Floating Or Biased Piston Patents (Class 239/321)
  • Patent number: 11224702
    Abstract: Spray dispenser for nasal drugs includes a non-pressurized bottle for storing medical fluids in particular of drugs and other sterile fluids, a mounting body mounted to the top of the bottle and an actuating body, wherein the bottle, the mounting body and the actuating body are aligned along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the actuating body is slideably attached to the mounting body along the longitudinal axis and movable between an actuating position and a non-actuating position, wherein the spray dispenser includes an applicator nozzle and an actuating section for moving the actuating body into the actuating position, characterized in that the applicator nozzle has a nozzle axis which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, the applicator nozzle facing away from the actuating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: AP PHARMA SYSTEMS ATOMIZADORES E DISPENSADORES LTDA
    Inventor: Victor Esteve
  • Patent number: 8973847
    Abstract: Aerosol-free spray devices are provided. According to some embodiments, a spray device includes a piston operable within a piston chamber and coupled to a vacuum plunger operable within a vacuum chamber. A charger is operable to move the piston and the vacuum plunger in a first direction to generate a vacuum in the piston chamber and the vacuum chamber, thereby drawing liquid into the piston chamber. The vacuum in the vacuum chamber acts on the piston to pressurize the liquid in the piston chamber. A spray actuator is operable to open a spray valve, thereby causing the vacuum in the vacuum chamber to force the plunger and the piston to move opposite the first direction, and forcing the liquid in the piston chamber through a spray nozzle as a liquid spray. According to other embodiments, a spring replaces the vacuum chamber and vacuum plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Easy Spray LLC
    Inventors: Pasquale A. Iammatteo, Roman Bicej
  • Patent number: 8800891
    Abstract: A shower soap dispenser contains: a water pipe for guiding shower water to a shower head from a water supply pipe, a shower soap cartridge fixed on a pipe joint of the water pipe, and an on/off valve installed on the water pipe. The water pipe includes two feeding holes for guiding soap liquid in the pipe joint into the water pipe to further mix the soap liquid with shower water. The shower soap cartridge including a body, a seal element fixed in the body, a plug, a cover, and a resilient element. The soap liquid is stored between the seal element and the plug. Thereby, the resilient element indirectly acts on the seal element to produce self-sealing effect and is removed from the water pipe randomly, and soap liquid in the shower soap cartridge will not leak. Accordingly, different shower soap cartridges are capable of being removed or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Mengfeng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130264398
    Abstract: A system may include a portable spray device having a battery powered drive, a rotary atomizer driven by the battery powered drive, and a syringe configured to supply a liquid to the rotary atomizer, wherein the rotary atomizer is configured to rotate to atomize the liquid into a spray. A system may include a portable spray device having a barrel portion with a first syringe fluidly coupled to a spray head, and a handle portion coupled to the barrel portion via a break-action mechanism. The handle portion may include an actuator assembly configured to drive a first plunger in the first syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Steven A. Myers
  • Patent number: 8490890
    Abstract: A bathing apparatus includes an in-line mixing unit and a hand operated injecting unit. The mixing unit is coupled between a water supply pipe and a water dispensing device, such as a showerhead and is in fluid communication with the hand operated injection unit. The injection unit, upon user demand, draws a controllable predetermined quantity of bathing fluid from a standard off the shelf purchased bottle of bathing fluid, such as a bottle of bath oil, and then ejects, upon user demand and in a hands free operation, the drawn bathing fluid, at a user selected flow rate. The ejected bathing fluid passes to the mixing unit which causes the ejected bathing fluid to be mixed within a stream of water being delivered to the water dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: William Richard Craig
  • Patent number: 8469289
    Abstract: A tissue sealant applicator system includes a tissue sealant applicator having an elongate body forming a bore containing a tissue sealant component, a piston, and a spray adaptor in fluid communication with the bore and forming a gas flow path. The system also includes a control unit adapted to be connected to a gas source, and a first gas passageway connecting the gas flow path and the control unit. The applicator includes an actuating member cooperatively associated with the piston to eject the tissue sealant from the bore upon user actuation. The control unit is adapted to supply gas from the gas source to the first gas passageway essentially simultaneously with user actuation of the actuating member, and to permit the supply of gas to the spray adaptor from the gas source to continue to flow for a predetermined time delay after the user stops actuating the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Heinz Redl, Zafar Khakpour, Scott R. Ariagno, Andreas Kellner, Lillian G. Zakarija
  • Publication number: 20120096765
