And Flow Regulation Or Control Of Outlets Patents (Class 239/562)
  • Publication number: 20020121562
    Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Raoul G. Fima, Charles J. Farnham, Ralph E. Pope
  • Publication number: 20020113148
    Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting includes a body having a hollow interior and an open end and a bottom, the body including a peripheral wall and having a plurality of discharge holes formed through the peripheral wall so as to communicate with the interior of the body and so as to be located near one of the ends thereof, and a partition wall formed integrally on the bottom of the body so as to partition a sectional area of the body substantially in equal parts according to the number of discharge holes so that amounts of a molten metal discharged out of the respective discharge holes are substantially equalized, the partition wall having an upper end located above the discharge holes and below a meniscus of the molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Naruse, Hideaki Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20020113149
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing moistened cleaning tissues, in particular paper tissues, includes a housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion which define a moistening chamber therebetween. The lower housing portion has a storage space for cleaning tissues and a support surface for a cleaning tissue to be moistened. Disposed in the upper housing portion is a spraying device or spraying a liquid in a downward direction. A metering pump is arranged in the upper housing portion and configured for manual operation via a pushbutton. The spraying device includes an elastic sheet, which forms an upper boundary of the moistening chamber and includes a plurality of through channels which are impervious to fluid in the absence of an applied pressure, and which let fluid pass through when pressure is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Gottlieb Moosbrugger
  • Publication number: 20020113145
    Abstract: A shower head is disclosed having a front housing portion and a rear housing portion. Intermediate the front and rear housing portions is an integral filter canister including copper-zinc media for the removal of chlorine and other chemicals and contaminants. The shower head also has a plurality of spray openings for spraying water outwardly from the shower head, with a plurality of spray modes and patterns achievable by rotation of the front housing portion. A cleaning ring is also positioned within the front housing portion, it has a camming surface such that upon rotation of the front housing portion to change the spray modes, the cleaning ring is cammed forward to clean associated spray holes of accumulated minerals such as calcium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Kwok Din Wong
  • Publication number: 20020109023
    Abstract: A shower head having a plurality of nozzles capable of attachment to a flexible shower arm. The shower head has a unique nozzle construction that allows for the manipulation of an external flexible nozzle to remove mineral deposits and has an internal, rigid nozzle structure for efficiently forming an aesthetically pleasing water stream. The shower head may have two available flow configurations which are selectable by a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Gary J. Thomas, Russell S. Krajec, William J. Gillette, Timothy A. Bachman
  • Publication number: 20020100820
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for rolled wire rod has individual blowers for the outer and inner regions of the conveyor with speed control to insure a uniform cooling in spite of different mass along the outer and inner regions. A single controller may be provided for each motor or group of motors for each zone or some zones may be controlled and others not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: SMS DEMAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Wolfgang Berg, Hermann Josef Eberts, Gerhard Herzog, Karl Keller, Uwe Plociennik
  • Patent number: 6412711
    Abstract: An adjustable shower head has a nozzle assembly and a controlling device fitted in a hollow body portion. A knob operably fitted in the base is partially extended out of the base and the body portion. A driving gear carried by the knob is mated with a driven gear integrally formed around the rotary sleeve. The knob can be turned easily as the rotary sleeve is driven by the driving gear to turn around the rear end portion of the base, and the multiple holes and entrances of the rotary sleeve sequentially communicate with the plurality of passages. Therefore water is delivered from the body portion to the nozzle plate via the chambers and passages to give different spray types of shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Chen-Yueh Fan
  • Patent number: 6402052
