Valving Means For Each Flow Path Patents (Class 239/444)
  • Patent number: 11540609
    Abstract: A concentrator and hair dryer including a concentrator are provided. The concentrator may include a head having at least one flow path provided therein to enable gas discharged from a gas discharge of the hair dryer to flow therethrough, and a body that extends backward from the head and coupled to a main body of the hair dryer. Accordingly, the concentrator may be securely coupled to the hair dryer to prevent separation and shaking upon use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyunjoo Oh, Kwangwoon Ahn
  • Patent number: 11083323
    Abstract: A container contains a beverage base material in a beverage base material chamber defined by a chamber bottom and a chamber wall. The container furthermore comprises an elongated handle extending in a direction having a radial component outward from the chamber. The handle is provided with an outlet channel extending from the chamber to a channel outlet provided at the free end of the handle. A beverage preparation system for preparing a beverage includes an automatic beverage preparation apparatus and such a container and is arranged for removably connecting the container to the apparatus such that the handle is positioned vertically with the channel outlet pointing downwards. A method of preparing a beverage using such a beverage preparation system in which the container is connected to the apparatus such that the handle is positioned vertically with the channel outlet pointing downwards for dispensing a beverage from the beverage base material chamber substantially vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman, Roy Gilsing, Richard Stephens, Jo Fleming, Brad Phillips
  • Patent number: 11000861
    Abstract: A shower includes a main body and a control member. The main body includes an inner wall composed an accommodating space, an inlet opening, multiple outlet openings, an inlet bore and multiple outlet bores; the inlet opening communicates with the inlet bore through an inlet channel in the main body; each of the outlet openings communicates with a corresponding one of the outlet bores through an individual outlet channel; the control member is positioned in the accommodating space, wherein the control member could be operated to select one of the outlet opening being able to outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: PURITY (XIAMEN) SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: James Wu, Alex Wu, Ce-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 10814837
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress variations in shape of flow channels to have an enlarged flow channel. When an attachment main body 51 of a lid member 50 is attached to a recessed attachment part 46 of a main body member 40, a pair of flange parts 52 provided to the lid member 50 abuts on the main body member 40. Therefore, the insertion amount of the attachment main body 51 into the recessed attachment part 46 in each product can be maintained approximately constant while enlarging a main channel MC and a pair of sub channels SS1 and SS2, which are formed by the main body member 40 and the lid member 50, and variations in shape of these flow channels can be reliably suppress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Umezawa, Atsushi Otani, Hiroshi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10625279
    Abstract: A shower head includes a fluid inlet configured to connect to a fluid source, a spray face having a plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid flow path from the fluid source to the spray face, and a diverter positioned in the fluid flow path which is configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, the diverter being switchable between different spray configurations associated with different spray modes of the shower head. A user interface for selecting the shower spray mode is positioned on a peripheral portion of the spray face, the user interface including one or more touch-sensitive devices configured to receive one or more touch inputs from a user during operation of the shower head and configured to cause the diverter to switch from one spray configuration to another spray configuration in response to receiving the one or more touch inputs from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, Walter Pitsch, Verne Myers, Xiaojing Ye, Greg Reinecker, Emilie Williams, Alanna Wing Libbrecht, Brian P. Kalember, Gabriela Ravassa, Ki Bok Song
  • Patent number: 10087607
    Abstract: A plumbing fitting having a body and a housing located in the body that includes a first inlet for receiving the first fluid, a second inlet for receiving the second fluid, and a mixing chamber. The plumbing fitting includes a first flow control valve operatively coupled to the housing; a second flow control valve operatively coupled to the housing; and an actuator assembly configured to move the first flow control valve relative to the housing to control flow of the first fluid from the first inlet to the mixing chamber, such that the first fluid exerts substantially no net force on the first flow control valve, and configured to move the second flow control valve relative to the housing to control flow of the second fluid from the second inlet to the mixing chamber, such that the second fluid exerts substantially no net force on the second flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin T. Peel
  • Patent number: 9630192
    Abstract: A nozzle device for spraying fluid includes a body, two or more rotational nozzles, and a control member. The body includes a supply inlet that receives supply of fluid and two or more spray holes that communicate with the supply inlet and are open on a fluid spraying side. The rotational nozzles are arranged in the body in correspondence with the two or more spray holes, the rotational nozzles being retained in the body in a rotatable manner. The control member controls rotation of the rotational nozzles. Each rotational nozzle has a nozzle hole, through which fluid flowing into the corresponding spray hole of the body is sprayed toward a spraying side of the nozzle device. Each rotational nozzle includes a tip portion on the spraying side in which an axis of the nozzle hole is tilted relative to a rotation axis of the rotational nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: KSK CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Kusu
  • Patent number: 9205434
