Abstract: Spray coating, particularly flat spray coating of circuit boards. Applicant's method of conformal coating, eliminates "railroading" at the edges of the flat spray web and assures precise control of the amount of coating material placed on the circuit board surface.The method includes longitudinally advancing a pressurized coating over a surface to be coated, while simultaneously feeding the coating in a flat spray pattern, and triggering feeding "ON/OFF" so as to proportion the amount of coating being fed onto the surface and to reduce "fishtail" at the edges of the flat spray pattern.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are shown for controlling the emissions from sprinkler heads in an irrigation system to cause variable volume irrigation at a constant pressure. In one approach, a rotating sprinkler head is rotated at different speeds as a function of the radial position of the emerging water stream so that dryer areas have slower rotational movement of the sprinkler head and, thereby, a greater volume of water discharged thereon. In another approach, the water to the sprinkler head is turned on and off during the irrigation period rather than being turned on at the beginning and off at the end. As a result, multiple heads which are individually turned off and on have a better average water distribution. Likewise, high-precipitation sprinkler heads are made to operate with an average low-precipitation so that run-off and water waste are virtually eliminated.

Abstract: An air-blasting cartridge comrises a housing (1) subdivided into an inlet chamber (3) and a discharge chamber (4) by a piston (2) arranged along its longitudinal axis. The inlet chamber (3) communicates with a source of compressed air through an air admission tube (6) which runs through an axial port of the piston (2). The discharge chamber (4) communicates with the inlet chamber (3) through an annular gap (7) between the air admission tube (6) and the piston (2). The discharge chamber (4) is adapted to communicate with the surrounding atmosphere at the instant of its discharge. The area of the piston end surface (10) facing the discharge chamber (4) is greater than the area of the piston end surface (11) facing the inlet chamber (3) but is smaller than the area of the end surface (12) of the collar (8) on the piston (2) that faces the discharge chamber (4), said collar forming, together with the housing (1), an additional chamber (9) on the side facing the inlet chamber (3).

Abstract: Method steps for production of substantially uniform size droplets from a flow of liquid include forming the flow of liquid, periodically modulating the momentum of the flow of liquid in the flow direction at controlled frequency, generating a cross flow direction component of momentum and modulation of the cross flow momentum of liquid at substantially the same frequency and phase as the modulation of flow direction momentum, and spraying the so formed modulated flow through a first nozzle outlet to form a desired spray configuration. A second modulated flow through a second nozzle outlet is formed according to the same steps, and the first and second modulated flows impinge upon each other generating a liquid sheet. Nozzle apparatus for modulating each flow includes rotating valving plates interposed in the annular flow of liquid. The plates are formed with radial slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing droplets of molten thermoplastic adhesive onto a moving substrate comprises a spray device having a nozzle formed with a discharge outlet which ejects a continuous stream of molten thermoplastic adhesive. A stitcher device connected to a source of pressurized air is operative to supply intermittent, pulsed jets of atomizing air to air jet bores associated with the nozzle which discharge the pulsed air jets into contact with the exterior of the continuous stream of molten thermoplastic material with sufficient energy to shear well defined globules or droplets from the continuous stream and either allow such droplets to fall onto the substrate under the influence of gravity and due to the momentum of the stream in an essentially straight-line pattern, or to project such droplets onto the substrate to form an essentially random pattern of droplets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for converting low continuous liquid flow to a high intermittent and pulsating flow. They are especially adapted for operating sprinklers, shower heads and venturi pumps at low flow. Applicant has accomplished these objectives by introducing liquid at a controlled low rate of flow such as by the use of pressure compensating drippers in a liquid supply line, thence into a chamber which is somewhat expansible in volume and increasing pressure therein while restricting the outflow of the liquid until pressure created by introduction of such liquid is sufficient to eject the liquid intermittently at a higher flow and over a greater area. This is achieved by utilizing a pressure responsive check valve in the liquid exit and more particularly by utilizing a check valve designed for quick response to create a water hammer effect.

Abstract: Fertilizer or other liquid crop treatment is applied to the ground using a direct injection jet with a nozzle position closely adjacent the ground and forming a jet of the liquid directed into the ground. A solenoid controlled valve cyclically halts the flow of fluid to form short pulses of the fluid so that the fluid can be supplied in concentrate form while generating sufficient energy to achieve a depth of penetration in the range 2 to 4 inches. The solenoid controlled valve and nozzle is mounted on a skid member carried on a depth control wheel. The period of the pulses is arranged so that the length of a pulse is very short relative to the spacing between the pulses with the spacing between adjacent rows formed by adjacent heads being substantially equal to the spacing between the individual pulses.