    Abstract: A windshield washer nozzle for an automotive vehicle, including a housing for retaining the nozzle, at least one fluid input port defined by the housing; and at least a first flow path and a second flow path defined by the housing in fluid communication with the fluid input port. Separate pressure flow control valves are retained in the first flow path and the second flow path, wherein fluid at a pressure below a pressure P1 can be directed through the input port and caused to flow through the first flow path, although flow is blocked through the second flow path. Alternatively, fluid in excess of a pressure P2 can be directed through the input port and caused to flow through the second flow path while flow is blocked through the first flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Murawa
  • Patent number: 6394368
    Abstract: A irrigation emitter device for delivering water to various points along a length of a hose. The irrigation emitter device includes a primary hose. The primary hose is elongate and has a first end and a second end. Each of a plurality of secondary hoses has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends of the secondary hoses is fluidly coupled to the primary hose. Each of the secondary hoses is spaced from each other and has a length less than a length of the primary hose. A valve means selectively opens and closes the second end of the primary hose. The valve means is securely attached to the second end of the first hose. The valve means coupled to the second end of the primary hose has a threaded inner surface and defines a female coupler. A male coupling member is securely attached to the first end of the primary hose such that a plurality of primary hoses may selectively be fluidly coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Coleen C. Hintz
  • Patent number: 6382530
    Abstract: An irrigation drip tape includes a flexible tube having an interior surface defining a primary flow path. A plurality of secondary flow paths are provided on the interior surface of the tube, the secondary flow paths in substantially axially aligned relationship along a length dimension of the tube. Each of the secondary flow paths are provided with an inlet region, a turbulence-inducing region, a pressure compensation region, and an outlet region having one or more outlets. The outlet region includes a chamber having side walls and upper and lower surfaces with one or more raised surfaces between the upper and lower surfaces to prevent the upper and lower surfaces from engaging and shutting off flow to the one or more outlets as a result of pressure in the primary flow path. The outlet region also includes at least one outlet slit in the tube in communication with the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Lee A. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6382523
    Abstract: A road brine spreader serving for driving along a road or a similar carriageway and within the roadsides, under pressure spreading out brine over the road via a number of liquid nozzles. The nozzles are arranged to send out the water in the form of jets. The spreader has a control system comprising a regulation mechanism for altering the water pressure and/or quantity and/or the angular position of at least some of the nozzles, and an actuating mechanism for actuating the regulation mechanism. The brine can with this device be spread evenly and uniformly over an iced up and/or snowed up roadway without passing the roadsides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Hedegard
  • Patent number: 6370713
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: AMFAG S.p.A.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Patent number: 6367718
    Abstract: A unilateral or bilateral device which granulates torch cutting slag underneath the material and underneath the cutting torches (2), while synchronizing with the torch cutting machine (1), which is equipped with new nozzle assemblies slightly tilted outwards, the nozzle assemblies being arranged in a new way with shroud-spraying nozzles (11) and new jet-spraying nozzles (10) at low, work specific inlet pressures and a comparably low requirement of water. Very good granulation results with regard to the torch cutting slag produced during the torch cutting procedure. At the same time the nearby components are protected from slag fouling, the slag can be removed without any problems, and exhaust gases can be purified owing to the floating particles being washed out therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Gega Corporation
    Inventor: Horst K. Lotz
  • Patent number: 6357950
