At Least One Flow Path Always Open Patents (Class 239/447)
  • Patent number: 5707011
    Abstract: A shower head includes an outer casing that is shaped so as to form a tubular portion which contains an elongated insert for connection to a water supply duct. A cylindrical insert, connected with the elongated insert, is contained in a head of the casing and is locked by a plug provided with at least one outlet port for the exit of water. A ring is located peripherally with respect to the cylindrical insert, and is kept in position by the plug, and is adapted to abut against a raised portion which is provided at the end portion of the elongated insert so as to lock the elongated insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: AMFAG S.r.l.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Patent number: 5697557
    Abstract: A shower head contains a shower head core with a connection to a water main and a cup-shaped jacket surrounding the core. The jacket only frees the jet disk connected to the core. For switching between two groups of jet exit openings a switching element is provided, which is rotatably located in the shower head core and is rotated by rotating the shower head jacket with respect to the still stationary core and jet disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hans Grohe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Blessing, Werner Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 5647537
    Abstract: A multifunction shower head with a housing, a fixed nozzle plate, and a rotatable nozzle shutter in which is set a screen disk and which is fixed to an adjustment ring has between the housing and the nozzle plate a guide plate with throughgoing passages and a wheel with radially extending and annularly arranged vanes, apertured regions and blocking regions. Rotation of the nozzle shutter relative to the nozzle plate and arresting or releasing of the wheel allows several types of spray to be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 5628458
    Abstract: A spray tube assembly including a spray tube mounted on the base of an oscillating sprinkler and oscillated by an oscillating control device, and an inner tube inserted into the spray tube and having two symmetrical sets of sector water stoppers mounted around the periphery, the sector water stoppers having respective peripheries extended to different angles, wherein turning the inner tube within the spray tube causes the sector water stoppers to alternatively stop or open the jet nozzles on the spray tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Yu-Neng Kuo
  • Patent number: 5624073
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid diverter valve (10) that allows quick connection/disconnection of a hand held sprayer used for cleaning shower stalls and bathrooms. The diverter valve (10) is comprised of a valve housing (20) having a water inlet (21), a first water outlet (22) where a standard shower may be attached, a second water outlet (23) and an annular cavity (24) therebetween; a valve member (40) and an attachment housing (30) for constraining the valve runner (40) within the cavity (24). At the second outlet (23), the attachment housing (30) is fastened to the valve (10) for fluid communication. A spring (50) urges the valve runner (40) into a first position wherein the valve runner (40) seats adjacent the attachment housing, permitting fluid communication only between the inlet (21) and the first outlet (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: John R. Mueller, Henry M. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5566886
    Abstract: A gardening-used variational sprinkling head with fully discharging openings, composed of a variational water-discharging cover and a base member associated therewith. The sprinkling head is associated with a sprinkling gun. The sprinkling gun has an inner water outlet. The water-discharging cover is formed with radial ribs inward projecting from inner periphery thereof to define several fully discharging openings. A circular mesh plate is placed within the radial ribs. Six different variational sprinkling holes and two close holes are integrally annularly arranged on a central portion of the mesh plate. The six variational sprinkling holes respectively have six rearward extending hollow posts which respectively abut against six water inlets annularly arranged on the base member. The base member is connected with the mesh plate by ultrasonic fusion and spaced from the radial ribs by a space so that water can pass through the fully discharging openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: King-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 5560548
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid diverter valve (10) that allows quick connection/disconnection of a hand held sprayer used for cleaning shower stalls and bathrooms. The diverter valve (10) is comprised of a valve housing (20) having a water inlet (21), a first water outlet (22) where a standard shower may be attached, a second water outlet (23) and an annular cavity (24) therebetween; a valve member (40) and an attachment housing (30) for constraining the valve runner (40) within the cavity (24). At the second outlet (23), the attachment housing (30) is fastened to the valve (10) for fluid communication. A spring (50) urges the valve runner (40) into a first position wherein the valve runner (40) seats adjacent the attachment housing, permitting fluid communication only between the inlet (21) and the first outlet (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Mueller, Henry M. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5505386
