Audible Patents (Class 239/72)
  • Patent number: 10794659
    Abstract: In aspects of the invention, an arrow slide is provided with a body having a first opening with a plurality of first edges arranged in a generally triangular configuration within which a first diameter can be received, a second opening with a plurality of second edges arranged in the generally triangular configuration within which the first diameter can be received; sidewalls linking corresponding ones of the first plurality of edges to the plurality of second edges to create a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening through which an arrow can slide; and a string mount to which a bowfishing line can be joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventor: Hans J. Walthert
  • Patent number: 9416522
    Abstract: A sanitary outlet insert (1) which can be mounted on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting, comprising a flow rate regulator (2) or a flow limiter that has an adjusting element (3) which regulates or limits the flow area in cooperation with a counter element (3?). The aim of the invention is to easily adapt said outlet insert to the prevailing on-site water pressure and/or to the corresponding application in a simple manner. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the flow area of the flow rate regulator (2) or the flow limiter can be preselected or varied by an axial change of the relative position of the adjusting element (3) and the counter element (3?); in that additionally a handle is provided on the outlet end face (7) of the outlet insert (1), said handle being designed as a pushbutton; and in that an adjusting movement on the handle can be converted into a relative axial movement of the adjusting element (3) and the counter element (3?) by means of a pushbutton mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Tempel
  • Patent number: 9266136
    Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus for affixation to shower head, bath or sink faucet water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head. The display apparatus includes a power generation, CPU or microprocessor, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits, and audio or verbal communication means and a display means. The present invention can position some components remotely from other components that communicate by wired or wireless means. The communication means is designed 1) to detect and respond to audio signals or verbal instructions or commands and/or 2) annunciate audio signals or verbal messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Klicpera
  • Patent number: 9132529
    Abstract: A media blast includes a nozzle body manufactured of a first material with a set of internal threads manufactured of a second material different than the first material. A media blast nozzle for a spray gun, the media blast nozzle includes a nozzle body manufactured of a first material, the nozzle body defines an axis; and an insert with a set of internal threads manufactured of a second material different than the first material, the insert located at least partially within the nozzle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric W. Stratton, Cynthia B. Natale
  • Publication number: 20140076985
    Abstract: The invention concerns a handheld, dynamically movable surface spattering device (9), comprising at least one nozzle means (1) for an expelling of a spattering material onto a target surface (3) and a nozzle control mechanism (4) to control characteristics of the expelling of the nozzle means. Furthermore, it comprises a spattering material supply (5), a storage with desired spattering data (6), which is predefined and comprised in a digital image or CAD-model memorized on the storage, a spatial referencing unit (7), to reference the spattering device relative to the target surface and a computation means (8) to automatically control the expelling by the nozzle control mechanism according to information gained by the spatial referencing unit and according to the desired spattering data is evaluated and adjusted by changing the characteristics of expelling of the nozzle means in such a way that the target surface is spattered according to the desired spattering data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Bo Pettersson, Klaus Schneider, Benedikt Zebhauser, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 8651195
    Abstract: A jetting apparatus for fire extinguishing gas has a gas cylinder which is charged with pressurized fire extinguishing gas therein and onto an opening of which a sealing plate opening is attached. The jetting apparatus has a two part case that can receive the gas cylinder. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member that has a neb capable of breaking the sealing plate. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder that is attached the seal breaking member. The jetting apparatus has a mouth part of the gas cylinder that is attached detachably, and a cylinder holder that has a through hole movably housing the seal breaking member therein. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder and a cylinder holder that can relatively approach each other. The jetting apparatus has a jetting port that is provided on the outside of the apparatus and can communicate with the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hideo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8651194
    Abstract: A jetting apparatus for fire extinguishing gas has a gas cylinder which is charged with pressurized fire extinguishing gas therein and onto an opening of which a sealing plate opening is attached. The jetting apparatus has a two part case that can receive the gas cylinder. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member that has a neb capable of breaking the sealing plate. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder that is attached the seal breaking member. The jetting apparatus has a mouth part of the gas cylinder that is attached detachably, and a cylinder holder that has a through hole movably housing the seal breaking member therein. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder and a cylinder holder that can relatively approach each other. The jetting apparatus has a jetting port that is provided on the outside of the apparatus and can communicate with the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hideo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8505837
    Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper, an auger mechanism, a torque sensor that provides a signal based on a condition of the auger mechanism and, a controller that receives the signal from the torque sensor and determines a fill status of the hopper based on the signal from the torque sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Meyer Products, LLC
