Abstract: An apparatus includes a welding assembly which forms a seam in a tubular can body. A coating assembly applies coating material to an inner side surface of the seam. Coating material is conducted to the coating assembly through a main conduit. A monitor assembly, in the main conduit, includes a housing having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. An orifice is disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet valves. A transducer senses fluid pressure downstream from the orifice. The inlet and outlet valves are operable to direct the coating material flow to and from a bypass conduit. This enables the orifice and/or the transducer to be repaired or replaced without interrupting operation of the coating assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the monitor assembly is disposed ahead of the welding assembly and coating assembly. In another embodiment of the invention, the monitor assembly is disposed between the welding assembly and the coating assembly.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for selectively delivering a fluid to at least one selected remote location for a selected duration, the apparatus including a housing having an inlet for receiving the fluid from a fluid source, and an outlet for expelling the fluid, a valve assembly for controlling the passage of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, a fluid sensitive transducer operative for sensing a fluid stimulus and for opening the valve assembly consonant therewith, and an programmable clock timer assembly operative for actuating the transducer, and for selectively closing the valve assembly after fluid has passed through the outlet for a selected duration.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing control for controlling the dispensing of a fluid by a metering valve through a nozzle onto a workpiece. An initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid is determined that is correlated to the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid and nozzle pressure. Desired nozzle pressure values are periodically determined by evaluating a model of flow rate of the fluid through nozzle in response to the initial value of the flow characteristic and a desired flow rate value. Thereafter, the control provides command signals to the metering valve as a function of the desired nozzle pressures. A new value of the flow characteristic is determined as a function of the measured volume of fluid dispensed during the dispensing cycle to the measured nozzle pressure. During a subsequent dispensing cycle, the control determines the desired nozzle pressures by evaluating the model of flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle as a function of the new value of the flow characteristic.

Abstract: Flow restrictors are provided with known flow rates at given pressures. A flow restrictor is surrounded by a tubular sleeve having open ends. A fluid such as air is supplied through the restrictor, and the sleeve is simultaneously compressed, until a predetermined pressure across the restrictor is reached, at which time compression is stopped.

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.

Abstract: An automatic liquid dispensing apparatus including a container for holding a dispensable liquid, a flow regulator which permits liquid to flow out of the container at a controlled rate which is independent of the quantity of liquid within the container, and a timing and dispensing assembly. The timing and dispensing assembly accumulates a quantity of the liquid from the flow regulator, and periodically dispenses a constant volume of the liquid.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation device for plants which is automatically activated in correlation with the evapotranspiration needs of the plants comprises an open-top fluid evaporation pan containing the irrigating fluids, the fluids being capable of evaporating from the pan, thereby reducing its weight. A fluid conduit attached to a fluid inlet port conducts the fluids to the plants and the pan while a valve, interposed between the inlet port and the conduit and operatively connected to the pan, controls the conduction of the fluids to the pan and the plants. A counter-force member exerts a force on the pan in a direction opposite to that of the force of gravity. When the pan holds more than a first amount of fluid the valve closes and the device enters the evaporating stage. When the pan holds less than a second, lesser amount of fluid the valve opens and the device enters the irrigating stage. The device can be used to automatically irrigate a large number of plants simultaneously.

Abstract: A container and distributor of water is internally provided with a bath pivoted in such a way as to empty when full. A floating piston situated inside a chamber enables water delivery to the bath at a rate regulated by varying a water head in the chamber, and an outlet opening from the chamber conducts water into the bath. A rod, insertable in the outlet opening and movable upon pivoting of the bath, prevents a build-up of residues in the outlet due to impurities in the water such that the outlet opening does not become blocked or obstructed.

Abstract: The invention includes an electrically isolated electrically less-conductive component fluid-flow course and an electrically-grounded electrically more-conductive component fluid-flow course. The electrically more-conductive component fluid-flow course may be additionally electrically isolated at the preference of an operator. The invention includes an electrostatic spray gun a mixer positioned proximal to the electrostatic spray gun, and a first conduit which holds alternating segments of electrically more-conductive component and electrically less-conductive component. The alternating segments function in series to additively provide a combined resistance which electrically blocks the high-voltage potential generated at the electrostatic spray gun.

