Reciprocating Patents (Class 239/752)
  • Patent number: 11850615
    Abstract: A system for treating a surface of a structure includes a wheeled vehicle that is movable along a surface and includes at least one surface treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: FORJAK Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Garvey Logan
  • Patent number: 11470833
    Abstract: An automatic agricultural machine according to the present invention includes: a fixed base disposed on farmland; a first-direction movement guide part installed on the fixed base so as to be spaced apart from the farmland; a first-direction movement trolley configured to travel on the first-direction movement guide part; and an automatic spraying device configured to travel on a second-direction movement guide part connected to the first-direction movement trolley, wherein traveling control of the first-direction movement trolley and winding control of the second-direction movement guide part are performed on the basis of at least any one of the trigonometric function principle and the Pythagorean theorem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Myoung Soo Kang
  • Patent number: 11286539
    Abstract: A cooling device for a metal plate includes a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles disposed on both sides of the metal plate, respectively, in a thickness direction of the metal plate across a pass line of the metal plate. The plurality of first nozzles form a staggered array in which a pitch in a width direction of the metal plate is Xn, a pitch in a longitudinal direction of the metal plate is Yn, and an offset amount in the width direction of a pair of first nozzles disposed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction is ?Xn. The plurality of second nozzles form a staggered array in which a pitch in the width direction is Xn, a pitch in the longitudinal direction is Yn, and an offset amount in the width direction of a pair of second nozzles disposed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction is ?Xn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Nagai, Masashi Yoshikawa, Ryusuke Kimoto
  • Patent number: 11203029
    Abstract: A mold paint-spraying device includes a frame and a mold fixed to the frame. A motor is fixed to the frame, an output end of the motor is fixedly connected to a mounting rack, a servo motor and a linear guide rail are fixedly connected to the mounting rack, a rail slide is arranged on the linear guide rail, a screw nut is fixed on the rail slide, a spray gun is fixed on the screw nut, and an output end of the servo motor is connected with a screw matching the screw nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Weidong Liu, Shiwen Xu, Weizhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 10809023
    Abstract: A system and an apparatus for positioning a plurality of flexible cleaning lances includes a frame removably fastened parallel to a row of tubes in a tube sheet within a domed end of a heat exchanger. A chassis support member is mounted on the frame for movement in an X direction. A chassis having spaced apart parallel box rail members is movably mounted on the chassis support member for movement of the chassis in a Y direction. A rotary arm extends from the chassis, and a flexible lance guide hand fastened to a distal end of the rotary arm is configured to maintain a plurality of flexible lance guide tubes in parallel alignment with the row of tubes irrespective of an angle between the rotary arm and the frame. The system may include a lance drive and a snout connected between the lance drive and the positioning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: STONEAGE, INC.
    Inventors: John L. Krauser, Jeffery R. Barnes, Cody R. Montoya
  • Patent number: 10570575
    Abstract: A surface, e.g., a concrete surface, is worked by guiding a lance (23) which comprises a water jet mouthpiece (27) coupled to the high-pressure water over the surface in a working path and at the same oscillating the lance transversely to the working path. The oscillation is driven by an eccentric mechanism (30, 31) and has a stable eccentric position when the mechanism is rotated in the one direction and a stable eccentric position when it is rotated in the other direction. The two positions have a different eccentricity and impart different widths to the working. The working depth and the working width can be changed by changing the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CONJET AB
    Inventor: Kjell Nilsson
  • Patent number: 10406549
    Abstract: A system for treating a surface of a structure includes a wheeled vehicle that is movable along a surface and includes at least one spray head attached to a vertically movable carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FORJAK Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Garvey Logan
  • Patent number: 10207305
    Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a hairpin tube. The method includes cutting a coil of tube to provide a plurality of lengths of tubes, and bending each length of tube to form a plurality of hairpin tubes. A lubricant is then atomized with an injector nozzle, and injected into at least one open end of each hairpin tube. After lubricating the hairpin tubes, the legs of each hairpin tube are expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Brazeway, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Skrzypchak, Vikas Somani, Brian J. Christen
  • Patent number: 9193088
    Abstract: There is provided a cutting fluid ejection apparatus including a cutting fluid ejection nozzle configured to supply a cutting fluid to a tool of a processing machine or a workpiece during processing of the workpiece by the processing machine, a drive motor configured to adjust an ejection angle of the cutting fluid ejection nozzle; and a controller configured to control the drive motor. The controller is capable of performing control in a chip removal operation mode to remove a chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Shirahama, Yoshikazu Nakamaru
