With Spray Material Quantity Or Flow Indicating Means (e.g., Sight Gauge) Patents (Class 239/74)
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Publication number: 20080142615Abstract: A watering nozzle includes a water volume detection unit received in the barrel of the watering nozzle and the water volume detection unit has two stationary members and a rotatable member which is rotatably connected between the two stationary members. The rotatable member has a magnet connected thereto which is rotated with the rotatable member when water passes through the rotatable member. A display unit is connected to the barrel and has a circuit board and a display member which is electrically connected to the circuit board. The times of revolution are detected by a magnetic spring switch on the circuit board and transferred into digits on the display member to show the volume of water that flows through the rotatable member and the nozzle unit connected to the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Yann-Shoou Chen
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Patent number: 7384004Abstract: A retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun includes a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of the spray gun when the gauge is mounted on the spray gun and a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of the spray gun.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: ITW LimitedInventor: John Anthony Rogers
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Patent number: 7337990Abstract: There is provided an attachment for an air spray gun, to be connected to the bottom of a grip of the spray gun. It includes a control valve to adjust the air flow rate, a gun coupling disposed in the body of the control valve to communicate with an outlet-side passage and thus connect to the spray gun, and a rotary joint having a hose coupling fixed thereto and which is to be fitted rotatably into an inlet-side passage to allow the hose coupling to communicate with the inlet-side passage. The hose coupling is freely turned in relation to the gun coupling fixed to the spray gun for the angle formed between them to freely be variable. A pressure gauge is installed on the attachment to communicate with the outlet-side passage and indicate the pressure of air supplied through the passage. The display surface of the pressure gauge forms an obtuse angle in relation to the axis of the gun coupling.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Anest Iwata CorporationInventors: Shingo Kurosaka, Kunihisa Tomita
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Patent number: 7328853Abstract: There is provided a turret member for a reversible airless spray tip unit having an easily readable identification device or indicia for the particular turret member imprinted on a tag or label attached to a securing device or attaching ring secured to the handle of the turret member. A plurality of turret members are carried on a keychain by their attachment rings for their ease of accessibility to the operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: TriTech Industries Inc.Inventors: Danuta H. Carey, John Plocic, Christopher M. Walsh
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Publication number: 20080029615Abstract: A pressure monitoring device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing 1 within which are provided an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3. Connecting the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 is an air passage way 4 which includes a pressure take off point 9. The air inlet 2 includes' a threaded bore section 2a into which is screwed a coupling device 7 for coupling with the air outlet of a compressed air supply. The air outlet 3 is also configured to receive a coupling device 8 for coupling with the air inlet of a paint spray gun. A digital pressure gauge 5 is housed in a top surface of the housing 1 as shown in the figures. The gauge samples air pressure at the pressure take off point 9 through conduit 9a. Screw threaded into a bore 11 in the housing is a needle valve 6 which can be adjusted by means of valve adjustment means 10a, 10b to move further towards or away from the pressure take off 9.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: ITW LIMITEDInventors: Simon Davies, Paul Lawrence Garlick, John Anthony Rogers
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Publication number: 20080011872Abstract: A new and improved combination pressure gauge and relative humidity indicator for use upon a compressed air or gas too, such as, for example, a paint spray gun, comprises a housing within which a pressure transducer, for determining the pressure level of the incoming compressed air or gas, and a humidity sensor, for determining the relative humidity of the incoming compressed air or gas, are disposed and contained. A first end portion of the housing has a first coupling mounted thereon for connection to an inlet port coupling of the paint spray gun, while a second end portion of the housing has a second coupling mounted thereon for connection to a compressed air or gas line of a compressed air or gas supply source. In this manner, the combination pressure gauge and relative humidity indicator can be readily incorporated within the fluid flow line of the compressed air or gas so as to be separably and independently useable with any compressed air or gas tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Mark E. Charpie
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Patent number: 7287712Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler head transmission for alternately driving an output shaft and sprinkler head nozzle to oscillate it with spring bias being provided to prevent the transmission from being placed in an inoperative position, where the sprinkler head is not oscillated.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventor: Carl L Kah, Jr.