Abstract: A nozzle for spraying liquids includes a body pierced with a bore, preferably a cylindrical or cylindro-conical bore, and carrying an endpiece pierced with an orifice which may be frustoconical flowing out towards the outside or dihedral opening out towards the outside, this orifice being coaxial with a preferably hemispherical swirl chamber and opening out into the latter via a narrow passage. The endpiece is made from an elastically deformable material, and a restraining component, carried by the body and able to move with respect to the endpiece, acts on the endpiece in order to adjust the cross-section and/or the shape of the the orifice without substantially deforming the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A sprayer control system and method for using same includes a pump for directing a mixture of chemical and fluid carrier to a flow control valve. The flow control valve includes an intake port, a bypass port, and a regulated outlet port. A valve member is rotatable to direct fluid from the intake port either to the bypass port or the regulated output port. Fluid from the bypass port is sent through a bypass line back to the intake opening of the fluid pump. Various chemical tanks are connected to the bypass line for injecting metered amounts of chemical into the bypass line.

Abstract: The fluid control device of the present invention combines a flow sensing unit in series with a control valve. The flow sensing unit is of the displacement piston type and the flow rate is electronically sensed. A single action poppet valve assembly facilitates the use of a self contained power supply for use in remote locations. A microprocessor monitors parameters including pressure, flow rate, temperature and flow volume, and is enable to activate the control valve to the open or shut positions based upon any combination of the monitored parameters.

Abstract: This invention includes a process and apparatus for dispensing/applying a material to lawns and gardens. The apparatus includes a child and pet proof container for holding the material being dispensed/applied. At the upper portion of the container in a water flow path is a water fill conduit, liquid volume control, back flow prevention device, and a Venturi. The Venturi draws the contents of the container through a hose having an end located at the containers lower end where there is a filter located at such hose end. This allows hazardous material to be administered to a lawn or other flora without human or animal exposure to hazardous material.

Abstract: A gear driven rotary sprinkler comprising a base defining a liquid inlet, a sprinkler head which is rotatable about a rotation axis fixed in the base, liquid driven gear apparatus for driving the sprinkler head in rotation about the rotation axis, clutch apparatus for selectably decoupling the sprinkler head from the gear apparatus upon forced rotation of the sprinkler head, apparatus for limiting the speed of rotation of the sprinkler head under high pressure and/or high volume conditions, apparatus for selectably limiting the azimuth of rotation including an over-center spring mechanism, and a liquid flow pathway from the liquid inlet to the sprinkler head including suctioning apertures operative to draw sediment from the liquid driven gear apparatus by venturi action and to flush it from the sprinkler.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray coating system has a reservoir into which a metered quantity of electrically conductive paint is flowed from a grounded color changer and through a first flow meter. After filling the reservoir, at least a portion of the flow path between the reservoir and the color changer is cleaned of paint to electrically isolate the reservoir and paint therein from the color changer. The paint in the reservoir is then flowed through a second flow meter to an electrostatic spray gun. The second flow meter is electrically isolated from ground and is used to compare the quantity of paint delivered to the spray gun to the quantity of paint loaded into the reservoir, as well as to monitor and control the volume flow rate of paint from the reservoir to the spray gun. The arrangement makes it possible to spray substantially all of the paint flowed into the reservoir and to accurately control the flow rate of paint to the spray gun.

Abstract: An irrigation system for controlling the operation of a number of control valves each of which controls the flow of water in a corresponding branch pipe leading from a common supply pipe. The system comprises a pair of control lines which extend along the supply pipe and branch pipes to carry a control signal to operate a control unit which operates a corresponding control valve using a low voltage power supply. The control signal is coded by a data generator according to predetermined conditions and is decoded by each of the control units, the coded signal being received at each control unit, and the specified control unit operating only.

Abstract: A gear driven rotary sprinkler comprising a base defining a liquid inlet, a sprinkler head which is rotatable about a rotation axis fixed in the base, liquid driven gear apparatus for driving the sprinkler head in rotation about the rotation axis, clutch apparatus for selectably decoupling the sprinkler head from the gear apparatus upon forced rotation of the sprinkler head, apparatus for limiting the speed of rotation of the sprinkler head under high pressure and/or high volume conditions, apparatus for selectably limiting the azimuth of rotation including an over-center spring mechanism, and a liquid flow pathway from the liquid inlet to the sprinkler head including suctioning apertures operative to draw sediment from the liquid driven gear apparatus by venturi action and to flush it from the sprinkler.

Abstract: An installation for spraying coating product, such as water-soluble or metallic paint to be sprayed onto automobile bodies, comprises a coating product change unit on a downstream side of which is at least one distribution pipe. This feeds at least one sprayer for the coating product. An intermediate storage tank for the coating product formed in the distribution pipe(s) consists of a section of the pipe itself. An arrangement is provided for feeding rinsing product into the distribution pipe(s) and, by virtue of a selective connection device, the coating product is propelled by the rinsing product during spraying.