  • Publication number: 20150102137
    Abstract: An irrigation system that includes a carriage may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage supports one or more exit ports that are fed plant growth material by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands are configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports are able to discharge their plant growth material. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants, and to enhance the plant root-plant growth material interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by a modular framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Dana Anderson, Allen James, Michael Gramse
  • Patent number: 8291855
    Abstract: A system for automatically reproducing an image on a large surface, such as the surface of an outdoor or indoor athletic field or athletic court. The system includes a computer, a microcontroller, a mobile robotic platform, a plurality of distance sensors, a plurality of boundary markers, and image reproduction machinery. The computer takes the image input by the user and translates for use by the microcontroller. The distance sensors use the boundary markers to provide positioning information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is used to control motors and sensors on the mobile robotic platform and image reproduction machinery. The mobile robotic platform propels and steers the system along the surface. The image production machinery comprises a guide rail, a carriage, and a paint head assembly which reproduce the image onto a large surface. The movement of the image production machinery is decoupled from the movement of the mobile robotic platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph Hoerl, Jr., Arthur Cranwell Boensch, III
  • Patent number: 8086360
    Abstract: A device for moving a jet member on a carriage (6) between two selectable extreme positions along a guide (5) has means for detecting that the carriage has reached a selectable extreme position, said means comprising members (24, 25) adapted to form a mechanical resistance against continued movement of the carriage so as to influence the flow of hydraulic liquid in an hydraulic circuit (27) of a hydraulic drive arrangement for moving the carriage. Members (31) are arranged to sense a parameter of the hydraulic liquid, the magnitude of which is depending upon the flow of hydraulic liquid in the hydraulic circuit, and send information about the magnitude of this parameter to a control unit (14) adapted to control the turning of the carriage on the basis of this information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Aquajet Systems Holding AB
    Inventor: Ronnie Hilmersson
  • Publication number: 20110186659
    Abstract: A method to disrupt a smelt flow including: arranging a shatter jet nozzle assembly to direct a jet of disrupting fluid against the smelt flowing from a recovery boiler to a dissolving tank; supplying the disrupting fluid to the shatter jet nozzle assembly from a first source of disrupting fluid to form the jet directed against the smelt flow while a second source does not provide disrupting fluid to the shatter jet nozzle, and supplying the disrupting fluid from both the first source and the second source flow to the shatter jet nozzle assembly to form the jet of disrupting fluid directed against the smelt flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ANDRITZ INC.
    Inventors: Olli KUJANPAA, John PHILLIPS
  • Patent number: 7938448
    Abstract: The mobile vehicle detailing system is a system for detailing a motor vehicle adapted for mounting the rear of a truck or van. The mobile vehicle detailing system has a water storage tank that has outlets for filling buckets and water containers and provides a source of water. A surround box, in which is disposed the water storage tank, has an integral front section that extends between the front seats of a van or truck and provides storage for files and receipts. A pressure washer, generator and storage box are mounted on a sliding platform that can be pulled out from the vehicle for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: John Schatz, Kevin Schatz
  • Patent number: 7900853
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for supplying chemical liquid. The apparatus includes: a plurality of nozzles, each of which can be moved forward or backward and supplies chemical liquid; a nozzle cover which accommodates the nozzles therein and has an open end to allow each of the nozzles to move into or out of the nozzle cover; and a nozzle driver which moves each of the nozzles forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Si-Eun Kim, Kyo-Woog Koo, Keun-Young Park
  • Patent number: 7866277
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely and robotically installing an organic, monolithic, structural and non structural, circumferential and partial radius membranes in conduits, pipelines or passageways. The included apparatus has the mechanical function to manually or automatically center the liner dissipation device in any geometrical shape. The included apparatus possesses the remote controlled capability to manipulate centrifugal dissipation of the liner to afford consistent thickness on any shaped profile or flat surface of the pipe wall surface. The apparatus includes a manual or automatic mechanical scissoring device for elevation changes and a manual or automatic rotational table for shaft alignment. The apparatus includes a means of automated self alignment by way of proximity sensors. The pendulum oscillation bracketing incorporates a fluid driven motor assembly communicating with a bored shaft and integrates as many as two offset dissipation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Kent Weisenberg
