And Surrounding Ports (peripheral) Patents (Class 239/449)
  • Patent number: 12138130
    Abstract: A cannula for insertion of a medical instrument includes a tube portion and an attachment portion coupled to the tube portion. One or more magnets are arranged at the attachment portion and configured to encode identifying information of the cannula. The attachment portion comprises a plurality of encoding positions that each indicate part of the identifying information; and for each encoding position of the plurality of encoding positions, absence of one of the one or more magnets at the respective encoding position indicates a first value, presence of one of the one of the magnets with a first orientation at the respective encoding position indicates a second value, and presence of one of the one of the magnets with a second orientation at the respective encoding position indicates a third value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Garbus, Allen C. Thompson, Justin Krom
  • Patent number: 10974259
    Abstract: A multi-mode fluid nozzle includes a generally-cylindrical mixing chamber with a stream mode fluid inlet connected to one side of the chamber, a fluid outlet connected to the opposite side of the chamber and a plurality of mist mode fluid inlets connected to the periphery of the chamber. The discharge pattern of the multi-mode fluid nozzle is dependent upon the inlets from which fluid enters the mixing chamber such that when the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the stream mode fluid inlet, the fluid exits the fluid outlet in a stream flow discharge pattern, when the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the mist mode fluid inlets, the fluid exits the fluid outlet in a mist flow discharge pattern and when the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the stream mode and the mist mode fluid inlets, the fluid exits the fluid outlet in a droplet flow discharge pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Innomist LLC
    Inventor: Xinqi Rong
  • Patent number: 10940495
    Abstract: A spray assembly (110) for a spray head (200) which is arranged, in use, to adjust a spray pattern of fluid includes a spray plate (118) with a plurality of holes (132, 134) therethrough, and a control member (116) rotatable relative to the spray plate (118). In use, the orientation of the spray plate (118) is fixed and rotation of the control member (116) causes fluid to be directed to different groups of the plurality of holes (132, 134) through the spray plate (118). The spray assembly (110) further comprises at least one flow control opening (152) provided in a flow control plate (124) driven by rotation of the control member (116). The flow control opening (152) is arranged, in use, to be moved in response to rotation of the control member (116). The flow control plate (124) has teeth (142) on its outer circumference which interlock with teeth (146) on an outer circumference of an idler gear (148).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Simon Westgate, Andrew Warner
  • Patent number: 10632301
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for patient monitoring and treatment can include an electrode configured to be worn by a patient to provide at least one of monitoring a cardiac function of the patient and delivering a treatment for cardiac arrhythmia to the patient; and a first connector connected to and in communication with the electrode, the first connector including a male connection portion. The male connection portion is configured to engage a second connector to form a mating engagement between the first connector and the second connector. The male connection portion includes at least one orientation aligning feature configured to engage the male connection portion of the first connector with the second connector in a fixed orientation with respect to the second connector to form the mating engagement. The first connector has a flattened profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Joseph Desmarais
  • Patent number: 10443757
    Abstract: A faucet may comprise a main body, a control valve, and two press buttons. The main body is hollow to form a valve chamber therein, and the control valve is configured to be positioned in the valve chamber. A top end of the main body is connected to a water outlet tube, and a lower end thereof is configured to axially insert into the valve chamber. After the control valve is positioned in the valve chamber, a locking ring is engaged with and secured at a lower end of the valve chamber, and a water inlet tube is configured to axially penetrate through the locking ring to connect to the control valve. Each of two lateral sides of the main body has an installing hole, and two installing holes located at two corresponding positions are configured to receive and couple with the two press buttons respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GEANN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Shih Wang
  • Patent number: 10369371
    Abstract: An improved method that incorporates a user interface for a defibrillator (100) capable of being used with paddle electrodes (180) and adhesive pad electrodes (190). A shock delivery button (110) located on the defibrillator control panel delivers a shock through the pad electrodes. A second shock delivery button (210), located on the paddle electrodes, delivers a shock through the paddle electrodes. Both shock delivery buttons are configured with the same shape, operation and illumination in order to reduce user confusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Simon Edward Kozin, Anthony Matheson
  • Patent number: 10350618