    Abstract: A liquid herbicide applicator includes a length adjustable handle member and a reservoir removably coupled to the handle member, the reservoir defining an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet from which to dispense liquid. The applicator includes a valve assembly coupled to the reservoir outlet operative between an open configuration that allows the liquid to flow through the outlet and a closed configuration that prevents the liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve assembly is biased toward the closed configuration. A dispenser assembly having a cap portion is operatively coupled to the valve assembly and includes an application portion connected to the cap portion, the cap portion being selectively movable closer to the valve assembly so as to urge the valve assembly to the open configuration and away from the valve assembly so to allow the valve assembly to return to the closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Wiese-Martin, Alan G. Martin
  • Patent number: 8070074
    Abstract: A bathing apparatus includes an in-line mixing unit and a hand operated injecting unit. The mixing unit is coupled between a water supply pipe and a water dispensing device, such as a showerhead and is in fluid communication with the hand operated injection unit. The injection unit, upon user demand, draws a controllable predetermined quantity of bathing fluid from a standard off the shelf purchased bottle of bathing fluid, such as a bottle of bath oil, and then ejects, upon user demand and in a hands free operation, the drawn bathing fluid, at a user selected flow rate. The ejected bathing fluid passes to the mixing unit which causes the ejected bathing fluid to be mixed within a stream of water being delivered to the water dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: William Richard Craig
  • Publication number: 20110278375
    Abstract: A discharge apparatus for discharging a product having compressed gas support comprises a container (1) having a discharge opening (12) and a pressure element (2), which is mounted displaceably in the container (1). A counterpressure element (13) is provided on the container (1) and is used to advance the pressure element (2) into the container in order to absorb a developing counterpressure when pressure is applied onto the pressure element (2). A compressed gas device (5, 7, 8) dispenses compressed gas in the region of the discharge opening (12), and comprises a valve (6) and a valve actuating device (14) to control the compressed gas dispensing. The actuating device (14) is provided on the counterpressure element (13) to ensure that when discharging the product from the container, at the same time the compressed gas device can be actuated by applying pressure onto the pressure element, whereby compressed gas exits the discharge opening at the same time as the fluid product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: MEDMIX SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, William Brem
  • Patent number: 7997511
    Abstract: This invention is related to a portable texture-spraying apparatus for uniformly dispersing a viscous material. This apparatus broadly includes a tank assembly having a body with an inner wall that defines a sealed cavity, and a piston assembly slidably disposed within the sealed cavity. The piston assembly divides the sealed cavity into an air-side chamber and a material-side chamber by providing an airtight seal therebetween. Additionally an air-control assembly is provided that broadly includes a pressure-control mechanism configured for receiving compressed air and routing a controlled pneumatic pressure to a directional valve configured for adjusting between a dispensing mode and a loading mode. In dispensing mode, the directional valve routes the controlled pneumatic pressure to the air-side chamber biasing the piston assembly toward the material-side chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Marshalltown Company
    Inventors: John Reynolds, Troy Thurber
  • Patent number: 7909267
    Abstract: An applicator includes a bore for containing a sealant component, a piston moveably positioned in the bore, a plunger member connected to the piston with a distal end disposed within the bore and a proximal end depending from the bore, a distal outlet communicating with the bore and connectable to a gas source, and an actuating member carried by the proximal end of the plunger member to move with the plunger member as the plunger member moves along the bore. The applicator may be used in a system with a gas source connected to the distal outlet, and a control unit connected to the actuating member and the gas source, the control unit adapted to supply gas to the distal outlet from the gas source essentially simultaneous with a force applied to the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz Redl, Zafar Khakpour, Scott R. Ariagno, Andreas Kellner, Lillian G. Zakarija
  • Patent number: 7819341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity flow reservoir for a paint spraying gun having a container and a cover, which can be placed thereon and which has a connecting part in order to place the gravity flow reservoir onto the paint spraying gun or onto an adapter. Prior art reservoirs require a separate pointed tool, which serves to make a vent hole, is often unavailable and can lead to operating errors. The aim of the invention is to provide a paint reservoir system that enables a simple, rapid and uncomplicated insertion of a vent hole into the container wall of the gravity flow reservoir while preventing shavings or plastic parts from entering the gravity flow reservoir. To this end, a delimited area is provided in the wall of the container and can be penetrated by the pointed tool in order to make a vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sata GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ewald Schmon, Peter Dettlaff