  • Patent number: 7726256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely and robotically installing an organic, monolithic, structural and non structural, circumferential and partial radius membranes in conduits, pipelines or passageways. The included apparatus has the mechanical function to manually or automatically center the liner dissipation device in any geometrical shape. The included apparatus possesses the remote controlled capability to manipulate centrifugal dissipation of the liner to afford consistent thickness on any shaped profile or flat surface of the pipe wall surface. The apparatus includes a manual or automatic mechanical scissoring device for elevation changes and a manual or automatic rotational table for shaft alignment. The apparatus includes a means of automated self alignment by way of proximity sensors. The pendulum oscillation bracketing incorporates a fluid driven motor assembly communicating with a bored shaft and integrates as many as two offset dissipation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Inspar Robotic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Weisenberg
  • Patent number: 7622158
    Abstract: A system for painting an article, such as an automotive vehicle body, includes a painting booth, a conveyor for transporting articles through the painting booth, a first rail located beside and extending along the conveyor, a second rail located beside and extending along the conveyor at a lower elevation than an elevation of the first rail, a paint robot including an articulating arm mounted on the first rail for displacement along the first rail, a panel opener robot mounted on the second rail for displacement along the second rail such that the paint robot and the panel opener robot can move past each other on the rails without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, James M. Kowalski, Martin D. Rola, Donald S. Bartlett, Paul D. Copioli, James B. Gerds, II, Marcin Gora, Stan H. McCloskey
  • Patent number: 7597272
    Abstract: A double boom arrangement for use in a car wash includes a first and a second boom assembly mounted side by side on a respective rotatable coupling so that a horizontal portion of the hose of each boom can rotate about a vertical axis in a generally horizontal plane with the remainder of the hose extending downwardly from the horizontal plane at an outer end of the boom. Each boom has a parking arrangement for moving the boom and the hose to a parked location extending 180 degree away from the other boom. The boom includes a first inner and a second outer boom portion with the inner and outer portions connected by a second swivel coupling parallel to the first and spaced outwardly therefrom. The inner boom portion is mounted on a bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and constrained by two horizontal springs above the pivot axis. The springs are mounted at opposite ends of a rod bent around the pivot axis where each is compressed as the first boom portion pivots downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Jacob R. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 7318442
    Abstract: An automatic car wash system is provided for processing multiple vehicles simultaneously. The system according to one embodiment includes an elongate path, a plurality of stations for processing the vehicle, at least two detectors for indicating the presence of the vehicles. The system provides instructions to the drivers of the vehicles so that the vehicles travel through the system under their own power, and thus conveyor systems can be avoided, yet throughput remains high. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio transmitter that is operable to direct specific information to each of the vehicles via radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael MacDowell
  • Patent number: 7083116
    Abstract: A double boom arrangement for use in a car wash includes a first and a second boom assembly mounted side by side on a respective rotatable coupling so that a horizontal portion of the hose of each boom can rotate about a vertical axis in a generally horizontal plane with the remainder of the hose extending downwardly from the horizontal plane at an outer end of the boom. Each boom has a parking arrangement for moving the boom and the hose to a parked location extending 180 degree away from the other boom. The boom includes a first inner and a second outer boom portion with the inner and outer portions connected by a second swivel coupling parallel to the first and spaced outwardly therefrom. The inner boom portion is mounted on a bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and constrained by two horizontal springs above the pivot axis. The springs are mounted at opposite ends of a rod bent around the pivot axis where each is compressed as the first boom portion pivots downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Jacob R. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 7028926
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a sootblower design incorporates a downstream nozzle positioned on a nozzle block body and an upstream nozzle positioned longitudinally from the position of the downstream nozzle farther from a distal end of the nozzle block than that of the downstream nozzle. The upstream nozzle has a geometry that is different than the geometry of the downstream nozzle. By having nozzles of different geometries, each nozzle can be individually optimized for the flow conditions each nozzle experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony F. Habib, David L. Keller, Steven R. Fortner