    Abstract: A shower head capable of automatic switching and manual positioning is provided. By pressing buttons, a tension spring brings a final-stage small gear of a gear transmission unit to mesh with a switching gear. A rotor drives the switching gear through the gear transmission unit, enabling a water hole of the switching gear to align with one of water diversion holes of a water diversion seat for automatic switching to provide different outflow modes. The shower head implements function switching with one hand and is convenient to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SINYU TECHNOLOGY (FUJIAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhangjun Yu
  • Patent number: 9533321
    Abstract: A spray gun includes a handle and a spray head mounted to each other for forming a hollow main body. A switching assembly is mounted in the main body between the handle and the spray head for controlling the operating type of the spray gun. The switching assembly includes a seat mounted in the main body, a shank extending through the seat, an outlet set received in the seat, a first button and a second button, wherein the first button and the second button are respectively connected two a front end and a rear end of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: AQUALEAN MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Pin-Hsien Yu
  • Patent number: 9427749
    Abstract: A switching method of a button switching shower includes: step 1, pressing a button slidingly connected to the shower, and then the button slides; step 2, the button acts on the linking seat of the pawl for rotating the pawl; step 3, the pawl rotates the ratchet wheel through the control end of the pawl, and the shape of the elastic claw of the pawl is changed for restoring energy; step 4, the rotation of the ratchet wheel rotates the water diversion disc, and then the water diversion disc is in place, and then the water diversion disc switches the outlet functions, the stopping claw of the pawl is against the ratch of the ratchet wheel for stopping the ratchet wheel inversion; step 5, the pressing is loosened for resetting the button, and the elastic energy of the elastic claw is released for resetting the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignees: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Jianmin Chen, Renzhong Li, Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 9289784
    Abstract: A showerhead for generating micro air bubbles includes: a body including an inflow part disposed at one end thereof for supplying shower water, and a discharge part disposed at the other end thereof for discharging the shower water supplied through the inflow part; a bubble-generating part coupled to the discharge part, and including bubble-generating tubes which expand in the discharge direction of the shower water; a fluid regulator part for opening/closing a portion of the bubble-generating tubes; and a shower part disposed in front of the bubble-generating part, and including shower holes for discharging shower water. Since the bubble-generating part for generating micro air bubbles is disposed within the showerhead, shower water including micro air bubbles can be used by simply replacing a typical showerhead with the above-described showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Robotous Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Yeon Moon, Min Chul Kim, Jung In Koo
  • Patent number: 9216424
    Abstract: A fluid distributor has a component configured for selective rotation about a central axis of the fluid distributor, a fluid input, a first fluid output, and a second fluid output, wherein rotation of the component in a first direction about the central axis alternates selection between the first fluid output and the second fluid output and at least one of (1) the component is configured to rotate about the central axis by at least 360° in the first direction and such rotation of the component about the central axis provides at least four alternations between selection of the first fluid output and the second fluid output and (2) selection of the second fluid output is the next available fluid output for selection in response to rotating the component about the central axis away from a position of the component in which the first fluid output is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: AM Conservation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8967497
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead including a showerhead portion, a handle portion, and a movable mode selector portion. The mode selector portion includes a rotationally-fixed first end coupling and a rotationally-fixed second end coupling, which is concentrically aligned with the first end coupling, and a rotatable control knob body. The movable mode selector includes a fluid seal coupled to the rotatable knob body, the first fluid seal including at least one fluid control aperture. The second end coupling also includes a fluid inlet aperture and a fluid outlet aperture. The inlet aperture is in fluid communication with a fluid supply, and the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with the control knob body. A second fluid seal is positioned between the second end coupling and the control knob body. A single mechanical fastener axially couples the control knob body to the first end coupling and the second end coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 8888020
    Abstract: A multi-stage showerhead for preventing mixed flow and back pressure, in which a capacity space is set inside a housing, the capacity space is provided for placing an inner disk, an outer disk, a distribution base, an outlet base, a bottom base and a water-gas mixing seat, wherein at least a counter-stop pad is set inside the water-gas mixing seat for avoiding that water and gas fixed to produce back-pressure counter current, to thereby ensure the purpose of water-saving and not reducing the strength of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: So Mei Huang