Abstract: A water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.

Abstract: Heavy wall, ceiling and floor coverings with closed surfaces can be pulled or pushed off relatively easily if the material connecting the coating with the substrate in an adhesive joint can at least be loosened with the aid of a stripping fluid. In accordance with the invention, a stripping fluid is pressed in an air-free, pulse-like way with the aid of a needle nozzle (1) through the coating with a high pressure into the adhesive joint (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Discrete volumes, or slugs, of liquid are accelerated to high velocities utilizing energy stored by compressing the liquid. Liquid is forced into a pressure vessel already filled with liquid to effect the compression. A slug of liquid is ejected from the pressure vessel into a cumulation nozzle by the energy stored in the compressed liquid when a valve is rapidly opened. The valve is unseated when an unseating force exceeds a closing bias. The valve is then opened rapidly by an opening force generated by the compressed liquid. By repetitively introducing highly pressurized liquid into the pressure vessel, the valve automatically cycles to generate a series of pulsed liquid jets. Rapid opening of the valve is aided by an extension on the valve member which sealingly slides inside the passage of the cumulation nozzle to block release of liquid until the valve member accelerates sufficiently that the required opening rate is achieved as the extension clears the nozzle passage.

Abstract: A water distribution device adapted to be connected to a pressurized water supply line includes a valve controlling the flow of water from the supply line to a water distributor, a cyclically-operable-timer driven through cycles of operation by the energy of the pressurized water, and a coupling between the timer and the valve, which coupling is effective to actuate the valve to its open position for a minor portion of each cycle, and to actuate the valve to its closed position for a major portion of each cycle. Preferably, the cycles are from 1-60 minutes each, and the minor portion of each cycle is about one-fifth to one-fiftieth of the complete cycle. Also described is a water distribution system including a plurality of such devices connected to a common water supply line and randomly operated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to generation of pulsed supersonic gas flow through a slit-shaped nozzle, useful in a wide range of applications, including particle separation, wind-tunnel studies, and especially spectroscopic studies of cold, gas-phase molecules. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a pulsed slit nozzle, which has a high length to width ratio, affording high sensitivity in spectroscopic applications.In addition, the present invention provides low dead volume, superior sealing properties, ease of actuation, heatability, uniform flow, ease of construction and maintenance, chemical inertness and long life.

Abstract: A water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.

Abstract: A grove sprayer includes a wheeled vehicle having at least one blower thereon blowing into a cowling for directing the air to the side of the sprayer onto the grove foliage. A plurality of spray nozzles are located in the cowling openings in position to cover a plurality of spray zones. A plurality of foliage sensors are positioned to cover a plurality of spray zones for detecting when foliage is located within each spray zone. The foliage sensors actuate each spray nozzle responsive to foliage being sensed within a spray zone, so that only those spray nozzles are actuated to spray foliage. The foliage sensors actuate the spray nozzles after a measured delay to compensate for the length of the moving vehicle. A speed sensor varies the liquid feed to the nozzles and provides a signal by which the delay is determined between the foliage sensor positions and the nozzle positions of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: Discrete volumes, or slugs, of liquid are accelerated to high velocities utilizing energy stored by compressing the liquid. Liquid is forced into a pressure vessel already filled with liquid to effect the compression. A slug of liquid is ejected from the pressure vessel into a cumulation nozzle by the energy stored in the compressed liquid when a valve is rapidly opened. The valve is unseated when an unseating force exceeds a closing bias. The valve is then opened rapidly by an opening force generated by the compressed liquid. By repetitively introducing highly pressurized liquid into the pressure vessel, the valve automatically cycles to generate a series of pulsed liquid jets. Rapid opening of the valve is aided by an extension on the valve member which sealingly slides inside the passage of the cumulation nozzle to block release of liquid until the valve member accelerates sufficiently that the required opening rate is achieved as the extension clears the nozzle passage.

Abstract: A flow actuated pulsator for shooting water in consecutive pulses. The pulsator is powered by water flowing under pressure therethrough and includes a nozzle for ejecting water at high speed, a pulse valve which cycles through opened and closed states to effect on-off cycling of water flow and a sound effects generator for producing sound effects with each water pulse. The pulse valve is biased to an open state when the pulsator is not being actuated by flowing water so that an initial water flow initiates open-closed cycling. The pulse valve is biased to an open state following each closed cycle. The pulsator is built into a compressed air powered water gun designed to contain water and air under pressure and including an air pump for compressing air into the gun to pressurize water contained therein and a trigger coupled to a valve for manually shooting the gun by controlling flow of pressurized water to the pulsator.