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Patent number: 7257999Abstract: A liquid dispenser comprises a sprayer device and volume meter connected together to form an integral unit that prevents the sprayer device and volume meter from being disconnected without damaging the dispenser. The volume meter has an inlet end portion and a gauge member downstream of the inlet end portion that responds to liquid flowing through the dispenser to provide a visual readout indicating the volume of liquid flowing through the dispenser. A common passageway extends through the sprayer device and volume meter through which liquid flows from the inlet end portion of the volume meter, past the gauge member, and exits the sprayer device at a head end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: H20 Watch, Inc.Inventor: Barry I. Goldfarb
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Patent number: 7232077Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Trade Associates, Inc.Inventor: Clifford W. Turnbull
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Patent number: 7216813Abstract: A retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun includes a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of the spray gun when the gauge is mounted on the spray gun and a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of the spray gun.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: ITW LimitedInventor: John Anthony Rogers
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Patent number: 7137575Abstract: A nozzle for use with a fire hose is capable of varying a discharge pattern while maintaining the total water discharge amount at a fixed level. A first tube 4 is connected to a fire hose, a second tube 5 is screwed onto the first tube, and a throttle valve 40 is disposed on the inside of the second tube. A throttled portion 10 between the second tube and the throttle valve maintains the total water discharge amount at a fixed level. The position of the second tube 5 is varied by rotating a grip 42, and thus the total water discharge amount setting is varied. A third tube 13 is screwed onto the second tube, and a fourth tube 14 is screwed onto the third tube. The position of the third tube 13 is varied by rotating a grip 60, and thus the discharge pattern is varied. The position of the fourth tube 14 is varied by rotating a grip 66, and thus the flow rate of a self-protection water spray is regulated.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Yone CorporationInventor: Toyohiko Yoneda
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Patent number: 7121477Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Michael A. Noelke
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Patent number: 7090147Abstract: A mosquito misting system is described having a liquid reservoir that is operably associated with a fluid pump and motor and fluid conduits to transmit a fluid insecticide to one or more dispersal nozzles. A controller is used to control the frequency and duration of dispersal. An agitator device is preferably associated with the fluid reservoir to adequately agitate the insecticide mixture within the reservoir during or just prior to dispersal of the fluid insecticide. The controller is interconnected with a level sensor assembly to provide a graphic indication of the level of fluid insecticide remaining in the reservoir. Additionally, the misting system is provided with a fluid pressure switch that detects a rupture in the fluid conduit and prevents further flow of fluid from the reservoir. In further aspects, the system is provided with remote control and, optionally, a remote monitoring feature that allows improved service and maintenance for the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: Rod Lovett
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Patent number: 7080695Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire extinguisher, in particular, to a fire extinguisher with an observation window formed in it, allowing to observe inside thereof so that one can easily confirm with naked eyes whether the extinguishing agent filled in the main body of the fire extinguisher is of prescribed quantity, or the extinguishing agent filled in is in an intact state, i.e. not hardened.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Korea Safety.com., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-gi Gwak
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Patent number: 7066218Abstract: The present invention provides an automated insect control system. The system utilizes a container tank, a canned pump, distribution system, and a programmable digital timer to allow a user to control the times per day and the duration in which to apply insecticide to an area. A remote control is provided which permits a user to commence and terminate spraying of insecticide as the need arises without resorting to reprogramming of the spraying schedule.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: TMC Systems, L.P.Inventors: John Fleming, Eileen Fleming
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Patent number: 7044404Abstract: A fluid delivery device for supplying fluids, particularly automotive fluids supplied to fluid reservoirs. To attain this, a vessel configured to hold a liquid includes a pressurized gas inlet configured to receive gas into the vessel through a passageway in an integral handle upon actuation of a handle-mounted trigger. Liquid is displaced from the vessel by the gas. In an embodiment, the trigger includes a stem having a solid portion and a hollow portion, and actuation of the trigger aligns the hollow portion with the passageway such that gas may flow. Liquid flows through a hose extending from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Michael A. Kricheldorf