    Abstract: A drop sprinkler assembly for connection to an irrigation conduit of a center pivot irrigation system adjacent a tower support of the system includes a fluid conduit having first and second ends, the first end for fluid communication with an irrigation conduit of a center pivot irrigation system. The assembly also includes a valve having an inlet, two outlets and a switching mechanism for controlling fluid flow through the valve, specifically for allowing fluid flow between the inlet and a selected one of the outlets. The second end of the fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the inlet of the valve. Also included are first and second sprinkler conduits each having an upper and a lower end, the upper end of each sprinkler conduit in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Merle Stone
  • Patent number: 5467927
    Abstract: A shower head which comprises a body which has a forward chamber and a tubular rear end through which water is arranged to be supplied to the chamber for exit from the chamber through a front side thereof. The shower head includes a vibration generator provided within the chamber for generating vibration of the shower head. The vibration generator is adapted to be driven by water flowing through the chamber. The shower head further includes a switch adapted to enable and/or disable the operation of the vibration generator, the switch being provided at the front side of the forward chamber of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Brand New Technology Limited
    Inventor: Man H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5388285
    Abstract: A waterfall for swimming pools has a first configuration as a waterfall and a second configuration as a water spray. Both configurations include a water accumulation box having a spiral water inlet chamber that receives water from the circulating water pump. The spiral configuration removes turbulence from the water so that the waterfall produces a smooth sheet of water. A rotary diverter valve positioned within a nonrotatable cylinder has a hand wheel at its opposite ends so that a pool user may adjust its rotary position. In a first position, a first plenum in the rotary diverter valve aligns with an interconnecting plenum that interconnects the water accumulation box and a water outlet slot to produce the waterfall, and in a second position, a plurality of smaller orifices align with the water outlet slot to produce a water spray effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Alfred J. Belniak
  • Patent number: 5383604
    Abstract: A hand held water outlet head includes a piston 10 carrying a valve disk 8 movable between two seats 6,7 for selectively directing an incoming water flow to either an aerator nozzle 17 via ducts 41,44,46, or to shower outlets 47 concentrically surrounding the nozzle via ducts 42,43.The piston/valve disk position is controlled by the thumb depression of a diaphragm 34 overlying a rocker arm 29, whose one end 32 is coupled to the piston and whose other end 31 may be latched by a slider 21. Incoming water pressure holds the disk in the shower position against the force of a spring 11, which returns the disk to the nozzle position when the water is turned off, unless the rocker arm is latched by the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: H. Weidmann AG
    Inventor: Paul Boesch
  • Patent number: 5356078
    Abstract: An adjustable shower assembly has a housing provided with a water-supply tube defining a seat, a core element fixed in the seat and having a stem extending from the seat along an axis and having an outer end formed with a noncircular boss generally centered on the axis, and a diverter formed with a central bore fitted over the stem and provided with at least two throughgoing passages. The diverter is at least limitedly rotatable on the stem. An end plate is formed with at least two sets of nozzles associated with the respective passages in respective angular positions of the diverter on the core element and formations on the end plate and diverter axially and rotationally fix the end plate on the diverter. A washer having a central hole complementary to and interfitting with the boss of the stem bears axially backward on the diverter and a screw threaded axially into the stem and bearing axially backward on the washer retains the diverter and end plate axially on the core element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd Bischoff
  • Patent number: 5356077
    Abstract: A pulsating shower head that employs a rotor for effecting the discharge of a pulsating spray, a continuous spray, or a combination of both comprising an upper body housing, a lower body housing, a stem housing affixed to the lower body housing, a stem affixed to the upper body housing and held in slidable relation to the stem housing, a spray plate affixed to the stem housing, a nozzle plate held in fixed relation to the spray plate and stem housing, and a rotor. Rotation of the lower body housing and stem housing with respect to the stationary stem causes the selective discharge of either a pulsed spray through a first set of jet-discharge apertures, a continuous spray through a second set of jet-discharge apertures, or a combination of both pulse spray and jet spray. The stem comprises a tangentially outwardly facing groove that provides a sliding watertight seal between the stem and the stem housing and acts to close off pulse or spray apertures in the stem housing as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Sidney J. Shames, Harold Shames