Abstract: A pressure wave motor that may be a fluid driven device with a continuous reciprocating driven member, the sole moving part, for connection into an appropriate non compressable fluid supply system that sustains pressure waves and that allows the reciprocating driven member to generate a usable harmonic pressure wave for use in sustaining continuous reciprocation of the driven member along with fluid flow. The pressure wave motor is driven solely by the fluid supply input fluid which is a liquid and the forces the input fluid generated by continuous reciprocation of the driven member for producing work without additional moving parts. The fluid supply system may be a normal household water supply system. The fluid driven device can produce a pulsating fluid output that may be used for cleaning and massaging.

Abstract: A pressure wave motor that may be a fluid driven device with a continuous reciprocating driven member, the sole moving part, for connection into an appropriate non compressable fluid supply system that sustains pressure waves and that allows the reciprocating driven member to generate a usable harmonic pressure wave for use in sustaining continuous reciprocation of the driven member along with fluid flow. The pressure wave motor is driven solely by the fluid supply input fluid which is a liquid and the forces the input fluid generated by continuous reciprocation of the driven member for producing work without additional moving parts. The fluid supply system may be a normal household water supply system. The fluid driven device can produce a pulsating fluid output that may be used for cleaning and massaging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy water gun which is battery operated. The present invention water gun has a housing which has a general configuration of a gun with a barrel and a handle. A water reservoir is located within the housing and a battery operated pumping system is also located within the housing. In addition, there is a pick up tube and a water tube, one being connected to an intake valve and the other being connected to the exhaust valve of the pumping system. The water tube which is connected to the exhaust valve is connected to a spray nozzle at its opposite end which is attached to the end of the barrel of the housing of the gun. A battery chamber is also located within the housing and electric circuitry is included which connects the battery chamber to the drive motor and to a switch which is connected to a trigger on the gun.

Abstract: An irrigation leakage prevention device for coupling between an irrigation supply source and an irrigation emitter unit. The device comprises a tubular throughflow conduit, at least the central portion thereof being formed of a resiliently flexible material and having end portions which are held against resilient displacement, a central barrier member being fixedly located within the conduit. With a water supply pressure less than a predetermined minimum, the central portion of the conduit sealingly embraces the barrier so as to prevent throughflow and when the water supply pressure exceeds this minimum, the central portion is resiliently displaced away from the barrier so as to allow throughflow.

Abstract: A paint roller is provided with a removable sleeve receiving a cover having a pile on a stretchable flexible backing. A reversible, speed controllable pump on a hand cart provides paint to the roller from a supply under control of a switch at the roller handle. The roller handle contains a radio transmitter for transmission of pump control signals to a receiver in a pump housing mounted to the hand cart. A peristaltic pump is used for the pumping, and is reversible to facilitate draining of the system back to the paint source. Opening of a door on the pump housing releases pump roller pressure from pump tubing, provides access to pump rollers and pump tubing, and thereby facilitates installation and removal of the pump tubing. Conventional water hose fittings are provided to facilitate cleaning by connection to a hose bib of a domestic water system, if desired.

Abstract: Discrete volumes, or slugs, of liquid are accelerated to high velocities utilizing energy stored by compressing the liquid. Liquid is forced into a pressure vessel already filled with liquid to effect the compression. A slug of liquid is ejected from the pressure vessel into a cumulation nozzle by the energy stored in the compressed liquid when a valve is rapidly opened. The valve is opened when an opening force, generated by the compressed liquid, exceeds a closing bias. By repetitively introducing highly pressurized liquid into the pressure vessel, the valve automatically cycles to generate a series of pulsed liquid jets. Rapid opening of the valve is aided by an extension on the valve member which sealingly slides inside the passage of the cumulation nozzle to block release of liquid until the valve member accelerates sufficiently that the required opening rate is achieved as the extension clears the nozzle passage.

Abstract: A liquid fuel atomizer is described which creates liquid pulses and gas pulses which are directed and timed to impact each other. The forces created during impact atomize the liquid fuel into droplets. Large and repeated atomizing forces can be thusly applied yielding fine atomization of even very high viscosity liquids. Applications of crossed pulse liquid atomizers to liquid fuel burner combustion systems are described.