Abstract: A device for irrigating plants comprises a container adapted to be mounted adjacent to each plant to be irrigated and to be filled at a low rate over a long period of time, for example around-the-clock. The container further includes a water discharge conduit having a loop portion at a pre-fixed height above the container bottom, the arrangement being such that when the water has accumulated within the container to substantially the top of the loop portion, there is produced automatically, and without the movement of any parts, a siphonic-flow-discharge of the water container at a high rate and over a short period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a grounded color changer and associated supplies of conductive paint to an electrostatic paint sprayer isolates the color changer and paint supplies from a high voltage at the sprayer. The apparatus has at least one reservoir into which a metered volume of one color of paint to be sprayed is introduced while the reservoir and its contents are grounded. After charging the reservoir with paint and prior to supply of the paint to the sprayer, fluid lines between the reservoir and color changer are flushed to electrically isolate the reservoir and paint therein from the color changer and paint supplies. The reservoir and paint therein are then ungrounded and the paint is delivered to the sprayer for being emitted in an electrostatically charged atomized spray. At the end of spraying, the high voltage is removed from the sprayer and the reservoir and its contents are again grounded, following which the reservoir is purged of paint of the one color and reloaded with paint of another color.

Abstract: A sprinkler system fertilization regulator is provided that automatically mixes a plurality of chemicals for the purpose of fertilization, weed control, or insect control. An electrically operated manifold distributes the chemical/water stream to each of the sprinkler zones provided. The output stream pressure is programmable, constant, and independent of the incoming fresh water pressure. Controls are provided for programming the relative percentage concentration of each of the constituent chemicals. Closed-loop fluid control systems are used throughout.

Abstract: A high-voltage electrostatic painting apparatus (10) for coating an article (12) inside a spray booth (14). The apparatus (10) includes a flow rate meter (34) disposed within the electrostatic environment for measuring the rate at which paint is supplied to a discharge atomizer (18). The meter (34) includes two intermeshing rotors (44, 46) disposed within a sealed non-ferromagnetic housing (54). The two rotors (44, 46) rotate in response to liquid paint flowing through the housing (54). A magnetic coupling (64) acts through the housing (54) to drive an optical signal producing disc (62). A pick-up sensor (82) senses the optical signal from the disc (62) and sends that signal outside the booth (14) to a master control unit (40) via a fiber optic conductor (90). The master control unit (40) automatically adjusts a flow rate regulator valve (92) to provide a constant rate of paint flow to the discharge atomizer (18).

Abstract: An apparatus, including a primary container or tank for receiving fluid, and a secondary or dispersing tank at a lower level for receiving fluid in a controlled manner from the upper tank. Fluid transfer is perfomed by siphoning tubes, at least one primary siphoning tube being contained within the primary tank. The primary tank includes an opening with a fitting for attachment to a conventional source of water such as to a hose connected to a municipal water supply. The primary siphon tube effects flow of fluid to the secondary tank, which contains a plurality of smaller diameter siphon tubes, with each tube in turn providing fluid to a receiving area, such as one or a group of plant beds. A valve is provided for controlling the outlet of the primary siphon tube. Vertical adjustments can be made to the secondary tank siphon tubes provided for controlling the respective outlets of the secondary tank siphon tubes.

Abstract: A volume flow control device for fitting between a faucet and a water-pipe. This device includes a base having a cylindrical mounting portion, a water inlet and a water outlet. The mounting portion receives an impeller, a throttle valve, a stationary housing with a gear train, and a control ring. Pressing down the control ring allows water to flow through this device sequentially via the inlet, the throttle valve and the outlet. The control ring can be pressed and turned to set volume flow control function. The water flowing through the stationary housing urges an impeller to actuate the gear train. The gear train is essentially engaged with the control ring so that after a certain period of time the control ring is brought back to a configuration not allowing water to flow through the device.

Abstract: An optical sensor (40) located in the manifold area (20) of an augmentor senses the presence of liquid. The engine control provides a high fuel flow rate from remotely located augmentor fuel control (58) until liquid is sensed. Flow is then reduced to the desired metered rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing multiple fluids utilizes two fluid reservoirs each in fluid communication with a respective pump for pumping the fluids to a mixing head, the pumps being mechanically connected to each other and adapted to pump fluids from the reservoirs at a predetermined volume ratio, and with a pressure switch provided for measuring fluid pressure to the mixing head and stopping the pumping of fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure while starting the pumping of fluid when the fluid pressure falls below the predetermined maximum pressure. A device for detecting an empty fluid reservoir is used to stop the pumping of fluids to avoid single component pumping. A mechanical torque-releasable coupling is used to disconnect a pump from the pump drive in the event of an internal pump overload.