  • Patent number: 8800893
    Abstract: A faucet wand includes a waterway having a plurality of conduits; a diverter valve and a reset valve. The diverter valve diverts fluid flow between two of the conduits and has a default position. The reset valve can cause the diverter valve to return to its default position from another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker
  • Patent number: 8757517
    Abstract: A showerhead having a plurality of spray modes including a manifold defining a plurality of mode apertures, a front channel plate, a rear channel plate, and a radial mode changer. The front channel plate includes a plurality of front plate partitions connected to an exterior surface of the manifold. The front plate partitions define at least two channels, each channel of the at least two channels corresponds to one of the plurality of spray modes. The mode apertures in the manifold provide fluid communication between the manifold and the at least two channels. The rear channel plate encloses the at least two channels to form at least two chambers. When the radial mode changer is rotated, one or more of the ports of the radial mode changer is aligned with one or more of the mode apertures, and water flows through the radial mode changer into one of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl T. Whitaker, Leland C. Leber, Brian Randall Williams
  • Patent number: 8727241
    Abstract: A kitchen sink sprayer, comprising a body enclosed in an outer enclosure for being gripped and provided with a coupling to a flexible water supply hose connected to a faucet for adjusting the flow-rate between a closed position and an open position, the body comprising a rod which has, at one end, a tip that is adapted to open selectively the access of the water to a duct for forming a central jet and to ducts for forming a peripheral jet, and is provided with means for actuation by the user, the means for actuating the rod having a tab which is connected directly to the rod in an intermediate position of the rod and protrudes from the enclosure of the sprayer, at its lateral surface, by an extent that is sufficient for contact grip by the user when it is necessary to actuate the rod in order to move it from one of its selection positions to the other and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Amfag S.p.A.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Patent number: 8720800
    Abstract: A shower head includes a main body seal seat fixed to a main body. The main body seal seat is fitted in a rotation seat in a rotation way and located above a cover seal seat. The cover seal seat is fixed to a cover unit. The joint of the main body seal seat and the rotation seat has a groove to receive a first seal ring. The main body seal seat has at least one water inlet. The water inlet is provided with a spring and a second seal ring therein. The spring is located between the second seal ring and the water inlet of the main body seal seat. The cover seal seat has at least one through hole corresponding in position to the water inlet. The cover unit has at least one water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Wei-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8695897
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead assembly is provided which provides for a plurality of spray patterns. In a preferred embodiment, the showerhead assembly provides for four spray patterns including an oval shaped spray pattern. The showerhead is rotatably attached to the handle so that the showerhead can be rotated relative to the handle without altering spray patterns, other than their orientation. Furthermore, the handheld shower assembly includes a push button controller located within the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Ray Engel
  • Patent number: 8652078
    Abstract: A shower head with water-powered vibrating function wherein a diverting member is disposed in the water diversion chamber which is operable by a diverting member actuating means between a normal shower position and a massage shower position. At the normal shower position the diverting member diverts water flow received from the water diversion chamber inlet to leave the water diversion chamber through the first water diversion chamber outlet for exiting the shower head through a first water outlet; and at the massage shower position, the diverting member diverts water flow received from the water diversion chamber inlet to leave the water diversion chamber through the second water diversion chamber outlet for entering the turbine chamber for rotating the turbine and thereafter leaving the turbine chamber to exit the shower head through a second water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brand New Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Man Hon Lee
  • Patent number: 8632023
    Abstract: A shower head includes a push-button operated rotatable valve having a plurality of positions including; a first position in which the shower head allows water to flow to a first function, a second position radially offset from the first position in which the shower head allows water to flow to a second function, a third position radially offset from the first position and the second position and to the first position, in which the shower head allows water to flow trickle through the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Michael Miller, James Wu, Alex Wu, Cewen Yang
  • Patent number: 8616470
