Serially Operated Distribution Means Patents (Class 239/66)
  • Patent number: 11912966
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a system and method of sparging an algae cultivation container. The method may include controlling at least one first sparger to distribute a first fluid into the container at a first operating flow rate; and controlling at least one second sparger to distribute a second fluid into the container at a second operating flow rate. The first operating flow rate may be adapted to allow mixing the algae in the cultivation container, and the second operating flow rate may be adapted to allow assimilation of materials in a liquid in the cultivation container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: VAXA TECHNOLOGIES LTD
    Inventors: Oded Bashan, Ohad Bashan, Stephen Drummey
  • Patent number: 11882800
    Abstract: A device and method of watering plants using a programmable bucket is described. In one version, the programmable bucket uses a reservoir for water, a pump, at least one minimum pressure valve, a control enclosure, a water level switch, a flow meter, a watering hose, and a cover with an opening adapted to facilitate filling of the reservoir with a funnel and a removable plug. In use, power to the control enclosure is turned on and the reservoir is filled with water, setting the calibrated amount of water. The watering hose is removed from a recycling adaptor, the pump is activated through use of pushbuttons on the control enclosure, water fills the watering hose, once it reaches a minimum pressure valve water exits the hose under pressure, a signal from flow meter changes a volume of water in reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Franc Gergek
  • Patent number: 11761548
    Abstract: An integrated switch device includes an air valve assembly and a switch assembly. The air valve assembly comprises a flow channel base, a first air valve, and a second air valve. The flow channel base has a first air supply path and a second air supply path. The first air valve is provided on the first air supply path, and the second air valve is provided on the second air supply path. In addition, the switch assembly comprises an electrical control module controlled to output an on-off signal to an air pump, and an operation cover fitted and connected to the electrical control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TANGTRING SEATING TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Zhi-Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 11737403
    Abstract: A turf management system includes an irrigation system for providing water to the turf at a turf site, and an irrigation evaluation system for evaluating the performance of the irrigation system. The irrigation evaluation system segments the turf site into irrigation management units, where each of the irrigation management units includes at least one sprinkler head. Qualities of the turf are measured to generate collected data points. The data points are used by the irrigation evaluation system to compute a value for the turf in each of the irrigation management units. The values can then be used to identify irrigation management units having common characteristics. The values can be used to define irrigation management zones for controlling the irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Van Willis Cline, Kathleen Sue Rice, Troy David Carson
  • Patent number: 11559014
    Abstract: An irrigation management system which allows for modulation of the watering gradient along crop rows. The system may include dual drip lines which allow for selection of gradients based upon the time each of the dual lines is active. The system may utilize pressure sensitive valves which select drip lines based upon the inlet feed water pressure. The system may include drip emitters which modify flow rates based upon inlet feed water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: Tony Stephen
  • Patent number: 11466243
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor controller with a simple user interface comprising a microcontroller and a linear motor. The bioreactor controller is microcontroller-based, has a greater temporal accuracy, and inexpensive. The microcontroller of the bioreactor controller selects a protocol mode and a setup mode by the user, runs the protocol mode if the setup mode is not selected by the user, stops running the protocol mode for a predetermined time if the protocol mode is selected by the user until the user is completed with calculations and record-keeping, detects movement error of the bioreactor controller, and informs the error to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PATENT FOUNDATION
    Inventors: George Christ, Joshua David Remer, Gavin T. Garner
  • Patent number: 11337384
    Abstract: An irrigation column for a drip irrigation system has a fluid conducting line for receiving fluid from a fluid source upstream. The irrigation column further includes a plurality of drip line segments extending alongside the fluid conducting line, a plurality of zone valves located along the fluid conducting line, and a plurality of control tubes extending alongside the fluid conducting line. And each control tube is in fluid communication with a respective one of the zone valves for actuating the zone valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.