  • Patent number: 7014128
    Abstract: A showerhead assembly has a tubular shaped spray head and a longitudinal axis. The tubular shaped spray head has several apertures located along the longitudinal axis. The tubular shaped spray head is connected to a water source for introducing water in the tubular shaped spray head. The showerhead assembly also has a housing for supporting the tubular shaped spray head on a surface. Water traverses through the tubular shaped spray head for spraying beams of water through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Kit Lun Leung
  • Patent number: 6981657
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a layer of foamed plastic material on a roof surface and along a path thereon comprises controlling the movement of a spray applicator along the path such that the rate of movement of the applicator varies for a layer of foamed plastic material deposited on the roof surface to slope relative thereto along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Richard A. West
  • Patent number: 6908046
    Abstract: A self propelled fence painting system for painting a length of fence. The self propelled fence painting system includes a housing that includes a front wall, a back wall and an upper end wall that is coupled to and extends between the front and back walls. The front and back walls are spaced away from each other defining a paint spraying space between the front and back walls of the housing. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the fence to be painted is positionable in the paint spraying space. A drive assembly is mounted on the front wall of the housing for driving the housing on a surface. A spraying assembly is mounted on the front and back walls of the housing for spraying paint into the paint spraying space of the housing. A plurality of guide assemblies guides the system along the length of the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Danny E. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6871658
    Abstract: A washout system for cleaning concrete and other materials from the inside surface of a concrete mixer drum with a fluid is provided. The concrete mixer drum mounted to a concrete truck or the like with the fluid stored in a predetermined fluid source with the fluid source activatable to release fluid. The washout system comprises a telescoping pipe assembly extendible into the mixer drum with the telescoping pipe assembly having a first end and a second end and the first end fluidly connected to the fluid source. A spray bar is fluidly connected to the second end of the telescoping pipe assembly and a plurality of nozzles positioned circumferentially about and longitudinally along the spray bar wherein upon activation of the fluid source, thereby introducing fluid into the telescoping pipe assembly, the second end of the telescoping pipe assembly extends into the mixer drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Gjestvang
  • Patent number: 6805311
    Abstract: A track drive system for a mobile irrigation system adapts to either centrally pivoted circular or linear mobile systems, as desired. A first embodiment has a single drive wheel with opposed first and second end guide wheels, surrounded by a single narrow track. A single drive motor and gear reduction drive, drives the central wheel. The central wheel is of considerably larger diameter than the two end guide wheels, and simultaneously contacts the track with both its upper and lower peripheries at all times. The mechanism is articulated to allow independent wheel movement relative to one another, thus providing better traction over uneven surfaces. The central drive wheel is always in contact with both the upper and lower track portion to provide continuous drive traction for the device. A second embodiment includes additional idler wheels between the two end wheels and the central drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Myron Buller
  • Publication number: 20040144873
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spray delivery system and methods of use thereof, suitable for delivering a fan-shaped vaccine spray to birds or chicks held within an open-topped container, comprising a cover, an elongated guide rail mounted thereon, and a spray head may move reversibly on the guide rail. The spray head comprises a spray nozzle assembly having a spray port and optionally a fan-shaped nozzle for delivering a fan-shaped fluid spray. The cover has an elongated slot that permits the spray nozzle assembly to extend below the plane of the cover, while allowing the spray nozzle assembly freely traverse the length of an open-topped container placed beneath the cover. By reversibly moving the spray head along the guide rail, the spray delivery system can deliver a substantially uniform fluid spray to an open-topped container with minimal overspray and reduced fluid wastage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph H. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6764030
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new design of the nozzle and the lance tube of a sootblower to clean the interior of a heat exchanger by impingement of a jet of cleaning medium. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention the sootblower design developed, incorporates a nozzle at the tip of the distal end of the lance tube (downstream nozzle). The lance tube also includes an upstream nozzle positioned opposite and longitudinally apart the distal end nozzle. This design allows for the flow of the cleaning medium to enter into the inlet end of the nozzle without coming to a halt at the end of the lance tube. Further, the present invention also provides for a converging channel to be disposed in the interior of the lance tube to direct the flow of cleaning medium passing the upstream nozzle into the inlet end of the downstream nozzle with minimal hydraulic losses and flow maldistribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony F. Habib, David L. Keller