  • Patent number: 5350115
    Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler adjustable to selectively alter and adjust the spray pattern as desired is provided. Adjustment is provided by an internal selectable cam connected to an external rotary dial at the distal end of the sprinkler. Placing the spray adjustment dial at the distal (non-hose) end of the sprinkler minimizes the chances of the operator getting wet while selecting the desired spray pattern while the sprinkler is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Vermont American Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas J. Burnworth, Joachim H. Lungershausen
  • Patent number: 5348231
    Abstract: A two-stage aerator manually operable to provide either a low-volume spray or a high-volume stream. A valve poppet maintains the aerator in the selected position so long as water is flowing through the aerator. The low-volume spray position is the default, and the aerator includes a resilient diaphragm to return the aerator to this position whenever water flow is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: Don C. Arnold, G. Michael Fravala
  • Patent number: 5339469
    Abstract: A shower apparatus includes a primary shower head having fluid connection to a three-way valve member, with the three-way valve member permitting selective fluid flow to the primary shower housing permitting fluid flow selectively to the primary shower head, a pulse shower head, or a brush shower head. The brush shower head is arranged to permit directing a liquid soap through the brush shower head onto a user of the organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Gregory S. Gilles
  • Patent number: 5316216
    Abstract: A showerhead is either wall mounted or provided with a handle connected through a flexible hose to an incoming water outlet. The showerhead has a turbine which may cause the delivery of pulses of circumferentially distributed groups of pulses of water so as to provide either fast or slow massage action. Also included is a pause mode in which flow is reduced without complete shutoff and a center spray mode which provides a concentrated spray pattern. Other modes possible are a needle spray, a combination pulse and needle spray, a combination needle spray with a body spray, just a body spray, and an oval shape spray pattern. Various water paths are defined from a flow selector through the unit to different ones of front-facing orifices as defined for the different modes. Selection is achieved by a combination of a flow director and a control plate. User access for mode selection is by way of an external circumferential control ring operatively coupled to the control plate through a control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignees: Teledyne Industries, Inc., Teledyne Water Pik
    Inventors: Michael A. Cammack, Michael W. Koliha, David W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5279854
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming absorbent articles having superabsorbent particles. Air-entrained absorbent particles are directed through a diverter valve which alternately directs the particles to first and second dispensing nozzles. The nozzles are positioned for dispensing the particles into a moving web of fibrous material, such as wood pulp fluff. Selective operation of the valve in synchronization with the conveying arrangement for the wood pulp fibrous material permits deposition of the absorbent particles in desired patterns within selected portions of the fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Kendall, Clarence F. Lamber
  • Patent number: 5255848
    Abstract: A multiple orifice spray nozzle having reversible orifice cleaning capability for use with high pressure liquid spraying systems. A first embodiment offers selection of a first or second orifice by vertical movement of an orifice selection cylinder. A second embodiment offers selection of a first or second orifice by rotation of the orifice selection cylinder about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Nolin C. Rhodehouse
  • Patent number: 5254108
    Abstract: An applicator to apply a medication in liquid form to the skin or fleece of an animal. The applicator his a handle to be gripped by a user to move the applicator over the skin or fleece. Rotatably supported by the handle is a roller which is equipped with a cam track. Received within the cam track is a cam follower which causes reciprocation of a piston within a cylinder. The cylinder and piston co-operate to pump the liquid to a nozzle so that application of the liquid is metered in accordance with rotation of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: N. J. Phillips Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Anthony I. Burrell, Glen W. Bunyan, Ian R. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5246169
