Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler having a pattern select feature. The sprinkler includes, in one embodiment, a tubular member having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal slots thereon and an end portion having the same plurality of apertures therein. A plurality of lumens is formed inside the tubular member. A plurality of longitudinal series of nozzles extend through the spaced apart longitudinal slots. Each lumen is associated with one of said series of nozzles; one end of each lumen includes a fluid inlet and the other end of each lumen is closed. A selector piece is fitted to the tubular member and includes an opening to be aligned with a selected fluid inlet. The sprinkler further comprises a water-driven oscillating mechanism for oscillating the tubular member, wherein the oscillating mechanism includes a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein the water outlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular member. Finally, a support structure for supporting the tubular member is provided.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.

Abstract: A shower head includes a main body, a locking seat, a locking nut, a water outlet faceplate, an O-ring, an adjusting bolt, and a connecting unit. Thus, the water outlet faceplate is moved toward the main body by rotation of the adjusting bolt, so that the O-ring is closely urged between the water outlet faceplate and the main body, thereby forming a closely sealing effect. In addition, the water outlet faceplate is integrally formed with the locking sleeve, thereby decreasing costs of fabrication, and thereby simplifying the process of assembly.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer includes a casing (1) having a flow-through channel composed of sequentially joined inlet portion (2) formed as a converging tube, a cylindrical portion (3) and an outlet portion (4) formed as a conical diffuser. A length of cylindrical portion (3) is not less than a radius thereof. A cone angle of the diffuser forming the outlet portion (4) of the flow-through channel is greater than a cone angle of the converging tube forming the inlet portion (2) of the same channel. Alternatively, the converging tube forming the inlet portion of the flow-through channel is made conoid-shaped. Implementation of the liquid sprayer allows steady-state fine-dispersed liquid flow to be generated at the minimal energy consumption.

Abstract: A premixed fuel burner assembly includes a hollow tubular burner body, a hollow tubular venturi tube and a distribution plate. The burner body is a hollow tube having a open end and a closed end. The burner body also has a longitudinal porting area within which are formed a plurality of radially formed slots. The hollow tubular venturi tube is positioned within the burner body along the longitudinal axis extending from said first end. The distribution plate has a mid-section and longitudinal flanges. The flanges of the distribution plate are coupled to the inside surface of burner body and said mid-section has a plurality of holes formed within. The distribution plate is axially aligned and positioned within said burner body such that said holes of distribution plate are positioned adjacent the radially formed slots within said burner body.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly has a tubular shaped spray head and a longitudinal axis. The tubular shaped spray head has several apertures located along the longitudinal axis. The tubular shaped spray head is connected to a water source for introducing water in the tubular shaped spray head. The showerhead assembly also has a housing for supporting the tubular shaped spray head on a surface. Water traverses through the tubular shaped spray head for spraying beams of water through the apertures.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.

Abstract: We have developed a gas distribution showerhead assembly, for use in a semiconductor processing chamber, which can be easily cleaned, with minimal chamber downtime. The gas distribution showerhead assembly includes an electrode having openings therethrough, and a gas distribution plate which includes a plurality of through-holes for delivering processing gases into the semiconductor processing chamber. The gas distribution plate is bonded to a first, lower major surface of the electrode. A removable insert which fits into an opening in the electrode through which gas flows. Spacing between surfaces of the removable insert and surfaces of the electrode is adequate to permit gas flow, but inadequate for plasma ignition within the opening. The removable insert can be easily removed during cleaning of the gas distribution showerhead, permitting the holes in the gas distribution plate to be easily accessed from both sides of the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: An ejector having an ejector body integrally formed with a nozzle having inlet and outlet ends, a diffuser having inlet and outlet ends and a suction passage defining a suction port between the outlet end of the nozzle and the inlet end of the diffuser. The nozzle and diffuser define fluid passages having a rectangular cross section or a circular cross section in which the narrowest portion of the fluid passage of the nozzle defines a throat. The diffuser has a diverging portion which diverges to have a divergence angle of 5–10 degrees in case of a two dimensional ejector or 3.5–6.5 degrees in case of a three dimensional ejector.

Abstract: When the dripline used for watering soil, low pressure air in the range 10–100 inch water column is flowed through a buried dripline, in alternation of with flow of water at 5 psig or more. The flow of air provides oxygen to the soil, and more widely and evenly disperses the water within the soil, and impedes or counters saturation. A buried dripline runs in a U-shape path, so that low pressure and flow of air from emitters near the dripline terminal end is compensated for by higher pressure and flow of air near the inlet end. Flow of low pressure air or other gas, which pushes water from the dripline and surrounding soil, enables use of driplines in soil subject to freezing.