  • Patent number: 6666391
    Abstract: An automatically reciprocal multi-stage supply and ventilation system includes two parallel tracks, and at least one set of material supply circulation unit mounted on the tracks. The material supply circulation unit includes a carrier device, a feeding device, a material distribution device, a nozzle device, and a ventilation device. The carrier device may be moved along the tracks reciprocally. The feeding device includes a water supply pipe, a material supply pipe, a water inlet pipe connected to a water source, and a material inlet pipe connected to a storage tank that contains fertilizer or pesticide therein. The material distribution device includes a water guide pipe, a material guide pipe, a fixing frame, a water distribution pipe, and a material distribution pipe. The nozzle device includes multiple water spray nozzles and material spray nozzles. The ventilation device includes multiple fans and motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Chien-Chou Lai
  • Publication number: 20030127548
    Abstract: An automatically reciprocal multi-stage supply and ventilation system includes two parallel tracks, and at least one set of material supply circulation unit mounted on the tracks. The material supply circulation unit includes a carrier device, a feeding device, a material distribution device, a nozzle device, and a ventilation device. The carrier device may be moved along the tracks reciprocally. The feeding device includes a water supply pipe, a material supply pipe, a water inlet pipe connected to a water source, and a material inlet pipe connected to a storage tank that contains fertilizer or pesticide therein. The material distribution device includes a water guide pipe, a material guide pipe, a fixing frame, a water distribution pipe, and a material distribution pipe. The nozzle device includes multiple water spray nozzles and material spray nozzles. The ventilation device includes multiple fans and motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Chien-Chou Lai
  • Patent number: 6547156
    Abstract: A heating system for use with an automatic vehicle wash system used to wash a car positioned within a wash bay. The heating system of the present invention includes a heating unit mounted directly to an overhead gantry used to wash the vehicle positioned within the wash bay. The heating unit receives the supply of water with the desired chemical agent already mixed with the water. Upon receiving the mixed supply of water, the heating unit elevates the temperature of the water to a desired temperature. The heating unit is positioned on the overhead gantry such that the heated water from the heating unit travels a short distance prior to its actual application to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation
    Inventor: Allen S. Jones
  • Patent number: 6505995
    Abstract: A road-marking device which sprays thick ribs of paint to a road surface, transversely to the road axis, to form rumble strips is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Angelo Sanfilippo, Gilbert Bernard
  • Patent number: 6394370
    Abstract: A wash apparatus for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of reciprocating wands which are driven by a compact drive/linkage system to move the wands in unitary reciprocating motion as a vehicle is moved adjacent thereto. Each wand has a turbo nozzle that emits a stream of liquid in a circulating conical path which in cooperation with the reciprocating movement of the wands on which the nozzles are rotated creates a desired cleaning action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Mark VII Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Don L. Payne, James D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6372053
    Abstract: A variable pressure spray type vehicle laundry apparatus in which a carriage is mounted for longitudinal displacement along overhead parallel beams and an inverted L shaped spray arm carrying both horizontally and vertically directed nozzles circumscribes the vehicle to be laundered. In the preferred embodiment two reversely similar L shaped spray arms are used and caused to operate through a butterfly type cycle to spray various fluids at different pressures on the vehicle. For low pressure operations, the twin arm system is centered over the vehicle and both spray arms are supplied with low pressure fluid at the same time. For high pressure operations, the left and right spray arms are operated in sequence and each is maintained at an optimal spray arm to vehicle spacing during its operating cycle. The carriage is provided with a laterally translatable shuttle structure for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Robert J. Wentworth
  • Publication number: 20020008167
    Abstract: A ground based remote sensing system for use in conjunction with agricultural irrigation systems. The ground based remote sensing system includes a sensor package mounted to a carriage for movement along a track attached to the agricultural irrigation system. The track is triangular in cross section and includes springs between abutting sections so that travel of the carriage along the track will not be compromised by misalignment between the abutting sections. The sensor package is mounted to the carriage by a mount which acts to ensure that the sensor package remains in a predetermined orientation with respect to the agricultural crop from which data is being gathered. The mount also includes an inclinometer to permit correction of agricultural data gathering errors due to misalignment of the sensor package with respect to the agricultural crop. The ground based remote sensing system also includes conducting rails to transmit energy from a speed control circuit to the carriage motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Julio A. Haberland, Charles W. DeFer, Peter M. Waller, Christopher Y. Choi, Paul D. Colaizzi, Michael A. Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 6192904