    Inventor: Abraham Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10736279
    Abstract: An irrigation management system which allows for modulation of the watering gradient along crop rows. The system may include dual drip lines which allow for selection of gradients based upon the time each of the dual lines is active. The system may utilize pressure sensitive valves which select drip lines based upon the inlet feed water pressure. The system may include drip emitters which modify flow rates based upon inlet feed water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Tony Stephen
  • Patent number: 9982225
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Broadley-James Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Eugene West
  • Patent number: 9283335
    Abstract: A dispensing device, a storage device and a method for dispensing powder in which powder is dispensed through a duct with a flat cross section to de-agglomerate the powder and to generate a spray with fine particle size. A storage chamber for the powder may be closed by a bursting element which is burst by pressurized gas for discharging the powder, the gas pressure reaching or exceeding a peak value before the bursting element bursts so that the powder is dispensed at a lower gas pressure. The powder may be forced through the duct by a gas pressure of less than 300 kPa to de-agglomerate the powder and/or to generate the spray. The storage device can have multiple storage chambers and associated ducts or nozzles, so that each dose of powder can be dispensed through a separate duct or nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen Terence Dunne, Marc Rohrschneider, Achim Moser
  • Patent number: 8944343
    Abstract: A liquid flow monitoring device for monitoring the supply of liquid to a spray nozzle including a deflectable check valve in a liquid supply passage to the spray nozzle, a light sensing device having a light emitter and a light receiver disposed on opposite sides of the check valve, the check valve being deflectable into at least partially obstructing relation to a light beam directed from the light emitter to the light receiver as an incident to liquid flow through the monitoring device to the spray nozzle, and a control system for receiving signals from the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: James Cesak, Joshuah DeVoll
  • Publication number: 20140097266
    Abstract: Scent dispenser arrangement for dispersing fragrance into a HVAC system includes a flow sensor and a scent disperser assembly having a control module connected to the flow sensor and a canister for emitting a spray which is actuated by the control module. The flow sensor operates in response to air flow and creates an air flow dependent electrical signal transmitted to activate the control module of the spray disperser assembly. The scent disperser and flow sensor are arranged to allow the spray to be disbursed in selective locations in the HVAC system. An embodiment involves two scent disperser assemblies electrically connected in series which operate successively when the liquid in one disperser assembly is depleted or when one disperser assembly dispersers a predetermined number of sprays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Sam Habbel
  • Patent number: 8668884
    Abstract: The present invention provides the identification codes to the plurality of smell information and databases them, making it possible to identify the information on each smell and adds the smell data and smell reproducing information for at least one smell to the media data, making it possible to provide the contents with the plurality of smell reproducing information. Further, the smell diffusing apparatus includes the plurality of smell diffusing components to combine at least two smell diffusing components corresponding to the smell data and discharge them to the outside such that it can reproduce complex smells, thereby making it possible to effectively process a plurality of smell information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Myungeun Kim, Hyoungsun Kim
  • Patent number: 8615324
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Broadley-James Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Eugene West
  • Patent number: 8550372
    Abstract: A cooling system and method that significantly improves spray evaporative cooling by using arrays of slot or plane sprays to create coverage of the entire heated surface to be cooled without allowing interaction between plumes that are spraying from the nozzles. The sprays are directed at an angle to the surface to take advantage of the high droplet momentum possessed by the spray to direct a flow of coolant fluid across the surface toward desired draining points, thereby enabling drainage regardless of the orientation of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Shedd, Adam G. Pautsch
  • Publication number: 20130200174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-stage fuel injection valve. The two-stage fuel injection valve of the present invention is configured such that the pressure of main fuel delivered from an injection pump is applied to a plunger in a main fuel chamber, and subsequently delivered to an ancillary fuel pressure chamber via the plunger so as to compress ancillary fuel, such that a needle is retracted in a manner similar to those of slide valves by means of the pressure of the ancillary fuel so as to open an ancillary fuel nozzle hole and inject the ancillary fuel, and a main fuel nozzle hole is opened after the injection of the ancillary fuel so as to inject the main fuel, thereby conducting two-stage fuel injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Hyun Jeon, Ju Tae Kim, Kwang Hean An, Seung Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20130082117
    Abstract: A liquid droplet jetting apparatus is provided with a channel unit including: a liquid supply port which is communicated with a liquid supply section and from which a liquid is supplied; a plurality of nozzle arrays from which liquid droplets of the liquid are jetted; and a plurality of common liquid chambers which are communicated with the liquid supply port and through which the liquid supplied to the liquid supply port is supplied to the plurality of nozzle arrays, and an actuator which applies a jetting energy to the liquid supplied to the plurality of nozzle arrays. The same number of nozzle arrays is communicated with each of the common liquid chambers, and each of the common liquid chambers is communicated with at least one of the plurality of the common liquid chambers at a portion different from a portion communicating with the liquid supply port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130037624