    Inventor: Marty Warchola
  • Patent number: 8408481
    Abstract: A mobile fragrance-dispensing device resembling a pet. The device features a base with an inner cavity for storing a fragrance canister, a microprocessor, wheels disposed on the ends of the legs on the base, and a motor with steering mechanism operatively connected to each wheel. A dispenser system is fluidly connectable to the fragrance canister. The dispenser system functions to spray fragrance from said fragrance canister when activated. A motion sensor is disposed on the head of the base, wherein when the motion sensor is activated the microprocessor activates the dispensing system for a certain length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: James C. Priest
  • Publication number: 20120118990
    Abstract: A reusable personal defense spray gun and method which is easy to hold, aim, and actuate, and which includes an alarm for attracting assistance and/or stunning, disorienting, or disabling an attacker, especially in an emergency, includes a replaceable canister which is capable of dispensing fluid independent of its orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Albert Beever, III
  • Publication number: 20120056009
    Abstract: A leak-proof perfume bottle spray head assembly includes a bottle cap having a tubular holder block and a rotating shaft rotatably mounted in said tubular holder block, a positioning block having a base coupled to the rotating shaft and a sound-making unit extending along the periphery of the base, the sound-making unit having a positioning face and a retaining rib, and a spray head coupled to the rotating shaft and having a deformable rail which will be rubbed against the sound-making unit to make click sound during rotation of the rotating shaft with the spray head from the open position to the close position and a retaining portion for engagement with the retaining rib when the rotating shaft is rotated to the close position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Chuan-Wei Ko
  • Publication number: 20110275491
    Abstract: A hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, Jon P. Hylbert, Donald Strasser
  • Patent number: 7896259
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water saving showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray. In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern. The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits. In addition, the showerhead of the present invention provides an automatic return feature for return of the showerhead to the first function when water pressure to the showerhead falls below a predetermined bottom threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: As IP Holdco, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Meisner, Walter Pitsch, Tung Hsien Lu
  • Publication number: 20100326431
    Abstract: In an aerosolization device, an oscillating aerosol generator is installed at a position proximate to an opening at the bottom of a liquid container for aerosolizing a supplied liquid in the container and a sensor is provided to detect an oscillating signal variation according to a condition whether or not the liquid in the container is in contact with the oscillating aerosol generator and the oscillating signal variation is sent to a controller for computation, so as to control whether to continue operating or stop operating the aerosol generator. If the aerosol generator is controlled to stop its operation, the controller will drive an alarm device to send out an alarm signal at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: HEALTH & LIFE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shan-Yi Yu
  • Patent number: 7849851
    Abstract: A nebulizer having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting actuations of the nebulizer is proposed. The monitoring device is mounted in a detachable housing part and directly detects movements of container during a nebulizing process, an air supply current in the region of a mouthpiece, and/or the production of aerosol, in order to detect this as the actual dispensing of fluid and actuation of the nebulizer, while preferably the time of actuation of the nebulizer is additionally detected and stored. This allows better monitoring and guidance for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Zierenberg, Klaus Noehl, Johannes Geser, Gilbert Wuttke, Stefan Kaulmann, Hubert Kunze, Andreas Fiol
  • Publication number: 20100270394
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-color paint application apparatus, which includes: a paint storage portion having a number of paint containers in the inside of a storage body; a cover portion that can open and close the upper side of the storage body of the paint storage portion; a discharge portion which includes discharge tubes, and auxiliary containers paint discharge valves; a sensor portion having sensors which are respectively fixed to the discharge tubes, in which an alarm sound is produced by a buzzer if electric power is short-circuited; an air inlet portion including a 3-way valve which makes pressure of air selectively flow into the center of the cover portion; a dehumidification portion which is connected with an expansion tube where a drain plug that can remove moisture by adiabatic expansion of the compressed air is formed with the 3-way valve in the air inlet portion; and a spray gun which can selectively spray the compressed air through a switch formed in a handle lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jeong Oh Kwon
  • Publication number: 20100237168
    Abstract: A misting device including a mister configured to mist water and at least one of a sound emitter, configured to generate one or more sounds, and a display, configured to generate one or more images. The generation of the one or more sounds and/or the one or more images is timed based on operation of the mister. The sound and/or images may be used, for example, to mentally prepare a pet for misting and/or to calm a pet during or after misting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Cooper
  • Patent number: 7793860
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with a porous protuberance is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to intermittently dip the porous member into a volatile liquid and to expel air out through vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 7793861