    Abstract: A shower head has a housing having an end wall provided with a plurality of sets of spray nozzles, a partition element defining in the housing a pressurizable inlet chamber and formed offset from the axis with an axially throughgoing outlet hole, and a valve element rotatable in the housing on the partition about the axis, overlying the outlet hole, and formed offset from the axis with a plurality of axially throughgoing apertures radially equispaced from the axis and angularly spaced thereabout, selectively alignable with the partition hole, and each associated with a respective set of the nozzles. The housing also is formed with respective passages connecting the apertures with the respective sets of nozzles. One of the elements is provided with a restriction formation for progressive restriction of the outlet hole from a fully open to fully closed condition on rotation of the valve element through a predetermined angular stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Heimann, Hans-Joachim Rapp
  • Patent number: 5211335
    Abstract: A spray tube nozzle adapted to be cleaned during its operation. The nozzle includes a nozzle head having an inlet connectable to a conduit and an outlet for spraying liquid. Within the nozzle head is located a rotatable element defining a through-hole. The through-hole is shaped in such a way that the opening at one end is of relatively small cross-section and at the opposite end of a relatively large cross-section. The rotatable element is sealingly arranged in the nozzle head and has an external groove. The rotatable element can be positioned in at least a first rotational position to facilitate flow of spraying liquid from the conduit, to the nozzle inlet, and through the through-hole in the rotatable element, to the nozzle outlet for forming spray jets at the outlet. A second rotational position allows liquid to be flushed through the conduit by flow of the spraying liquid from the inlet, through the groove, and exiting the nozzle through a flush hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Kvaerner Eureka A/S
    Inventor: Kent Strid
  • Patent number: 5205490
    Abstract: A body spray nozzle is disclosed wherein the spray pattern can be easily adjusted and the nozzle can be oscillated in a support in a shower fixture. A movable valve element which is cup-shaped is positioned in a valve body and with the base thereof to the inlet side of a stationary valve element. Rotation of the movable valve element is effected from the front of the valve housing which directs different flow paths to a nozzle portion. Two or more of the body spray nozzles are interconnected with linkage members for oscillation by an oscillating source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael D. Steinhardt, Kathleen S. DeKeyser, Kenneth J. Sieth, David K. Rische
  • Patent number: 5184777
    Abstract: A sanitary shower comprises a handle removably securable to the shower body, a head removably securable to the handle, and a flexible conduit for water supply that passes through the shower body and the handle and is secured to the head. The handle is elongated and has a longitudinal slot therethrough, of a width sufficient to receive the flexible conduit when the head is separated from the handle but the handle remains on the shower body. The head has an inlet and two outlets each communicating with a chamber within the head for dispensing water through the two outlets in two directions, and an obturating member in the head comprising a flap that swings about an axis perpendicular to those two directions and in one position closes one outlet and leaves the other outlet open, and in another position leaves the one outlet open and closes the other outlet against the flow of water from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kugler, Fonderie et Robinetterie S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Magnenat, Daniel Meylan, Jean-Jacques Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5158234
    Abstract: A sanitary shower comprises a handle removably securable to the shower body, a head removably securable to the handle, and a flexible conduit for water supply that passes through the shower body and the handle and is secured to the head. The handle is elongated and has a longitudinal slot therethrough, of a width sufficient to receive the flexible conduit when the head is separated from the handle but the handle remains on the shower body. The head has an inlet and two outlets each communicating with a chamber within the head for dispensing water through the two outlets in two directions, and an obturating member in the head comprising a flap that swings about an axis perpendicular to those two directions and in one position closes one outlet and leaves the other outlet open, and in another position leaves the one outlet open and closes the other outlet against the flow of water from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Kugler, Fonderie et Robinetterie S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Magnenat, Daniel Meylan, Jean-Jacques Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5145114