    Abstract: A garden watering device is configured for use in handheld and ground-based operation. The garden watering device includes a device body having a water inlet and a handle. The garden watering device also includes at least one water distribution member adapted to spray in multiple patterns. In one example, the at least one water distribution member includes an elongate tube with a series of discharge outlets and a multi-pattern head with at least one flow outlet. The garden watering device also includes a flow route selector that routes water to either the elongate tube or the multi-pattern head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: John Helmsderfer, Nathan Maggard, Andrew Ahr, Nicholas Jeffers, Yani Deros, Craig Ovans
  • Patent number: 7989199
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Broadley-James Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Eugene West
  • Publication number: 20110163180
    Abstract: A readily expandable self-cleaning progressive spray system is provided. The system includes a fluid inlet and a series of spray fittings each having a self-sweeping spray nozzle, a timing mechanism, and a pass-through valve. The series of spray fittings are connected in fluid communication to the water inlet such that the fluid passes into and through the spray nozzle of each spray fitting until its timing mechanism expires which subsequently activates its pass-through valve which directs the fluid on to the next spray fitting. The spray fittings include a reset mechanism which resets the pass-through valves in order to allow the valves to iterate through the desired pattern again after completing one cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Glen E. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7861943
    Abstract: Adaptive piezoelectric actuator control system, including: a power supply, a piezoelectric actuator, a driver driving the actuator, a signal generator providing a frequency signal to the driver, a user interface allowing user input of operating conditions, memory storing parameters of the actuator, and system control means controlling the power supply, driver generator and memory so operating frequency of the actuator is monitored and regulated, wherein the driver comprises test means providing a test signal to the actuator, voltage measurement means measuring voltage applied to the actuator caused by the test signal and voltage applied to the actuator caused by the frequency signal, the system control means receiving a response signal in response to the test, and receiving voltages measured by the voltage measurement means, and comprising signal analysis means creating a response signal envelope and controlling the generator to generate a frequency signal corresponding to the envelope maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: EP Systems SA
    Inventors: Amir Feriani, Joseph Hess, Jean-Paul Sandoz
  • Patent number: 7600698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning head for enabling pressurized cleaning liquid to act upon a surface to be cleaned, comprising at least one spray arm which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and on which is mounted at least one nozzle which can be fed with cleaning liquid by a pressure pump. The invention also relates to a surface cleaning device comprising said type of cleaning head. In order to further develop the surface cleaning device and the cleaning head in such a way that the surface cleaning device can be handled more easily, the invention proposes that the pressure pump is integrated into the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Felix Treitz
  • Patent number: 7469844
    Abstract: A diffusion device comprises a bottom portion having a bottom cover disposed thereon. The device further includes a top portion having a top cover disposed atop the bottom portion and a pump assembly disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover. First, second, and third arm portions extend from the pump assembly, wherein the first, second, and third arm portions include first, second, and third piezoelectric devices, respectively, attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Thomas Jaworski, Heather R. Schramm, Scott D. Walter, Jeffrey L. Crull, Lawrence J. Fenske, Jonathan M. Mick
  • Patent number: 7461798
    Abstract: A collector ring for use with a center pivot irrigation system which permits the mounting of a communication device above the span structure. The collector ring also includes a monitoring device which senses the angle or rotation of the span structure with respect to the fixed center pivot structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Donald M. Salazar, Mark G. Schechinger, Joseph F. Novotny
  • Patent number: 7435581
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Broadley-James Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Eugene West
  • Publication number: 20080217427
    Abstract: A multi-functional sprinkling apparatus structure comprises an outlet mount with support lugs to fix on top of a water motor, and a water-guiding member transversely mounted to assembly holes of the support lugs. The assembly holes have water ducts fluidly connected to water-inlet passages of the water-guiding member. A rotary member with a channel and a water shield with actuation holes are pivotally mounted to the middle section of the water-guiding member. The channel of the rotary member has multiple outlets with spray nozzles attached thereto to generate various sprays, and recesses to engage with a movable elastic element mounted to the water-guiding member. The rotary member can be switched to change the outlet matching to a water-discharge orifice of the water-guiding member for a certain spray. The water shield can be bent to one side to adjust the angle of the water-guiding member and the rotary member for sprinkling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: King Yuan Wang, Shun Nan Lo
  • Patent number: 7275604