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Patent number: 7032840Abstract: A bathing system is disclosed. The system includes a water supply line, an injectant supply line for supplying an injectant such as shampoo and conditioner, and an injector for combining the water and injectant and homogenizing the mixture. The system also includes a sprayer, which is connected to the outlet of the injector and is capable of producing a pulsating spray. Additional injectant supply line or lines can also be included. The injectant lines can be combined with a distribution manifold and in turn fed into the injector. In a preferred embodiment, the injector is of a differential pressure type. A bypass path and valve switch water directing to the sprayer for rinsing without mixing with injectant. The injector and sprayer are configured to produce a water-injectant mixture with a consistent mixing ratio over a wide range of water flow rates and pressures while providing pulsating action in either the wash or rinse cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Hair Patrol LLCInventor: James E. Freidell
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Patent number: 6955169Abstract: A device used with fluid canisters comprising a transparent body allowing the viewing of movement within the body having a minor and major cavity with a float indicator and float seat within the minor cavity. An inhaler top and bottom fits each end of the body forming an airtight chamber within the major and minor cavity above the float, the top having a seat to accept a canister and a nozzle aperture to accept a nozzle of the canister oriented to release fluid from the canister into the major cavity. An inlet through the minor cavity below the seat maintains pressure equal to pressure outside of the body within the minor cavity. Inhalation through a mouthpiece and one way valve reduces pressure within the major and minor cavity above the float drawing fluid through the one way valve creating a pressure difference across the float causing it to move.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Khaja H. Khan
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Patent number: 6892954Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a spray process that may include measuring a particle property associated with a spray jet of particles, calculating a centroid for the measured particle property and using the calculated centroid as a control parameter for controlling the spray process. At least one operating parameter associated with the spray process may be adjusted in response to the calculated centroid to change a trajectory of at least a portion of the particles within the spray jet of particles. The operating parameter may be adjusted so that an ensemble of particles having the highest measured temperature and an ensemble of particles having the highest measured velocity and an ensemble of particles having the highest measured flow rate are moved more closely together to create a common region proximate a surface of a substrate to be coated by the spray process.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventor: Vasudevan Srinivasan
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Patent number: 6871795Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a head having a first water outlet passage that communicates with a nozzle receiving socket. A nozzle is slidably mounted in the nozzle receiving socket. The nozzle includes a hollow support body defining a second water outlet passage that communicates with the first water outlet passage. The nozzle also includes a portion obstructing the second water passage and defining a nozzle orifice. The nozzle also includes a cantilevered pry flange that extends in a lateral direction from an outer end of the support body. The pry flange has a portion that terminates short of a wall of the nozzle receiving socket to create a gap sized for ready insertion of a tool to facilitate removal of the nozzle from the nozzle receiving socket. The sprinkler includes conventional structure for supplying the first water outlet passage of the head with pressurized water.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.Inventor: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz
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Publication number: 20040245354Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a spray process that may include measuring a particle property associated with a spray jet of particles, calculating a centroid for the measured particle property and using the calculated centroid as a control parameter for controlling the spray process. At least one operating parameter associated with the spray process may be adjusted in response to the calculated centroid to change a trajectory of at least a portion of the particles within the spray jet of particles. The operating parameter may be adjusted so that an ensemble of particles having the highest measured temperature and an ensemble of particles having the highest measured velocity and an ensemble of particles having the highest measured flow rate are moved more closely together to create a common region proximate a surface of a substrate to be coated by the spray process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventor: Vasudevan Srinivasan
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Patent number: 6808126Abstract: A lawn mower fluid dispenser includes a fluid dispensing device for a riding lawn mower having a front end and a rear end. A blade cover is positioned generally between the front and rear ends. The device includes a container having a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall. An indicator for determining an amount of fluid positioned within the container is fluidly coupled to the container. A mounting assembly removably supports the container on the rear end of the lawn mower. An elongated hose has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the container. A nozzle is fluidly coupled to the second end. The nozzle is removably extendable through an aperture in the blade cover. A fluid may be positioned in the container such that the fluid is dispensed through the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: Claude O. Dunlap