Abstract: Fluid pulsation apparatus is disclosed which includes an elastomeric sleeve designed to expand circumferentially and longitudinally in response to internal fluid pressure. A fluid barrier in the form of a disk valve is located within the sleeve, and is biased closed by an expansion spring extending between the upstream end of the sleeve and the disk valve. A rigid housing surrounds the sleeve and restricts its circumferential expansion to a predetermined level. The apparatus can be made to produce either pulsing or continuous fluid flow by adjusting the flow rate of fluid downstream of the disk valve.

Abstract: Pulsations are created in a fluid flow stream by a pulsatile device. The device includes a flexible, resilient element which oscillates under the influence of a pressure differential to interrupt the fluid flow at regular intervals, thereby causing the outlet flow to pulsate. The device may be connected directly to a supply of fluid under pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for impulse spraying. A float valve is disposed at the lowest end of a liquid/gas accumulator which is connected via a connecting pipe having the float valve interposed therein to a hollow member having a vertically divided space to the upper end of which an outflow pipe leading to a sprinkler is connected. A water distribution pipe leading from a water supplying conduit is attached to the lower end of the divided space. A selectively operated shut-off valve in the hollow member is interposed between the outflow pipe and the connecting pipe, the shut-off valve functioning to shut off the outflow pipe when the water pressure in the upper end of the divided space in the hollow member is lower than that in the lower end of such divided space, and to open the outflow pipe when the pressure in the upper end of the divided space exceeds the pressure in the lower end of the divided space.

Abstract: A device for an intermittent application of a lubrication or a separation liquid to a component part of a glass-forming machine engageable with molten glass, includes an intermittently driven high-pressure pump and a spraying nozzle connected to the pump by a pressure conduit to apply momentarily a cone of atomized lubrication or separation liquid on the machine part at a pressure of at least 100 bars.

Abstract: A forward motion arresting means is added to a fluid powered lance to reduce the harmful effect of the stopping of the lance forward motion. A plug member mounted on the lance mates with a body member within the housing to prevent fluid flow and reduce the lance forward motion. Rearward motion arresting is achieved by the addition of a reservoir portion which acts as a hydraulic stop in conjunction with the lance piston.

Abstract: A humidifying apparatus for equipment for conditioning the air of vehicle has a humidity detecting circuit and a humidifying device including a spray nozzle. The humidifying device is intermittently operated by a control device. Thus, humidity in the vehicle cabin can be controlled so as to be maintained at a desired value while keeping the humidity in the cabin uniform.

Abstract: A low capital investment system for irrigating a relatively large area field, comprising a mobile base, and a sprinkler mounted on the base and adapted to accumulate water from a water supply and to intermittently discharge accumulated water in an irrigating stream over the field. Apparatus is provided for propelling the base in a back and forth movement traversing a field, and for generally reversing the water discharge direction each time the direction of travel is reversed. The sprinkler includes a novel, resiliently expandable reservoir construction for accumulating relatively large volume, intermittent bursts, and a drive system which also provides relatively short range, continual irrigation. Separate sprinkler units can be used on a field concurrently, or a single unit can be moved over successive areas of a field until the whole field has been covered.

Abstract: An impulse-sinking hydrant having an upright cylindrical housing with a movable piston disposed therein and formed with a radial passageway and an upright stem having a first passageway communicating with the radial passageway, the upright stem extending above the housing in an upper position of the piston. The upper end of the housing communicates with a pressure-accumulative reservoir through a second passageway which lies in registration with the radial passageway when the piston is in the upper position. A supply conduit carrying water under pressure communicates with the reservoir through a third passageway and with the interior of the housing through a fourth passageway feeding into the lower end thereof for displacing the piston upwardly.

Abstract: In a method of watering use is made of a watering apparatus comprising a pressure vessel and a spray device and to which water is supplied through a hose. The pressure vessel discharges intermittently the water supplied thereto, and the watering apparatus is caused to move along a given path while utilizing the energy stored in the water. The number of drive pulses per unit of time to a drive means associated with the watering apparatus is preferably determined by the number of pulses delivered per unit of time from the pressure vessel. The drive pulses may be supplied to the drive means simultaneously as the pressure vessel is supplied with water after delivering a pulse, to increase the pressure in said vessel. The watering apparatus is caused to move reciprocatingly along a path having two ends, the direction of drive being switched at the ends of the path.