    Abstract: A flexible lance for machining or inspecting a tube bottom of a steam generator includes a flexible metallic strip which has recesses disposed one after the other in its longitudinal direction. A flexible supply line is threaded through the recesses and a machining or inspection head is disposed on a free end of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Otto Secknus, Rudolf Henglein
  • Patent number: 6182833
    Abstract: A reciprocating power sprayer for cleaning a rotating cylindrical wastewater screen of the type formed of tubular perforate wedgewire. The spray is reciprocated on an elongated pneumatic cylinder which is arranged in parallelism along the cylinder wastewater screen. Controls are provided for automatically controlling the reciprocation of the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: David R. Zittel
  • Patent number: 6135363
    Abstract: A vehicle wash boom apparatus includes a fixed journalling tube for journalling a boom-supporting tube for reciprocal and rotational movement about a vertical axis. The journalling tube carries a cam and the boom-supporting tube carries a cam follower. A pair of torsion springs at all times bias the cam follower in an upward direction against a cam surface of the cam which is inclined relative to the vertical axis. Thus, as the boom is rotated, the interaction between the cam and the cam follower effects a vertical movement of the boom-supporting member which allows the boom while being used to by-pass a like boom of an identical apparatus when in its home or parked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Charles D. Titzer
  • Patent number: 6090203
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a liquid dressing to a bowling lane has a chassis with wheels to guide the chassis along the longitudinal length of the lane. A spray nozzle for spraying the liquid dressing onto the bowing lane is mounted to reciprocation on the chassis and in a transverse direction parallel to the transverse width of the bowling lane. A metering valve meters liquid dressing to the spray nozzle as the spray nozzle moves in the transverse direction and at controlled velocity for applying the dressing in a selected profile across the transverse width of the lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Polychemical Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce W. Gebhardt, Richard E. Knipe, Jr., Robert K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6036123
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying foamed plastic material on a roof deck comprises a wheeled frame moveable along the deck and carrying a foamed plastic dispenser support and drive assembly which extends transverse to the direction of movement of the frame and which includes a carriage reciprocable in opposite directions along a linear carriage path and supporting a foamed plastic dispenser for reciprocation therewith and for pivotal displacement relative thereto at each of the opposite ends of the carriage path about a horizontal axis transverse to the carriage path so as to pivot the dispenser for discharging the foamed plastic material laterally outwardly of the ends of the support and drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. West
  • Patent number: 6024147
    Abstract: A method and an industrial robotic device for uniformly applying coatings at appropriate thickness and pitch upon a surface moves a spray applicator foam dispenser between two parallel tracks. The uniform application of foam at each pass is assured, by accelerating the speed of the foam dispenser at the end of each pass, by providing respective curved uphill distal ends of the tracks, so that the spray applicator foam dispenser moves up the curved distal ends and returns quickly while changing speed tilt and direction at the end of each pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: John P. Hunter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5901720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing nonmanual tasks on and adjacent vertical or nearly vertical surfaces. The apparatus is designed so that a portion of the apparatus can traverse the vertical or nearly vertical surfaces of structures which may include obstacles such as window frames or gaps created by window seams, without coming into physical contact with those surfaces. The apparatus includes a top control unit, a vehicle for traversing the vertical or near vertical surfaces, and a bottom control unit. The vehicle is maintained in a near constant spaced relationship to vertical or nearly vertical surfaces by elongated flexible members that connect the vehicle to the top control unit and bottom control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Sky Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Lange
  • Patent number: 5865143