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle 1 for generating a water shield, the nozzle comprises a nozzle body 2 being hollow and having a substantially circular circumference, said nozzle body comprises a first and second end 3,4 and an inner 7 and an outer 6 surface, the first end 3 is open and has a construction suited for coupling to a source of pressurized water, and the second end 4 is closed, the nozzle body further comprises multiple holes 5 extending from the inner to the outer surface, the holes arranged in at least one row extending around at least parts of the substantially circular circumference, the holes having a cross-section at the inner and outer surface of the nozzle body, wherein the cross-section of the holes 5 has a larger area at the inner surface 7 of the nozzle body than at the outer surface 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SWT AS
    Inventors: Terje Morten Soltvedt, Daniel Soltvedt, Sven Egil Tjørholm
  • Patent number: 9050612
    Abstract: A shower device includes spray outlets and valves configured to control flow of a fluid to the spray outlets. At least one of the valves is configured to control, independently of other valves, flow of the fluid to at least one of the spray outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Julian Giggs, Lizhong Liao, Shengjun Du
  • Patent number: 8991432
    Abstract: A touch switch shower includes a shower body and a switch control device. The shower body is disposed with a root waterway, several diversion waterways and an outlet cover unit, each diversion waterway is disposed with an electromagnetic valve to control the on-off thereof. The front side of the outlet cover unit is divided into several touch areas with the same number of electromagnetic valves. The switch control device is disposed at least a processing unit, several touch modules with same number with the electromagnetic valves and a power device connected to the processing unit, the touch layer of the touch module is separately disposed in the corresponding touch area of the outlet cover unit, the processing unit is connected to the touch module in signal way, the processing unit is connected to the electromagnetic valve in signal way. The touch layer is separately disposed in the touch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Guoqiang Lu, Xiaozhao Sun, Xianguo Zou
  • Publication number: 20150048181
    Abstract: Because the height of humans will vary it is important to be able to adjust the height of the showerhead. At times it may also be useful to be able to have two people shower at the same time and be able to adjust the distance between the two showerhead to accommodate the distance between two people. It may also be useful for the showerhead to be portable and easily attached and reattached to the water supply for the shower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: John Costello
  • Patent number: 8931712
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance device for a vehicle capable of supplying plural fragrant ingredients to the inside of the vehicle as being contained in air flow of a vehicle-use air-conditioning device with a simple structure. The fragrance device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a main body 10 having a fragrance retention container 5, an inlet passage 6, an outlet passage 7, an inlet passage opening/closing door 8 and an outlet passage opening/closing door 9, an actuator 11 fixed to the main body 10, and a cam 14 which rotationally drives a rotary shaft 12 of the inlet passage opening/closing door and a rotary shaft 12 of the outlet passage opening/closing door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Nagano, Hisayoshi Yoshizaki, Toshio Tsubakida, Shinichi Hara, Yoshie Mizuno, Naoto Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8919676
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer includes a spray boom equipped with a plurality of spray heads, with each head having a body defining a cavity located in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and an array of four outlets leading to four nozzles respectively having different flow rates. A nozzle-select control member is mounted for rotation in the cavity and includes a fluid passage arrangement for establishing fluid connections between the inlet and different ones or combinations of the four nozzles as the control member is rotated among preselected discrete positions by an electric stepper motor, with the stepper motor being controlled in response to vehicle speed so that the spray tip capacity decreases for effecting a constant application rate as the vehicle speed decreases from a maximum permitted speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Travis G. Funseth, David S. Mercer, Richard A. Humpal
  • Publication number: 20140374507
    Abstract: The invention discloses a sport-type multifunctional spray mineral water bottle, including cap body, spray means, drink means and water locking means. The invention can ensure normal drinking of mineral water as well as carry out spray drinking of water by means of squeezing the bottle body to transform bottle body and increase the pressure inside the bottle, thus making water to enter inlet from the outlet of water locking means on the cap, and to enter the atomizing channel through the water channel, finally to be sprayed from the spray aperture. Furthermore, in the open air or in the dusty and hot environment, you can place the mineral water bottle upside down, put the nozzle to face your body or surrounding, and squeeze the bottle body to spray, thus reducing surrounding temperature, as well as subsiding dust by combining dust and spray to make you feel cool, fresh and comfortable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Chang Ho CHANG
  • Patent number: 8910887
    Abstract: A multi-purpose watering device that operates as a handheld device and ground based watering device. The device consists of a long handle leading to a turret sprinkler with water distribution on at least two sides. One side is used in a ground based position to water small to medium area lawns and the other is used for watering when the device is used in a held position. A valve on the turret face allows the operator to switch select which will distribute water. The device also contains a rotating sprinkler head suited for watering of large areas. When the rotating head is actuated, water is redirected from the turret head to the rotating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Partners In Innovation, Ltd.