    Abstract: A cleaning brush with a variable sprinkling pattern, includes a brush seat, a brush cover having brush hairs, a first slide channel disposed on the brush seat, a first base seat disposed in the first slide channel, outer, middle and inner cylindrical bodies and a second slide channel disposed on the first base seat, a slide block, a rotary switch, a second base seat and a press button disposed on the rotary switch, a resilient member disposed between the second base seat and the press button, a tube body and a sprinkling head. The brush seat is formed with several teeth annularly arranged at intervals. The slide block is engaged with the press button. The second base seat is connected with the sprinkling head disposed on the brush seat. The press button drives the slide block to engage with or disengage from the teeth. The second base seat is disposed on the rotary switch for driving the sprinkling head to change the angle contained by the brush seat and the tube body and vary the sprinkling pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gordon Chih
  • Publication number: 20020020768
    Abstract: A device for coating of workpieces has an application unit provided with a distributing plate which has at least one nozzle and at least one valve unit, the at least one valve unit being formed as a plate valve with at least one inlet slider and at least one outlet slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Held, Frank Hummel, Martin Speidel, Andreas Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6336600
    Abstract: A self-propelled lawn and garden spreader that can be used to apply granular and/or liquid materials to both wide and narrow areas at a constant rate of application per unit area at different ground speeds, such as at a relatively high speed when the operator of the spreader is riding on the spreader, and at a relatively low speed when the operator is walking behind the spreader. The spreader generally includes a frame on which a suitable motor is mounted, wheels mounted to the frame with at least one of the wheels being driven by the motor, and a unit for controlling the ground speed of the spreader, including at least two forward speeds. The spreader further includes a material storage compartment mounted to the frame for containing a material. The material storage compartment has an outlet through which the material exits the material storage compartment and is delivered to a dispenser unit that broadcasts the material outwardly, including away from the sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas F. Jessen
  • Patent number: 6325619
    Abstract: A gas burner with multiple gas rings comprising: a burner body (6) mountable underneath a top plate, with a cut-out section, of an appliance and incorporating a first, upwardly directed gas injector (14) and a second gas injector (9) followed by a horizontal tubular Venturi (10) opening into a vertical well (12); an outer burner head (3) seated on the body (6) through the cut-out section and spaced at a distance above the plate and provided with an annular chamber (22) open above the well (12) and having one or two rows of orifices for flames (4,5); and an inner burner head (1) shaped so as to have a radial divergent (37) coaxially supplied by the first injector through a recess located at the center (31) of the head (3), ports being provided in the head (3) so that all the primary air and the secondary air needed to operate the multiple burner arrives from the top of the top plate of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sourdillon
    Inventor: Bernard Dane
  • Patent number: 6325302
    Abstract: A spray assembly for applying material to an object is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of spray nozzles each having spray openings for applying material to the object. Four nozzles are provided having two orientations each orientation with two spray widths. The assembly also includes a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of material through each of the spray openings. A manifold supports the plurality of spray nozzles and the valves and defines a feed bore and a spray bore extending between the feed bore and each of the nozzles. Water passages are integral with the manifold to regulate the temperature of the material flowing through the spray bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Guzowski, David W. Lazar, James W. Ingles
  • Patent number: 6312191
    Abstract: Self-contained ecological watering system, protected against obturations, and capable of irrigating at low cost uniformly and regularly a variety of cultivated areas; the system operates automatically a series of fertirrigation cycles requiring minimum actuation power and reduced water flow rate. The system permits implementation of various configuration including a plurality of local subsystems (1) which are controllable locally or from a remote station (6); each subsystem comprises a container (2) capable of accumulating the volume of liquid to be discharged per cycle, a watering assembly (3) capable of regulating the watering volume and discharging it upon receiving a low power signal; a low consumption electronic control unit (4) capable of determining the frequency and the appropriate time to send said signal; and a low restriction distribution network (5) capable of transporting the water to irrigate the locations in need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Bernardo Raul Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6254730