    Abstract: Atmospheric growing conditions in high-rise animal rearing facilities are proved by spraying liquid alum periodically over the manure collection area. Improved high rise animal rearing facilities provided with a liquid alum treatment delivery system for misting or spraying the liquid alum over the manure collection area to strip ammonia gas from the air and to apply a chemical coating on a surface of the accumulated manure which reduces or prevents ammonia volatilization. The liquid chemical treatment comprises an aqueous alum solution containing 1 to about 50% by weight alum, applied at a rate of about 50-250 g of Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3. 14H.sub.2 O per kg of manure as it accumulates. The improved rearing facilities and methods control the atmospheric conditions in the animal rearing area at less than or equal to about 25 ppm ammonia throughout the growing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Trustees of University of Arkansas and United States of America
    Inventor: Philip A. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5855034
    Abstract: This Invention is a method and apparatus for spraying water on the underside of a series of colorant applicators in order to rinse excess colorant from the machine parts. There is a water manifold having a first end portion connected to an upper trolley by a pivoting joint and a second end portion attached to a lower trolley by both a pivoting joint and a sliding joint. Both the upper and lower trollies are constrained in the horizontal, vertical, and rotational direction by a series of cam followers. The extra degrees of freedom provided by the two pivoting joints and the sliding joint insure that no binding occurs. An optional feedback control system can be added utilizing a rotational position transducer to sense the angle of the water manifold so that the motion of the trolleys can be retarded or advanced accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Mark Pitman
  • Patent number: 5651381
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a paint roller assembly having a roller applicator, the apparatus having a housing assembly forming a cleaning cavity and forming a longitudinal input slot, support apparatus removably supporting the paint roller assembly to dispose the roller applicator within the cleaning cavity for free rotation about the center axis thereof, and a nozzle and sealing assembly supported on the housing assembly having a nozzle having fluid communication with the cleaning cavity through the input slot and closure assembly which movably supports the nozzle for travel along the length of the input slot, the nozzle attachable to a high pressure supply of cleaning fluid, the nozzle supported to direct cleaning fluid against the roller applicator to impart rotation thereof during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Hossein Balouchian
  • Patent number: 5494227
    Abstract: A shower system comprising a header having a fluid inlet port, a plurality of substantially vertically aligned spray nozzles attached consecutively to said header and arranged in a substantially arcuate formation, and a drive system for laterally reciprocating said header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Dorr-Oliver Incorporated
    Inventor: John J. Costantini
  • Patent number: 5482212
    Abstract: A vehicle washing machine is disclosed having an inverted U-shaped housing mounted for movement lengthwise of a stationary vehicle and return movement to an initial reference position during a vehicle washing cycle of the machine. The housing includes first mechanism comprising a vertically movable and rotatable pod depending from a bridge portion of the housing and having horizontally reciprocative nozzles mounted thereon for successively applying a cleaning solution and pressurized rinse water to a front end, top, and rear end of the vehicle, and second mechanism associated with opposite legs of the housing and having vertically reciprocative nozzles mounted thereon for successively applying a cleaning solution and pressurized rinse water to opposite sides of the vehicle. The machine includes a relay logic system for controlling the vehicle washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventors: Scott Kobryn, Donald Kobryn
  • Patent number: RE40463
    Abstract: A variable pressure spray type vehicle laundry apparatus in which a carriage is mounted for longitudinal displacement along overhead parallel beams and an inverted L shaped spray arm carrying both horizontally and vertically directed nozzles circumscribes the vehicle to be laundered. In the preferred embodiments two reversely similar L shaped spray arms are used and caused to operate through a butterfly type cycle to spray various fluids at different pressures on the vehicle. For low pressure operations, the twin arm system is centered over the vehicle and both spray arms are supplied with low pressure fluid at the same time. For high pressure operations, the left and right spray arms are operated in sequence and each is maintained at an optimal spray arm to vehicle spacing during its operating cycle. The carriage is provided with a laterally translatable shuttle structure for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Robert J. Wentworth
  • Patent number: RE36465
    Abstract: A furnace cleaning apparatus for cleaning a cyclone furnace with a fluid from a fluid source. The furnace cleaning apparatus comprises a beam assembly capable of being pivotably mounted to the cyclone furnace. A rotary actuator is connected to the beam assembly for turning the beam assembly. A trolley is movably mounted to the beam assembly. A chain drive assembly and a drive source for moving the trolley relative to the beam assembly are mounted to the beam assembly. An articulated arm assembly is pivotally connected to the trolley. A rotary actuator is mounted to the articulated arm assembly for pivoting the articulated arm assembly relative to the trolley. A nozzle is connected to a second end of the articulated arm assembly. A fluid conduit connects the nozzle to a fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: C.H. Heist Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Boisture