    Inventors: John A. Helmsderfer, Nicholas Jeffers
  • Patent number: 8905332
    Abstract: A dual turbine showerhead provides multiple spray modes emanating from the head. The showerhead includes an inlet orifice, a backplate, a first turbine located side-by-side with a second turbine, a faceplate forming a first orifice group and a second orifice group, a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the first and second turbines and the first orifice group, and a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the second orifice group. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes first and a second turbines located side-by-side and a valve body that channels a fluid to the first turbine and the second turbine. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes a first and a second turbine located side-by-side along a centerline of the showerhead, a corresponding outlet region is arranged along the centerline and additional outlet regions are laterally spaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 8876023
    Abstract: A showerhead (20) has a spray head (32) having a plurality of spray outlets (36, 38,42,44) on different faces is mounted for manual rotation about a single pivot axis both to select a spray outlet and to adjust the direction of the spray for the selected spray outlet. The showerhead can be configured so that flow of water is uninterrupted during changeover between spray modes. Alternative versions of the showerhead are disclosed in which the spray head is mounted for powered rotation, for example by a motor, allowing remote operation of the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Taylor Peel, Jennifer Ellen Barnard, Simon Westgate, Alexander Fagg, Craig Edwin Baker, Peter Thomas Green
  • Publication number: 20140272109
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing and/or jetting viscous medium on a surface of a workpiece includes at least two depositing head assemblies. The at least two depositing head assemblies are configured to move in three dimensional space. The at least two depositing head assemblies are also configured to at least one of concurrently and simultaneously deposit the viscous medium on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MICRONIC MYDATA AB
    Inventors: Gustaf MÅRTENSSON, Andreas BERGSTRÖM, Thomas KURIAN, Anders EMTHÉN
  • Publication number: 20140252117
    Abstract: A controllable emitter of an irrigation apparatus including a drip line having pressurized fluid therein is provided. The controllable emitter includes a container coupled to the drip line, the container being formed to define an interior and including an inlet through which the pressurized fluid is receivable in the interior from the drip line and an outlet through which the pressurized fluid is exhaustible from the interior, a magnetic stopper, which is normally disposable in a first position such that the magnetic stopper prevents a flow of the pressurized fluid through the outlet and which is actively disposable in a second position such that the magnetic stopper permits the flow and a controllable actuator configured to generate a magnetic field operable to urge the magnetic stopper to move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente L. Klein, Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Michael A. Schappert, Alejandro G. Schrott
  • Patent number: 8714411
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid to large numbers of people are disclosed. One embodiment of a portable apparatus for treating and dispensing fluid includes a housing that is fluidly attached to a fluid source. Several fluid delivery components are disposed within the housing to dispense fluid to a user. The fluid delivery components may include a pressure regulator, a backflow preventer, filters, cooling misters and dispensing valves such that the such that the fluid source integrity is protected, the fluid purity is improved, and the air within the housing is cooled which in turn provides cooling to the fluid delivery components and the fluid itself. This embodiment also includes a mechanism for providing ballast in the lower portion of the housing in order to stabilize the device and keep it from moving when bumped into by people (accidentally or intentionally) or in windy conditions, and a mechanism to empty the ballast for removal of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Back Road Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Douglas Gallaher, Pamela McCarty Gallaher, George Arthur Gallaher, Gail Hannah Gallaher, Grant William Gallaher
  • Publication number: 20140054391
    Abstract: A showerhead or hand shower with spray outlet openings and “x” (x>1) valves that control the inflow of a fluid to the spray outlet openings, wherein each valve can be activated independently of the other valves and comprises a movable valve body by means of which at least a first and a second valve position are realized, and for each of the “x” valves, a pushbutton is arranged to control it, wherein a displacement of the associated valve body takes place upon actuation of one or more pushbuttons, a control element is provided via which, when the same pushbutton or the same pushbuttons are actuated, the position of the associated valve body in the second valve position is secured and/or all other valve bodies whose associated pushbutton is not actuated are reset to the first valve position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Grohe AG
    Inventor: Claudia SCHROEDER
  • Patent number: 8631824
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system provides for dispensing liquid products to two or more appliances. Liquid diluent is communicated through an anti-siphon valve (64) connected in fluid communication to an aspirator (14). A mixed solution from the aspirator (14) is communicated to a distribution valve (36) for directing flow of a liquid product to two or more appliances using a single aspirating dispenser (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Pelkey, Richard Jondall Mehus, Ryan Jacob Urban, Nicholas Donald Parent, Scott Russell Limback