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with an evaporative member is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to bring the evaporative member into repeated contact with the exposed end of a liquid transfer means to wick volatile liquid out from a reservoir onto the evaporative member and to expel vapors out through vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 7665348
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Arena Pesticide Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Durham Kenimer Giles
  • Patent number: 7611073
    Abstract: An injection-molded faucet fountain core attachable to a water faucet with a manually actuated flap to selectively direct water from an outlet for drinking and incorporating a programmable battery-operated sound emitting device. The faucet fountain core is enclosed by a jacket having an external character face or shape. The sound emitting device is programmed to make sounds or voices that are compatible with the character or shape on the faucet fountain jacket. The character and voice may be changed by programming the sound emitting device and changing the external jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: William C. Crutcher
  • 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: 7311004
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for monitoring fluid flow through a nozzle is disclosed. A vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is mounted to a nozzle. The vibration output received from the sensor is then analyzed to determine whether or not the nozzle is operating properly. Through the present invention, information can be obtained regarding variations in flow rate, and/or variations in spray pattern and droplet size spectra. If the nozzle flow pulsates, the vibration sensor may also provide information regarding whether the nozzle is pulsating according to a desired frequency duty cycle or waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Durham Kenimer Giles
  • Patent number: 7232077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a level sensing spray applicator. In one embodiment, the spray applicator includes a gun that receives a liquid and a supply vessel coupled to the gun. The vessel includes a level sensor responsive to the volume retained by the supply vessel. In another aspect, a level-sensing supply vessel includes a level sensor responsive to a volume of liquid retained by the supply vessel, the sensor including a sensor element to detect the volume by sensing a resistance property of the liquid. In still a further aspect, a method of sensing a level of a liquid retained within a storage vessel includes sensing a first liquid volume, removing a portion of the first volume to define a second volume, determining if the second volume is less than a minimum volume, and generating an alarm signal if the second volume is less than the minimum volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Trade Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford W. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 7121477
    Abstract: This above ground sprinkler system for a water supply provides a main supply hose having an inlet connected to the water supply and an outlet. A main valve is disposed between bib end of the hose and the water supply. A central station including a water supply inlet is connected to the main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hose outlets, each having an associated flow control valve, supplies water to sprinklers, or similar devices at the outer end of hoses which are connected at their inner ends to the outlets. A control system for directing the water supply to the individual hose outlets is provided including a timer. A relief valve is provided for draining water from the main supply hose and a backflow preventor valve is provided for preventing back-siphonage into the water supply. A pressure actuated warning alert system is provided to indicated venting failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Michael A. Noelke
  • Patent number: 7077336
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an information-displaying unit (1) which has a body of a determined geometrical shape internally with an illumination system having in the narrower portions thereof (12) an arrangement for installation of water atomizing nozzles of a body climatization system, and a pedestal (14) to house the components of said system. The right side portion (10) and the left side portion (10?) of the information-displaying unit (1) have an arrangement for installation of an information-displaying device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Gilles François Dominique d'Ornano
  • Patent number: 6823536
    Abstract: A combination showerhead and electronic media device is provided. The electronic media device is integrated within the housing of the showerhead, thus saving space within the shower. The electronic media device may also be easily removed from the showerhead. In one embodiment, the electronic media device stores digital audio data, such as MP3 formatted audio data, and includes an interface for connecting the electronic media device to an external source, allowing audio data to be loaded into the electronic media device from the external source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Jing Mei Industrial Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Rudolph Chi Wai Yip
  • Patent number: 6651900
    Abstract: In a fire pump adapted to force out the water, which is pumped from a water source, from a nozzle provided at a front end portion of a delivery hose, a nozzle control unit 8 adapted to control the fire pump remotely is provided in the vicinity of the nozzle. The nozzle control unit 8 is connected to a body of the fire pump 1 by power source lines 33. On the nozzle control unit 8, a control instruction unit for instructing an operating mode of the pump 1, and a numerical value display unit for displaying the operation condition of the fire pump are provided. The transmitting and receiving of an operation control signal and a condition display signal are done between the pump 1 and nozzle control unit 8 by power line communication via the power source lines 33, whereby the operation condition of the pump 1 is feedback displayed in real time in response to a control operation of a nozzle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Jakogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6540155
    Abstract: A dispenser for attachment to a container containing a fluid material, including an actuator which keeps the container in a substantially constantly open configuration so as to allow the fluid to pass into the dispenser, and a controllable outlet, through which a portion of the fluid is emitted from the dispenser, substantially independent of the fluid pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Gotit Ltd.