    Abstract: A spray head (1) for a sink faucet (2) or the like that is suited for connection to a low-pressure storage tank (open hot water storage tank), with a water feed (4), a normal jet discharge (7) placed centrally in particular, a spray discharge (9) placed in particular surrounding normal jet discharge (7) concentrically and with a multiplicity of small spray holes (10), and a reversing valve (13) in which, in the normal position, reversing valve (13) connects normal jet discharge (7) to water feed (4) and separates spray discharge (9) from water feed (4) and, in a spray position, connects spray discharge (9) to water feed (4) and separates normal jet discharge (7) from water feed (4), is completely suited for use in connection with a low-pressure storage tank by a bypass pipe (21) that acts in the spray position being provided in reversing valve (13) between water feed (4) and normal jet discharge (7) and the flow resistance of bypass pipe (21) being greater than the flow resistance of spray discharge (9) when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Monch
  • Patent number: 5127580
    Abstract: A shower head assembly includes a handle, a housing rotatably engages with the handle, and an output member received in the housing. The handle has a water supply end from which a block protrudes. Two water supply holes are formed on the block. The housing includes a first portion defining a first chamber therein for receiving the water output end of the handle, a second portion defining a second chamber therein for receiving the output member, and a mediate portion connecting the first and second portions. Two first water passages and two second water passages are formed in the mediate portion. The output member has a central output in fluid communication with the second water passages and a plurality of fine peripheral apertures in fluid communication with the first water passages. The first water passages are in fluid communication with the water supply holes and the second water passages are not in fluid communication with the water supply holes when the rotatable housing is in a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Liu Fu-I
  • Patent number: 5117660
    Abstract: A drought relief system employs waste water as normally discharged from an appliance into a plumbing drain. A dual valve assembly is mounted in series within an existing appliance discharge line, usually exteriorly of the appliance and includes a first valve allowing for the distribution of waste water to the normal discharge line. By shutting off this first valve and opening a second valve, waste water is directed into a drought diversion conduit passing through the building wall and communicating with an appropriate distribution line. The latter may comprise a single conduit or a manifold network of conduits such as perforated pipes or hoses and thus permits utilization of water that otherwise would be discharged into the user's septic system or municipal waste system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Dennis J. Downs, Jeffrey C. Coburn
  • Patent number: 5090624
    Abstract: A hand held shower including a spray head operable to selectively discharge a continuous spray or a cyclically interrupted pulsating spray. The spray head contains two separate groups of discharge orifices, one group operable to discharge a continuous spray, and the second group operable to discharge a cyclically interrupted pulsating spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Alsons Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel G. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5033897
    Abstract: The hand held shower apparatus of this invention includes a shower body having a hollow handle connectable at one end to a source of water and a shower head, water regulating means for regulating the supplied water into two different water streams, one with a showering effect and the other with a massaging effect, and a cap member having a perforated bottom surface with two groups of holes for the two water streams. The hollow handle is constructed in such a way that it can be extended by pulling it away from the shower head. The shower apparatus also has a shower utensil, such as a shower brush, connected with the cap member in such a way that the shower utensil moves up or down when rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the cap member. Construction of the shower apparatus has been made simple so that it can be assembled or disassembled with ease. Other embodiments of the shower utensil are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: I-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 5014912
    Abstract: A displacing device for a swimming pool cleaner has a hollow housing with a cylindrical wall and end walls. Within the housing are two spaced partitions which divide the interior of the housing into three chambers. A first and second chamber have openings in the cylindrical wall with jet nozzles projecting therefrom. A ball is located in each of the first and second chambers which close off one opening at a time so that water then flows out of the or each other opening that is open. One end wall and the partitions each have an aperture in which a tube is slidable. The tube has holes so that water fed into the tube at one end flows through the tube and out through the holes into the first or the second chamber, depending on the position of the tube. The tube is moved up and down by an engine that does not form part of this invention. The outer end wall has a connector for connection to a source of pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Oakleigh, Ltd.