Abstract: An apparatus for the hydroautomatic sprinkling of land areas with hydrants which rise and lower which comprises a cylinder whose piston is displaceable by the water from one pipeline through either a long stroke or a short stroke depending upon the engagement of a guide with a selected groove in the piston to open a gate permitting water from this line to pass into a selected one of a group of hydrants, to drive the sprinkler upwardly and permit sprinkling. When pressure from another line is admitted to the opposite side of the cylinder the gate is closed.

Abstract: A cleaning head system for use on the bottom of swimming pools includes a rotating nozzle opening formed by a curved elastic strip disposed in an annular region formed by substantially coextensive annular grooves, the elastic strip having concentric inner and outer edges, respectively. Water forced at high pressure into the annular region past the inner edges forces the elastic strip against the respective outer edges. The distance between the first and second ends of the elastic strip forms the nozzle opening through which a high velocity stream of water is forced. A plurality of stops are disposed in spaced relationship along the inner edges. The first end of the elastic strip has a tab for engaging the stops when water pressure is released, as the curvature of the elastic strip causes it to relax, forcing the first end inwardly against the inner edges. The continued action of the relaxing of the elastic strip and the engaging of the first end cause the second end to advance.

Abstract: An accumulator-distributor for gathering a quantity of water under pressure and rapidly discharging the quantity of water in bursts whereby large agricultural areas can be watered from a low volume source of irrigation water is shown. An expandible chamber is provided having a flexible diaphragm as one wall thereof. Bias means carried by the flexible diaphragm are adapted to exert a pressure upon the valve member closing the outlet opening from the chamber an amount insufficient to retract the valve member against the differential pressure of the accumulated water acting on the valve member. A second member is adapted to contact and lift the valve member from the valve seat at the point of maximum expansion of the chamber whereby the differential pressure is removed from the valve member and the bias means is able to rapidly withdraw the valve member completely from the outlet opening from the chamber to allow the rapid and complete expulsion of the accumulated water therein in an optimal manner.

Abstract: An irrigation system of the type comprising a plurality of nozzles spaced along a pipeline fed at one end from a source of supply of irrigation liquid, which latter may be purely water or may be water with additives, in which in order to avoid different spray rates due to a loss in pressure along the pipeline each nozzle is provided with a valve and an associated resilient subsidiary reservoir, the valves operating to close off the nozzles while all the subsidiary reservoirs charge up to the line pressure and then, when a control valve diverts the source of supply to a discharge outlet all the nozzles receive liquid in the same pressure from their associated subsidiary reservoir; when the subsidiary reservoirs are all back at atmospheric pressure the cycle recommences.

Abstract: A fuel injection system and control valve are disclosed for use with a multi-cylinder engine such as a diesel or proco type engine. The disclosed control valve, which is of the piezoelectric type, controls the fuel injection into the individual cylinders by being connected in fluid circuit between the high pressure pump and distributor which are contained in the pump and distributor assembly. The control valve contains novel features providing improvements in the system.

Abstract: A headlamp cleaning assembly of the type for cleaning vehicle headlamps and including first and second nozzles for jetting an air/liquid mixture against a headlight surface. A regulator means is included for mixing air and liquid and for sequentially supplying the resultant air/liquid mixture to the first nozzle for a first period of time and then to the second nozzle for a second period of time to complete one cycle. The regulator includes a piston slidably disposed in a cavity to define an air/liquid mixing chamber which is opposed by a liquid charging chamber. The piston also defines an air actuation chamber which, when supplied air, moves the piston from a start position to a charged position to charge by filling the charging chamber with liquid. A stem is connected to and extends upwardly from the piston and is slidably disposed in a stem chamber for actuating an air valve which, in turn, allows pressurized air to flow into the stem chamber.

Abstract: A regulated fluid tap particularly useful as water trickler nozzle includes an inlet tube, a housing enclosing the tube outlet, and a regulating member disposed within the housing and set into vibratory movement, by the flow of the fluid, toward and away from the tube outlet to close and open the outlet. The flow of the fluid is thereby regulated to a slow trickle without the need for a circuitous path or small openings which can be easily clogged. Two embodiments are described: in one, the regulating member is of ring-shape and vibrates radially of the tube; in the other, the regulating member is of disc-shape and vibrates axially of the tube.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a regulated tap for fluid conduits such as water pipes, and particularly to a tap useful as a water trickler nozzle.There are many applications for regulated taps for fluid conduits.