    Abstract: A sprinkler system includes a control panel including a processor, a power supply source, and a memory including software instructions for automatically toggling the system between operating and non-operating modes. The control panel includes controls mated to the processor that generate and transmit a user input control signal thereto. The processor executes a control algorithm for enabling the user to override the system. Sensors are spaced along a perimeter of the building structure, are camouflaged and shaped as an outdoor ornamental lawn art such as insects and amphibians, and generate and transmit an RF detection signal to the control panel, identifying an ambient temperature. Lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are positioned about the building structure. The lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are mated to the control panel and are independently operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Terry M. Wall
  • Patent number: 7165730
    Abstract: A water irrigation system may include a computer system, a sensing unit, an irrigation controller, and/or a water delivery system. The sensing unit may include a moisture gauge. The moisture gauge may include a capacitor coupled to a collector. The sensing unit may assess an amount of moisture in the collector and provide output that is a function of the amount of moisture in the collector to the computer system. The computer system may control irrigation of a zone to be irrigated at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector. A method of controlling irrigation may include assessing an amount of moisture in a collector near or in a zone to be irrigated and controlling irrigation at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: James Jolly Clark, Michael T. Perkins, David Small
  • Patent number: 7077335
    Abstract: The inventive device for aromatizing a gas medium comprises a chamber provided with a flow booster for mixing the gas medium with aromatic fumes. Said fumes are delivered to the chamber by a dispenser which is embodied in the form of a reservoir containing a liquid aromatic substance. The dispenser is provided with a system of nozzles for supplying the aromatic substances to the mixing chamber. The supply of the substance is carried out by producing pressure pulses inside the chamber. Said pulses occur as a result of a pulse operation of actuating elements which are arranged in the chamber and embodied in the form of thermistors, stricting elements and controlled commutator. Said actuating elements are controlled by a field programmed logic array which is also controlled by a panel or a computer and programmed in relation to a value, duration and repetition rate of voltage pulses coming to actuating elements. The diameters of the nozzles range from 10 to 70 ?m, the distance therebetween being less than 50 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Anatoly Viktorovich Golubev, Mikhail Alexandrovich Gluyansky, Evgeny Gennadievich Krasheninnixov, Vladimir Lomberg, Boris Vasilevich Potapkin, Danill Alexandrovich Rybak
  • Patent number: 6921027
    Abstract: A chemical ratio proportioning apparatus (100, 200) intended primarily for use in a wash bay (10) of a vehicle wash system. A gantry (14) and spray wands (18) are used for washing a vehicle (12). A quantity of solvent such as water (109) is provided under pressure from water pumps (104, 202). A chemical (114, 114a) is provided under pressure from chemical pumps (124, 206, 206a), mixed in correct proportion under control of a control unit (120) and flow sensors 112 and 118. The control unit controls metering devices such as a metering pump (124) and/or one or more proportioning solenoid valves (208, 208a) to control the quantity of chemical (114, 114a) entering the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ultra Express Truck Wash, LLC
    Inventor: Roy J. Firestone
  • Patent number: 6772562
    Abstract: A building perimeter fire suppressing system for preventing brush and forest fires from engulfing building structure. The building perimeter fire suppressing system includes a water source; and also includes a plurality of pipelines having a plurality of water outlets being spaced therealong and being connected to the water source and being adapted to be disposed underground and on exteriors of building structures; and further includes valve assemblies being attached to the pipelines with each of the valve assemblies including a housing having a respective pipeline being disposed therethrough with a valve member being removably disposed inline of a respective pipeline; and also includes valve actuators being connected to the valve assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Dadamo
  • Patent number: 6763287
    Abstract: The present invention refers a decoder that can be programmed for an irrigation plant, a programming procedure for said decoder and a centralized irrigation plant comprising a plurality of said decoders. The decoder has the characteristic of comprising memorizing means and processing means, said memorizing means and processing means being directly connected to each other, in which said memorizing means can store an identity number and the operating parameters of the decoder itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Claber S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Brundisini
  • Patent number: 6622933
    Abstract: A lawn sprinkler system utilizes a master controller whose input is coupled to a water supply and whose output is coupled via pipe to a number of valves. The master controller is preprogrammed to supply water for a number of phases of operation, where the operation advances to a subsequent phase upon turning the supply of water off for a relatively short amount of time followed by turning the supply of water back on. Each of the valves includes an in-port and an out-port, where each valve cycles through each of the phases as controlled by the master controller. Each valve is setable/changeable to supply water to its respective out-port during a selected phase of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventors: George A. Young, Jonathan R. Young
  • Patent number: 6412708