Abstract: A removable flow restrictor 750 and a corresponding method for regulating flow through a fluid fertilizer distributor 700 are provided. A supply inlet port 712 is in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid outlet ports 716. The flow restrictor 750 is removable positionable within the fluid distributor 700 between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716, for restricting flow between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716. A restrictor engagement member 752, which may be a thread, on the flow restrictor 750, engages with a tool engagement member 762 on a retrieval tool 760. With the restrictor engagement member 752 engaged with the tool engagement member 762, the retrieval tool can be used to both position the flow restrictor 750 within the fluid distributor 700, and to remove the flow restrictor 750 from the fluid distributor 700. After positioning within or removing from the fluid distributor 700, the flow restrictor 750 may be disengaged from the retrieval tool 760.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in treating waste water is provided with a hollow body member having fluid inlets and outlets. A glide tube having a tapered interior is positioned within the body member. A boulet is positioned within the glide tube to form a pressure drop zone and an expansion zone between the glide tube and the boulet. The fluid inlet receives highly or super-saturated liquid from which micro bubbles of gas are produced within the pressure drop and expansion zones. The fluid outlet discharges the liquid and micro bubbles to a desired point of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spraying device suitable for spraying cleaning compositions and rinse water onto hard surfaces. More particularly the spraying device may be attached to a hose, for example a conventional garden hose, so that the cleaning composition and rinse water can be applied to outside surfaces, such as vehicles or the outside surface of windows. The spraying device comprises a purifier located inside the cavity of a container and a spray head.

Abstract: A burner and a method for producing an inorganic soot such as silica comprising a plurality of substantially planar layers having multiple openings therethrough formed by a micromachining process. The openings are in fluid communication with a precursor inlet and a gas inlet to permit the gas and the precursor to flow through and exit the burner. The burner produces a flame from a combustible gas in which the precursor undergoes a chemical reaction to form the soot.

Abstract: A dripper apparatus for a water spigot includes a coupler having a threaded female member for connecting to a water spigot. A generally cylindrical elongate member has a longitudinal portion in fluid communication with the female member. The longitudinal portion has an upper portion that defines a seat within the female member. A flow controller sits on the seat. A filter screen upstream the flow controller collects particles in water flowing therethrough so that the controller does not become clogged. The flow controller includes a housing that is provided with an upper inlet for receiving a first flow rate of water from a water spigot. The housing also includes a cavity therewithin and the cavity is in fluid contact with the upper inlet. A flexible membrane is housed within the cavity and floats when water enters the cavity via the upper inlet. The upper inlet is slotted at the top thereof for further filtering water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Gas burner for a cooker, with a burner head provided with a frustoconical peripheral side wall and with a multiplicity of slots forming flame orifices, the burner head being topped by a cap, the side wall (2′) being inclined (&agr;) to the vertical by 10° to 20° and the bottom (8′) of each slot (3) being inclined (&bgr;) to the horizontal by 20° to 30°; the ratio of the diameter (A) of the cap to the diameter (B) of the side wall (2) at mid-height of the outlet orifices (11) of the slots (3) is from 1.4 to 1.6; the stand-off (H) of the cap above the top of the burner head is from 1 to 15 mm; and the angle of inclination (&ggr;) of the lower face (9) of the cap to the horizontal is from 3° to 15°.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jet regulator (1), comprising a jet regulator housing (2), within the interior of which a jet regulation device (4) is provided. According to the invention, such a jet regulator (1) can be produced at low cost, by means of simple conventional production techniques with simultaneous anti-scaling effect on the jet regulation device (4), whereby the jet regulation device (4) comprises several insertable components (9, 10), which may be inserted in series in the jet regulator housing (2) in the direction of flow (Pf1). The insertable components (9, 10) comprise passage openings (11), which are unidirectionally defined and extend across the cross-section of the passage, and the passage openings (11) of adjacent insertable components (9, 10) are arranged offset to each oter in the circumferential direction of the jet rehulator housing (2), or in the direction of flow (Pf1) of the jet regulator (1).

Abstract: An actuator for controlling the flow of a fluid stream through a valve comprising a shape memory alloy element that positions a valve element to a first position when said SMA element is in an ambient temperature state and a second position when said SMA element is in an elevated temperature state, and a flow plate situated in the fluid stream in a position upstream of the SMA element and having a through-hole pattern to increase the velocity of fluid around the SMA element while it is in its elevated temperature state so as to cool the SMA element by fluid controlled by said valve and return the SMA element to its ambient temperature state.