    Abstract: A showerhead system includes an arm structure adapted to couple to a water pipe to receive water flow therefrom. The arm structure includes a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a mode selector operatively coupled to the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. The mode selector transitions between a first setting to direct water flow from a first chamber to a second chamber positioned below the first chamber and a second setting to direct water flow from the first chamber to a third chamber positioned below the first chamber. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the third chamber is in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit. The showerhead system further includes a spray head configured to distribute the water from at least one of the first and second the fluid conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Williams
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8550380
    Abstract: The spray head has a housing-mounted inflow passage for feed water, and a central first outflow passage. A second and a third outflow passage are offset in the circumferential direction with respect to an axis of rotation. Each of the outflow passages is connected to a corresponding water outlet for producing different spray jets. A control element having a connecting channel is disposed in the interior of the spray head and is rotatable about the axis of rotation by the actuating element. The actuating element can execute a lifting movement. In the starting position of the actuating element, the connecting channel exclusively connects the inflow passage to the first outflow passage. In the lifting position of the actuating element, the inflow passage is connected either to the second or the third outflow passage as a function of the actuating element and the associated rotational position of the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Christian Gautschi, Michael Lehner
  • Patent number: 8448667
    Abstract: A multi-function faucet wand configured to be removably supported by the delivery spout of a faucet. The faucet wand includes a mode control movable in response to user input from between a first position for directing water in an aerate mode, and a second position for directing water in a spray mode. A flow control is movable in response to user input from between a first position for providing a low flow rate of water, and a second position for providing a high flow rate of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Steven Kyle Meehan, Timothy J. Sailors, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8430344
    Abstract: A swayable and retractable shower, includes a retractable assembly and a shower head. The retractable assembly includes a fixed portion, a retractable portion and a reset portion. The fixed portion has a through sliding hole. The retractable portion with a through water entry is hermetically and slidably connected in the through sliding hole. The reset portion is disposed between the fixed portion and the retractable portion. The water entry communicates with the through sliding hole. The shower head is swayably connected to the lower end of the retractable portion and can communicate with the water entry, so the shower head can swing left or right in optional directions when it is stretched out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Cai, Shenghe Chen, Hua Yao, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8424781
    Abstract: A power sprayer or spray device for use with a faucet. The spray device may include a spray mode and a stream mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Michael Scot Rosko, John D. Vogel, Patrick B. Jonte
  • Patent number: 8348181
    Abstract: A shower assembly having a plurality of spray modes for expelling water includes a housing having a water inflow and a water outflow. The shower assembly provides a manifold defining a cavity having a sidewall. One or more mode apertures formed in the sidewall of the cavity are in fluid communication with the water outflow. A radial mode changer provided in the shower assembly defines a hollow passageway in fluid communication with the water inflow, and further defines a plurality of recessed ports in fluid communication with the hollow passageway. The radial mode changer is rotatably received in the cavity of the manifold and may be rotated relative to the manifold to align at least one of the recessed ports with at least one of the mode apertures for providing flow from the water inflow into the water outflow via the radial mode changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl T. Whitaker, Leland C. Leber, Brian Randall Williams
  • Patent number: 8313049
    Abstract: A shower faucet includes a housing having a press bar axially connected; a tube member installed in the housing and including a seat having a second room to distributing water and a displace room; a distributing valve core pushed to move between a higher and a lower positions of the second room to generate a first and a second waterings; a button element biased against by the press bar to actuate a rotary positioning member to engage with the distributing valve core to generate the second watering, wherein the positioning member is retained on ratchet members of the displace so that the second watering is kept without pressing the press bar continuously, a resilient element used to push the distributing valve core so that the positioning member is rotated and pushed to disengage from the ratchet members, such that watering levels are switched by pressing the press bar easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Feng Xu