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Patent number: 6796514Abstract: A material supply assembly for use with a spraying device, which material supply assembly includes a housing of stiff material comprising a side wall having a top end defining an opening into a recess defined by the housing; and a pre-filled container comprising a stiff annular lip adapted to be positioned along the top end of the side wall, and a flexible portion fixed to the annular lip and adapted to extend into the cavity in the housing when the annular lip is positioned along the top end of the side wall. The flexible portion has an inner surface defining a cavity, and a quantity of material is within the cavity in the flexible portion. A polymeric membrane extends across and is sealed to the annular lip to retain the material in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Thomas W. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20040163589Abstract: A device for applying a coating medium onto a substrate, includes at least one spray valve that has a nozzle opening that can be adjusted with regard to its effective outlet area using a closing mechanism, whereby the substrate can be moved past the spray valve, which can be supplied with the coating medium under pressure via a supply line, whereby the positioning device is assigned a regulator that has at least one target value input for the instantaneously required outflow rate of the coating medium from the spray valve and at least one actual value input for the mass flow rate through a supply section arranged in front of the nozzle opening, and from the deviation between these values, the regulator forms an adjustment signal that moves the positioning device in the direction to offset the deviation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: AMTEC KISTLER GmbHInventors: Leonhard Kistler, Robert Vogel
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Patent number: 6719210Abstract: A sprayer including a sprayer container adapted to be filled with a fluid. The sprayer container has at least a portion thereof including thermochromic color-changing properties. The sprayer container includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. A spraying gun is connected to the sprayer container, with the spraying gun including a trigger for selectively spraying pressurized fluid in the sprayer container onto a predetermined object. The sprayer container indicates the amount of fluid in the sprayer container by a color change line located at a transition line between the fluid and gas within the sprayer container when fluid is located within the sprayer container, thereby causing a top area of the sprayer container having the interior surface adjacent the gas to be a first color and a bottom area of the sprayer container having the interior surface adjacent the fluid to be a second color.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Root-Lowell Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Michael T. Clarke
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Patent number: 6705553Abstract: An apparatus for watering plants has a movable beam carrying several valves for dispersing water. At least some of the valves include a mechanism for sensing water flow and a regulator for adjusting the degree of opening of the valve until the actual flow corresponds to a selected flow value which is determined by a central control unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Arno Drechsel
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Patent number: 6696944Abstract: A method and an assembly 10 for increasing the likelihood that a certain function or operation will be performed in a desired manner. In one embodiment, the assembly 10 measures the amount of material 22 which has been applied to an object 23 and provides several sensory stimulation signals in response to the measurement, effective to provide positive feedback to an operator of the performance of the operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Brett Anthony Knittle
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Publication number: 20040026531Abstract: When a liquid tank of a liquid spraying apparatus is filled with a liquid, after the liquid has been supplied into the spray tank of the liquid spraying apparatus, if the existence of residual bubbles is detected by a bubble detecting means, an operation is carried out in which the liquid inside the spray tank is drained so as to drain out the bubbles from the tank and the spray tank is refilled with a liquid. As a result, residual bubbles inside the spray tank are removed from the spray tank and the liquid can be applied appropriately to a photosensitive material without causing atomization failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuo Sanada, Tsutomu Takatsuka
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Patent number: 6622934Abstract: When a liquid tank of a liquid spraying apparatus is filled with a liquid, after the liquid has been supplied into the spray tank of the liquid spraying apparatus, if the existence of residual bubbles is detected by a bubble detecting device, an operation is carried out in which the liquid inside the spray tank is drained so as to drain out the bubbles from the tank and the spray tank is refilled with a liquid. As a result, residual bubbles inside the spray tank are removed from the spray tank and the liquid can be applied appropriately to a photosensitive material without causing atomization failure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Sanada, Tsutomu Takatsuka