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel impact angle changing shower for spraying a fluid upon a moving belt surface while the belt travels at a selected belt velocity. The shower includes nozzles journaled to rotation about an axis in a plane normal to the belt surface and transverse to the belt direction. The nozzles are continuously supplied with pressurized fluid and direct a fluid stream at a selected nozzle velocity and nozzle angle relative to the plane. The orientation of the nozzles is selected to optimize the desired function namely, to clean the belt surface without damaging the belt fabric or felt, or to penetrate the belt to increase fluid absorption by the belt. The fluid stream nozzle velocity can be decomposed using vector mathematics into two vector components: a belt velocity vector component parallel to the belt direction; and a belt impact velocity vector oriented at an impact angle defined relative to the normal transverse plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: James Ross Limited
    Inventor: Jacek J. Macierewicz
  • Patent number: 6230989
    Abstract: A shower head having a plurality of spray modes and unique controls to allow the selection of the desired mode. The shower head includes several unique features to allow the inclusion of several different spray modes, such as wide spray, medium spray, center spray, champagne spray, high speed pulsating spray, low speed pulsating spray, and mist. A waterfall mode can be implemented. The shower head includes a flow control valve that controls the pressure of the water flow, and acts to divert water to a mode selector or to a separate spray mode, such as the mist mode. The flow control valve diverts water between the mode selector and the separate spray mode. It also allows a combination of the modes controlled by the mode selector and the separate spray mode. The shower head also includes a mode selector. The mode selector transfers or routes fluids from the flow control valve to any number of individual or a combination of flow spray mode outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Haverstraw, Joseph W. Cacka, Robin D. Harris, Robert B. Male, Gary J. Thomas, Allen Yi
  • Patent number: 6230982
    Abstract: A valve for dispersing a fluidic substance into a carrier fluid is disclosed. The valve is constructed from few moving parts and is particularly well adapted to distribute fluidic substances with little or no solubility in the flowing liquid into the carrier fluid. The valve is able to disperse difficult to dissolve fluids into the liquid stream by dispersing the fluidic substance into the carrier fluid at the stream's point of highest velocity and creating local turbulence at the points of dispersion. The design of the valve is such that the carrier fluid constantly flushes the valve's moving parts, and the valve is sealed from the dispersed fluidic substance to prevent jamming or clogging the moving parts by undissolved portions of the fluidic substance. The fluid pressure at which dispersal occurs and the volume of dispersal is precisely adjustable. The valve finds use in the irrigation of farmland, golf courses, athletic fields, public parks, and the yards of private homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Gary D. Newton
  • Patent number: 6227456
    Abstract: A water delivery system for shower stalls that divides water delivered from one outflow alternatively into two, three, four, five, and six water streams. The system comprises an elongated larger water delivery member having two approximately parallel showerhead attachment arms with two 90° angles and one approximately 145° angle between them. The system also comprises a shorter water delivery member having two approximately parallel showerhead attachment arms with two 90° angles between them, and an optional third showerhead connector. The 145° angle in the larger water delivery member allows ample ceiling clearance for the system when the larger member is rotated for its installation and removal from water delivery pipes positioned at heights commonly used for human shower applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Ingalls Colman
  • Patent number: 6223999
    Abstract: A static sprinkler presettable to select a desired water discharge pattern includes a lower part formed with a cavity defined by a cylindrical surface and extending axially from an inner end of the lower part serving as a water inlet through the outer end of the lower part; and an upper part carried by the lower part and having a cylindrical stem received within the cavity and engaging the cylindrical surface. The upper part is rotatably presettable with respect to the lower part to align one of a plurality of water discharge openings in one part with a passageway in the other part to thereby enable selection of the water discharge pattern of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Lego Irrigation Ltd.
