Including Valve Means In Flow Line Patents (Class 239/569)
  • Patent number: 7036756
    Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus with a controlled supply of pressurized fluid delivered through a network of tubes to a spray head having a plurality of stop flow valves and nozzles that will automatically shut off the flow of fluid out of the nozzles when the pressure of the fluid drops below a threshold level. The spray head preferably has a central chamber that is open to the stop flow valves and dampens any fluctuations in pressure and volume of fluid from the source of pressurized fluid. The nozzle is preferably mounted to the stop flow valve. The stop flow valve has a biased valve head that engages a seat until the pressure exerted on the valve head by the fluid exceeds a threshold level and the valve opens. One embodiment has a quick connect coupling with a base, seal and collar that will allow spray heads of various numbers of nozzles to be quickly exchanged. Another embodiment is adapted to couple with a conventional paint spray compressor and gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Henry D. Melendez
  • Patent number: 7028925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray gun generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, a dispensing device, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. The dispensing device, or spray gun, of one embodiment of the present invention include a curved lance wand, a trigger mechanism, and a valve that provides selective alteration of fluid flow and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Castle Rock Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Guest, Roger Pedlar, Brian J. Doll
  • Patent number: 7028927
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising two components connected to each other with possible displacement of one component relative to the other, sealing means arranged between said two components, and flow rate adjusting means actuated by displacement of one component relative to the other. The invention is characterized in that the device comprises positioning means for placing the two components in two different positions, namely a first so-called sterilizing position, wherein said two components do not, or hardly exert, any stresses on the sealing means, and second so-called operating position, wherein said two components stress the sealing means to provide the required sealing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Sobem
    Inventor: Bernard Mermet
  • Patent number: 7025291
    Abstract: A water sprayer includes a handle having a passage, a housing having a pathway and a chamber communicating with the passage and a passageway communicating with the chamber and the pathway of the housing, to form a valve seat between the passageway and the pathway of the housing. A stem is rotatably and slidably received in the passageway and the chamber of the housing, and includes a block having a groove for selectively communicating with the passage of the handle. The block includes a channel formed by a swelling and having an opening selectively communicating with the pathway of the housing when the stem is rotated relative to the housing, to control a water flowing through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Sheng Li Wu
  • Patent number: 7014126
    Abstract: A sorting machine for diverting an article from an article stream generally includes a manifold, a first valve supported on the manifold and a second valve supported on top of the first valve. The manifold has a first blow-off conduit and a second blow-off conduit formed therein. The first blow-off conduit terminates at a first blow-off port and the second blow-off conduit terminates at a second blow-off port. The first valve is in fluid communication with the first blow-off conduit of the manifold for supplying a burst of fluid out of the manifold through the first blow-off port to divert an article from an article stream intersecting with the first blow-off port. The first valve further has a by-pass duct in fluid communication with the second blow-off conduit of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Festo Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Boertje, Michael Foy
  • Patent number: 7007865
    Abstract: A self-adjusting nozzle for use in injecting pressurized, and optionally pulsating, fluid into a well bore or other conduit for the purpose of cleaning out the bore or conduit, the nozzle having slidably engaged mandrel and tool tip sections, each with an axial bore, and the tool tip having a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced discharge ports communicating with the axial bores, the mandrel being able to reciprocate inside the tool tip without operator intervention in response to obstructions encountered ahead of, around or behind the nozzle as it enters or leaves the well bore or conduit, thereby sequentially blocking or unblocking some of the discharge ports to direct more of the pressurized fluid against the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Rex A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 7004405
    Abstract: The invention comprises a golf course treatment platform having a frame with a spool of garden hose wound onto the spool, control piping on the platform, and a chemical tank whereby water may be introduced into the control piping a valved directly into the garden hose whereupon the water may be directed by the hose onto the golf course for treating the course with water or the water in the control piping may be valved through a mixing chamber to mix the water with a chemical from the tank and then directed into the garden hose on the spool where the mixture may be directed by the hose onto the golf course for treating the course with a water and chemical mixture, said platform having adjustable engaging means for adjustably mounting the platform to a trailer for transporting the platform on the golf grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Elmore, Kevin Pierce
  • Patent number: 7000854
    Abstract: A spray head for a faucet or the like has a wand body defining a flow path from an inlet to first and second outlets. Diverter seats are provided so a face seal on a diverter spool can direct flow to the first or second outlet. The spool is positioned by a trigger acting on cam surfaces formed on a toggle. A spring biases the toggle to one of two stable states. Movement of the spool by the trigger causes the toggle to change states so subsequent actuation of the trigger causes the spool to move in the opposite direction. The wand body also has a pause button that reciprocates in a chamber that is part of the flow path. The chamber includes a valve seat and the pause button has a spool having a face seal that is engageable with the valve seat to shut off flow through the spray head. A return spring causes separation of the pause button's face seal upon release of pressure on the pause button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker, Peter Bates, Gaurav Rohatgi
  • Patent number: 6997403
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a vaporizer with positive liquid shut-off. In one illustrative embodiment, the vaporizer is comprised of a body, a liquid inlet and a carrier gas inlet coupled to the body, a nozzle positioned within the body, the nozzle having at least one opening formed therethrough that defines a vaporized liquid exit, and a positive shut-off valve, a portion of which is adapted to engage the vaporized liquid exit of the nozzle. In another illustrative embodiment, the vaporizer is comprised of a body, a liquid inlet and a carrier gas inlet coupled to the body and a plurality of peltier cells coupled to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross S. Dando, Allen P. Mardian, Raynald B. Cantin, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 6994275
    Abstract: A pressurized canister includes an outlet member on a top of the canister and a cap assembly is mounted to the canister. A rotatable member is threadedly connected to a threaded neck on the cap assembly and includes an extension which is able to engage with the outlet member by threading downward the rotatable member. The outlet member is pressed by the extension such that the pressurized air releases from the outlet member. A hose is connected to the extension and a nozzle is connected to the hose so that the pressurized air inflates a tire if the nozzle is connected to the valve of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Chung-Ji Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6976641
    Abstract: Optical elements are made using micro-jet printing methods to precisely control the type, position and amount of polymer deposited onto a substrate. In preferred embodiments, the proportions of two or more different polymer compositions are varied over the course of the deposition process to deposit adjoining polymer pixels in the form of a film on the substrate surface. The optical properties of each adjoining polymer pixel can be selected to provide a predetermined optical property, including a specific value of index of refraction. Preferably, the film has a radially non-monotonic refractive index profile and/or an angularly non-monotonic refractive index profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ophthonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Shui T. Lai, Larry Sverdrup
  • Patent number: 6974093
    Abstract: A fuel injection device has an actuator, and a displacement amplification chamber for amplifying the amount of displacement of the actuator. The displacement amplification chamber is connected to a fuel passage via a replenishment fuel passage that has a check valve that allows a fuel to flow only toward the displacement amplification chamber. A throttle portion is formed in the replenishment fuel passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takafumi Yamada, Souichi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 6974091
    Abstract: The invention relates to portable dispensing means having a spray head (1) and a spray material storage canister (2), the spray head (1) and the canister being attachable to one another and also being subsequently detachable from one another, the dispensing means being formed such that when it is in use it can be sert so that spray material within the canister can move into the spray head and pass from the spray head to an atmosphere outside of the dispensing means in the form of a spray, the dispensing means being formed such that when it is in a normal in-use orientation and is activated the spray can proceed from the spray head in a substantially vertical or upward path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Nigel Haig McLisky
  • Patent number: 6938834
    Abstract: An irrigation system controller communicates with peripheral sensors using control valve wires as the medium over which to send and receive electronic signals. Various types of sensors such as soil moisture, temperature, etc., can be interfaced to this system. A sensor that is near a control valve can be connected to the control valve wires, eliminating the need to run additional sensor wires back to the controller. Installation costs are reduced because of less wire to run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Lee Harris
  • Patent number: 6915967
    Abstract: A sprinkler nozzle structure comprises a grip, a barrel, a spray nozzle, a trigger device, and a flow control device. The trigger device is fastened with the grip for clogging and unclogging a water channel of the grip. The flow control device is fastened between the grip and the barrel for regulating the flow of water moving from the water channel of the grip into a water channel of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6905084
    Abstract: An airless application system. The system includes a primary product container and a sprayer in fluid communication with the primary product container. The primary product container may include a relatively rigid canister, a collapsible bag within the relatively rigid canister, and propellant between the bag and the relatively rigid canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hammarth, Stephen J. Lacivita, Kevin J. May, Christopher Molina, John S. Piwnica, Jr., Paul A. Raymond, Jonathan C. Waters, Timothy Oberg, John Ekpenyong
  • Patent number: 6905077
    Abstract: An agricultural spreader (100) includes material storage means (1) for storing agricultural material (2), at least one material spreading means (4) to spread the agricultural material (2) onto a surface (20) below the agricultural spreader (100) and variable speed material conveying means (3) for conveying the agricultural material (2) from the material storage means (1) to the material spreading means (4). The spreader (100) further includes an inclinometer means (7) for measuring a pitch of the agricultural spreader (100) relative to a horizontal plane and control means (6) adapted to vary the speed of the variable speed material conveyor means (3) in response to at least one input, at least one of which is an output (8) from the inclinometer means (7), in order to provide a required supply rate of agricultural material (2) to the material spreading means (4). In an alternative embodiment the control means (6) controls the area of an aperture (11) of a metering means (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: David Stanley Hoyle
  • Patent number: 6849129
    Abstract: The paint-spraying apparatus exhibits a supply line 7 for coating material, extending from the color changer to the atomizer. Cut-off valves 26, 27 installed in the supply line delimit an insulating section 25 of said supply line, which insulating section is associated with means 28 to 32 for emptying and flushing said insulating section 25. A voltage divider 16 is connected in parallel to said insulating section 25. When colors are changed, the residual coating material present in said voltage divider 16 can be moved into the empty insulating section 25, after which it is forced by means of slugs back through the entire supply line 7 to the color changer 1, and is thus reclaimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: LacTec GmbH
    Inventors: Burkhard Bilz, Udo Klein, Joachim Kunkel, Winfried Ott
  • Patent number: 6845927
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid nozzle having a system carrier with a hose connection for supplying a pressurized medium and an outlet valve having at least one outlet nozzle. The system carrier is designed to accommodate an integrated, adjustable pressure-reducing valve. Furthermore, the system carrier has a system sleeve and a hose socket, which is connected to it, whereby a compressed air shield and/or a connection for a pressure gauge and/or a protection against accidental contact is/are integrated into the hose socket. In a preferred embodiment, components of the blow-out gun also serve at the same time to connect and support the hose and/or the finger guard and/or the extension tube for supplying the pressurized medium, and these components together with the hose can be removed from the system carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Lucien Masson
  • Publication number: 20040256497
    Abstract: What is new about this nozzle is its ability to extend the reach of a fluid stream from a pressurized hose by means of low-friction design and nozzle aperture extension. The combination of low friction design and aperture extension produces an effect which is superior to that which might be anticipated by adding an extension to a hose. The nozzle is made of strong, lightweight, rigid materials. The extended stream reach exceeds the length of the long nozzle itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Allan Sharkey
  • Publication number: 20040251324
    Abstract: In order to provide a spray boom with a plurality of spray nozzles for a hydraulic descaling facility with which a high temperature constancy from beginning to the end of the rolling stock is insured and a too rapid cooling of the surface is prevented, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, to assign a check valve to each spray nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Volkel, Helmut Stotzel, Bernd Niklas, Peter Kniesa, Achim Klein
  • Patent number: 6830034
    Abstract: A fuel injector with a neck at an upstream end and a downstream end located at a distal end from the upstream end, a fuel channel extending from the upstream end to the downstream end and defining a substantially longitudinal axis, and a check valve located in the fuel channel proximate the upstream end; and a fuel rail with a housing defining an opening having a substantially longitudinal axis passing therethrough, and a one-way flow inhibitor is located in the opening. When removing the fuel injector from the fuel rail, reducing leaks by biasing a plunger of the check valve against a seat of the check valve in the fuel injector and biasing a plunger of the one-way flow inhibitor against a seat of the one-way flow inhibitor in the fuel rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Engelmeyer, Dean Spiers, John Bierstaker
  • Patent number: 6827298
    Abstract: A drip irrigation water distribution device having a housing with a top, bottom and side wall forming a chamber therein. The bottom of the housing has a rotatable coupling attached thereto and configured for attachment to a water conduit member, such as a riser, to allow water under pressure to enter the bubbler. A plurality of valves are disposed in valve openings in the housing. Each valve is in corresponding relationship with a valve receiving member that has an opening in communication with the chamber and a discharge passage. An outlet member connects to a distribution line. The opening is configured to receive a reduced section of the valve to selectively allow water to flow to the discharge passage. The opening is securely closed by lowering the reduced section until it tightly abuts against the opening. An integral screen is included to filter debris in the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: National Diversified Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Rael Sacks
  • Patent number: 6827327
    Abstract: A flow resistance setting nozzle capable of easily setting a target flow rate is provided. A metallic block has a through-bore through which a flow path forming metallic pipe is inserted. A pressing member in the form of a rectangular cross-section bar abuts the pipe at a first abut portion. An anvil having a distal end with an arcuate surface is mounted to the metallic block such that the distal end abuts the pipe at a second abut portion that is opposite to the first abut portion. A coarse adjustment screw presses a center portion of the pressing member against the pipe to squeeze the pipe between the pressing member and the anvil to form an orifice in the pipe. Two fine adjustment screws impart a force to the pressing member to further squeeze the pipe until the target flow rate is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cosmo Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Furuse, Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 6824076
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pneumatically controlling the operation of a water cannon such that the need for electrically power in the immediate vicinity of the water cannon is substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Technifex, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040232260
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a fluid-containing member of a pressure-storing device includes nozzle members, a fluid intake unit, and a control unit. Each nozzle member is coupled to a respective fluid inlet of the fluid-containing member, and includes a hollow nozzle body and a valve unit operable so as to move from a blocking position for blocking fluid flow through the respective fluid inlet to an unblocking position for permitting fluid flow through the respective fluid inlet. The fluid intake unit is coupled to the fluid-containing member such that the nozzle members are disposed between the fluid intake unit and the fluid inlets. The control unit is operable so as to drive movement of the valve units of the nozzle members from the blocking position to the unblocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Hsi-Tsai Chen
  • Publication number: 20040227020
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for spray dampening units on printing machines with a feeder system to supply the valve arrangement with pressurized dampening agent and spray nozzles downstream of the valve arrangement, includes two valves disposed behind each other with staggered opening times. In a first embodiment, the opening times are staggered so that both valves are only open at the same time for a small period of time. This means shorter effective opening times can be achieved than with individual valves. In a second embodiment there is an elastic buffer element between the two valves, and the opening times are completely staggered so that there are no common opening times. When the upstream valve is opened the buffer element generates an additional uptake of dampening agent, which is ejected by the buffer element when the first valve is closed and the downstream valve is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Technotrans AG
    Inventors: Michael Baldy, Robert Holtwick
  • Patent number: 6817553
    Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic powder paint spray coating of substrates, such as automotive vehicles, is provided. The apparatus includes modular applicators which are mountable into a programmable, robotically controlled housing. The modular applicators are switchable into and out of an operational mode on command, to facilitate different optimal coating procedures for coating differing surfaces, ranging from large, open surfaces to smaller, highly irregular substrate surfaces. The applicator heads may be spatially switchable on command from, for example, a bell cup spray applicator to a spray gun applicator. Flow control to each applicator is preferably enhanced using selectable pneumatically controlled pinch valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: EFC Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunnar van der Steur
  • Publication number: 20040222325
    Abstract: This invention describes a drip irrigation system wherein drippers are provided with valves, and wherein these valves are independently and remotely controlled. This invention also describes a drip irrigation system wherein drippers are controlled via a communication network, to turn individual drippers ON or OFF as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Zvi Regev
  • Publication number: 20040217212
    Abstract: In a spray element for a spray head for spraying the molds of pressure casting machines, a control piston for the release of the parting agent supply is disposed beside the spray nozzle and a connecting passage opens in a chamber of the housing in which one end of the control piston is sealingly guided, while its second end lies with a sealing ring before a chamber fed with parting agent. In the case of the application of control air the sealing ring is shifted out of its cylindrical section 26 into the chamber, so that the feed of parting agent to the spray nozzle is released. If the control air is shut off, then the sealing ring closes the delivery of the parting agent, and the second, larger end of the control piston exercises upon its return movement a reverse suction effect on the connecting passage. Any after-dripping of parting agent is securely prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Erhard, Hubert Pschenitschni
  • Patent number: 6808127
    Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler assembly includes a housing cover which is readily, vertically adjustable relative to a main housing within which extends a sprinkler head unit arranged in an adapter sleeve that is interengaged with the main housing to establish a blow-out feature. A readily accessible, preferably threadably mounted solenoid is used to control a main water flow valve positioned below an associated frost line. A dirt shield protects the solenoid, as well as a releasable connection between the main housing and the housing cover, from contamination. A hose adapting element is provided to be selectively secured about the sprinkler head unit atop the housing cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: JEG, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. McNulty, Gary A. Cordova, James Meier
  • Patent number: 6805308
    Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus for controlling the amount of liquid crystal dropped onto a substrate by controlling the tension of a spring. The spring applies a force to a needle that forces the needle toward an opening on the end of the container so as to close the opening. A tension controller controls that length of the spring, and thus its force. A solenoid moves the needle against the spring when an electric source is applied to the solenoid such that the opening is opened. The spring tension controls the time required to return the needle to a position that closes the opening. The spring tension also controls the amount of liquid crystal that is ejected when the opening is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyug Jin Kweon, Hae-Joon Son
  • Publication number: 20040195394
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir; at least one dispensing orifice through which the fluid is dispensed; a fluid feed duct (12) connecting the reservoir to the dispensing orifice, said duct being provided with an inlet and with an outlet; a valve (31, 61) for selectively closing off the feed duct, said valve comprising a moving valve member (31) mounted to move between a passageway-closure position and a passageway-opening position, the moving valve member being mounted to be moved in translation along a valve axis; and actuating means (4) for moving the moving valve member (31) between the passageway-closure position and the passageway-opening position; said fluid dispenser being characterized in that the actuating means can be moved transversely to said valve axis, the actuating means comprising force-transmitting means suitable for transforming a force exerted on the actuating means into a transverse thrust force exerted on the moving valve member to move it towards its passageway-closure pos
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Gerard Cornet, Firmin Garcia
  • Publication number: 20040195393
    Abstract: A removable nozzle for attachment to a conventional faucet of a beverage dispensing device to permit the dispensing of a pressurized beverages at a high flow rate without producing excessive foaming comprising a
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew C. Younkle
  • Publication number: 20040188551
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple fluid atomizer having a pair of spring loaded sealing elements such that the pressure required to open both seals is the sum of the spring constants of each of the sealing elements. A central cavity is sealed at both its entry and exit by moving elements held by coil springs. When the fluid in the entry channel is able to overcome a first spring, the first sealing element is moved so as to allow fluid to enter the central cavity. When the fluid pressure within the central cavity reaches a level necessary to compress the exit spring, the entry fluid pressure must be at a level for achieving the delta pressure across both entry and exit springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Willie V. Evans
  • Patent number: 6796273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water director for distributing a surge or flow of water to one or more of a plurality of output ports, which can vary in shape, size, and number, typically for use in marine and fresh water aquariums. Water pumped through a conduit into the hermetically sealed Switching Current Water Director (SCWD), powers an internally mounted gear driven fluid motor, which turns a rotational valve, alternately opening and closing a plurality of water outlet ports. When mounted externally to an aquarium, proper placement of output nozzles, which are connected to a water conduit attached to the various SCWD outlet ports, provides the desired opposing, or switching back and fourth currents. Depending on the inlet and outlet port configuration, the SCWD can be adapted to suit many applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Michael Muscarella
  • Patent number: 6793157
    Abstract: A low volume-low pressure spray gun (10) for spraying a fluid has a housing (12), a gas input (16), a trigger valve mechanism, and a nozzle (14). The gun (10) has lower and upper air passages (38, 39) which connect the gas input (16) to the trigger valve mechanism (23), and the trigger valve mechanism to the nozzle (14), respectively. The upper passage (39) is offset from the lower passage (38) and is substantially conical in shape, the layout of the passages (38, 39) producing a gas vortex in the upper passage (39) which creates a gas acceleration to compensate for the low pressure of the gas entering the gas input (16). The trigger valve mechanism comprises a piston valve (23), a liquid control needle valve (22), and a trigger (40). The piston valve (23) may include inner and outer apertured sleeves (26a, 26b), the sleeves being co-axial with the inner sleeve (26a) located inside the outer sleeve (26b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Jim Lindsay Limited
    Inventors: James Lindsay, George Walter Robinson
  • Patent number: 6772966
    Abstract: An adjustable nozzle is attachable to the end of a garden hose and is also attachable to a separate product container, for example, a bottle containing a garden fertilizer or a bottle containing a cleaning soap concentrate. The adjustable nozzle receives a flow of water from the garden hose and dispenses a product from the container attached to the nozzle. The nozzle has a simplified construction with a reduced number of component parts and the operation of the nozzle is simplified yet enables a user to selectively discharge a flow of water or a mixture of water and product from the nozzle, to control the ratio of water to product when the nozzle is employed in dispensing the mixture of water and product, and to direct the discharge as a stream or disperse the discharge in an upwardly or downwardly directed fanned spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Continental AFA Dispensing Company
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Philip L. Nelson, Jeffrey P. Stark
  • Publication number: 20040135011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical sprayer that includes a sprayer head assembly and a container. The container defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. The sprayer head assembly includes a chemical passage, a carrier fluid passage, a vent passage, a valve chamber and a valve. The chemical passage is communication with the cavity. The carrier fluid passage is in communication with a carrier fluid source. Both the carrier fluid and chemical passages are in communication with the valve chamber. The valve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber and defines at least partially a first passage and a second passage. The first passage is configured so as to be in communication with the chemical passage when the valve is in an open position. The second passage is configured so as to be in communication with the carrier fluid passage when the valve is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Donald Shanklin, Ronald F. Englhard
  • Patent number: 6749136
    Abstract: A sprinkler valving apparatus and method are provided. An irrigation system has a plurality of valves designed to be electrically activated by a control unit. Each valve may have a first diaphragm that is flexible to control irrigation water flow through the valve. Each of the valves may have a solenoid isolated from irrigation water within the valve by a second diaphragm. The first and second diaphragms are separated by an interior divider with an orifice that can be blocked or unblocked via flexure of the second diaphragm to trigger motion of the first diaphragm. The second diaphragm is actuated by a magnetically actuatable plunger of the solenoid, which extends through an aperture of an interior retainer to reach the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm has a peripheral ring to ensure that it is movable even when negative outlet pressure is applied to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chadwick L. Wilson, Alan John Smith, Edwin McAuley
  • Patent number: 6745957
    Abstract: A fire hose nozzle includes a safety device to prevent the nozzle from being displaced due to the action of the water supplied to the nozzle. The safety device includes a tubular body and a butterfly disc with two coaxial trunnions pivotally mounted on the body. The butterfly disc is movable inside the tubular body between an open position, in which the butterfly disc allows water to flow, and a closed position, in which the butterfly disc restricts this flow. An external control lever is integral with one of the trunnions. A trigger is borne by the control lever and bears against the ground. The trigger holds the butterfly disc in its open position when the control lever exerts a downwardly directed vertical force thereon due to the action of the water flowing over the butterfly disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: St-Mihiel S.A.
    Inventor: Didier D. Parey
  • Patent number: 6742722
    Abstract: A paint cartridge is provided with a wash fluid passage in communication with a paint chamber, along with a wash fluid valve adapted to open and close the wash fluid passage. Provided on the side of a replenishing stool are a replenishing valve which supplies or discharges paint to or from the paint chamber, an extruding thinner feed/discharge valve which supplies or discharges paint-extruding thinner to or from an extruding thinner chamber, and a wash fluid supply valve which supplies a wash fluid to the paint chamber through the wash fluid passage. Accordingly, upon opening the replenishing valve, wash fluid supply valve and wash fluid valve, a wash fluid from the wash fluid supply valve is allowed to flow into the paint chamber through the wash fluid passage and discharged through a feed tube to wash away deposited paint therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventors: Toshio Hosoda, Hidetsugu Matsuda, Osamu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6742724
    Abstract: A device for containing and dispensing a fluid product, such as a cosmetic product, in the form of a spray. The device includes a reservoir containing the product at substantially atmospheric pressure, with the reservoir having flexible walls that preferably do not have shape memory. The device is equipped with a spray member for spraying the product in response to pressure exerted on the flexible walls of the reservoir, and an anti-air-intake element provided in order to prevent any entry of air inside the reservoir when said pressure ceases. When pressure is applied, the walls are deformed and the product is sprayed from the container. After dispensing is completed, the walls are maintained in the deformed state because air is prevented from entering the container. As a result, the next spraying action occurs more immediately and consistently because the container remains substantially filled with the product as the volume of the container is reduced upon deformation of the container walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Publication number: 20040089749
    Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus includes a pump providing fluid at an elevated pressure and a delivery system coupled to the pump to spray the fluid in a predetermined configuration. The delivery system includes a flexible hose and a nozzle receiver adapted to receive one of a plurality of nozzles each having an associated spray pattern. A nozzle retainer coupled to the delivery system is adapted to releasably retain the nozzles in proximity to the distal end of the delivery system. An associated method includes the step of retaining the nozzles when not in use in an ordered pattern relative to the retainer and in proximity to the distal end of the delivery system. A nozzle cleaner having a configuration similar to that of the nozzles includes a pin and a guard pivotally mounted to cover the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Adolfo Arteaga Bugarin
  • Patent number: 6732946
    Abstract: A lawn irrigation sprinkler head that internally incorporates an alert and retrieval device which indicates the position of the head if damaged, and facilitates in-situ repair of the damaged head. The sprinkler head has a hollow body containing a pop-up riser connected to a nozzle. The alert and retrieval device is positioned between the base of the riser and the nozzle. Should the nozzle become damaged or dislodged, the alert device telescopically extends from the riser and signals the location of the damaged sprinkler head. The device facilitates the repair of the head by lifting the riser from within the sprinkler head so that a replacement nozzle can be attached. In an alternative embodiment the alert device has an integral shut-off valve which prevents the discharge of water in the event that a subsequent irrigation cycle occurs before the damaged head is repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Waldemar Veazie
  • Patent number: 6719222
    Abstract: A fluid distribution device (9) includes a distribution block (10) having an array of fluid flow passages (11) arranged in a plurality of at least first and second groups (15, 16). Valve mechanism (12) is operable for controlling fluid flow through the passages (11). The valve mechanism (12) includes a first series of valve members (19) each associated with a respective one of the groups (15) of flow passages (11), and a second series of valve members (20) each associated with a respective one of the second groups (16) of flow passages (11). Each valve member (19, 20) is movable between a closed position preventing flow through the associated flow passages (11) and an open position permitting flow along those passages (11). When all of the valve members (19, 20) associated with any one flow passage (11) are in the open position, fluid is able to flow through that passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas Barson Mebberson
  • Publication number: 20040065756
    Abstract: A spreading head, particularly for spreading thermoplastic material on an intermediate component, which comprises a first duct for feeding the adhesive to a valve provided with a needle that interferes with a cup connected to a second duct for spreading an adhesive. The valve comprises means suitable to actuate and/or visualize the selective positioning of the needle, preferably in the open condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo Arnaboldi
  • Publication number: 20040050958
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jeff McKenzie, Chad Philip McCormick, Peter Janku
  • Publication number: 20040050965
    Abstract: An atomizer that can prevent the splattering of droplets is revealed. When atomization occurs, the reservoir of an atomizer containing a liquid is closed to prevent droplets from splattering, and when the atomization ceases, the outlet of the reservoir is opened after the droplets gravitate down to the reservoir for mist dissipation. Moreover, a partition may be introduced into the atomizer, and the partition is located between an atomizing source and the outlet of the reservoir for blocking the splattering droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Hsiao-Lan Chien
  • Patent number: 6705550
    Abstract: A closed circuit fuel nozzle for engaging an adapter on a fuel tank. The nozzle may include a body having an inlet aperture, a tubular assembly, an outlet aperture, and walls forming a closed flow path from the inlet aperture to a tubular assembly. The distal end of the tubular assembly may form the outlet for the nozzle. The tubular assembly may comprise a tube extending in the longitudinal direction and a sealing collar secured proximate the distal end to form the outlet. An articulator may provide resilient articulation of the sealing collar with respect to the tube about lateral and transverse axes. A biasing member may urge the tubular assembly distally in the longitudinal direction. A poppet valve may be selectively translatable in the longitudinal direction and shaped to stop flow through the body when seated against the sealing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Scot P. Bell