  • Patent number: 8308085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray at a rate not to exceed 1.5 GPM (5.75 GPM). In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather at a rate not to exceed 2.0 GPM (7.57 L/min) for the combined water flow. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern at a rate not to exceed 2.0 L/min (7.57 GPM). The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Meisner, Walter Pitsch, Tung Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 8297534
    Abstract: A shower with rotatable top and bottom rotating covers and a rotatable watering function, comprising: a shower housing, a watering unit having a tilted hole, an impeller set beneath the tilted hole and axially located between the shower housing and the watering unit, a top rotating cover protruding on the shower housing and fixed on the top of the impeller, and a bottom rotating cover protruding under the watering unit and fixed beneath the impeller. The top and bottom rotating covers rotate with the impeller around the same axis. The bottom cover contains an off-center outlet. The water stream from the tilted hole of watering unit will strike the impeller, rotating the top and bottom rotating cover around the same axis. The off-center outlet of the bottom rotating cover then generates a rotating spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Renzhong Li, Jianmin Chen, Bin Chen, Huasong Zhou
  • 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: 8276834
    Abstract: A multi-function shower head provides three water flower levels in response to three watering modes and comprises a low-flow controlling valve and a water flower generator such that the water flow passes through water flower generator to result in a centrifugal force, and then passes through a plurality of tunnels and a path to spray water, obtaining low-flow and strong water flower. Thereby, a water saving and strong flowing purpose of the shower head is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Jiasen Qiu, Aping Zhou, Yao Lu, Weijin Huang, Yuansheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8220726
    Abstract: An adjustable module spray head and adjusting method thereof comprises a module core unit having a holder, a distributing set rotating relative to the holder, two plugs, and a rotatable positioning structure between the holder and the distributing set; the module core unit is used to assembled with various spray heads with different watering levels to meet different demands by selecting an installing position of a levering pin of the rotatable positioning structure and by removing at least one stator or a rotor of the adjustable levering assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Jiasen Qiu, Meng-Feng Cheng, Yuansheng Chen, Changwen Zhang, Yao Lu
  • Patent number: 8177147
    Abstract: A handheld showerhead assembly is provided which provides for a plurality of spray patterns. In a preferred embodiment, the showerhead assembly provides for four spray patterns including an oval shaped spray pattern. The showerhead is rotatably attached to the handle so that the showerhead can be rotated relative to the handle without altering spray patterns, other than their orientation. Furthermore, the handheld shower assembly includes a push button controller located within the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ray Engel
  • 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: 8066203
    Abstract: A switching device of a multifunctional shower head is integrated into the cavity of the shower head, which mainly includes a switching button, a radius bar, a swing arm, a coupled gear, a shaft for the coupled gear, a division gear, and a shaft for the division gear; wherein one end of said radius bar extends out of the shower head via a through-hole to fix with a switching button, and the end has a pivot pin; one end of said swing arm is fixed onto the shaft of the coupled gear, while a slot guide is disposed on the other end for connecting with said pivot pin of said radius bar; said gearing coupled and division gears are located in the cavity of the shower head via their shaft respectively; said division gear closing on the outlet of the main body has several dividing holes coordinating to the outlet of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 7992807
    Abstract: A mechanism of controlling water outflow of shower is provided in the casing of shower. The water outlet of the mechanism is aligned with the water outlet of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outflow comprises inner sealing shell, outer sealing shell, and an intermediate cavity defined between the inner sealing shell and the outer sealing shell. A water outflow cavity is formed between outer sealing shell and water outflow disc. The intermediate cavity communicates with intake channel of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outlet also comprises separating sealing pad inside the intermediate cavity, with one side sticked to the water outflow disc of outer sealing shell and the other side sticked to valve elements. The intermediate cavity comprises the inner cavity and outer cavity. The inner cavity communicates with water outflow cavity through the first small hole and with outer cavity through a through-hole. The intake channel communicates with outer cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Yaozhao Pan
  • 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: 7850098
    Abstract: A spray head for a power sprayer configured to generate a continuous sheet-like water shield around a center stream of water is disclosed. A water delivery device for use with a sink is disclosed, the water delivery device may produce a stream of water surrounded by a continuous shield of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: John D. Vogel, Michael Scot Rosko, Patrick B. Jonte, Ryan A. Reeder
  • Publication number: 20100301141