  • Patent number: 8584972
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead includes a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion includes a plurality of nozzles. At least two fluid channels are defined in part by at least two walls that are adjacent and parallel to each other and a curved wall that extends between edges of the at least two walls. A base wall is operably associated with the at least two walls and defines two or more fluid channel inlets each in fluid communication with a respective one of the two more fluid channels. The handle portion is operatively associated with the showerhead portion, and includes at least one of a fluid inlet and a fluid passage, and including a rotatable mode selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20130299608
    Abstract: A showerhead assembly including a first fluid dispensing unit including a plurality of first fluidic devices, and a second fluid dispensing unit removably coupled to the first fluid dispensing unit and including a plurality of second fluidic devices. The first fluidic devices and the second fluidic devices each provide a multi-dimensional spray pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Anthony G. Spangler, Paul V. Patton, Garry Robin Marty, Brian Wayne Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130199501
    Abstract: A variable orifice fuel injector has both an inward opening needle valve and an outward opening needle valve and has means to inject fuel in different hollow conical spray patterns and conventional multiple jet spray patterns selectively and independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: A FUEL INJECTOR WITH A VARIABLE ORIFICE
    Inventor: Deyang Hou
  • Patent number: 8418939
    Abstract: A shower having a shower area changed with variation of water pressure includes: a holding unit, in which a water channel is designed and a feed-water valve is added on the top of the water channel; a spraying water unit, which is sealed with the holding unit, comprising at least two spraying water groups that are a main spraying water group and at least one branch spraying water group; and at least one movable unit, whose number is equal with the number of branch spraying water groups, assembled with the branch spraying water groups in one to one correspondence. In order to change the shower area, we could regulate the opening and closing of the feed-water valve to control water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haisong Peng, Jianmin Chen, Shenghe Chen, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8413847
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations LLC
    Inventor: William A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8297538
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a shower switch with adjustable device comprising a main body, a water divided device, a cover, a driving device and a handle. Particularly, the water divided device contains a water divided plate with water divided holes for operating with a sealing plate, which is further positioned inside the main body, and the driving device has one end thereof connecting to the sealing plate and the other end thereof pivoted to the handle. In this manner, the driving device pivoted to the main body and the handle synchronically rotates the sealing plate against the water divided plate by one hand so as to conduct the water from the sealing plate into different water divided holes for the purpose of water switching and of preventing from wetting the hands, hence increasing the convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8292200
    Abstract: A showerhead with multiple modes of operation may include a first turbine and a second turbine, each disposed within a unique flow channel. The first and second turbines may interrupt water flow through their respective flow channels, thereby providing at least one pulsating water spray emanating from the showerhead. The showerhead may include a third flow channel having no turbine disposed therein, such that water flowing through the third flow channel is not interrupted and thus emitted from the showerhead as a drenching spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Damian Macan, Michael J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 8191185
    Abstract: A holder device may be attached to a water outlet tube which is extended from a wall, without drilling holes in the wall, and includes a housing having an inlet attached to the water outlet tube, and two or more outlet ports for coupling to a shower head and a sprayer nozzle, a base having a spring-biased latch for clamping the pipe to the base, a seat slidably attached onto the pipe for adjustably and removeably supporting the sprayer nozzle. The housing includes a casing having a chamber for receiving a valve stem, and a spring-biased valve member received in the valve stem to control the water to flow out through the outlet ports of the housing, and a knob secured to the valve stem to rotate the valve stem relative to the casing and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Pi Kuang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8152078
    Abstract: A faucet spray head or gun body arrangement, including a spray gun body, a spray gun press handle, a spray gun inner core tube and control means, the spray gun press handle being movably fixed on the spray gun body, the spray gun inner core tube being disposed in the spray gun body, and the control means engaging with the spray gun inner core tube and the spray gun press handle, wherein two outlet waterways are provided in the spray gun inner core tube, and the control means is provided with a movable central pin controlling and shifting the two outlet waterways of the spray gun inner core tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Yan Jianglin, Chen Ximin
  • Patent number: 8146838