    Inventors: Noam Lemelshtrich, Yoram Hadar
  • Patent number: 6213412
    Abstract: A spray head assembly particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for use in conjunction with a pulse-action lubrication system that dispenses measured quantities of fluid and propels the fluid through a fluid-carrying apparatus to the spray head assembly. The spray head assembly applies the fluid, e.g., lubricant or coolant, to a target object or article, in particular, a cutting tool, at the remote end of said tube, in the form of a dispersion. The spray head assembly has a plurality of outlet apertures which are disposed at predetermined locations and at predetermined angles with respect to the target object, so as to apply the fluid to multiple surfaces of the target object and thereby ensure thorough lubrication, cooling, etc. of the surfaces of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Mist, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace G. Boelkins
  • Patent number: 6202942
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for distributing a slurry flow to plural feed conduits. It has particular application in the injection of swine manure into the soil as fertilizer. The apparatus includes a circular manifold with a central inlet for delivering slurry to the manifold and outlet ports spaced around the outer wall of the manifold for connection to the respective feed conduits. An impeller in the manifold has back swept impeller blades mounted for rotation so that the impeller blades sweep in sequence past the outlet ports. The impeller blades produce pressurized zones in front of them as they sweep in sequence past the outlet ports. This produces a pulsating flow in the feed conduits, ameliorating blockage problems with the conduits. The impeller also includes knives that rotate around the inside of the outer wall and anvils mounted on the outer wall so the knives will act with the anvils to sever trash in the slurry flow. The knives and the anvils are oppositely inclined to produce a shearing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
    Inventors: Gordon Hultgreen, Philip Leduc, Corwin Puryk
  • Patent number: 6170765
    Abstract: A shower head having a water inlet passage for providing a supply of water to the shower head and a plurality of nozzles for expelling water from the shower head. The flow of water from the water inlet passage to the nozzles is controlled by a pressure actuated toggle valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is in communication with a rotatable bottom portion of the shower head and rotates as the bottom portion of the shower head rotates. The valve mechanism can adjust the flow of water to the nozzles and shut it off altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Amos Gil, Ben Ami
  • Patent number: 6162049
    Abstract: A ported, premixed extendable burner provides increased turndown capability relative to conventional burners. The burner has an adjustable flameholder sleeve which can be extended and retracted relative to a flameholder, to increase and decrease the available flameholder area. The burner is suitable for use in modulated heating applications and other applications where high turndown ratios are desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Roberto O. Pellizzari, Johannes H. J. Thijssen, Scott Macadam
  • Patent number: 6142425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the blowing of compressed air from an aerodynamic structure such as an aircraft wing or helicopter rotor blade and thus controlling the aerodynamic properties of the wing comprises a narrow slot (13) in the upper surface 915) of the structure near its trailing edge (14). Inside the wing (12) is a chamber (23) that is connected to the narrow slot (13) in the wing surface (15). The chamber (23) houses a compressed air conduit (16) for supplying and holding compressed air. A passageway (25) connects the conduit (16) to the slot (13) in the upper surface (25) of the wing (12). The lower wall (27) of the passage (25) has a slit (32) allowing a shutter (31) to move selectively into the passage (25) and obstruct the flow of compressed air through the passageway (25). The shutter (31) is attached to a smart material actuator comprising a piezoelectrical bender (29). When a control voltage is applied to the bender (29), the bender (29) will bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Georgia Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Erian A. Armanios, D. Stefan Dancila
  • Patent number: 6126088
    Abstract: A nozzle mounting and control system for use in sprayers comprising multiple sets of nozzles mounted in the operating position on a sprayer boom. Control valves are operable to select which sets of nozzles are operating at any given time. The valves may be remote controlled and may further incorporate a rate controller to maintain a chosen application rate as speed varies. This application rate may be varied conveniently. The rate controller may be a present rate controller such as measures the speed and total fluid volume delivered and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate, or may be a novel rate controller which measures the speed and fluid pressure and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate. Either rate controller would operate the control valves to select the proper combination of operating nozzles in addition to adjusting the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Wilfred H. Wilger, Mark Bartel
  • Patent number: 6112794