Abstract: A selective liquid fertilizer blending system and apparatus associated with golf courses utilizing automatic irrigation systems to irrigate the various species of turf grasses used on fairways, tees, greens and other areas; being adapted to selectively and continuously blend in a "spoon feeding" manner the agronomically correct ratios of liquid fertilizer/irrigation water. The desideratum is a uniformly blended mixture of liquid fertilizer and irrigation water in the agronomically correct spoon-feeding ratios delivered in an aqueous solution to each specific turf grass species used on the separate use areas of the golf course in a continuous manner through sprinkler heads or other irrigation devices.

Abstract: A spray gun with an automatic valve opening control means which enables remote and stepless control of a paint spraying operation has atomizing means provided at the front end thereof, a paint valve member which enables adjustment of the amount of paint jetted out from the atomizing means, and a spray pattern adjusting valve member adapted to adjust the spray pattern by controlling the amount of compressed air jetted out from the atomizing means. A threaded slider mechanism is provided on the proximal portion of a valve body of either the paint valve member or the spray pattern adjusting valve member (or both). A servo motor and an encoder are connected to a drive screw member of the threaded slider mechanism. The encoder is adapted to detect the rotational position of the servo motor and output a controlled variable of the motor, and the servo motor is controlled in response to an external signal.

Abstract: A sprinkler system including a controller having a manual data entry device, a processor and a sprinkler controller. Data is entered through the data entry means relating to conditions in each of a number of zones in which sprinkling is to occur with respect to the amount of water needed to be applied to that zone and the soil water infiltration rate. Upon receiving this information, the processor determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that water is to be applied not only so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, but also so that the total amount of water needed by that zone is applied. The processor employs the number of cycles and the length of on time per cycle to organize the cycles for all of the zones, creating an application program.

Abstract: In a high-pressure cleaner, in order to control additional equipment, such as chemical doser or burner, from a hand spray gun without any special control lines, it is proposed to connect a second closable flow path in parallel with the normal flow path through the spray nozzle, to determine the pressure rise time in the cleaning fluid after the switching on of the high-pressure pump and to generate a control signal by opening the second flow path to extend said rise time compared with the rise time when the second flow path is closed; furthermore, a high-pressure cleaner is proposed for implementing this process.

Abstract: Carbon black reactors have dual fluid injectors whereby liquid hydrocarbonaceous feedstock atomized by discharging the feedstock through a dual fluid injector with an atomizing fluid. A method for cleaning coke deposits from such dual fluid injectors comprises interrupting the supply of atomizing fluid thereto a cleaning interval effective to remove the coke deposits.

Abstract: A device to control the flow of fluid uses a cam and ratchet wheel. A valve is operated by the cam portion of the wheel, which bears against the valve stem causing it to open. Fluid flow causes a pawl to drive the ratchet portion of the wheel, rotating the wheel until the valve stem bears against a low point in the cam, permitting the valve to close. A part of the ratchet portion does not contain ratchet teeth, in which area the pawl cannot drive the wheel. In this area, the cam has an increasing radius from a radius corresponding to a closed valve, to a radius corresponding to a fully open valve. This permits manual control of fluid flow without disengagement of the device.

Abstract: A system for injecting foam insulation into a wall cavity or the like that includes a flow control section having a detecting means for automatically inhibiting the control section when the gun is placed in an inoperative or off condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for intermittently supplying a predetermined quantity of water at regular, predetermined intervals comprising: a water tank for accumulating and storing water; water feeding means and inlet valve means; float-actuated valve means within said water tank; a down pipe connected to said water tank and terminating in a tapered tube; a siphon tube from said water tank terminating in a tapered tube which extends together with the tapered tube of said down pipe into a venturi outlet; and, an ejector tube extending downwardly from said venturi outlet.

Abstract: A chemically sanitizing rinse solution is prepared in batches of variable sizes, but with a preselected substantially constant proportion of water and chemical sanitizing agent, in a rinse solution mixing tank, for demand consumption on a continuous duty basis, by delivering the sanitizing agent to, and by admitting fresh water into, the mixing tank in response to predetermined level changes of the solution therein.