    Inventor: Shimon Yahav
  • Publication number: 20020020756
    Abstract: A dispenser for attachment to a container containing a fluid material, including an actuator which keeps the container in a substantially constantly open configuration so as to allow the fluid to pass into the dispenser, and a controllable outlet, through which a portion of the fluid is emitted from the dispenser, substantially independent of the fluid pressure in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: GOTIT LTD.
    Inventor: Shimon Yahav
  • Publication number: 20020003172
    Abstract: A system is provided for distributing pesticide into the interior walls of a building includes an injection port in a wall of a building, connected to a manifold to which a large number of flexible tubing members, having discharge openings spaced along the length of the tubing members, are attached. The system may include a wheeled vehicle with separate vessels containing pesticide and inert gas under pressure connected to an injection gun. A flow meter is electrically connected to a data processor which records and prints information with respect to the amount of pesticide distributed into the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory A. Sims
  • Patent number: 6279836
    Abstract: The invention includes a first dispenser for providing a first dilute concentrate of a use solution in a bottle. This bottle is then used in a portable delivery/dilution device which provides for a second level of concentration of the use solution. The bottles in which the solution is placed has both a vertical and horizontal lockout. The horizontal lockout is useful in making certain the right bottles are utilized with each dispenser and the vertical lockouts are useful in guiding the bottle upwards as the first concentration of liquid is placed in the bottle. The portable delivery/dilution system is easily portable, easily filled with water which can be easily poured from a system after use. The battery is rechargeable and can be used in most any application where spraying is desired. First and second timers activate first and second indicators to notify the user sufficient use solution has been dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Toetschinger, Mary M. Dawson, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5878913
    Abstract: A whistling aerosol can for providing a remote indication that the can is being utilized to dispense its contents. The device includes a valve assembly disposed atop a can and being in communication with contents therein. The valve assembly includes a dispensing cap. The dispensing cap has an L-shaped dispensing channel therein. The dispensing channel has a vertical portion extending downwardly into communication with an internal dispensing tube of the can. The dispensing channel has a horizontal portion extending outwardly of the dispensing cap. The horizontal portion has a whistle positioned therein inwardly of an outlet end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: William E. Fisher, Maggie Fisher
  • Patent number: 5570839
    Abstract: A plural component dispensing system includes flow monitoring system to interrupt operation and/or provide an audible and/or visual warning signal to an operator if the flow of one component of a plural component material stops or reaches an unacceptable value. In the flow monitoring system, a pilot valve can be connected with a pressure generated to indicate the flow of the monitored component, and with an adjustable pressure indicative of acceptable/unacceptable flows, and can provide an output to interrupt system operation in the event of an unacceptable flow of the monitored component. In systems of the invention where operation is not interrupted, a warning signal can alert the operator to discontinue dispensing the plural component material until the cause of the unacceptable flow condition has been investigated and corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Glas-Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy S. Kukesh
  • Patent number: 5535779
    Abstract: A faucet or shower head includes a transparent zone on the casing thereof through which the color and quality of the water may be visually checked. A temperature display chip is mounted within the transparent zone and is covered with a transparent protective covering. The temperature display chip detects and displays the temperature of the water passing through the faucet or shower head. If the water temperature exceeds a predetermined value, a temperature controlled integrated circuit (IC) is activated to automatically give an audio alarm. This alarm helps prevent users from being scalded with excessively hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Lung-Shen Huang
  • Patent number: 5482078
    Abstract: A water faucet fitting seat capable of producing a musical tone or animal howl comprises a base and a sound producing device. The hollow base is provided therein with a channel having one end serving as a water outlet and another end which serves as a water inlet and can be fastened to the outlet of a water faucet. The base is further provided therein with a recessed seat having a round hole in communication with the channel. The sound producing device is disposed in the recessed seat and is provided with a speaker, a sound control circuit board and a conducting switch which is connected with the sound control circuit board and is provided with two terminals spaced at an interval and located in the channel via the round hole of the recessed seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas Yeh
  • Patent number: 5361988