  • Patent number: 7810744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid reservoir for a paint spray gun, comprising a receptacle (1) and a lid that can be placed thereupon and is provided with a connecting element (3) in order to mount the fluid reservoir on the paint spray gun or an adapter. The receptacle (1) is provided with a ventilation hole (4) which can be sealed using a valve. In order to improve the tightness of the valve, said valve encompasses two valve seats for sealing the ventilation port (4), which are disposed one behind another in the direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sata GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ewald Schmon, Peter Dettlaff, Ralf Gehrung
  • Patent number: 7726588
    Abstract: A locking tensioning mechanism for a miniaturised high pressure generator is disclosed, which mechanism will allow delivery of a set volume of a liquid, and the volume to be delivered by a high pressure generator can be altered subsequently by adjusting one of the stops of the spring component, which locking tensioning mechanism may be used in a high pressure generator for producing an inhalable aerosol or in a needleless injector for injecting a volume of a liquid into animal or plant tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gilbert Wuttke, Michael Schyra, Andreas Fiol, Joachim Eicher
  • Patent number: 7699052
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant-gas-free apparatus for the dispensing of liquids, a container cartridge suitable for this for storing the liquid and the ensemble comprising both. The invention comprises a device for the exertion of pressure and for accommodating a container cartridge and a container cartridge in which the dispensing facility is integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Schiewe, Gilbert Wuttke, Bernd Zierenberg, Stephen Dunne, Horst Wergen
  • Patent number: 7614571
    Abstract: Disposable cup for preparing, applying and preserving a paint to be set up on a paint spray gun characterized in that it includes on one of its end faces a closable vent device (7) forming a vent valve with valve duct (22) and valve plug (25) which allows when opened, to let the air pass for occupying the inner volume that empties and when closed, to close liquid-tightly the opening (6) of air passage to form a container for the preparation of the paint and then to form a pot for the preservation of the leftover paint. This invention is of interest to manufacturers of paint spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michel Camilleri, Joseph Guarino
  • Patent number: 7604184
    Abstract: A rotatable water-spraying bat is disclosed. The bat comprises a soft material mount, a water storage cylinder and a push pushing-piston. The soft material covers the external of the water storage cylinder, and the inner diameter of the water storage cylinder provides the insertion of the pushing-piston cylinder as one unit. The bat is characterized in that at an open area of the water storage cylinder being provided with two fastening ring is mounted with a recess for the insertion of the corresponding L-shaped fastening plate and is then rotated, the protruded ring urges the recess to be in a fastening position so that the great impact onto the spray bat will not dislocate the spray bat the guiding corner at the front end of the recess allows the protruded ring to be engaged and dislocation is not possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: OW AE Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sen-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7537174
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various structures for applying a sealant to a work surface. In one aspect of the invention, a sealant applicator assembly is provided for use with an apparatus of the type having an elongated body defining an interior bore and having a piston movably positioned in the bore and a pusher member operatively associated with the piston. The assembly comprises a spray adaptor adapted to communicate with the bore of the body and defining a distal outlet. A first gas passageway is cooperatively associated with the distal outlet and configured to direct gas to create a spray discharge of the sealant. An actuating member is adapted to be cooperative associated with a pusher member to eject sealant through the distal outlet and is operative to simultaneously actuate a supply of gas to the first gas passageway for creating a spray discharge of sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz Redl, Zafar Khakpour, Scott R. Ariagno, Andreas Kellner, Lillian G. Zakarija
  • Patent number: 7416140
    Abstract: Disposable cup for preparing, applying and preserving a paint to be set up on a paint spray gun characterized in that it includes on one of its end faces a closable vent device (7) forming a vent valve with valve duct (22) and valve plug (25) which allows when opened, to let the air pass for occupying the inner volume that empties and when closed, to close liquid-tightly the opening (6) of air passage to form a container for the preparation of the paint and then to form a pot for the preservation of the leftover paint. This invention is of interest to manufacturers of paint spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Michel Camilleri, Joseph Guarino
  • Patent number: 7341208