    Inventor: David A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4934597
    Abstract: A plastic fountain attachment for a faucet is either cast or injection molded in a single piece or fabricated from separate parts. A tubular body is adapted for attachment to the discharge end of a water faucet and has a discharge opening inclined to its axis. The body has a short wall portion and a diametrically opposed long wall portion extending between said upper and lower ends. A substantially flat closure member is flexibly attached to the outside surface of the short wall portion. The closure member extends downwardly from said short wall portion when unflexed so as not to impede water discharge. The closure member is sufficiently large and so located to enable it to cover the discharge opening when flexed. A fountain outlet directs a jet of water for drinking when the closure member is flexed to cover the discharge opening, the fountain outlet including a hole defined in the long wall portion of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: William C. Crutcher
  • Patent number: 4907744
    Abstract: The oral hygiene device comprises a nozzle-holder connectable to a liquid source and a nozzle (1) removably attached to the nozzle-holder, the nozzle being intended for spraying either a multi-jet of liquid via a first duct or a single jet of liquid via a second duct. A two-way valve (5) makes it possible to direct the liquid towards one duct or the other and therefore the branching of the two liquid ducts are located in the nozzle itself. There is a restoring spring (27) which is such that the stable position of the device is for multi-jet spraying, while under the action of an external force exerted on the control member (6) of the valve the device assumes the single-jet position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Les Produits Associes LPA-Broxo S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre-Jean Jousson
  • Patent number: 4850965
    Abstract: Hydraulic apparatus for bodily hygiene comprising a body (1) of which a portion is arranged to constitute a handle (1a) provided with a threading (6) permitting its coupling to a flexible pipe, this body being provided internally with at least two distribution conduits (8,9) and a inlet conduit (7) capable of being placed in communication with one or the other of the distribution conduits, according to the position of a two-position selector (1a-1b-2), and characterized in that one of the distribution conduits (8) opens into a wide cavity (10) constituting the head of the apparatus and bounded by a spray head (11), while the second of the distribution conduits (9) communicates with a coupling mouth piece (12) likewise arranged in the head (1b), and in that the apparatus also comprises a removable attachment (20,23,25,35,41) provided with a fixing ferrule (17) intended to be coupled to the mouth piece, for example by insertion into the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventors: Jean Zinopoulos, Andre Zinopoulos
  • Patent number: 4838486
    Abstract: A shower head contains two shower devices, which can be alternately operated with the aid of a changeover device. One shower device contains a row of shower holes. On switching from the first to the second shower device, a pin is inserted in each shower hole and has approximately the same diameter as the shower hole. Thus, during each changeover, there is a cleaning of the shower hole from the inside, which leads to a removal of deposits and contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Hans Grohe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 4834293
    Abstract: A safety spray wand for use in car wash units, and the like, having selected valve units, each with a single moving valve part to provide controlled flow through a valve housing; a break-away, variable length barrel assembly connected to the valve housing and with the housing structure made to withstand even severe vandalism and to accommodate swivel coupling of a supply line to the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 4754928
    Abstract: A showerhead including an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the showerhead body forms a spiral chamber which produces a rotating current of water. An inner disc having a series of ports therethrough is positioned immediately adjacent to an outer disc which also has a series of ports therethrough. A spinner, on the inlet end of the inner disc, rotatably driven by the rotating current of water, has open and closed portions which pass in sequence across certain of inner disc ports producing a pulsating water stream therethrough. The outer disc is rotationally adjustable relative to the inner disc. The ports of both discs are arranged in concentric rings such that as the outer disc is rotated relative to the inner disc, varying throughpaths are achieved as the outer disc ports align with the inner disc ports. Four spray modes are achieved: (1) a variable regular spray, (2) combination pulsating and regular spray, (3) variable pulsating spray, and (4) variable pulsating misting spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Alsons Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Rogers, Scott T. Christy, Harold H. Leutheuser
  • Patent number: 4738399
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated decoking tool capable of performing both boring and cutting operations with a simplified changeover between the operations that does not require removal of the tool from a coke bed is disclosed. The tool includes a body fabricated of durable material capable of withstanding the harsh environment in which it is used. Boring nozzles for boring a pilot hole in a coke bed and cutting nozzles for cutting up the coke for removal are provided on the tool. A coke bed is bored and cut by high pressure working fluid directed through the nozzles in a predetermined sequence. In the normal sequence, the boring operation is performed first followed by the cutting operation. The sequence of operations is controlled by a working fluid actuated shuttle sleeve or valve reciprocally mounted in the tool body. The sleeve is reciprocated by working fluid pressure moving from a first position corresponding to the boring operation to a second position corresponding to the cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Adams