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for applying an edgeband to a planar edge and an apparatus for performing the process. In the process, one or more gluing edge(s) of the structure and/or edgeband is/are heated to a temperature of greater than 25.degree. C., a heated reactive adhesive is then applied to the gluing edge(s), the structure and edgeband are then brought together to form a composite structure, with the reactive adhesive forming the bond. In the apparatus, the reactive adhesive is provided from a sealed adhesive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John L. Hannon, Jeffrey A. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6076750
    Abstract: A device for filling containers, particularly packaging containers such as cardboard packaging containers, on the packaging container, comprises a feed part and a closing part. To prevent the dripping of the substance distributed into the packaging container on the area around the fill opening the feed part is equipped with outlets which form an angle with the center axis of the feed part so that the upper ends of the outlets separate from each other. In the lower end of the feed part, the angle position of the outlets causes the liquid flows from different outlets to unit into one flow of liquid which, if necessary, can be fed into a container even through a small fill opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: UPM-Kymmene Oyj
    Inventors: Ensio Mykkanen, Pertti Kleemola
  • Patent number: 6062490
    Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus constructed as a square sprinkler has a nozzle arrangement with a straight row of nozzles, whereof each has a nozzle inlet connected by a nozzle duct to a nozzle outlet. At least in a portion between the nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet, the nozzles are constructed as rubber-like water guidance ducts, which are disconnectable by a force action transversely to the water flow direction. For the disconnection of individual nozzles clamping sliders are provided and are displaceable transversely to the water flow direction against the rubber-like nozzles and in the case of a displacement in each case disconnect or release again a nozzle. This permits a very variable adjustment of the sprinkling pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Gardena Kress +Kastner GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Katzer, Wolfgang Lindermeir
  • Patent number: 6053434
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for applying a fluid to a surface and adapted to be mounted on a holder, the apparatus is adjustable in a plurality of directions and includes at least one nozzle which can be rotated by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a feed line for supplying the fluid, a housing for transmitting rotary movement, a rotatable shaft having a longitudinal axis and rotatably mounting the housing, the at least one nozzle mounted on the rotatable shaft, and the feed line is connected to the housing, the housing including a first channel for supplying the fluid from the feed line through the housing, a second channel formed adjacent to the housing for supplying the fluid from the first channel to the rotatable shaft irrespective of the rotatable position of the rotatable shaft, and a third channel arranged at least partially in the rotatable shaft for supplying the fluid from the second channel to the at least one nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Mats Filipsson
  • Patent number: 6038782
    Abstract: In one embodiment a blow dryer includes a barrel having an opening. A deflector, having an aperture, positioned within or substantially within the barrel. The hand-held blow dryer can be utilized in at least a first or open mode in which air flow is directed through the barrel opening of the barrel, and a final or fully deflecting mode. Thus, in the fully deflecting mode most of the air is deflected by the deflector so as to diffuse the airflow. Additionally, the shape of the deflector allows the airflow to be maintained while the deflector is in any position, thus, allowing the airflow to flow past the heating coils in the barrel so that potential overheating of the blow dryer is reduced. In another embodiment, a gap is provided between two flaps which comprise the deflector so as to achieve the same result. In still another embodiment, rings are provided around the circumference of a barrel having holes in the barrel. The rings diffuse the air emanating out of the holes and also guide the hair for styling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Vital Hair Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Natale Schepisi
  • Patent number: 6029907
    Abstract: An improved sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle received in a recessed seat provided in a peripheral wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle is formed with a plurality of nozzle ports formed by the radially outer ends of a plurality of vertically flexible nozzle tubes. The flow volume of the water stream being thrown by the sprinkler nozzle is adjusted by selectively operating a flow volume adjustment member carried on the nozzle body to selectively open or close various of the nozzle tubes in various possible combinations. The flow volume of the nozzle will comprise the combined or aggregate flow volumes of the water sub-streams being thrown by those nozzle tubes that are left open. The trajectory of the water stream being thrown by the sprinkler nozzle is adjusted by selectively operating a trajectory adjustment member carried on the nozzle body to bend the flexible nozzle tubes about their vertically fixed, radial inner ends to raise and lower the radial outer ends of the nozzle tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Jeff R. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6027044