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Patent number: 6595441Abstract: An assembly for feeding liquid to the inlet port of a gravity feed sprayer. The assembly includes (1) a mixing cup of a known type commonly used to mix paint with solvent that is of stiff polymeric material and bears indicia on its side wall indicating the levels to which a plurality of different liquids should be sequentially poured into the cup to achieve a predetermined ratio between the liquids; (2) a first adapter comprising a central portion having a through opening and a transverse portion including a peripheral part defining a groove along its inner surface adapted for sealing engagement with a top end of the mixing cup; and (3) a second adapter having a through opening, a first end portion of which second adapter is adapted to releasably engage the inlet port of a gravity feed paint sprayer.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert M. Petrie, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Keith C. Navis, David C. Roeker
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Patent number: 6533193Abstract: A solution fertilizer introduction system for use with automatic lawn watering systems which include an attachment arrangement for introducing liquid fertilizers to underground lawn watering systems. The system may also be used with other chemicals such as weed killers, bug killers or the like that are available in a liquid state for application to lawns. The system includes a quick connect arrangement from the supplied material source to the watering system for removal and replacement of the same and a flow measurer for correlating the additive introduction or flow to water flow with metering and a timer for controlling the additive to produce a desired lawn. A microprocessor may be utilized for control of the additive.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventor: Dan White
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Patent number: 6438239Abstract: A process of monitoring the function of a spray stream, includes the steps of determining a first signal commensurate with noise in proximity of the spray stream when exiting a spray gun, determining a second signal commensurate with noise in an environment further distant to the spray stream, separating from the first and second signals a wanted signal, and analyzing the wanted signal for evaluation of the effectiveness of the spray stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Jörg Küchen
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Patent number: 6425529Abstract: A device and method for dispensing precise amounts of dry particulate matter, such as agricultural chemicals, directly into a liquid carrier stream, such as a flow of water, and a method of employing such a device to distribute chemicals. The device includes a bin for holding a quantity of particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a meter at the bottom of the bin for controllably releasing a desired amount of the particulate matter from the bin into the conduit while disallowing entry of the liquid carrier to the bin. The bin, conduit and meter are all mounted upon a portable structure for transportation with particulate matter in the bin. The meter includes a multi-vaned rotor turned by a controlled motor, and defines discrete pockets of known volume. The operator simply connects the device to a flow of water and keys into the controller an amount of material to be released.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Inventors: Frank G. Reinsch, John A. Latting
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Publication number: 20020088872Abstract: A cleaning and releasing device has a hand valve provided on a flow passage of a pressurized liquid in the vicinity of an injection nozzle, a switching valve 5 provided in a proper position on the flow passage of a pressurized gas, flow detecting means provided in a proper position on the flow passage of the pressurized liquid, and a controller for controlling the switching operation of the switching valve based on a result of detection transmitted from the flow detecting means, and controls the switching valve to supply and stop the pressurized gas depending on the presence of a flow of the liquid generated by the switching operation of the hand valve. The supply and stop of a powder and granular material may be controlled based on the result of detection transmitted from the flow detecting means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: SHIBUYA KOGYO CO., LTDInventors: Koichi Hagiwara, Jiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 6367708Abstract: A sprinkler head apparatus includes two separately molded members secured together independently of a water volume control member. A number of selectively removable devices that withstand the forces of water in irrigation systems and can be easily removed by the user without additional hardware are situated at the entry point of water outflow channels to provide the user directional control of the water sprayed from the apparatus. Registration elements are provided to ensure the proper alignment between the members of the apparatus. Correspondingly, indicia located at upper and lower external surfaces of the assembled apparatus reduce or eliminate the need to disassemble the apparatus or intermittently test the water spray pattern to ensure proper installation of the apparatus. Preferred methods for assembling the apparatus, for directing the outflow of water, and for aligning the members of the apparatus are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Donald O. Olson