    Abstract: A fluid can be discontinuously atomized with an atomizer of the present invention. The atomizer can include a helical spring, disk spring or gas spring, acting as a pressure spring, as an energy storage device, a cylinder, piston, two ducts and two valves. Atomization can be initiated manually by triggering a locking mechanism. The energy storage device can be disposed outside a storage container for the fluid. The energy storage device can be provided mechanical energy manually. Via the piston, the stored energy can exert pressure onto the fluid in the cylinder, which ranges from 1 MPa to 5 MPa (10 bar to 50 bar). Distribution of the droplet size in the atomized jet can be independent from the level of experience and behavior of the person actuating the atomizer, and can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The mean droplet diameter can be smaller than about 50 micrometers. The mass flow of the fluid through the nozzle can be less than about 0.4 g/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Joachim Eicher, Holger Hollmann, Holger Reinecke, Stephen Terence Dunne
  • Patent number: 7316360
    Abstract: A nozzle comprising a thin, flexible substantially planar polymeric film having a plurality of pores with structures allowing for generation of an aerosol at reduced extrusion pressure is disclosed. The pores can comprise at least two sections, or steps, in which the thickness of the membrane is reduced in stepwise fashion, or the pores can be tapered. Nozzles formed comprising pores having such structures permit aerosol generation at lower extrusion pressures, thereby allowing for decreased weight of aerosolization devices, increased efficiency, increased portability and increased battery life. The pore structures also allow for the use of thicker, more easily processed polymeric films in manufacturing while having a thinner, more efficient aerosolization area. The use of decreased extrusion pressures also results in increased uniformity in aerosol generation and improved reliability of other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Aradigm Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh S. Patel, Sudarsan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 7281672
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid including a pressure vessel at a first pressure and a reservoir at a second pressure. The reservoir communicates with the pressure vessel via a first aperture and with an environment at a third pressure via a second aperture. A reservoir vent having open and closed positions, that when opened the reservoir vents to a fourth pressure, and when closed the reservoir does not vent. A piston moveably disposed within the reservoir, and defines an aperture therethrough. A first burst seal disposed in the first aperture seals the pressure vessel from the reservoir, and engaged with the piston to be moveable therewith. A second burst seal disposed in the second aperture seals the reservoir from the environment. When the reservoir vents to the fourth pressure, the piston ruptures the second seal, and a first and third pressure difference ruptures the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Karalis, Raymond A. Stacy, Richard Zaven Karadizian, James E. Marquedant, Neil O Brillhart, William Mahoney
  • Patent number: 7264177
    Abstract: An automated irrigation and chemical treatment system comprising a user input device adapted to communicate with a control unit; a mixing chamber adapted to communicate with the control unit and connected to a water supply and chemical canisters, wherein each canister has a sensor to monitor fluid level therein, and control valves for connecting the mixing chamber to a network of pipes. Sprinkler heads connected to the network of pipes each include, a control valve adapted to control fluid flow to a water delivery nozzle by an electro magnet controlled rubber coated ferric ball closure member. The sprinkler heads include water and chemical saturation sensors and the sprinkler heads also communicate with the control unit via wireless transceivers. Multiple zones covered by the system may be treated according to predetermined schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Intelligent Lawn Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: David Aaron Buck, Thomas Daniel Storey, Richard David Buck
  • Patent number: 7150409
    Abstract: The invention in general relates to various injection systems and devices that can be used, for example, in needleless injection systems for human, and for domestic and farm animals. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an injection device comprising: an injector defining a first cavity and an orifice; a movable member in the first cavity; a housing defining a second cavity proximal of the movable member; and a charge in the second cavity, the charge comprising at least two discrete materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: BioValve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Gonnelli, David Lipson, Vasu Nishtala, Ciro Dimeglio
  • Patent number: 7104470
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 7093774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for injecting a pulsed supersonic gas flux, including a first chamber (2) inside which the gas to be injected is found under pressure on either side of a free piston (4), the device comprising means (12) for setting this free piston into motion, connected to the first chamber and able to cause propulsion of the free piston (4), the device further including a supersonic nozzle (6) able to communicate with the first chamber via an aperture (8), and also including a valve (10) closing up the aperture (8) and able to be actuated by percussion of the free piston (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Gilles Martin
  • Patent number: 6997394
    Abstract: An air freshener dispenser mechanism is incorporated into a door knob whereby when a door is pushed open, air freshener is dispensed into a room in advance of a person entering the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Evie Washington
  • Patent number: 6945472
    Abstract: A locking tensioning mechanism for a miniaturised high pressure generator is disclosed, which mechanism will allow delivery of a set volume of a liquid, and the volume to be delivered by a high pressure generator can be altered subsequently by adjusting one of the stops of the spring component, which locking tensioning mechanism may be used in a high pressure generator for producing an inhalable aerosol or in a needleless injector for injecting a volume of a liquid into animal or plant tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gilbert Wuttke, Michael Schyra, Andreas Fiol, Joachim Eicher
  • Patent number: 6918547
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process. The device according to the invention consists of a hollow piston displaceably mounted in a cylinder and a valve member which is guided by the hollow piston and mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the hollow piston. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston inside or immediately in front of the end of the hollow piston. The device is used in a mechanically operated high pressure atomizer. This consists of a two part housing which comprises a pump housing with nozzle, a blocking mechanism, a spring housing with spring, a non-pressurized storage container for the fluid and a medical counter integrated in the spring housing. The valve operates without any auxiliary force, closes very rapidly and is sealed tight against high pressure. The atomizer is safe and simple to operate and environmentally friendly. The fluid is metered extremely accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Publication number: 20040050963
    Abstract: An applicator device having a cartridge used to deliver substances for the cosmetic, medical, dental, automotive, construction, and other industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Gaines Thomas Ray, Thomas Anderson Agee, August Karnell Doner, Sig Lane, Shawn Michael Stotts
  • Patent number: 6669061
    Abstract: A pump dispenser which precisely transmits trigger motion and enables stable operation of a piston section. The manually operable pump dispenser is mounted on a vessel wherein the liquid contained in the cylinder section is compressed with a piston section by the displacement of a trigger structure and is ejected through a nozzle orifice. The dispenser includes a base body fixed on the vessel orifice via a packing structure, a cylinder section and a vent cylinder section formed adjacent to each other on the base body, and a trigger structure including a trigger section, a valve casing section mounted on the base body, and a trigger guide section oscillating in the vent cylinder section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Canyon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tada
  • Patent number: 6669113
    Abstract: An improved manually operated plant watering device is provided for watering plants in hard to reach places. The plant watering device includes an elongate hollow tube, flexible hose, and nozzle. Located within the hollow tube is a piston manually controlled by a handle for drawing water to within the elongate hollow tube or for projecting water from the elongate hollow tube through the flexible hose and nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the plant watering device includes an extension pipe for extending the overall length of the plant watering device. Furthermore, preferably the plant watering device includes an impedance valve for impeding unwanted flow of water from the plant watering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: John Halle
  • Patent number: 6631855
    Abstract: A structurally improved spray gun includes a hollow housing having a hollow handle, an electromagnet in the housing to acturate an oscillating armature which repeatedly impinges a piston in a cylinder to aspirate the paint from a container into the cylinder to spray out to the atmosphere through a nozzle at front of the cylinder. It is characterized in a locking device which is disposed in the housing beneath the cylinder to lock or unlock the cylinder in a rapid and convenient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-kun Huang
  • Patent number: 6619568
    Abstract: A nozzle for delivering vaporized liquid material has a cylindrical housing with a central, cylindrical cavity having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The nozzle also has a plunger inserted into the fluid outlet of the housing so that the plunger and the housing form a fluid path. The plunger is moveable between a first position and a second position. A plunger stop is attached to the housing at the fluid inlet. A spring retainer is attached to the plunger. At least one spring is disposed between the housing and spring retainer to urge the plunger towards the first position. A method includes the steps of biasing a plunger moveable relative to a housing, with a fluid passage defined by the housing and the plunger, towards a first position; and providing fluid pressure to the fluid passage to urge the plunger away from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Kunkle, David Joseph Hanlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020134860
    Abstract: An improved manually operated plant watering device is provided for watering plants in hard to reach places. The plant watering device includes an elongate hollow tube, flexible hose, and nozzle. Located within the hollow tube is a piston manually controlled by a handle for drawing water to within the elongate hollow tube or for projecting water from the elongate hollow tube through the flexible hose and nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the plant watering device includes an extension pipe for extending the overall length of the plant watering device. Furthermore, preferably the plant watering device includes an impedance valve for impeding unwanted flow of water from the plant watering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: John Halle
  • Patent number: 6439480
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for the automatic spray application of paint. The device has a paint container and a spray nozzle arranged in close connection and adapted to provide paint from the container to the spray nozzle during the spray application. A dosing apparatus regulates the compression of an external surface against the inner volume of the paint container and thereby forces paint out of the container and into the spray nozzle through an opening of the container. A number of receiving members are adapted to receive and hold the paint container close to the spray nozzle, such that the paint container is detachable and removable from the device when replacing a paint container. The paint container has an elongated feeding tube, at its opening, that is held by the receiving members when the tube is inserted in the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation A/S
    Inventor: Terje Velde
  • Patent number: 6367714
    Abstract: A herbicide applicator is in the form of an extended tube with a bell on the bottom to restrict the spray of herbicides. The tube includes a pump at the bottom which is connected to a nozzle within the bell. The pump is operated by a rod extending to the top of the tube. The rod is spring biased in a down position. The pump is operated by lifting the rod at the top and releasing the rod. The spring in the pump forces a measured amount of herbicide upon the release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Smoot
  • Patent number: 6264120
    Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76,102) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50). In another embodiment, the plunger rod (28) is solid and the reservoir (50) has fluid communication with the misting nozzle (34) through a second one-way valve (106) that permits liquid flow out of the reservoir (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Arizona Mist, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Wintering, Leonard Montenegro
  • Publication number: 20010004091
    Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperse a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (128) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50) from a liquid container (118). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50). A second one-way valve (122) permits a passage of air into the liquid container (118) to equalize pressure therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Gary Wintering, Leonard Montenegro
  • Patent number: 6095434
    Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Arizona Mist, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Montenegro
  • Patent number: 6024540
    Abstract: A pump for pumping through a variable plunger chamber having a pair of plungers disposed in a stepped cylinder with a slide valve includes two plungers of different diameters, united to each other. As they move within a stepped cylinder, the plungers form a chamber of variable volume according to the ratio of their height in respect of the step formed by the cylinder. The ports and clearance between the stem and the plunger chamber create intake, by means of the port housed in the plunger chamber on driving the stem in its upward stroke, and drive by means of the port drilled in the stem on forcing the stem in its downward stroke. Just three structural components are needed for operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Jose Manuel Navarro Bonet
  • Patent number: 5979791
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for forming and launching a slug of liquid toward a designated target area includes a hollow chamber located on a desired incline having a lower liquid inlet and an upper exit orifice, which is preferably a knife edged orifice, in the upper surface of the chamber. A plug-stopper is located on the inner surface of the chamber which is movable between an engaged position blocking flow of liquid through the orifice and and a disengaged position allowing liquid to exit through the orifice. A pistion located within an operating cylinder has a piston rod which extends through the chamber and engages the plug-stopper and moves the plug-stopper between engaged and disengaged positions with the orifice. The piston is moved back and forth by a fluid moving the piston head in the cylinder back and forth. Preferably a stop is provided in the chamber which the stopper plug engages in the orifice disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5878925
    Abstract: A portable drywall joint compound pump workstation supplies joint compound to a workstation outlet that is conveniently located. The workstation includes a joint compound supply reservoir having an open top, a pump that pumps joint compound from the supply reservoir, a portable cart that supports the supply reservoir and the pump, and a removable transport tube that feeds joint compound from the pump to the workstation outlet. With the transport tube in place the workstation outlet is held in a relatively stable position in the vicinity of the open top of the supply reservoir. The pump is located below the joint compound supply reservoir, and is a gravity-fed, pneumatic diaphragm pump. The pump inlet is connected to the bottom of the supply reservoir and the pump outlet is located beneath the pump inlet. The pump is thus self-draining. A compressed air manifold assembly including a plurality of compressed air supply ports is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Apla-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Denkins, Steven J. Mondlock
  • Patent number: 5855323
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for jetting molten solder in the form of balls directly onto all the metallized interconnects lands for a ball grid array package in one step with no solder paste required. Molten solder is jetted out of a grid of holes using a piston attached to a piezoelectric crystal. When voltage is applied to the crystal it expands forcing the piston to extrude a desired volume of solder through holes in the aperture plate. When the voltage is decreased the piston reverses motion creating an instability in the molten solder at the aperture plate surface and thereby forming spherical solder balls that fall onto a metallized substrate. The molten solder balls land on the substrate and form a metallurgical bond with the metallized lands. The size of the solder balls is determined by a combination of the size of the holes in the aperture plate, the duration of the piston pulse, and the displacement of the piston. The layout of the balls is dictated by the location of the hooks in the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick G. Yost, Darrel R. Frear, David T. Schmale
  • Patent number: 5769324
    Abstract: Portable washing apparatus having a self-contained pressurized supply of a washing liquid is disclosed. The apparatus is charged with the washing liquid from a pressurized source of the liquid via an independent charging stand connected to the source. Hydraulic pressure of the source charges the apparatus with the washing liquid and cocks or biases the biasing means of the apparatus to a pressurized state. A trigger-operated valve provides for selective discharge of the liquid from the apparatus. An auxiliary reservoir holding a cleaning agent is provided on the apparatus, as well as a scrubbing means. The cleaning agent is mixed with the washing liquid as desired and appropriate for the washing task being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Lenhart
  • Patent number: 5662271
    Abstract: A metered dose inhaler comprises a piston which is mounted in a cavity within a body, and is urged by a pre-loaded spring into a reduced cross-section pressure chamber. The piston may be loaded by means of an actuating rod having a handle, and may be latched in a loaded position by a latching means. A liquid drug (e.g. in aqueous solution) is contained in a collapsible bag. Metered quantities of the drug are successively presented in the pressure chamber, and then subjected to a sudden and great increase in pressure, to eject the liquid drug through an atomising head, to reduce it to fine atomised spray of small mean particle size--for example less than 30 micrometers. Non-return valves control the flow of liquid through the device. The sudden pressure pulse is caused be releasing the spring loaded piston, upon depressing an actuating button connected by the latching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Terence Edward Weston, Stephen Terence Dunne
  • Patent number: 5497944
    Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for dispensing a fluid medicament as droplets of small mean particle size without the use of pressurized gas or liquefied propellants. A liquid drug is contained in a fluid reservoir, and metered quantities of the drug are successively presented into a reduced cross-section pressure chamber, with non-return valves controlling the flow of liquid through the device. The metered quantity of the drug is then subjected to a sudden and great increase in pressure by releasing a piston into the pressure chamber. The liquid drug is thereby ejected through an atomizing head, to reduce it to a fine atomized spray of small mean particle size, preferably less than approximately 12 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: DMW (Technology) Limited
    Inventors: Terence E. Weston, Stephen T. Dunne
  • Patent number: 5411211
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun includes a housing for receiving a replaceable fluid container, a nozzle from which fluid is to be sprayed, a device for expelling fluid from the container, and a high voltage generator for applying electrostatic potential to the fluid to form an electrically charged atomized spray at the nozzle. An electrical path from the generator to the nozzle passes through the fluid, entering the fluid prior to its emergence from the nozzle. The container is rigid and fluid is expelled from the container by a piston under pressure exerted thereon through a forward part of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Robert H. Greene, Alan C. Outhwaite, Timothy J. Noakes, Michael L. Green, Jonathan Jones
  • Patent number: 5370318
    Abstract: A method and device are described for atomising liquids, in which the liquid is forced through an annular gap formed between a spherical or conical surface and a circumambient hole in a plate, which components may be displaced relative to one another to control the flow of liquid through the gap. The size of the gap is controlled by a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Terence E. Weston
  • Patent number: 5370317
    Abstract: A method and device are described for atomizing liquids, in which the liquid is forced through an annular gap formed between a spherical or conical surface and a circumambient hole in a plate, which components may be displaced relative to one another to control the flow of liquid through the gap. The size of the gap is controlled by a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Terence E. Weston