    Abstract: A constant flowrate water saving valve comprises a main valve body having a peripheral wall formed with a conical-shaped valve seat surface, a liquid inlet opening on a side of the inner diameter r.sub.1, a vent flow opening on a side of the inner diameter r.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Masahiro Hirata
  • Patent number: 6015102
    Abstract: A drip irrigation hose comprises a tubular body enclosing a water supply passage. An external emitter is attached to the outside of the tubular body. The emitter comprises a front wall, a back wall, side wall and a top wall that defining a flow regulating channel. The emitter further comprises an outlet in at least one of the walls. The hose further comprises an inlet to the emitter.The inlet is in fluid communication with the water supply passage in the hose and the flow regulating channel in the emitter. Water flows through the water supply passage, through the inlet into the emitter, through the flow regulating channel, and out the outlet. The emitter can further comprise a purging bulb to provide a simple and efficient way for the farmer to unclog the emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: T-Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Daigle, Mark Huntley
  • Patent number: 6015097
    Abstract: A machine for applying a liquid coating material such as floor wax, carpet protector or sealer, to a flat surface, such as a floor or the like, includes a first sealed vessel for containing compressed gas and a second sealed vessel for containing the liquid. A pressure regulator is provided for maintaining a predetermined positive pressure head within the liquid-containing vessel, and associated conduit is provided for conveying gas at the predetermined positive pressure to the second vessel. The machine includes at least one spray nozzle and a conduit for conveying liquid from the second vessel to the at least one spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is height adjustable to insure that the sprayed material is uniformly applied to the floor as a relatively light coat without having to spread the applied material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Theron A. VanPutten
  • Patent number: 6015101
    Abstract: A gas burner system which can be used in a conveyor-type oven has a burner tube (4) extending across the conveyor. Gas is burnt through a slot (8) along the tube to give a ribbon flame. The tube (4) is divided into separate compartments (15-19) which connect with different lengths of the slot (8). Combustible gas is fed under independent control to the different compartments (15-19), and the slot lengths are adjustable. The slot lengths consist of short edge-region slots and multiple, longer central region slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: APV UK Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Williamson, Derek Davies
  • Patent number: 6010078
    Abstract: In a distributing apparatus including a tubular manifold, for an applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty application medium onto a traveling material web, notably a paper web or cardboard web, the cross section of the tubular manifold is variable. The adjustment of the manifold permits verying the rate of application of liquid or pastry medium across the distributors width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Eberhardt, Martin Seliger
  • Patent number: 5993193
    Abstract: A gas fired burner is provided for use in applications such as chemical process furnaces for process heaters in refineries and chemical plants, and the like. The burner is provided with a plurality of fuel gas inlets for enabling manipulation of the flame shape and combustion characteristics of the burner, based upon variation in the distribution of fuel gas between the various fuel gas inlets.A combination pilot and flame holder for a burner, such as may be used in process heaters and furnaces for refineries, chemical plants and the like, is also provided. The pilot is mounted atop a supply pipe for premixed fuel and air, which is positioned in the bore of a burner quarl. The pilot includes a radially outwardly extending flange which is upstream of a surface combustion flame holder for establishing a radially directed surface combustion flame.The present invention also provides a low-emissions burner and pilot system for use in such process heaters and furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Gas Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Loftus, Charles E. Benson, Roberto O. Pellizzari, Richard R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5983626
    Abstract: An injection head for rocket engines, in the combustion chambers of which one or more liquid propellants are chemically reacted to generate thrust, with a plurality of injection elements as well as with a distribution chamber arranged before these injection elements in terms of flow. The distribution chamber is divided into two chambers connected in series in terms of flow by means of a separator plate arranged at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the engine. The separator plate has a plurality of openings, each with a different flow cross section and with a defined direction of flow, wherein each opening is associated with one or more injection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Stahn, Hans-Joachim Klotz, Rudiger Ewald
  • Patent number: 5971299