    Abstract: A spreader to be mounted on a vehicle. The spreader has a main container to hold a particulate material and an outlet for a particulate material. The particulate material can be dispersed from the outlet and there is an electric motor adjacent the main body to drive the particulate material from the body. This electric motor has a drive shaft that extends to an outlet. There is a feeder, for example a screw conveyor, on the drive shaft to force the particulate material from the outlet when the shaft rotates. The spreader includes seals to prevent leaking of the particulate material from the body when the shaft is not rotating and also has the ability to warn when the level of particulate material in the main body is too low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Donald F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5312039
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the fluid spray pattern of fluid sprayed by a nozzle onto a semiconductor wafer during processing of the wafer. A light source is positioned to illuminate the fluid sprayed in a pattern P from the nozzle, and one or more photodetectors are positioned to receive light scattered by the fluid spray. Each photodetector develops an electrical signal in response to receipt of the scattered light, and these electrical signals are received and analyzed by a comparison means. One or more reference signals representing a desired fluid spray pattern P.sub.0 is stored in the comparison means, and each electrical signal for the pattern P is compared with the corresponding reference signal for the pattern P.sub.0 by the comparison means. If one or more signal for the pattern P differs substantially from the corresponding reference signal for the desired pattern P.sub.0, an alarm may be generated and/or delivery of fluid by the nozzle may be terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Sayka, Allen Page
  • Patent number: 5289974
    Abstract: An improved hand held spray gun. The spray gun includes at least one manual trigger which when squeezed moves a valve needle to initiate fluid flow. A knob is provided to adjust the maximum fluid flow when the trigger is squeezed. When the trigger is released, a compression spring returns the valve needle to its closed position. An over travel spring is compressed only if an excessive force is applied to the trigger to prevent damage to the spray gun. The over travel spring is stronger than the valve needle return spring so that it compresses only after the spray gun is fully on. If the maximum fluid flow adjustment knob is turned too far, compressed air is vented through the knob as a tactile warning to the spray gun operator to not turn the knob further. The vented air also may whistle to provide an audible warning that the knob should not be turned further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Grime, Roger T. Cedoz, Roger D. Wheeler, John F. Schaupp
  • Patent number: 5207381
    Abstract: Fluid delivery equipment comprises calibration circuitry which, in a calibration mode of operation, detects a time at which fluid is first caused to flow in the equipment, and provides an output signal a predetermined time thereafter. The output signal may be audible. The equipment is of the hand-held type, including a handset (2), incorporating a manually operable trigger (3), and a distribution head (8) connected to the handset and incorporating a manually operable variable flow restrictor.The equipment may include means for setting a desired width of land which is to be sprayed, in which case, during a calibration mode, this desired width is used as an indicator of the desired flow rate and the predetermined time is adjusted accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Nomix Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: David C. Gill
  • Patent number: 5022587
    Abstract: A battery powered nebulizer (10) includes a portable housing (58) containing a battery power supply (13), pump-motor combination (14), air compressor (16) and control circuitry (20). The control circuitry (20) includes a pulse width modulator (24) for switching power to the motor (14) to conserve battery charge and regulate the pump-motor combination (14) to a predetermined volume output. The nebulizer (10) includes a charger (40) for charging the battery (13) and an adapter (34) to be connected to an external battery supply. A monitor (46) monitors the charge on the battery (13) to audibly and visually indicate low battery charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Peter A. Hochstein
  • Patent number: 4951873
    Abstract: A multi-line electronic media barrier or safety system for preventing liquid contamination of air lines, including a capacitance proximity sensor for detecting a foreign undesirable medium such as paint in an air line. When foreign media is detected, a main air valve is closed which in turn closes valves connected in the air lines, thereby blocking passage of air or liquid and protecting pneumatic control apparatus. The media barrier is especially designed for use with automated or robotic paint spray devices utilized in industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Graco Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ashworth, Thomas Ingve
  • Patent number: 4936508
    Abstract: A shower head volume meter producing an audible or other alarm for indicating when a predetermined volume of water has been delivered. A polite alarm or "beep" is used after a first volume of water y has been delivered, while an aggressive alarm in the form of a continuous sound is used after a second volume of water y+z has been delivered. A first embodiment measures the volume of water with a magnetic turbine and pick-up coil. The turbine rotates in response to water flow through meter generating a rotating magnetic flux. The flux lines cut across the pick-up coil which produces electrical pulse signals at a rate corresponding to the water flow rate. The number of magnetic poles in the turbine determines the total volume of water that can be delivered. A microcontroller analyzes the pulse signals and initiates the alarm. The pick-up coil doubles as an alternator to produce electrical power for the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas J. Ingalz
  • Patent number: 4917296