    Abstract: A nozzle device including a nozzle body, a central jet channel which has a first fluid admitted to it, an opening region which widens conically in the jet direction and from which the central jet channel extends, and another channel which opens out into the central jet channel and with which a second fluid can be fed to the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mabo Steuerungselemente Vertriebs-GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Böhringer
  • Patent number: 6138928
    Abstract: A liquid suspension distribution system is provided which is essentially a conventional center pivot irrigation system, but which has the innermost sprinkler guns sequenced by way of a programmable logic control. The innermost sprinkler guns are sequenced on and off by the programmable logic controller so that an even distribution of the liquid manure or the like is achieved on the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob L. LaRue, Wendell E. Dorsett
  • Patent number: 6085999
    Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed which includes a center pivot support having an elongated main water boom pivotally connected thereto which extends outwardly therefrom. An elongated extension boom is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of the main boom and is supported by a steerable drive tower. A corner arm sensor is provided for sensing the angle of the extension boom with respect to the main boom. A plurality of first sprinklers are positioned on the extension boom along the length thereof and a plurality of second sprinklers are positioned on the extension boom along the length thereof. The water which is normally allocated to the end gun on the outer end of the extension boom is supplied to the second sprinkler during certain periods of time that the end gun is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Gerdes, Dale A. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5878955
    Abstract: An improved flow control irrigation device automatically stops the flow of water to an area when that area has received a predetermined quantity of water and then redirects the water to another area. The device includes a chamber, a carriage assembly, and a two-step valve which is actuated by the carriage assembly. The two-step valve first reduces the static pressure within the chamber and then fully opens an outlet to direct the flow of water to another area. The device also includes internal fluid dampers to protect the device from damage as the carriage assembly and two-step valve are moved from an irrigating position to a bypass position. The irrigation device also includes a pressure release element which facilitates resetting the device to once again deliver water to an area adjacent to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Alswaqi
    Inventor: Saleh A. Al-Hamlan
  • Patent number: 5878953
    Abstract: A multiple section irrigation sprinkler system incorporating pilot operated, pressure actuated and sequenced valve assemblies incorporates controllable device to increase or decrease the water pressure in the water supply lines at a controllable rate. The system includes a dump valve to relieve the water pressure during the pressure reduction cycle to eliminate or at least greatly reduce water hammer effects. The dump valve has a flow rate substantially less than the flow rate of the device for increasing or decreasing the water pressure in the water supply lines. The dump valve is prevented from transitioning from the open position to the closed position below predetermined pressure levels selected to prevent false sequencing of the pilot operated, pressure actuated and sequenced valve assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Jurupa, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Coffman
  • Patent number: 5817184
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus capable of supplying on a substantially continuous basis an anhydrous agent and water to an area to be cleaned. The cleaning machine includes an inner enclosure disposed in an interior chamber of an outer enclosure. The outer enclosure is designed to enclose the interior chamber. Also, provided in the cleaning apparatus is a system for purging the interior chamber with dry air. The inner enclosure contains the anhydrous agent, which is typically baking soda. The inner enclosure further includes a system for distributing the anhydrous agent to a cleaning nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: John Webb Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5765581
    Abstract: A laundry machine which has a spray head for spraying liquid into laundry machines into a defined target area. The spray head includes a tubular body with first and second groups of spray nozzles in the body wall located at different longitudinal spacings from the inlet. A pressure operated valve is mounted in the body which in a closed position enables low pressure liquid entering the spray head to exit from the first group of spay nozzles and in an open position enables higher pressure liquid to exit from both the first and second groups of spray nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Gordon George Badger, Paul Stephen Hood
  • Patent number: 5748466
    Abstract: An adaptable controller for controlling variable numbers of switches is disclosed. Specifically the controller is useful in an irrigation system having a number of water sprinklers whose operation may be controlled by user-defined programs. The system has a processor unit, an interface unit and a number of add-on units. Switches for actuating electrically-operated devices such as sprinklers are located on the interface unit and the add-on units. The controller allows a user to enter operating parameters relating to the switches in the form of the user-defined programs. The processor is capable of ascertaining the number of switches on the interface unit and the add-on units and limiting the number of switches selected and controlled by the user-defined programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: L. R. Nelson
    Inventors: Patrick T. McGivern, Bradley S. King, Steven Graham
  • Patent number: 5730359