    Abstract: A spray device for use as an alternate water discharge to a faucet has a body with a handle and a spray head. The spray head has discharge openings therein. There is a trigger movable on the body between an off position and an on position. There is a chamber within the body which is in communication with a source of water under pressure and there is a water passage between the chamber and the discharge openings. A valve is movable within the chamber in response to movement of the trigger to connect the source of water under pressure through the chamber, to the water passage, and then to the discharge openings. The water passage is formed between closely spaced facing walls having a textured surface thereon to create adequate surface tension with water within the water passage, whereby water therein will not move to the discharge openings unless the water passage is connected to the source of water under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd C. Loschelder, Eduardo E. Milrud, Thomas J. Overberg, Vance M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5967418
    Abstract: A spray bar for use with a first web having a first width and a second web having a second width comprises a spray bar mounting channel having at least one cut-out in a front surface thereof. A plurality of reduction plates are affixed to the mounting channel over the cut-out. In one embodiment, each reduction plate has a center line and an opening therethrough located a predetermined offset from the center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Robert W. MacDonald, Victor Szatkowski
  • Patent number: 5957391
    Abstract: A self cleaning drip irrigation hose comprising an elongated strip of plastic film folded longitudinally to form first and second overlapping longitudinal margins. A first longitudinal bead partially seals the overlapping margin. A second longitudinal bead outboard of the first bead partially seals the overlapping margins. The first and second beads have a repeating longitudinal pattern that forms a flow regulating channel and opposing inlets spaced along the length of the first and second beads. Outlets from the flow regulating channel to the exterior of the hose are spaced from the inlets to create a pressure drop across the flow regulating channel. A third longitudinal bead outboard of the second bead completely seals the overlapping margin. The second and third beads form a water access channel to the inlets in the second bead such that the inlets in the first bead when plugged are back flushed by water flow through the inlets in the second bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: T-Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael DeFrank, Que Tran
  • Patent number: 5944260
    Abstract: A water-dropping tape for crops includes: a single snaking passage formed in the middle of a water path forming component disposed between the inner and outer end portions of a film-like main wall; a plurality of water entrance portions arranged at predetermined intervals; a water discharge portion disposed in the middle of the snaking passage between the water entrance portions; first and second water inlets formed in the side wall of the water path forming component and the inner end portion of the main wall, and disposed in a region of the water entrance portion; and water outlets formed in the outer end portion of the main wall, and disposed in a region of the water discharge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Hee Gee Wang
  • Patent number: 5934573
    Abstract: The dispenser dispenses and spreads measured quantities of granular materials over a relatively wide area. A plurality of individual measurement chambers are distributed throughout a disc or rectilinear panel which is moved relative to other discs or panels with similarly shaped and spaced holes to first cover the inlet to the chambers to prevent unwanted leakage of material from the interior of the container, and to then open the outlet to each of the chambers to dispense material. A deflector is positioned below the dispenser outlets to spread the dispersed materials over an even wider area. The dispenser is used advantageously to spread seasonings and other food materials onto spread-out food items such as french fries and popcorn, large kettles and vats, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans M. Weterrings, Rodney W. Robbins, Larry J. Sexton
  • Patent number: 5931390
    Abstract: In a valve for the dosed discharge of fluids particularly a fuel injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, the valve includes in an valve housing at the front end of an injector housing a valve structure at a fluid discharge end of the valve housing and a stack of piezo elements disposed in the opposite end of the injector housing and a high pressure fluid passages leads to the fluid discharge end which is isolated from the area in which the stack of piezo elements is disposed and which is in communication with a low pressure drain passage such that the piezo elements are not exposed to the high pressure fluid. Isolation is obtained by a compensation cylinder movably disposed in an annular space between, and in sealing relationship with, the valve housing, the piezo stack being enclosed in a piezo guide tube which is sealingly connected to the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignees: Daimler-Benz AG, P&S Prolotypen und Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Hoffmann, Gregor Renner, Friedrich Wirbeleit, Jens-Peter Wobbe
  • Patent number: RE37732
    Abstract: A checkvalve is provided for dispersing a fluid into a flowing stream. All operating parts of the checkvalve are located in the flowing stream to provide uniform and rapid dispersion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Gary D. Newton