Abstract: A gas burner has a gas distribution section, an inlet to the gas distribution section connected to a supply of combustible gas, a plurality of outlets, and a gas diffuser. The gas distribution section includes at least one tubular member having a substantially flat first side and formed into a closed loop-shape. In one embodiment, the burner outlets are slots arranged along the first side and oriented substantially transverse to the axial direction of the tubular members whereby a locally uniform flame front is provided at each outlet. The gas diffuser is disposed adjacent the burner inlet to facilitate a uniform flame front along the entire gas distribution section by smoothing out fluctuations or variations in the incoming gas flow.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly and method is configured to apply coherent jets of coolant in a tangential direction to the grinding wheel in a grinding process, at a desired temperature, pressure and flowrate, to minimize thermal damage in the part being ground. Embodiments of the present invention may be useful when grinding thermally sensitive materials such as gas turbine creep resistant alloys and hardened steels. Flowrate and pressure guidelines are provided to facilitate optimization of the embodiments.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet (28) leading to generally vertical projections (38) disposed over several levels. The projections (34, 37, 38) are adapted to divide a single steam of water entering the inlet (28) into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of tho evaporative pads.

Abstract: A burner nozzle having a hot face, side surfaces, and a plurality of internal gas flow passages and comprising a plurality of slits oriented in at least two different directions, wherein a selected number of the slits are formed in the hot face and/or side surfaces. The optimized location and depth of the slits relieve stresses that arise from temperature differences within the burner nozzle, caused by operation in high temperature furnaces, thereby extending the life (time to failure by fracture) of the burner nozzle.

Abstract: A combination hand held shower head and water filter assembly for removing chlorine and other substances from hot shower water. This assembly includes an elongated filter housing with an elongated shower head pivotably secured thereto by an extended swivel and ball arrangement. The elongated, filter housing holds filter media therein and the combination device may be alternatively held in a holding bracket by shaped ends of either the elongated filter housing or the elongated shower head.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the total pressure of a compressible fluid fuel. The apparatus includes at least two closely spaced apart constant enthalpy expansion sections, each section having at least one orifice, the orifices in adjacent sections being noncoaxial. The pressure reduction lowers flow velocity when mixed with the air to below the flame speed to promote ignition and stable combustion.

Abstract: A prostrate garden sprinkler base comprises a prostrate main body provided with a hose connector, a spray tube member in communication with the hose connector, and a shield for concealing and protecting the spray tube member. The shield is provided with a plurality of through slots which are arranged in such a pattern that water streams emitted by jet nozzles of the spray tube member are sprayed out via the through slots of the shield for watering a garden, lawn, golf course, and the like.

Abstract: The system for injecting gas for a detonation projection gun does not incorporate mechanical closing valves or systems for the supply of combustible gas or other inert additive compounds such as nitrogen, argol, helium or the like. On the contrary, the supply of gas or compounds occurs directly and separately to the detonation chamber (1) through a series of independent passages, one for the comburant and at least another passage for the combustibles, each passage being comprised of an expansion chamber (8) and of a plurality of distribution conduits (9) having a reduced cross-section and/or extended length.

Abstract: The main use of the laminar device is for fountain displays. When water flows though the surge suppressor assembly and laminar assembly, this device remove all the turbulent in fluid flow, and display an extreme laminar stream of water.

Abstract: A mechanism for the treatment of materials by pressurized water jets includes a body (1) for supplying water under pressure which includes a feeding chamber (2) extending over the whole length of the body, and wherein water under pressure is fed to the feeding chamber through a filter (4). The body also includes a distributing zone for distributing water under pressure over a whole treatment length against a plate (7) provided with micro-perforations which define water needles (8) directed against the surface (S) of the material to be treated. The material is supported by a carriage element subjected to a suction source eliminating the treatment water.

Abstract: A flexible nozzle system for the gas distribution plate of a plasma reaction chamber. The gas distribution plate is a metal plate having a plurality of clamping holes and a plurality of removable nozzle modules inserted into the clamping holes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a body (1) supplying water under pressure comprising a feeding chamber (2) extending over the whole length of said body, and wherein is fed, through a filter (4), water under pressure; a distributing zone, distributing water under pressure over the whole treatment length against a plate (7) provided with micro-perforations, whereof the orifices define water needles (8) directed against the surface (S) of the material to be treated, the material being supported by a carriage element subjected to a suction source eliminating the treatment water.

Abstract: An aerator includes a housing, a throttle assembly, a mixing chamber, a screen and an elastometric ring. The throttle assembly includes a first or upper throttle member and a second or lower throttle member, each of the upper and lower throttle members defining a portion of a snap element. The snap element allows for retention and relative rotation of one of said first and second throttle members in order to change the air content of the water stream from a closed aerator position which provides a substantially non-aerated water stream to an opened aerator position which provides a combined water and air stream. One embodiment of a snap element being defined by upper throttle projections and a lower throttle flange whereby the lower throttle flange is urged upstream of the upper throttle projections. The lower throttle member is retained by the upper throttle member for selective rotation by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid projection apparatus in the form of a face-shooter array. Material layers are used as the basis to fabricate the device to overcome constructional difficulties associated with other technologies. The device utilizes excitation of the surface layers (100) incorporating nozzles (8) which are arranged over one surface layer with addressability, forming a liquid projection array, capable of operation at high frequencies with a wide range of liquids.