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Publication number: 20020008153Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for instrumentation of a firefighter's vari-nozzle for motion tracking and measurement of pattern selector and bail handle positions. In the embodiment presented here, brackets and associated hardware attach (1) a position tracking device to the nozzle to measure its 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) position and orientation, and (2) potentiometers to measure the angular positions of the two main, moving components (the bail handle and the pattern selector) of the nozzle. The mounts are attached to the brass nozzle with holes drilled into the main body of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: John Franklin Ebersole, Todd Joseph Furlong
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Publication number: 20010025890Abstract: The present invention is a treatment solution supply apparatus for supplying a treatment solution onto a substrate and includes: a discharge nozzle for discharging the treatment solution onto the substrate; a container for storing the treatment solution; a supply piping for connecting the discharge nozzle and the container; a pump provided along the supply piping; a pump drive mechanism for controlling operation of the pump; a circulation piping having one end branching out from the piping between the container and the pump and another end provided at the pump; a filter, provided at some midpoint along the supply piping and between the one end and the other end of the circulation piping, for filtering the treatment solution to remove a foreign substance; a drain piping for draining the treatment solution filtered by the filter and containing the foreign substance; and a valve provided along the drain piping for controlling a flow rate of the treatment solution drained from the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Applicant: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Akihiro Fujimoto, Kousuke Yoshihara, Masahiro Enomoto
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Patent number: 6279836Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Toetschinger, Mary M. Dawson, Daniel E. Pedersen
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Publication number: 20010003350Abstract: This invention provides an attachment which may be secured to the closure of the housing for an irrigation outlet, the attachment including a plastics disc having a display surface for displaying information the disc being securable to the irrigation outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 1999Publication date: June 14, 2001Inventors: NEALE GANDY, MICHAEL ANDREAS SCHOLZ
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Patent number: 6237627Abstract: A secondary fluid delivery system for use in a vehicle having a windshield washer system which includes a primary fluid reservoir for supplying windshield washer fluid to a windshield, the secondary fluid delivery system comprising a cover designed to fit on a retail container of windshield washer fluid, conduits extending between the retail container and the primary fluid reservoir, a pump operatively connected to pump windshield fluid from the retail container to the primary fluid reservoir, and sensing means for sensing fluid levels both within the primary fluid reservoir and the retail container. The system may be provided in both manual and automatic modes, the manual mode being under the control of the vehicle operator to transfer fluid when required while with the automatic system, the transfer of fluid is automatically initiated.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Bernard R. Boule
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Patent number: 6189805Abstract: The present invention includes an automatic portable misting apparatus for providing a comfortable region within a relatively hot, dry environment. The misting apparatus includes a pressurizable fluid tank, an automatic air compressor mounted to the fluid tank, a fluid conduit having a plurality of nozzles spaced at intervals along the conduit for distributing water in the form of a corresponding number of fine spray streams, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid tank to the fluid conduit. The misting apparatus of the present invention is fully portable, easy to operate, easy to maintain, unobtrusive and economical.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventors: Scott West, Jason West
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Patent number: 6085586Abstract: A system for monitoring the volume rate of flow and total volume of liquid being drawn from a supply by way of a plurality of discharge conduits includes a flow meter transducer for associated individually with each of the discharge conduits with the transducers providing pulse information to associated flow meter circuits that are connected in series relationship with one another and to a master control module. Each of the individual flow meter circuits includes a pair of microprocessors, one for determining from the pulse information of its associated transducer the volume rate of flow of liquid out its associated discharge conduit. The second microprocessor is programmed to combine the flow information from its own transducer with combined flow information from an adjacent upstream flow meter circuit in the series string and produces a combined flow output signal for delivery to an adjacent downstream flow meter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Hypro CorporationInventors: Lawrence C. Arvidson, Duane A. Brown, Robert S. Horeck