  • Patent number: 4733818
    Abstract: The present invention is for a showerhead selectively operable to produce a plurality of different streams, enabling the user to select one form of large diameter stream, rich in bubbles, when the water pressure is high, and another large diameter rich stream full of bubbles when the water pressure is low. Furthermore, the user may select a spray instead of the bubbly stream. The invention is accomplished by having an upstream disc with chambers therein for directing the water downstreamwardly. In the path of the jets from said chambers there is a screened-disc which is rotatable selectively by the user and which has a number of openings therethrough. By bringing the correct opening below the jets, the user may select one of several different types of streams. One of the openings has two screens, one at the top and one at the bottom of the opening so that at low water pressures, there is abundant aeration which provides a rich outgoing stream of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Elie P. Aghnides
  • Patent number: 4686890
    Abstract: An air distribution system, particularly for automobiles, in which the depth of the unit is relatively short and in which control over the direction of air flow can be achieved by movement of an element in a plane orthogonal to the direction of air flow. A main air flow outlet is formed in a wall member and a parallel flow path is formed adjacent the outlet and has diverging walls which are relatively short so that there is no wall attachment or coanda effects per se. Flow of fluid through the adjacent parallel flow path exits through an opening that directs the air in a direction generally parallel to the short wall direction of the adjacent flow path. By controlling the entry of air into the parallel flow path, the main air flow vector is deflected and the direction of flow is thereby controlled. The deflection is greater when an obstacle slightly intrudes the side of the outlet opposite the parallel flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Stouffer, Paul L. Sulsky
  • Patent number: 4683668
    Abstract: A vehicle drying assembly (10) for air drying freshly washed vehicles which comprises a top blower (12) for downwardly discharging air above the vehicle for drying the top of the vehicle and a side blower (14) for discharging air transversely to the vehicle for drying the sides of the vehicle. A frame (16) through which the vehicles may be moved structurally supports the top blower (12) and the side blower (14). A fan (54) driven by a motor (56) supplies air under pressure to the top blower (12) and side blower (14). An air cylinder (20) and a rotation belt (21) selectively positions the side blower (14). The side blower (14) includes an outer rotatable tube (26) rotatable with respect to a fixed inner member (14) for alternatively discharging air through at least two openings (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventors: Leonard J. Hondzinski, Robert A. Wrest
  • Patent number: 4674687
    Abstract: A showerhead includes a housing which defines different sets of spray outlets and includes a mounting for the housing that defines a path of water flow from an inlet. Formed on the housing are circumferentially-spaced grooves and formed on the mounting are mating lugs. Lands disposed between successive ones of the grooves include a cam surface which elevates in continuation toward the entrance of a next groove and then terminates in a step leading toward the bottom of that next groove, as a result of which the assembly atop the lands and subsequent movement of the lugs over the cam surface lockingly drops the lugs into corresponding ones of the grooves. The mounting includes a handle through which water flows and which is removably received within arms of a bracket to which water is supplied and therefrom led into the handle. A channel within the body of the bracket accepts a shank projecting from a pivot ball which sealing seats within a nut that, in turn, is threaded onto a water-supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Smith, Michael A. Cammack
  • Patent number: 4632313
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprising a plurality of horizontally extending chambers each including a plurality of spray nozzles oriented at different angles, a drive for cyclically driving the sprinkler about its horizontal axis, and water-steering means for selectively steering the water to the plurality of chambers while the sprinkler is cyclically driven about its horizontal axis. In one described embodiment, the plurality of chambers are oscillated about the horizontal axis of the sprinkler; and in other described embodiments, the plurality of chambers are rotated about the horizontal axis of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Isaac Rinkewich
  • Patent number: 4629124
    Abstract: A hand shower, for optional hard-jet and soft-jet operation in which the water paths provided for the hard-jet and soft-jet operations extend behind a change-over device completely separately from each other. In the water path associated with the soft-jet operation there is arranged a central device for enriching the through-flowing water with air, the area of which device is small compared to the entire outlet area of the water on the perforated plate of the shower. Both the water enriched with air and the water intended for the hard-jet operation are guided via a water distribution chamber; the two water distribution chambers communicate with two separate sets of outlet ports in the perforated plate of the shower (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Walter F. Gruber