    Abstract: An applicator head for the metered release of flowing media, particularly hot-melt glues, cold glue paste, lubricants, paints, or similar substances, comprises a housing within which there is disposed a pivoting rocker having two oppositely disposed rocker arms which are operatively associated with two valve mechanisms. Two stacks of piezoelectric elements are disposed upon opposite sides of a rocker axis such that when a particular one of the stacks of piezoelectric elements is energized or activated, the rocker is pivoted about the rocker axis whereby one of the valves is opened while the other valve is simultaneously closed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, one of the valves is an applicator or dispensing valve and the other one of the valves is a closing or recirculation valve operatively connected to a recirculation system. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, both valves are applicator or dispensing valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: ITW Dynatec GmbH Klebetechnik
    Inventor: Heiko Wurth
  • Patent number: 5634413
    Abstract: In the method, the liquid waste substance is vaporized and oxidized in a stream of hot flue gas 4. This stream of flue gas 4 contains the oxygen necessary for oxidation. The essence of the method is that the liquid waste substance is sprayed into the stream of hot flue gas 4 as a fan-shaped flat jet with a component which is perpendicular to the main direction of flow, by means of one or more dual-substance nozzles 6 which are operated in a pulsed mode at a frequency of 5 s.sup.-1 to 70 s.sup.-1, and preferably 10 s.sup.-1 to 20 s.sup.-1, a fan-shaped spray carpet 7 with relatively large droplets of large range and a fan-shaped spray carpet 7 with relatively fine droplets of small range being generated in an alternating cycle at each dual-substance nozzle 6, so that the stream of flue gas 4 is supplied alternately with finely sprayed droplets of small range and large droplets which penetrate the flue gas with a relatively large range of throw. Numerals refer to FIG. 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Listner, Martin Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 5629570
    Abstract: Paint flow control interface circuitry for passing electrical signals across a paint booth barrier including a feedback signal indicating a paint flow parameter from a parameter transducer within the paint booth, includes passive resistive intrinsically safe barrier circuit elements coupled with buffer circuitry for minimizing the voltage drop across the interface circuitry. Light filtering of the buffer circuitry output signal with minimum filter lag yields an accurate indication of the paint flow parameter with high signal to noise ratio and minimum signal lag, for application in closed-loop paint flow control. Additional transducer voltage supply signal feedback provides for closed-loop voltage supply control across the interface circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Norman J. Weigert
  • Patent number: 5613511
    Abstract: A distribution valve for a high-pressure pump comprises a closed valve housing (1), in which a valve rotor (2) is rotatably mounted. The valve rotor is adapted during rotation, preferably indexing, to alternately open and close the flow path to a series of outlet ports (8) in the valve housing, such that the pumping medium is distributed via the ports concerned out to individual nozzles disposed in a succession. The distribution valve is extended especially for use in a device for washing the interior of a building. The device comprises a carriage, which is movable back and forth and has a frame on which the nozzles are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Verntofta AB
    Inventors: Kurt E. Andersen, Ole Madsen
  • Patent number: 5366155
    Abstract: A valve arrangement of an irrigation system includes a by-pass; for controlling the return flow of a pilot valve, which by being connected between the outlet connection from the pilot valve and the return connection to the pilot valve eliminates the need for a return circuit and enables the arrangement to be connected downstream to an open circuit network used for the pulsating delivery of an irrigation liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Enichem Agricoltura S.p.A.
    Inventor: Adamo Gazzoni
  • Patent number: 5281401
    Abstract: A vapor dispensing system comprising a container adapted to contain a cartridge for controllably dispensing a liquid substance as a vapor, a pump for causing a flow of the vapor, conduit means for conveying the vapor flow including a first conduit communicating between the container and the pump, a second conduit communicable between the pump and the atmosphere, and means for controlling the flow of vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Vaportek, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Bryson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5207354
    Abstract: A valve suitable for lawn and garden irrigation with a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets and a means for switching the flow of water from one outlet to the other based upon a predetermined flow of water. A plurality of valves may connected in series to irrigate several garden areas by connecting the inlet of each valve with the second outlet of the previous valve, except the inlet of the first valve which communicates with a water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: Shih-Kai Hsu, Chih-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 5135168
    Abstract: A multi-sprinkler controller includes a timer-activated motor which drives a rotor disc. The rotor disc operates the opening and closing of several water passages through which water is supplied to the various sprinklers which make up a sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Po H. Wang
  • Patent number: 5100056
    Abstract: An automatic volume controlled sequential irrigation system and automatic volume controlled irrigation valve therefor includes an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized water, a discharge port, a bypass port, a valve in the discharge port movable between an open position and a closed position and a valve in the bypass port movable between a closed position and an opened position. The irrigation valve also includes a mechanism for selecting a predetermined volume of water to be discharged from the discharge port which measures the volume of water discharged from the discharge. When a predetermined volume of water has passed through the discharge port, the discharge valve moves from the open position to the closed position and the bypass valve moves from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Theodore E. Theodorsen, Theodore J. Theodorsen