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying viscous coating material to a surface through spraying devices such as spray guns in which an alarm is activated in the event one or more of the spray guns becomes clogged or otherwise malfunctions. The apparatus includes separate pumps for each of any number of fixtures which supply coating material such as molten wax to spray guns carried by the fixtures. Each fixture includes a valve, and a pressure switch which is operative to sense the fluid pressure within the fixture and activate an alarm at a predetermined level. A controller simultaneously opens at least one spray gun and closes the valve of each fixture to discharge coating material onto a surface. In the event a spray gun becomes clogged or otherwise malfunctions, the fluid pressure within the fixture increases and such increase is sensed by the pressure switch which activates the alarm when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Konieczynski
  • Patent number: 4905897
    Abstract: A field sprayer nozzle monitor comprises a sensor head in the form of an L-shaped horn device which is clamped onto the nozzle cap by way of a slot which receives the fin of the nozzle cap. The horn includes a mouth which receives sound from the spray nozzle and transmits it to a microphone protected with the horn. A central processor unit receives signals from each of the sensors in turn and processes those to compare with a predetermined calibration signal to determine which nozzles are blocked or faulty. The selection between two different frequencies can be made for different nozzle types. A dynamic averaging system is used to accommodate changes which take place at all nozzles which are independent of fault at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Ramon Barry Rogers
    Inventors: Ramon B. Rogers, James A. Baker
  • Patent number: 4712736
    Abstract: A method of, and system for, spraying is provided in which voltages generated by the passage of pressurized medium through a spray nozzle is monitored. The generated voltage has characteristic patterns. Monitoring the variations in these patterns or the exceeding of predetermined voltage limits enable close control to be monitored over the spraying operation and for remedial action to be taken in due time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Gaydon Technology Limited
    Inventors: David J. Bray, Francis R. Piper
  • Patent number: 4645128
    Abstract: An apparatus for spraying plant-protective agents comprises a spray head having a motor, a spray plate mounted on the driving shaft of the former and a first container which is fastened to a lance. The container is connected via a connecting pipe line with a nozzle in the vicinity of the center of the spray plate. Diametrically opposite the mouth of the connecting pipe line in the container, a supply hose is connected with the first container which hose connects the latter container with a portable second container. Thereby, the relatively small first container can be refilled from the substantially larger second container. A large area can, therefore, be sprayed without having to handle the plant-protective agent. This reduces the danger of coming into contact with the plant-protecting agent. The apparatus is particularly suitable for the spraying of insecticides and fungicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy AG
    Inventor: Alfred Graber
  • Patent number: 4565322
    Abstract: A liquid spray apparatus comprises a pneumatic drive and automatic speed regulating device. To this end, a vane wheel which can be acted upon by an air stream is mounted axially displaceably on a shaft. The vane wheel is in contact with regulating elements which are moved radially outwardly at increasing speed by the influence of centrifugal forces. In doing so the regulating elements act upon the vane wheel in a manner such that it is displaced at least partially out of the range of the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy AG
    Inventor: Alfred Graber
  • Patent number: 4562960
    Abstract: 'An aerator has a pressure responsive valve assembly therein for restricting the flow therethrough when the pressure of the water supply is increased. The aerator includes a housing mounting a stream straightener member and a partition member. The partition member seats an annular O-ring which in turn seats a movable valve element. The valve element and partition define an assembly with a variable sized passageway. The valve element is responsive to pressure from the pressure source to compress and move the O-ring to constringe the passageway. A mixing body is movably mounted between the stream straightener and the partition member for mixing water from the passageway with air. The valve element has a depending leg which is manually operable from the outlet of the housing. The leg can be pressed upwardly to lift the valve element which opens up the passageway thereby creating turbulence in the aerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Garry R. Marty, Dennis W. Crawford, Trevor M. Wingfield
  • Patent number: RE35769
    Abstract: An improved hand held spray gun. The spray gun includes at least one manual trigger which when squeezed moves a valve needle to initiate fluid flow. A knob is provided to adjust the maximum fluid flow when the trigger is squeezed. When the trigger is released, a compression spring returns the valve needle to its closed position. An over travel spring is compressed only if an excessive force is applied to the trigger to prevent damage to the spray gun. The over travel spring is stronger than the valve needle return spring so that it compresses only after the spray gun is fully on. If the maximum fluid flow adjustment knob is turned too far, compressed air is vented through the knob as a tactile warning to the spray gun operator to not turn the knob further. The vented air also may whistle to provide an audible warning that the knob should not be turned further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Grime, Roger T. Cedoz, Roger D. Wheeler, John F. Schaupp