Abstract: A pull-out spray head, which is connectable with a faucet by a flexible hose, has a water conveyance body disposed within an outer enclosure. The water conveyance body has a cavity which is arranged substantially transversely to the water delivery direction, has an opening facing toward the water intake duct defined by the body, and is divided into two facing portions on opposite sides with respect to the opening. Each facing portion has a water delivery port connected, respectively, to the peripheral ports and to the central port of a disk which locks the body within the enclosure. One of the facing portions is provided with a hollow plug or slider which includes a port for connection to the water delivery port of that one facing portion. A flow control element is positioned within the body and has a rod which protrudes outwardly of the enclosure so as to be connected to an actuation lever.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a fluid, such as an adhesive, in a thin layer on a surface including a spreader housing and a plurality of outlet nozzles, which are arranged at regular intervals along one side of the spreader housing, and which are connected to a feeding channel system accommodated in the housing. The feeding channel system communicates with an inlet opening for the fluid. The nozzles, the feeding channel system thereof and the inlet opening are shaped in a separate lining detachably secured in the housing, the housing including cavities for receiving the lining and being able to firmly clamp around the lining in use, and whereby at least one opening is provided in the housing, where the nozzles project from the interior of the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes an armature assembly including an injector needle reciprocable between a closed position and an open position; a needle seat for receiving the injector needle in the closed position, the needle seat including a central opening therethrough; a discharge orifice disk disposed downstream of the needle seat, the discharge orifice disk directing fuel toward a desired location; and a turbulence generator disposed upstream of the discharge orifice disk.

Abstract: Increased turndown ratio is achieved by providing an atmospheric gas burner having a burner body with a plurality of ports formed therein and a fuel flow divider disposed in the burner body. The fuel flow divider defines a primary fuel chamber and at least one secondary fuel chamber, wherein the secondary fuel chamber is in fluid communication with at least one of the ports and the primary fuel chamber is in fluid communication with the remaining ports. A first mixing tube introduces a fuel-air mixture into the primary fuel chamber, and a second mixing tube introduces a fuel-air mixture into the secondary fuel chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 having an outlet aperture 26, the outlet aperture 26 having at least one injector 40,42 which is disposed within the aperture 26 and which injects a material 17 within the aperture 26, effective to allow the material to be atomized and to be emitted from the aperture 26 at a substantially identical velocity at each point within the aperture 26.

Abstract: A fluid collection and distribution system (irrigator) configured from a flexible or semi-flexible material which can conform to various sizes and shapes of terrain. According to various embodiments of the irrigator, seep holes may be provided. Additionally, the irrigator may be configured from a porous material. In various embodiments, the irrigator contains through holes for various plant life to take root through and for facilitating drainage. The irrigator may have multiple, distinct passages for the collection and/or distribution of multiple fluids and or gases. In addition, a irrigator forming device is provided for forming the irrigator. Still further, an irrigator cutting device is provided for customizing and repairing the irrigator.

Abstract: A burner fed with a flow of an air-fuel mixture, has a venturi tube arranged at the inside of a tubular burner body provided with through apertures through which said flow passes. The venturi tube is supported and centered in the body at one of its ends. Additional support and centering means of said venturi tube are provided at the inside of said tubular body. The additional support and centering means are provided with control means controlling the distribution of said flow of said air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A combination hand held shower head and filter assembly for attachment to a waterline to remove chlorine and other substances from water. This assembly includes filter media held in a two-stage bed of ceramic-type calcium sulfite beads and a copper/zinc material in an internal chamber formed in an elongated, hollow handle. The combination elongated handle and filter assembly is held in a shower head having an angled portion threadably held on the combination elongated handle and filter assembly.

Abstract: A shower head has a first chamber defined in part by an outer wall or body and having an entrance bush to receive a supply of water which is deflected into the first chamber by a baffle on spaced legs depending from the bush. The shower head has a second chamber comprising an upper conical wall formed with a ring of openings therein through which water can pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. The second chamber has a lower wall or spray plate with fine water outlet apertures and also has an external peripheral rim at the level of the spray plate. The second chamber is a one-piece unit in which the upper conical wall is secured to the baffle by a screw threaded bolt acting to pull the second chamber into the first chamber and clamp the peripheral rim against a sealing ring pressing on an internal annular shoulder of the outer wall or body.

Abstract: A shower filter assembly, having a thin or low-profile design, including a recessed inlet, which leads into an internal chamber having a filter element mounted therein to deflect water flowing into the internal chamber substantially evenly through a filter media held within the filter element. Magnets are provided in the compact shower filter to act on the water flowing therethrough, so as to breakdown carbonates therein and prevent the formation of line and scale deposits.