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion including a plurality of spray nozzles and a handle portion including a fluid inlet that receives water flow from a water source and a fluid passage that transports the water flow from the fluid inlet to the showerhead portion in a first flow direction. A fluid conveyance structure positioned at least partially within the showerhead portion has a base with two or more inlet openings. A mode selector includes a control knob and a fluid chamber with a fluid inlet that receives the water flow from the handle portion in a second flow direction and a rotatable chamber wall that defines a chamber outlet in selective fluid communication with the fluid conveyance structure. Rotation of the control knob rotates the chamber wall to selectively align the chamber outlet with one of the inlet openings in the base of the fluid conveyance structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 8109450
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. A rigid internal shaft is used to reinforce the connection between a fluid conveyance structure in the showerhead portion, the handle portion, or both, and a water supply connector at least partially in the handle portion The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 8091806
    Abstract: A movable spread head comprises a tubular member, a watering member, a valve core, a housing, a front cover, a control member, and a first and a second watering elements. The valve core is axially installed on a front end of the tubular member, the control member is located on a top end of the housing and includes a first and a second press portions to be selectively pressed to generate a levering action, such that the valve core is actuated to move axially to engage with the tubular member or the watering member tightly, so that water flow from an outlet of the tubular member is guided to one of first and second water orifices to flow outward from one of the first and the second watering elements, thereby decreasing related components and size, simplifying structure, and operating the movable spread head easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Nan-Hai Huang
  • Publication number: 20110290823
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: William A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8020788
    Abstract: A showerhead providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The showerhead includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 8002204
    Abstract: A tool for cutting up coke in containers. The tool includes a housing mounted on a drill stem in the operating condition. The tool also includes at least one cutting nozzle for cutting and a boring nozzle for boring coke by means of a water jet, and a switching apparatus for controlling the feeding of pressurized water flowing through the drill stem and the housing. The switching apparatus includes a linearly moveable switching element, a driving apparatus and a control apparatus, which is rotatable as a function of a change of the water pressure by the driving apparatus to switch a valve to distribute the water and to pass it on. The angular position of the control apparatus controls whether the flow path of the water to the boring nozzle or the flow path to the cutting nozzle is free or obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ruhrpumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Paul, Dirk Heidemann, Kay Simon, Maciej Barcikowski, Thomas Graefenstein, Steffen Krenzer
  • Patent number: 7992806
    Abstract: A showerhead with a rotationally adjustable handle includes a handle unit, a water outlet head unit, and a water inlet control unit. The handle unit has a hollow structure therein and has a first, a second, and a third communicating pipe penetrating therethrough. The water outlet head unit has a cover cap and an outlet valve assembly. The cover cap is connected to a first end of the handle unit and provided with an accommodating space for accommodating the outlet valve assembly. The outlet valve assembly is connected to one ends of the first, the second, and the third communicating pipe. The water inlet control unit is connected to a second end of the handle unit and is rotated to control a water inlet state among a plurality of stages, such that a water flow is guided into any one or a combination of any two of the communicating pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Jiasen Qiu
  • Patent number: 7918408
    Abstract: A hand-held showerhead structure includes a handle portion, a water-outlet base, and a rotary member. The rotary member includes an outlet valve and is mounted on the water-outlet base in a rotationally adjustable manner, which is turned by a user to adjust to a desired water-spraying mode. A plurality of annular chambers is defined between a middle cover and a lower cover of the outlet valve. A plurality of arc-shaped flow-guide ribs distributed radially and separated from one another is protruded from a top wall of the lower cover opposing to an annular chamber in an outer peripheral area. A plurality of open-ended arc-shaped flow-guide channels is accordingly defined between the flow-guide ribs. Moreover, a plurality of outlet holes is arranged in flow-guiding directions of the flow-guide channels. Therefore, the showerhead positioned in such a water-spraying mode is capable of achieving a uniform water-spraying effect at a larger spraying area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Tshieh
  • Patent number: 7909269
    Abstract: A pull-out faucet has a spray head with spray selection and pause control. A spring-loaded push button interrupts outlet spray entirely as long as it is being depressed. A rocker button controls spray through inner and outer sets of outlet orifices, for example, giving the user the option of an aerated water jet or an unaerated shower. The rocker button mounts on an integral pivot post of a valve body that houses a diverter valve that is controlled by the rocker button. The rocker button has a pair of legs that extend through openings in the valve body to engage a groove in the diverter valve. Pivoting the rocker button about a pivot axis by depressing either its forward or aft portion, moves the diverter valve along a valve axis to route flow to either the inner or outer orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Perry D. Erickson, David E. Hansen, Patrick H. Montag
  • Patent number: 7900295
    Abstract: A shower handle water supply diverter system includes a water supply in fluid communication with a hose. A handle sprayer is in fluid communication with and extends from the hose. A water diverter is provided within the handle sprayer and is in fluid communication with the showerhead. The water diverter can be operated in three modes: handle sprayer only water expulsion, shower head only water expulsion, and simultaneous handle sprayer and shower head water expulsion. By placement of the first hose and second hose in proximity to provide thermal contact therebetween, stagnant water in one hose at ambient temperature exchanges heat with water flow at a particular temperature in a second hose to change stagnant water temperature towards the temperature of the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mordechai Lev
  • Patent number: 7861946
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for an agricultural crop sprayer, the apparatus having a control element adjustable using ah external power source for controlling the flow of a spray liquid from a spray line through at least one channel of the nozzle apparatus. Once the control element has been moved to a control position, the position is maintained without further need for external power. The control element may be a ball valve movable to simultaneously select two or more nozzle connections and also to vary flow through the selected nozzle connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Joseph M. Beeren
  • Patent number: 7857241
    Abstract: A configuration structure of a spray nozzle and a shower head, adapted to a wall outlet, includes a three-way control valve, a connecting rod and a spray unit. The three-way control valve has an inlet connected to the wall outlet, a front outlet connected to an inlet tube extending from a rear side of the connecting rod, and a lower outlet connected to a hose of the spray unit. The connecting rod has a closed lower end, an upper end connected with the shower head, and at least one spray head at a front side thereof. With the three-way control valve and the connecting rod, the front and lower outlets of the three-way control valve are connected to the spray nozzle and the connecting rod respectively to form two water passages. The upper end of the connecting rod is connected with the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Xiamen Solex Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao Deng
  • Patent number: 7854401
    Abstract: A faucet wand includes a waterway having a body with a cavity therein. A plate is attached to the body to cover the cavity and form a conduit in the waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael L. Malek
  • Patent number: 7854398
    Abstract: A portable pressure washer includes a housing having a front end and a rear end defining a longitudinal axis. A handle has a first end extending from a rear portion of the housing and a second end terminating in a barrel. A first nozzle and a second aperture extend from the barrel. A fluid pump and a motor disposed are disposed within the housing, which includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the first nozzle and the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology Limited
    Inventors: Klaus Karl Hahn, Michael R. Gardner, Charles Keith Long, Jesse John Jerabek
  • Patent number: 7789326
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead with a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 7766260
    Abstract: A switchable showerhead has a body, a switching device, a water-spraying device and an operating device. The body has a mounting recess, a front through hole, a rear through hole, a mounting chamber, a connecting frame, an inserting hole and an inner tube. The switching device is mounted in the body and has a holding element, a front guide base, a rear guide base and a valve stem. The valve stem is movably mounted in the guide bases. The water-spraying device is mounted in the body, communicates with the switching device and has a shell and a cover. The shell is mounted in the mounting recess. The cover is mounted on the shell and has an inserting tube and multiple spouts. The operating device is mounted on the body, is connected to the switching device and has an operating panel connected to the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Yi Lin
  • Publication number: 20100176215
    Abstract: A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Terry John Thompson, Jeffery Edward Dailidas, Kenneth A. Kreeger, Joseph G. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7753291
    Abstract: A water outlet apparatus comprises a hand-held tubular wand in two co-axial rotatable parts in which at or towards the outer end of an outer part water outlet means is provided. A mixing/shut-off valve is housed in an inner end of the outer part. An inner part has secured therein one end of a hosing for delivery separately of two types of water, i.e. hot water and cold water, to the valve for mixing. The other end of the hosing is for integration into two separate sources of water. The water outlet means may be a series of nozzles radially of the outer part of the wand for use as a shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Munster Simms Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Edward John Gilmore
  • Patent number: 7740186
    Abstract: An improved shower head having multiple modes of operation. The shower head may include a first turbine and turbine, each disposed within a unique flow channel. The first and second turbines may interrupt water flow through their respective flow channels, thereby providing at least one pulsating water spray emanating from the shower head. The shower head may include a third flow channel having no turbine disposed therein, such that water flowing through the third flow channel is not interrupted and thus emitted from the shower head as a drenching spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Damian Macan, Michael J. Quinn