    Abstract: A mechanism of controlling water outflow of shower is provided in the casing of shower. The water outlet of the mechanism is aligned with the water outlet of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outflow comprises inner sealing shell, outer sealing shell, and an intermediate cavity defined between the inner sealing shell and the outer sealing shell. A water outflow cavity is formed between outer sealing shell and water outflow disc. The intermediate cavity communicates with intake channel of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outlet also comprises separating sealing pad inside the intermediate cavity, with one side sticked to the water outflow disc of outer sealing shell and the other side sticked to valve elements. The intermediate cavity comprises the inner cavity and outer cavity. The inner cavity communicates with water outflow cavity through the first small hole and with outer cavity through a through-hole. The intake channel communicates with outer cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Yaozhao Pan
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7748406
    Abstract: A dual-handle control faucet that includes a pull-out head and a faucet base. The pull-out head is switchable between a first water discharge pattern and a second water discharge pattern. The pull-out head switches from the first water discharge pattern to the second water discharge pattern upon disengagement with the faucet base, which provides for hands-free switching between to two spray patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Edward Pilatowicz, Oscar Romero, Alston E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7665676
    Abstract: A showerhead system for communicating a fluid supply, the system including a fixed fluid dispensing unit supported at a location, the fixed dispensing unit including a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A removable fluid dispensing unit is releasably secured to a receptacle established within the fixed dispensing, the removable unit further including at least one additional nozzle. The fluid supply is adapted to be in selective communication with either or both the fixed and removable fluid dispensing units, such as through the provision of a fluid diverter element located at an inlet of the fixed unit and from which extends a conduit in separate communication with the removable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Mordechai Lev
  • Patent number: 7607588
    Abstract: Sink spray head with supply jet variation and flow rate regulation, comprising a body defining at least two distinct water supply areas in communication with a distribution chamber controlled by a diverting cut-off driven by means of two distinct selection keys accessible outside the body, a cut-off being also provided for the regulation of the water flow rate. The keys are operatively connected to the regulation cut-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Fabrizio Nobili
  • Patent number: 7533833
    Abstract: A watering nozzle assembly includes an adjustment member received in the barrel and an outlet device is connected to the adjustment member. The outlet device includes a rotatable member, a collar mounted to the rotatable member and a nozzle member connected to the rotatable member. An intermediate member is located between the rotatable member and the nozzle member. One side of the intermediate member has a plurality of rods and passages. Multiple apertures are defined in an outer periphery of the nozzle member. Multiple cone-shaped recesses are defined in an inner periphery of the nozzle member and enclose the apertures respectively. Multiple spiral grooves are defined in each of the cone-shaped recesses. When the cone-shaped recesses are sealed by the rods and a part of each of the spiral grooves are exposed beyond the rods so that mist water goes out from the apertures via the spiral grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: King-Yuan Wang, Shun-Nan Lo
  • Patent number: 7494074
    Abstract: A sprayhead especially suited for coupling to an extension hose for use in a pull-out kitchen faucet, the sprayhead including a selector subassembly for choosing between both spray and aerate modes, and a volume control built in to the sprayhead. The selector subassembly is engaged to a detent finger-button mounted on the housing that selectively diverts water flowing through an aerated flow path to an alternate spray flow path, thereby allowing manual selection between spray mode and aerate mode. The volume control is a slide switch on the housing and coupled to a rotary valve assembly for allowing the user to adjust the flow volume when in spray mode without affecting water volume in the aerate mode. When in aerate mode water is expelled from the sprayhead through an aerator output, and when in spray mode water is expelled through a series of nozzles oriented radially around the aerator output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Evan Benstead
  • Patent number: 7434751
    Abstract: A water spraying gun includes a main body, a water supply member, a water outlet seat, a nozzle module, a control switch, and a rotation member. Thus, the water is injected outwardly from the water injection hole of the nozzle module or sprinkled outwardly from the water sprinkling holes of the nozzle module, so that the water spraying gun have different water outlet modes, thereby enhancing the versatility of the water spraying gun. In addition, the different water outlet modes are changed and controlled by rotation of the rotation member, thereby facilitating the user controlling the different water outlet modes. Further, the water flow rate from the nozzle module is controlled independently by rotation of the control handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen