Flexible Coupling Section Patents (Class 239/588)
  • Publication number: 20030001030
    Abstract: A flexible charged powder particle application device consisting of a resistor unit in contact with a power source on one side thereof and with wiring on a second side thereof, the resistor being found within an electrode block unit with a centerhole and connected to an electrode block extension unit with a centerhole all within housing and with the wiring being insulated within flexible tubing material being attached at one end to splines on an end of the extension unit such that the tubing is amenable to carriage within it of the wiring as well as accommodating within it, a flow of powder particles introduced under pressure into the centerholes such that charge from the power source via the wiring and the powder particles under pressure are amenable to concomitant expulsion from the tubing held at a second end by splines on an electrode hub holding an electrode base and electrode and adapter nozzle via a held base bushing and adapter screw lock into and about the housed electrode out through the hub for ult
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Peter C. Buscemi
  • Publication number: 20020179738
    Abstract: A distribution tube assembly for an irrigation system having a main supply line for conveying fluid therein includes a first end, a second end and an internal surface defining at least two fluid passageways, at least one of the fluid passageways being in fluid communication with the main supply line. The other fluid passageway may be in fluid communication with an alternate supply line. Adaptors and regulators may be attached to the distribution tube assembly. The distribution tube assembly permits irrigation to be performed by multiple fluid streams, allows for the incorporation of chemicals within the distribution tube assembly, and provides for selectable flow control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Callies, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 6488097
    Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Publication number: 20020170608
    Abstract: In a pull-out spray head faucet or hand shower an insert is disposed in the tube spout to keep the pull-out spray head or wand from wobbling when it is seated in the tube spout. The insert is generally tubular and is shaped and sized to fit into the tube spout. The insert has two opposed tabs on the interior walls which engage two wings on an adapter which is mounted in the wand, thereby securing the adapter and wand against wobble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Garry R. Marty, Darrell S. Crowe, David M. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 6460570
    Abstract: A faucet assembly having a spray nozzle connected to a spray hose. A weight attached to the spray hose provides a downward force to nest the spray nozzle. The weight includes an open channel extending longitudinally across a length of the weight and two members having external threads extending from the weight and positioned on opposing sides of the open channel. A hex nut including internal threads engages the external threads of the two members, such that the fastener extends over the open channel to secure the weight onto the spray hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Jones, Kurt Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020134867
    Abstract: A sprinkler structure including a flexible tube made of a circular wire material and a differential wire material by spiral winding. The circular wire material and the differential wire material have different winding radiuses, whereby the flexible tube can be bent and patterned. An inner tube is fitted in the flexible tube. Two ends of the inner tube respectively have two stop flanges. Two ends of the flexible tubes are connected with two connectors and the stop flanges of the inner tube extend out of the flexible tube to respectively lean on shoulder sections of the connectors. When the two connectors are connected with a faucet and a sprinkling head, the stop flanges are compressed to achieve a leakproof effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Elvis Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6446884
    Abstract: A hand-held plant watering device used by a gardener or plant caregiver for watering difficult to reach plants. The watering device can be used both indoors and outdoors and is designed for holding and dispensing various quantities of water to each plant. The device includes broadly a flexible water tube attached at one end to a clear plastic water cylinder with a slidable plunger. The flexible water tube includes a first end having a removable defuser for spraying water onto a plant. A second end of the flexible water tube is attached to and is in fluid communication with a first end of the water cylinder. The water cylinder has a liquid measurement index along it's length for metering a desired amount of water from the cylinder. A second end of the water cylinder is used for receiving a first end of the slidable plunger. The first end of the plunger includes a piston with “O” ring therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Utter, Jodi L. Utter
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6415461
    Abstract: An adjustable shower system for providing multiple showerheads in various locations within a shower without requiring additional plumbing. The adjustable shower system includes a plurality of tubes having opposing female couplers, a plurality of connecting tubes having opposing threaded ends for threadably receiving the female couplers, a control valve fluidly connected to the connecting tube, a showerhead fluidly connected to the control valve, a plurality of suction cups attached to the connecting tube and the tubes, and an end cap attached to that distal threaded end of the last connecting tube. A first tube is fluidly connected to the existing shower pipe within a shower stall by simply removing the existing shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Niles H. Singer
  • Patent number: 6382525
    Abstract: A sprinkler head especially adapted for use in irrigation systems, such as center pivot irrigation systems, in which a long water conduit is connected at one end to a source of water under pressure. The sprinkler head has a body attached to a water supply and has a water inlet and a nozzle for directing water therefrom. The sprinkler head body has an upper body portion having a first interlocking member thereon and a lower body portion having a plurality of arms extending therefrom. A water deflecting head is removably attached to the sprinkler head body lower body portion below the plurality of downwardly extending arms to deflect water being emitted from a nozzle thereagainst. A weighted collar has a bore therethrough and has a second interlocking member thereon. The weighted collar has a weight greater than one quarter pound and is removably attached to the sprinkler head body upper body portion with a second interlocking member engaging the sprinkler upper body interlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore G. Santiesteban, Jeffery S. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6375097
    Abstract: A manual apparatus for cleaning a hygienic vessel with water, generally after flushing, comprising a housing; a related covering element with a base and a grip handle; a dispenser of the water jet, situated on the base and comprising an inlet union fitting, a water flow supply conduit, a shut-off valve controlled manually, by means of a lever, from a pushbutton in the covering element, a curved beak; a hose, spiral shaped, secured on one side to said dispenser and, on the other side, to a union fitting for connection to the water supply, constituting an element for supporting the housing to the wall of the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Valerio Matteucci
  • Patent number: 6315220
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a faucet or existing shower head into a flexible and extendable shower apparatus which includes an adaptable connector having one end for receiving a faucet or existing shower head, a flexible and extendable hose connected to an opposite end of the adaptable connector, and a shower head connected to the extendable hose opposite the adaptable connector. The apparatus also includes clamping means for releasable securing the adaptable connector around a faucet or existing shower head. Further, the adaptable connector and flexible, extendable hose may comprise one continuous piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Tonya L. Grubb
  • Patent number: 6305621
    Abstract: A pivoting joint with a ball and socket joined by trunnions for use in fluid conduits, particularly firefighting devices such as portable monitors and the like. The pivoting joint can be used on an inlet of the device to provide a pivoting motion for one or more inlet hoses, and/or on the outlet of the device to direct the discharge in one or more directions. An optional one-way brake can be used to limit unintended movement about one or more axis of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kolacz, Ross Mack, Robert W. Steingass, Brian M. Tylisz
  • Patent number: 6293785
    Abstract: A gas torch that includes a connector end that has a first end, which has been adapted for receiving fuel and a second end. The second end of the connector end includes a pivoting connector that provides fluid communication through the connector end. The connector end attaches to a tip connector that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tip connector being adapted for receiving the neck portion, and the second end of the tip connector being adapted for receiving a torch nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: William J. McGovern
  • Publication number: 20010011561
    Abstract: In a pull-out spray head faucet an annular elastomeric bushing disposed in a groove in a portion of the adapter extending rearwardly outside of the handle section of the pull-out spray head. The elastomeric bushing has a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced apart raised ribs on its outer surface which frictionally engage the inner surface of the spout to reduce the play and wobble of the spray head when it is inserted into the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Garry Marty, Otto Almendinger
  • Patent number: 6253971
    Abstract: An attachment device for pressurized fluid dispensing containers enabling augmented directional dispensing through a somewhat flexible tube such as a plastic straw wherein the tube is supported at a position outwardly removed from its positioning vis-à-vis the actuation nozzle and preferably radially outward of the vertical plane formed by the container body wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6250338
    Abstract: A hose weight includes two identical and interchangeable interlocking bodies. Each body includes a hose receiving chamber and portions of an interlock for use with another like body. The interlock of each body includes a recess positioned on one side of a hose receiving chamber and a projection on the opposite side of the hose receiving chamber. The interlock may also include one or more pairs of openings and posts to assist in guiding the bodies together to form an interlock. The two bodies join together around a hose without the use of tools to form a single hose weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: James F. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 6220297
    Abstract: In a pull-out spray head faucet an annular elastomeric bushing disposed in a groove in a portion of the adapter extending rearwardly outside of the handle section of the pull-out spray head. The elastomeric bushing has a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced apart raised ribs on its outer surface which frictionally engage the inner surface of the spout to reduce the play and wobble of the spray head when it is inserted into the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Garry Marty, Otto Almendinger
  • Patent number: 6209804
    Abstract: A bulkhead fitting for a tank sprayer includes a tank boss and an intermediate hose-receiving adapter, each having respectively a male or female longitudinally-oriented latching portion such that when the adapter is inserted into the boss, the latching portions come together to prevent relative rotation between the boss and the adapter. The female latching portion comprises a longitudinal groove in the outer surface of either the boss or the adaptor. The male latching portion comprises a longitudinal tab extending from an outer portion of either the boss or adapter and is matable with the corresponding female latching portion. In a currently preferred embodiment, two grooves are disposed 180° apart in the outer end of the boss and two tabs are disposed 180° apart on a flange of the barbed adapter. The invention is useful in preventing inadvertent unscrewing of a bulkhead fitting by torsional forces on the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Clark F. Spriegel
  • Patent number: 6164569
    Abstract: A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollinshead, Robert B. Male
  • Patent number: 6164570
    Abstract: The reconfigurable self-supporting hose allows the user to select the position of the sprayer, as well as the direction of the water spray from the sprayer, or shower head. The position of the shower head and the direction of spray from the shower head can be adjusted to remain in the desired position until modified by the user. A self-supporting arm structure is selectively configurable along at least portions of its length to temporary fixed positions, the structure having a first end and a second end, and having a fluid transport path for transporting fluid from the first end to the second end. The first end of the arm structure is connected to the liquid source in fluid communication with the fluid transport path. The second end of the arm structure can be connected to a sprayer. The self-supporting outer structure can include a plurality of interconnected bead members each moveable with respect to adjacent bead members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Norman Smeltzer
  • Patent number: 6164558
    Abstract: A recirculating paint supply system having a supply conduit, a return conduit and a push to connect fluid coupling assembly. The supply conduit supplies a liquid coating composition received from a supply to a spray nozzle. The return conduit returns the excess liquid coating composition supplied to the spray nozzle to the supply. The push to connect fluid coupling assembly receives an end portion of at least one of the supply conduit and the return conduit. The push to connect fluid coupling assembly includes a connector housing defining a bore having a first annular groove to retain an annular lock ring positioned within the groove. The lock ring is operable to grip and engage the outer periphery of the conduit to securably retain the conduit in the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Earl R. Holt
  • Patent number: 6126438
    Abstract: A burner apparatus comprises a conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant and having outlet and inlet ends, and a conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel and having outlet and inlet ends. The conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel is substantially parallel to the conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant. The conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant is positioned substantially vertically above the conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel. The conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant and the conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel each are positioned within its own respective elongate cavity in a refractory burner block. Each of the conduits are positioned in their respective cavity such that a substantially annular region is present between an outer surface of each conduit and its respective cavity. Each conduit inlet end extends through a respective plenum for receiving an ambient temperature fluid, the plenums adapted to pass the ambient temperature fluid into the respective annular regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Arnaud Fossen, Harley A. Borders, Remi P. Tsiava, Olivier Charon
  • Patent number: 6123154
    Abstract: A system is provided for maintaining a sprinkler head in a position to allow continued operation during a fire in the event that the support structure for the sprinkler head fails or is otherwise removed. The support system includes a central hub adapted to receive a sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having first and second ends. The support system also includes first and second ends having fastening devices adapted to attach the ends to the support structure. The fastening devices are configured to break away from the support structure in the event of support structure failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6119784
    Abstract: A support system for positioning a sprinkler head relative to a support structure in a ceiling, floor, or wall includes a central hub adapted to receive the sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having a first end configured to be attached to the support structure, a second leg attached to the central hub and having a second end configured to be attached to the support structure, the second leg being spaced-apart from and substantially parallel to the first leg. The support system combines increased flexibility in installation with increased support for the sprinkler head during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6095801
    Abstract: An torch having a configuration for having a plurality of self sustaining positions is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a flexible torch sleeve including a plurality of pivotable elements in combination with a torch tip that reduces or eliminates thermal conductivity by the plume to the torch sleeve, thus enabling the adjustment of the sleeve to a variety of self sustaining positions during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: John Spiewak
  • Patent number: 6079640
    Abstract: An auto underwasher for cleaning the underside of an automobile, comprising a 1/2" malleable metal alloy pipe approximately 6.5 feet in length and having a generally modified-Z shaped body. The user grasps one end of the device by vinyl grips attached to the top and middle legs of the device, the top leg being connected to a liquid cleaner supply source. The bottom leg of the device has a crimped and sealed end forming a nozzle with a plurality of jets aligned longitudinally. The length of the middle leg permits the user to stand upright while extending the bottom leg to direct the spray under the automobile body, removing dirt, road salts, and chemicals which might otherwise corrode the exposed undercarriage of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Gary W. Merritts
  • 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: 6048181
    Abstract: This invention provides a power delivery device (10) for delivering a fixed volume of flowable material to a specific site, the power delivery device (10) comprising pumping means (14) for forcing a predetermined volume of the flowable material through at least one flow path (38,40) of the power delivery device (10) by means of line pressure exerted on the flowable material; and valve means (12), operatively connected to the pumping means (14), for selectively opening and closing the at least one flow path (38, 40) through which the flowable material moves such that the predetermined volume of flowable material can be sprayed out of the power sprayer (10) when the at least one flow path (40) is open and can be redirected to fill the power sprayer (10) when the at least one flow path (40) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: International Agriproducts Corporation
    Inventor: In-Kook Chang
  • Patent number: 6042029
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a pair of firefighting nozzles to a fire service line includes a single inlet and a pair of outlets in fluid communication with the inlet. Each outlet forms the terminal end of a generally tubular arm whose inner diameter is substantially similar to that of the inlet. One arm includes a joint, whereby the one arm may be selectively articulated relative to the other arm from a first position in parallel relation to the other arm to a second position forming an angle of up to about 90 degrees with respect to the other arm. Preferably, the arms are of dissimilar length, with the articulatable arm extending to a point farther removed from the inlet than the other arm when the articulatable arm is in its first position relative to the other arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Marvin E. Massey
  • Patent number: 6021965
    Abstract: A flexible coating material conduit conducts a flow of electrostatically charged coating material to a spray gun. The flexible conduit includes a first or inner layer which is electrically insulating and chemically nonreactive with the electrostatically charged coating material. A second layer of synthetic rubber is electrically insulating. The second layer has a Shore A hardness of 75 or less and a thickness which is at least 0.200 times an overall radial extent of the conduit. A third layer of synthetic rubber extends around the second layer and is electrically conductive. A fourth layer of polymeric material extends around the third layer and is abrasion resistant and electrically insulating. The third layer is connected with ground. The source of electrostatically charged coating material includes a voltage block which electrically isolates the electrostatically charged coating material from a source of coating material which is not electrostatically charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hartle
  • Patent number: 6003786
    Abstract: A tool including a nozzle for providing a high speed sheet of water wherein a generally circular pressurized stream of water is accelerated through a reduced area and reformed into a high-speed water sheet. The tool may include a reservoir for holding liquid cleaners, and a port through which the liquid cleaner is introduced into the nozzle through a port in the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Richard L. Schwary
  • Patent number: 5971298
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a high volume, low pressure paint spray gun connectable to a paint source, an atomization air source and a shaping air source. The paint spray gun is provided with a spray gun body which is in fluid communication with the paint source, the atomization air source for atomizing paint and the shaping air source for shaping paint spray patterns. The spray gun is further provided with a nozzle which defines a paint atomizing zone for discharging atomized paint and a paint spray pattern shaping zone shaping atomized paint spray patterns. The spray gun is further provided with a paint hose, atomization air hose, and shaping air hose each having an inlet end which is connected to the spray gun body and a discharge end which is connected to the nozzle. The spray gun is further provided with a bendable, shape-retaining paint conduit having an inlet port which is connectable to the spray gun body and an outlet port which is connectable to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Millan, Arnold Comproni
  • Patent number: 5967415
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a fine spray mist for evaporatively or conductively cooling a localized area. The apparatus consists of a pressurizable container, a valve for activating the release of fluid from the container, a spray nozzle or a plurality of spray nozzles coupled to the valve, a pump for pressurizing the container, a belt for securing the device to a person, and a clip for attaching the mist nozzle in such a fashion that it directs the flow of mist in a hands free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Steven M. Utter
  • Patent number: 5934325
    Abstract: A pullout faucet wand joint includes a receptor formed and adapted to be mounted on a sink deck, with the receptor having an opening to receive a faucet wand and an interior passage for a faucet hose which is attached to the faucet wand. The wand joint includes a reinforcing collar secured to the receptor at its opening, which collar extends axially into the receptor internal passage to provide reinforcement for the wand when it is positioned within the receptor. The faucet wand has a shell and there is a faucet waterway located within the shell. A transition sleeve is secured about the exterior of the waterway with the transition sleeve extending within the wand shell and having cooperating elements thereon which prevent relative rotation between the wand shell and the transition sleeve. There are cooperating elements on the wand shell and the reinforcing collar which provide orientation therebetween when the shell is inserted within the receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Brattoli, Cynthia A. George
  • Patent number: 5924633
    Abstract: A sprayer tank is molded with an internally extending boss in the tank having internal threads and a shoulder at its base for receiving an O-ring of the hose adapter. Internal tank pressure enhances the seal between the tank boss and hose adapter. The hose adapter has several attributes including the ability to swivel independently of the tank fitting hose nut, pressure release slots and ability to remove the swivel part, supply tube and hose without removing the tank fitting hose nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: H.D. Hudson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard Brass, William A. Hudson, W. J. Beissel
  • Patent number: 5908163
    Abstract: Apparatus for spraying a fluid under pressure upward onto an undercarriage of a vehicle and downward onto an upward-facing surface. The apparatus includes a conduit adapted for connection to a pressurized fluid source for delivering fluid under pressure from the source and a spray assembly connected to the conduit for movement between an upward spraying position for spraying pressurized fluid toward an undercarriage of a vehicle and a downward spraying position for spraying pressurized fluid toward an upward-facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph H. Wells
  • Patent number: 5901906
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical cleaning tip installed in the free end of a whip hose assembly dislodges algae and particulate matter adhered pool surfaces and causes the hose to move along the bottom surface of a water filled pool in a sinuous whipping action to agitate the water and keep suspended particulate matter in suspension. The cleaning tip has a cylindrical side wall defining a central chamber, a tubular water inlet extending from a bottom end secured in the hose free end, a central orifice extending through a top end, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced orifices extending through the side wall. The central orifice discharges a pressurized jet stream of water axially from the cleaning tip in the direction of water flowing through the hose to create a reactant force causing the hose to move along the bottom surface of the pool in a sinuous whipping action to agitate the water and keep suspended particulate matter in suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 5889275
    Abstract: A versatile water sprayer is provided. The sprayer includes a tubular handle connecting one end to a water source and the other end to an universal adapter which is composed of a plurality of coarse surfaced hollow joints and connected at the other end with an atomizer which either has a plurality of different sized water passages at a forward surface or a plurality of tangential nozzles in lateral periphery. So that this sprayer is characterized in that the water can be sprayed forward in selective mount or adjustably sprayed laterally over a large area such as a garden or green pastures. The universal adapter is flexible to be bent toward multi-directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Shui-Shang Chen
  • Patent number: 5884662
    Abstract: A protective guide sleeve structure of a pulling type faucet including a protective guide sleeve. An upper end of the guide sleeve is disposed with a trumpet-shaped opening. A long restricting plate and two short restricting plates upward extend from a rear lateral edge of the opening. When assembled, the guide sleeve is fitted into an adapter from a cut section thereof with the trumpet-shaped opening abutting against a lower edge of the cut section. An extensible guide tube of a sprinkling head is passed through the cut section of the adapter and the protective guide sleeve. When the extensible guide tube is Pulled outward or retracted inward, the trumpet-shaped opening of the guide sleeve guides the extensible guide tube to smoothly move outward or inward and the protective guide sleeve protects the extensible guide tube from abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Chia Ko
  • Patent number: 5878446
    Abstract: A whirlpool jet extension system that includes a flexible hose that is connectable to one of the jet nozzles of the whirlpool bath. The flexible hose is easily connected to and detached from one of the jet nozzles of the whirlpool bath and has one or more user positionable suction cup securing assemblies for allowing a user to aim the discharge stream from the flexible hose in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel J. McCann
  • Patent number: 5865375
    Abstract: A shower head device has a main body, a threaded portion disposed on a lower end of the main body, a shower face disposed on an upper end of the main body, and a lateral recess formed on a lateral of the main body. A flat plate is adhered on the lateral recess. A plurality of sucking discs are disposed on the flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Min-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 5865378
    Abstract: A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollinshead, Robert B. Male
  • Patent number: 5836522
    Abstract: An adjustable water nozzle apparatus is disclosed including a generally tubular first conduit portion that is communicably interengaged with the water supply line. A generally tubular second conduit portion has a discharge outlet. A generally tubular, longitudinally flexible bellows portion communicably interconnects the first and second conduit portions. The bellows portion is longitudinally flexed to angularly adjust the second conduit portion relative to the first conduit portion. The bellows portion is sufficiently rigid to hold the second conduit portion in an angularly selected orientation relative to the first conduit portion such that water is directed through the nozzle apparatus and discharged from the outlet in a selected direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Waltzing Waters, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gunter Przystawik
  • Patent number: 5797546
    Abstract: A mixing and dispensing system for two reactive fluids, such as two-component polysulfide sealants, in which the dispensed fluids are supplied to a hand operated mixing and dispensing gun through a pair of flexible hoses suspended above the floor from a pivotal boom. The flexible hoses are pivotally attached with swivel joints onto the inlets of the gun that are spaced on opposite lateral sides of the gun, and the swivels are rotatable about a common generally horizontal pivot axis. The gun is fully weight supported in an operative position above the floor with a tool balancer attached to the boom. The tool balancer includes an adjustably tensioned and extendable line that is pivotally attached to the top of the gun body and rotatable about a generally vertical pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Reed, Richard L. Frazier
  • Patent number: 5775590
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a fine spray mist for evaporatively or conductively cooling a localized area. The apparatus consists of a pressurizable container, a valve for activating the release of fluid from the container, a spray nozzle or a plurality of spray nozzles coupled to the valve, a pump for pressurizing the container, a belt for securing the device to a person, and a clip for attaching the mist nozzle in such a fashion that it directs the flow of mist in a hands free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Steven M. Utter
  • Patent number: 5771934
    Abstract: A collar weight for securing hand held spray faucet hoses therethrough is provided, wherein the collar weight is made of a composition including a zinc-based alloy to replace the use of lead in the collar weight, to prevent leaching of lead from the collar weight. To maintain the hose in an untangled position beneath the surface of a sink, the collar weight is strategically placed along an arcuate surface of the hose to weigh down the hose at approximately the midpoint of the hose. The collar weight includes a top half collar portion and a lower half collar portion, which are joinable at respective inner edges thereof by fastening means, such as screws, to provide a generally hollow longitudinally extending bore for insertion of the hose therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: IW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Warshawsky
  • Patent number: 5758690
    Abstract: A faucet has a base provided with a valve for supplying water under pressure and a tubular U-shaped spout having an inner end pivotal in the base and an opposite downwardly directed outer end forming a downwardly open seat. A hose has an inner end connected in the base to the water-supply valve, an intermediate portion extending through the tubular spout, and an outer end carrying an end fitting formed with a rearwardly directed abutment and fittable in the seat of the spout in a seated position with the abutment engaged against the spout outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Humpert, Eckhard Gransow, Bernd Bischoff
  • Patent number: 5749498
    Abstract: A tool for use with a cartridge gun adapted to dispense a product from a cartridge, the tool having first and second nozzle members with a fluid passageway extending therethrough, the first and second nozzle members being rotatably moveable such that they may be moved through 180.degree. with respect to each other, the nozzle members having an arcuate configuration, and a guide member to guide the dispensing end of the tool through a prescribed path with respect to a fixed object. The tool permits a uniform dispensing at a desired distance and permits the user to dispense the contents into all corners of a room or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Pierre Lavoie, Andre Lavoie, Denis Lavoie
  • Patent number: 5740965
    Abstract: In an adhesive sprayer for a living body, a hard insert portion extends from a sprayer body, a bendable portion extends from a distal end of the insert portion, and a nozzle portion is disposed on a distal end of this bendable portion. Gas from a gas inlet port formed in the sprayer body is injected from a gas injection port formed in the nozzle portion after passing through a passage which is allowed to extend through the interiors of the sprayer body, insert portion and bendable portion. Adhesive from an adhesive inlet port formed in the sprayer body is injected from an adhesive discharge port formed in the nozzle portion after passing through another passage which is allowed to extend through the interiors of the sprayer body, insert portion, and bending portion. The bending portion is bent by controlling a control member mounted on the sprayer body via a control cable extending through the interiors of the sprayer body, insert portion and bendable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Machida Endoscope Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Miyagi, Hidetoshi Yoshizawa