The door is particularly advantageous in reducing smoke in a fire to thereby allow a firefighter or a victim trapped in a fire to readily indentify an exit. The door includes a nozzle or plurality of nozzles mounted upon the door, with a liquid source connected to the nozzle. Preferably, the door additionally includes a supply of pressurized water therein, with a surface active agent in an amount of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nagao Kogyo
    Inventors: Shigeo Watanabe, Kenji Okazaki, Niichi Hayashi, Teruo Yamada
  • Patent number: 5340030
    Abstract: A device for selectively dispensing granular material such as fire ant poison, herbicides, fertilizer and the like at the behest of a user, this device comprising inner and outer elongate tubular members disposed in a closely fitted relationship but being relatively rotatable for a selected number of degrees. The inner member serves as a repository for a granular material to be dispensed, and a plurality of holes are disposed in a spaced, aligned relationship in each of these members. These elongate members normally reside in a rotational relationship in which the holes in the members are non-aligned, and a dispensing lever is attached to one of the members for selectively bringing about relative rotation of that one member with respect to the other member, such that the holes in these members will be brought into alignment for the dispensing of the granular material under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Raymond F. Siegrist, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5322342
    Abstract: A chaise lounge is provided having an integral misting system. More particularly, the misting system is disposed on the inner side of the chair frame and between the webbing of the chair. Four spray zones are provided, two on each side of the user when disposed in a reclining position. A "T" connector interattaches the ends of the misting hose loop and includes a threaded end for removable attachment thereto of a garden hose. A water flow control valve is preferably mounted to the "T" connector for operation by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Donald Gange
  • Patent number: 5320281
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a housing for a high-pressure cleaning apparatus for accommodating a high-pressure pump, drive motor and other components of the apparatus coacting therewith. The apparatus is equipped with a cleaning lance which is held on the housing. The housing includes a trough-like lower housing half having a base wall adapted to support the pump and the motor and a trough-like upper housing half for closing off and covering the lower housing. The upper housing half has a top wall defining an outer side facing away from said base wall and a carrying handle is disposed on this outer side to enable an operator to carry the apparatus. The carrying handle is configured as a holder for holding the cleaning lance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Werner Hartmann, Karl-Heinz Klopfer, Gerhard Zerrer
  • Patent number: 5312044
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure cleaning, wherein fluid from a source of pressurized fluid is injected into, passes through, and is ejected from the crankshaft of a motor toward a surface that is to be cleaned. The crankshaft defines a crankshaft passage therethrough and has a crankshaft inlet end into which the fluid is injected and a crankshaft outlet end out of which the fluid flows. A distribution assembly is attached to the crankshaft outlet end and the fluid flowing out of the crankshaft outlet end flows through the distribution assembly and is discharged therefrom. The crankshaft rotates and causes the distribution assembly to rotate. The rotation and orientation of the distribution assembly causes the velocity of the fluid discharged from the distribution assembly to be greater than the velocity that would be achieved solely due to the pressure differential between the source of pressurized fluid and the environment at the outlet of the distribution assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: James O. Eaton
  • Patent number: 5312021
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for both rolled paper products and liquid fluid having scent therein. The dispenser allows an individual that is injured, handicapped, or otherwise unable to grasp and unroll the rolled product, to have the product unrolled automatically by depressing a single button. In addition, a fluid dispenser is incorporated within the rolled paper product dispenser so that the individual using the present invention may be provided with a convenient apparatus for freshening the air adjacent the dispenser when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Eric C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5301876
    Abstract: A fuel injector which uses interchangeable subassemblies to allow the fuel injector to be converted from open to closed nozzle options without affecting engine installation, and without altering the timing or metering principles. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fuel injector is comprised of two subassemblies, a first subassembly of which is a timing or control subassembly that is used in both the closed and open nozzle options, and which forms the top portion of the fuel injector. The second subassembly is a nozzle assembly and is form in two versions, an open nozzle version and a closed nozzle version, either of which can be used with the timing assembly. In a preferred form of the timing subassembly, a pressure-responsive valve for opening a timing chamber draining passage is provided within the upper plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan W. Swank, Laszlo Tikk, Yul J. Tarr
  • Patent number: 5297979
    Abstract: A device for producing bubbles from water pressure which may be used in connection with a sprinkler includes a turbine, and means for connecting a turbine to a source of pressurized water for rotating the turbine. Structures are provided which include a fan rotated by motive power from the turbine, and a container for a solution capable of forming bubbles is provided with a dipper having at least one opening positioned under motive power of the turbine to place the openings sequentially within the container and thereafter into the flow of air created by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Alan B. Amron
  • Patent number: 5288256
    Abstract: A thrown toy has a water tank with valves which are opened by centrifugal force. When thrown, the toy is designed to whirl so that the centrifugal force opens a valve and water is dispersed out the valves while the toy is in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: C.J. Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: James S. W. Lee, Chiu-Keung Kwan
  • Patent number: 5277641
    Abstract: Spinning toy carries a reservoir thereon with radially outward positioned discharge openings. When the reservoir is spun, water is discharged due to centrifugal forces resulting from the rotation of the spinning toy. A preferred embodiment is an aerodynamic disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventors: Derek J. Gable, Rick Pennington
  • Patent number: 5271683
    Abstract: A roller arm guide allows conversion of a paint spray gun for use as a paint roller, with optional attachment of an in-line cartridge filter. A track on the base of the spray gun retains a channel member on the elongate body of the roller arm guide. A filter support ring at the proximal end of the roller arm guide provides support for a conventional in-line filter and a crescent shaped roller arm engaging lip on the exterior of the filter support ring provides support for a paint roller arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Snetting, Steven A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5271561
    Abstract: An outlet assembly for a water receptacle, such as a swimming pool, spa or the like, includes a pair of interchangeable discharge nozzles, one being a rotary discharge nozzle and the other being a linear discharge nozzle. A user may selectively interchange the rotary discharge nozzle and the linear discharge nozzle by withdrawing and inserting them through an outlet port sized and shaped so as to permit the user's hand to fit therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Tobias, Robert M. Messinger, Donald R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5261603
    Abstract: A garden-type water sprayer includes a figure configured as an animal and defining a stationary body part and at least one movable body part. A drive is mounted on the figure and adapted for fluid communication with a water supply under pressure, the drive directing a water spray against the at least one movable body part to move the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Azrak-Hamway International, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Driska
  • Patent number: 5251820
    Abstract: A portable spray apparatus including a bottle reservoir for holding fluid, a manually actuatable pump secured to the bottle reservoir, and an elongated fluid conveying tube having one end connected to the output of the pump and being in the form of a flexible loop section and an elongated output section, wherein the loop section is between the pump output and the output section. The output section of the tube is supported by an arm assembly that is pivotally supported by a support rack which allows the support arm to be positioned at different angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Tze H. Ho
  • Patent number: 5236129
    Abstract: An ergonomic hand held paint spray gun which reduces operator fatigue and stress. The handle of spray gun has an ergonomically designed shape and the size of the handle may be changed through the use of different size handle covers. The spray gun has a plurality of triggers arranged to be operated by different fingers and to facilitate operation when the gun is held in different orientations to reduce fatigue and operating frequency stress on an operator's fingers. Some of the triggers operate low force valves which supply pilot air to a pilot valve which opens the fluid and air valves. The paint and air hoses may be attached to alternate locations on the gun to reduce hand and wrist fatigue when painting predominantly vertical surfaces or predominantly horizontal surfaces. A junction box may be located in the paint and air hoses to allow connection of lighter weight hoses to the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Grime, James P. Baltz, Roger T. Cedoz
  • Patent number: 5224631
    Abstract: A combined cap and nozzle for a container is provided, having a skirt, a transverse wall, and having a restricted orifice of small diameter through the wall. A coupling is provided, being preferably standard female threads as used in garden hoses, for attachment with a conduit such as with the male coupling of a garden hose. Water from a residential faucet may be passed through the garden hose and the restricted orifice to impact on and dislodge waste from a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Radiator Specialty Company
    Inventors: James D. Wells, Horst O. Abramowski
  • Patent number: 5199196
    Abstract: An improved tractor for earth grading and soil compaction having a hydraulically operated bucket mounted on the front and including a water tank and water spray nozzle. The water spray nozzle is positioned on the bucket so that it can add water to soil as it is moved by the bucket and also can be raised and aimed by the tractor operator. This permits the tractor operator to use the water spray to wet down a load of soil in a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Paul M. Straley
  • Patent number: 5192025
    Abstract: An electric water spray gun system is disclosed having a floatable intake device with a body made of lightweight material in the form of a high-stem bowl with a plurality of weight rings engaging the stem portion by threads for adjustment of its center of gravity by adjusting the position and/or number of such weight rings. The intake device also has a filter ring with a number of filter elements of different screen sizes arranged over an opening at the lower end of the stem portion which serves as an inlet port, a d.c. motor installed at the upper section of a passage within the body, a lower section serving as a water inlet passage, a first vane fixed to the drive shaft of the d.c. motor, and a check valve at a water outlet port located beside the passage for pumping water from any water source to an electric spray gun. The spray gas is composed of a gun body with an "L" shaped water passage having a water inlet port at one end and a water outlet port at another end, a d.c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Ming-Thy Hu, Yun-Wen Hwang, Min-Shang Hwang, Eong-Chau Shoon
  • Patent number: 5180108
    Abstract: A power spray device mounted on a truck comprises a pumping device for chemicals or water to be sprayed, and an engine for driving the pumping device. The power spray device is mounted on the underside of the loading platform at one side of the loading platform. The engine is operated with fuel supplied from a fuel supply system of an engine for driving the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: D349954
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Innovative Design Enterprises
    Inventors: Gregory A. Steiner, Terry Arnieri