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Patent number: 6029907Abstract: An improved sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle received in a recessed seat provided in a peripheral wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle is formed with a plurality of nozzle ports formed by the radially outer ends of a plurality of vertically flexible nozzle tubes. The flow volume of the water stream being thrown by the sprinkler nozzle is adjusted by selectively operating a flow volume adjustment member carried on the nozzle body to selectively open or close various of the nozzle tubes in various possible combinations. The flow volume of the nozzle will comprise the combined or aggregate flow volumes of the water sub-streams being thrown by those nozzle tubes that are left open. The trajectory of the water stream being thrown by the sprinkler nozzle is adjusted by selectively operating a trajectory adjustment member carried on the nozzle body to bend the flexible nozzle tubes about their vertically fixed, radial inner ends to raise and lower the radial outer ends of the nozzle tubes.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventor: Jeff R. McKenzie
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Patent number: 6015095Abstract: A pressure gauge assembly is disposed between a pump which pumps a powder from a fluidized bed and a spray applicator which sprays the powder onto a workpiece such as a vehicle body moving along a painting line. The pressure gauge assembly provides and early warning of clogging in the pump and/or applicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Danny Baioff, David A. Tiessen, Gil Boucher
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Patent number: 6000626Abstract: A hand held water sprayer for connection to a source of water under pressure by a flexible hose has a manually displaceable trigger actuator on the front of the sprayer housing for controlling the flow of water therethrough from the source and includes a soap reservoir in the sprayer housing and a push button soap pump actuator on the rear of the sprayer housing for dispensing a quantity of soap from the reservoir to the outlet end of the sprayer. A cleaning attachment is adapted to be removably mounted on the outlet end to facilitate the cleaning of an article in connection with the dispensing of soap and the spraying of water thereonto.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group, Inc.Inventors: Dennis M. Futo, Erin Q. Riddell, Jesse P. Carlson
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Patent number: 5961040Abstract: A material application system and a method of using a material application system which incorporate both an input mechanism for use by a programmer to program the material application system and a separate input mechanism, in the form of a switch module, for use by a driver of the vehicle in which the material application system is incorporated during material application.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Dickey-John CorporationInventors: Duston D. Traylor, Patrick Fuchs
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Patent number: 5927603Abstract: An automatic irrigation system includes a movable irrigation device having a fluid delivery nozzle and a fluid manifold positioned along the mobile irrigation device and adapted to receive irrigation fluid from a supply source. The system includes a detector of moisture present within an agricultural field including an output on which signals representing the detected moisture level are placed. The system also includes an electronic storage device having an addressing and reproduction unit that can selectively address and reproduce a plurality of stored command signals. The system also includes first electronic circuitry coupled to the storage device and including an input for command control signals reproduced from the storage device. The electronic circuitry applies the reproduced command control signal to cause the detector to detect moisture from a plurality of different locations within an agricultural field.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: J. R. Simplot CompanyInventor: Gerald J. McNabb
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Patent number: 5928423Abstract: A color-changing powder supply system for use in powder coating, etc. which can perform the color changing in a shorter time, has a simpler structure, requires less expensive equipment cost and installation/setup cost, and can be operated more easily and surely than prior art systems, and a powder coating system which has a high effective rate of operation by utilizing the powder supply system. The pneumatically fed powder supply system comprises a powder tank, a powder supply apparatus detachably connected to the powder tank, and means for cleaning the powder supply apparatus. The powder coating system employs the pneumatically fed powder supply system.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Rid CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Toyota, deceased, Yasuhiro Sawada
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Patent number: 5884808Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The controller may also control an LCD display to display the time remaining until the container is empty and optionally to display the battery life remaining.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Technical Concepts, L.P.Inventors: Kenneth J. Muderlak, Rocky Sheih
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Patent number: 5868316Abstract: A system of multi-colored sprinkler nozzles are molded simultaneously in a multi-cavity mold and emerge from the mold in an interconnected rack of multiple nozzles having nozzles of multiple units with common characteristics identified by common color.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Hunter Industries IncorporatedInventor: Loren W. Scott