  • Patent number: 4618100
    Abstract: A multiple pattern spray nozzle is provided for connection to a supply of water under pressure, wherein the spray nozzle is adjustable upon movement of a single selector ring to one of several different spray pattern settings. The spray nozzle comprises a nozzle housing for mounting, for example, onto a hose end trigger valve or the like and supporting a stem unit for receiving the supply of water under pressure. A pair of flow control sleeves are carried by a perforate faceplate for sliding movement relative to the stem unit and nozzle housing to define different water flow paths leading respectively from the stem unit to different nozzle outlets formed by the faceplate in cooperation with the stem unit and nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Rain Bird Consumer Products Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Glenn S. White, Karl J. Mussler, Gary A. Van Exel
  • Patent number: 4615488
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical nozzle assembly having several relatively rotatable cylindrical members directs water streams in different directions in response to manual rotation of these members and fits on a water gun to provide modes of operation including the forward, sideward and backward discharge of streams of water. A rotatable cap has a plurality of orifices for alignment with passageways transmitting water streams as the rotatable members are relatively positioned manually to discharge water pumped from an attached water gun in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Ned R. Sands
  • Patent number: 4602740
    Abstract: Fluid blast control apparatus for use in controlling a high pressure fluid in a fluid blast system, the apparatus including a body portion having an inlet for a source of fluid at high pressure, having a discharge outlet for the discharge of fluid at high pressure, having a dump outlet for the discharge of fluid at low pressure, and having a control chamber to place the dump outlet in communication with the inlet and the discharge outlet; a valve guide housing removably positioned in the flow chamber, the valve guide housing having a housing bore for housing a valve closure member, having guide means for guiding such a valve closure member during displacement thereof relatively to the valve guide housing, and having a valve seat; and a valve closure member housed in the housing bore, the valve closure member having a closure seat, and the valve closure member being adapted to be displaced relatively to the valve guide housing into a closed position for the closure seat to seat on the valve seat to control flo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventor: J. Edward Stachowiak
  • Patent number: 4598866
    Abstract: A showerhead includes a hollow housing with front and rear openings and a closure in the front opening which defines first and second groups of flow outlets. The showerhead is secured to a supply pipe by a nut which has a snout to captivate a ball and fix the position of a shank that projects from the ball and around which the housing is rotatable. A flow control device rotationally fixed on the shank enables selection of liquid flow through the ball and shank to selected ones of first and second channels that lead to corresponding first and second groups of flow outlets as the housing is rotated about the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Cammack, David W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4588130
    Abstract: A showerhead has a series of orifices together with a series of spray outlets and a turbine with a valve for sequentially opening successive ones of the orifices. The turbine is driven by water emitted from a nozzle. A multiply-apertured flow director plate communicates water to the nozzle, the orifices and the outlets. Overlying the director plate is a control plate that selectively couples water to different ones of the apertures in the director plate as the latter is moved by a control ring. First, second and third passages are defined in the showerhead, the first between an aperture in the director plate to the nozzle and also through the valve to the orifices, the second from an aperture in the director plate to the outlets and the third from an aperture in the director plate in bypass of the nozzle but through the valve to the orifices in a manner to retard the speed of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Trenary, Joseph G. Mammoser
  • Patent number: 4582253
    Abstract: A spray aerator essentially of simple plastic parts having a swivel faucet attachment, a water conduit pipe, lateral openings in the pipe wall above its closed lower end, a spray housing slidable on the pipe, first and second housing inserts within the spray housing and slidable on the pipe, a flanged flexible snap retainer having downwardly depending legs and snapped over the lower pipe end into a groove to retain the spray housing and housing inserts on the pipe, a spray insert snapped over a ledge at the lower end of the spray housing, the spray insert having outer spray holes and an inner cylindrical tube for an aerator housing, an aerator assembly mounted in the aerator housing and supporting the first housing insert thereabove, and the snap mounting of the spray insert and snap retainer being the only means holding the spray aerator assembled and retained in the conduit pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: WPM, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Gerdes