Abstract: A water-flow-control device adapted to be positioned within water systems which are generally used for watering lawns and gardens, as well as for distributing water over larger areas of land such as for agricultural use, whereby the device permits a predetermined amount of water to be discharged in a positive and accurate manner in accordance with the time period for which the device is set, the device comprising a housing having an inlet-flow chamber and an outlet-flow chamber, wherein the inlet chamber includes an impeller and the outlet chamber includes a hinged flow-valve member which closes under both spring action and water pressure, the two chambers being interconnected by a flow passage which is provided with a pressure-release valve. A timing device is connected to the flow valve and is operated by the impeller, the impeller having a mechanism whereby the rate of water flow can be controlled from a low to high range.

Abstract: A water valve structure for disposition between the supply pipe and shower head of a bathroom shower. The valve structure includes an actuator shiftable between "on" and "off" positions and spring biased toward the "off" position. An actuator latch under the control of a water flow driven motor is also provided and an operator is provided for initiating movement of the actuator from the "off" position to the "on" position and for also winding a spring drive mechanism controlling a second latch operable to latch the actuator in the "off" position. Actuation of the operator winds the spring drive mechanism and retracts the second latch to allow spring biased movement of the valve structure actuator to the "on" position thereof in which it is latched by the first latch.

Abstract: A distributor, notably for use in a sprinkling or like system, for causing a liquid to flow successively through a first orifice, then through a second orifice, but only after a predetermined quantity of liquid has passed through the first orifice. This distributor comprises a volumetric metering device comprising a piston movable in a first direction under the influence of the liquid pressure from the inlet orifice to a first orifice via an open valve, a chamber and a passage. A piston comprises a rod provided with a push member capable of moving a control member in the first direction, this control member being then driven for rotation by a driving member coupled kinematically to a turbine. Simultaneously, the driving body closes the valve and after a predetermined rotation of the control member the cavity thereof registers with the push member and the rod can move freely in the first direction and close the first outlet orifice while opening the second outlet orifice.

Abstract: A irrigation system for automatically irrigating an agricultural area having a plurality of fields for producing various crops includes a central station and a plurality of remote stations located in the fields. A computer with associated peripherals in the central station is loaded with an irrigation program defining a predetermined schedule for delivery of pre-established quantities of water to each field, the delivery of water can further be dependent on environmental conditions such as wind speed, temperature, humidity, and other factors. The computer via a communication path, such as a radio channel or three-wire circuit, sends coded command messages to selected remote stations for activating valves and pumps for delivering the pre-established quantities of water to the respective fields and continuously interrogates the remote stations for flow meter, water-pressure meter, environmental conditions and alarm information to diagnose proper operation and to monitor the delivery of water.

Abstract: In one embodiment the main water valve to an irrigation system is connected by a fulcrum arm to a float chamber with a float therein operatively connected to the arm. When the water is "on" a controlled feed gradually fills the float chamber which shuts off the water when the float chamber is full. At this point a controlled bleed valve in the bottom of the float chamber gradually empties the float chamber and turns on the water when the float chamber is emptied thus timing the "on" cycle and the "off" cycle. By closing the controlled feed and fully opening the bleed valve, the water level in the ground can raise and lower the float so that irrigation is by soil moisture content rather than by time. In another embodiment the water in the float chamber raises and lowers air pressure in a sensing tube which acts upon a diaphragm which in turn is operatively connected to the fulcrum arm. Once again the actuation can be on a time basis or by the moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: Flushing valves of the type having a control chamber with a movable wall are disclosed, the chamber being partially emptied to cause the main valve surface and seat to separate and open the valve, and being slowly refilled to close the valve. A cleaning needle is provided which moves in the restricted inlet to the chamber to remove dirt and scale therefrom. In one form, the valve actuating element sequentially lifts a valve closure element, to which the needle is secured, from a seat to open said outlet and thereafter acts on the movable wall part to cause a reduction in the volume of said chamber and force some of its contents through the open outlet. In a further form, the actuating element pressurizes the chamber by forcing the movable wall in the direction which reduces the volume thereof. The increased pressure forces a flexible wall part of the chamber from a sealing surface to allow liquid to flow from the chamber.

Abstract: A lawn sprinkling installation has a series of dosing valves arranged in cascade to each successively deliver a set quantity of water to a sprinkler. Each dosing valve has a hinged clapper biased to normally open a first outlet leading to the sprinkler and close a second outlet connected to the inlet of the successive dosing valve. Volumetric dosing means hold each clapper to close the first outlet and open the second after delivery of a regulated quantity of water and hold the clapper as long as the water pressure is maintained. When the last dosing valve shuts off supply to the last sprinkler, a gate valve supplying the first dosing valve is automatically or manually closed to allow water in the pipes joining the dosing valves to drain through a discharge orifice, thus enabling automatic resetting of the clappers.