US3893591A — High pressure spray washing system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 355 words

In a high pressure washing system, a. positive displacement pump having a liquid inlet and a liquid discharge outlet; b. means for operating said pump to cause the same to draw liquid thereinto at its inlet and to discharge such liquid through its discharge outlet; c. flow directing means connected to said pump outlet for directing the flow of such liquid against a surface to be cleaned; d. conduit means connected with said pump inlet and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of water; e. a pressure-sensitive flow control device interposed within said conduit means and sensitive to the downstram pressure within said conduit means and having a variable flow-control orifice; f. second conduit means connected in fluid communicating relation with said first mentioned conduit means at a point between said pump and the point of control of said control device and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of liquid cleaner; g. a valve movable between open and closed positions interposed within said second mentioned conduit means between its intake and the point at which it is connected with said first mentioned conduit means for permitting said pump to draw cleaner into the flow of said first mentioned conduit means when the valve is in open position; h. said flow control device and said valve having flow control orifices the combined dimensions of which at all times are insufficient to permit said pump to operate at rated capacity, whereby said first mentioned conduit means is always subjected to a negative pressure when said pump is operating; i. said flow control device including down-stream pressuresensitive control means located down-stream of said control device flow control orifice and constructed and arranged to vary its flow control orifice dimensions to increase the same when the downstream pressure decreases and decrease the same when the down-stream pressure increases to thereby maintain a constant negative pressure in said first mentioned conduit means between said pump and said control device irrespective of changes which may take place in the pressure at which the water may be supplied to said first mentioned conduit means.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 355 words

In a high pressure washing system, a. positive displacement pump having a liquid inlet and a liquid discharge outlet; b. means for operating said pump to cause the same to draw liquid thereinto at its inlet and to discharge such liquid through its discharge outlet; c. flow directing means connected to said pump outlet for directing the flow of such liquid against a surface to be cleaned; d. conduit means connected with said pump inlet and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of water; e. a pressure-sensitive flow control device interposed within said conduit means and sensitive to the downstram pressure within said conduit means and having a variable flow-control orifice; f. second conduit means connected in fluid communicating relation with said first mentioned conduit means at a point between said pump and the point of control of said control device and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of liquid cleaner; g. a valve movable between open and closed positions interposed within said second mentioned conduit means between its intake and the point at which it is connected with said first mentioned conduit means for permitting said pump to draw cleaner into the flow of said first mentioned conduit means when the valve is in open position; h. said flow control device and said valve having flow control orifices the combined dimensions of which at all times are insufficient to permit said pump to operate at rated capacity, whereby said first mentioned conduit means is always subjected to a negative pressure when said pump is operating; i. said flow control device including down-stream pressuresensitive control means located down-stream of said control device flow control orifice and constructed and arranged to vary its flow control orifice dimensions to increase the same when the downstream pressure decreases and decrease the same when the down-stream pressure increases to thereby maintain a constant negative pressure in said first mentioned conduit means between said pump and said control device irrespective of changes which may take place in the pressure at which the water may be supplied to said first mentioned conduit means.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 35 words

The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said valve has a readily adjustable orifice through which the liquid cleaner must flow whereby the ratio of water to liquid cleaner may be accurately adjusted and metered.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 43 words

The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said control means includes a diaphragm actuated valve member the diaphragm of which is located down-stream of said flow control orifice and is sensitive to down-stream negative pressure and which is resiliently urged in valve opening-direction.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 25 words

The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said flow control device restricts said variable orifice to essentially closed condition while said pump is not operated.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 271 words

In a high pressure washing system, a. a positive displacement pump having a liquid inlet and a liquid discharge outlet; b. means for operating said pump to cause the same to draw liquid thereinto at its inlet and to discharge such liquid through its discharge outlet; c. flow directing means connected to said pump outlet for directing the flow of such liquid against a surface to be cleaned; d. conduit means connected with said pump inlet and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of water; e. a flow control device interposed within said conduit means; f. second conduit means connected in fluid communicating relation with said first mentioned conduit means at a point between said pump and the point of control of said control device and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of liquid cleaner; g. a valve movable between open and closed positions interposed within said second mentioned conduit means between its inlet and the point at which it is connected with said first mentioned conduit means for pErmitting said pump to draw cleaner into said first mentioned conduit means when the valve is in open position; h. said flow control device being sensitive to the downstream pressure within said first mentioned conduit means and having a controlled variable flow orifice through which the water must pass to said pump; i. said control device having a pressure sensing element located down-stream of its said variable flow orifice controlling said variable flow orifice to reduce the effect of the pressure of the water supply within said first mentioned conduit means to substantially zero.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 271 words

In a high pressure washing system, a. a positive displacement pump having a liquid inlet and a liquid discharge outlet; b. means for operating said pump to cause the same to draw liquid thereinto at its inlet and to discharge such liquid through its discharge outlet; c. flow directing means connected to said pump outlet for directing the flow of such liquid against a surface to be cleaned; d. conduit means connected with said pump inlet and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of water; e. a flow control device interposed within said conduit means; f. second conduit means connected in fluid communicating relation with said first mentioned conduit means at a point between said pump and the point of control of said control device and having an intake adapted to be connected to a source of liquid cleaner; g. a valve movable between open and closed positions interposed within said second mentioned conduit means between its inlet and the point at which it is connected with said first mentioned conduit means for pErmitting said pump to draw cleaner into said first mentioned conduit means when the valve is in open position; h. said flow control device being sensitive to the downstream pressure within said first mentioned conduit means and having a controlled variable flow orifice through which the water must pass to said pump; i. said control device having a pressure sensing element located down-stream of its said variable flow orifice controlling said variable flow orifice to reduce the effect of the pressure of the water supply within said first mentioned conduit means to substantially zero.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 35 words

The structure defined in claim 5, wherein said valve has a readily adjustable orifice through which the liquid cleaner must flow whereby the ratio of water to liquid cleaner may be accurately adjusted and metered.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 111 words

The structure defined in claim 5; and j. third conduit means connected in fluid communication with said first mentioned conduit means at a point between said pump and the point of control of said control device and having an intake adapted to be connected to a second source of liquid cleaner, and k. a valve movable between open and closed positions interposed within said third conduit means between its intake and the point at which it is connected with said first mentioned conduit means for permitting said pump to draw cleaner from such second source into the flow of said first mentioned conduit means when the valve is in open position.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 185 words

A method of accurately metering proportions of a plurality of liquid components of a mixed cleaning solution within the fluid line of a high pressure washing system wherein the source of one of the components is furnished under variable pressures, consisting in: a. providing a positive action displacement pump having a fluid inlet and outlet; b. connecting the inlet of the pump by conduit with a constant pressure source of one of the liquid components of the solution to be mixed; c. concurrently connecting the fluid inlet of the pump by conduit to the variably pressurized source of liquid component; d. restricting the flow of the liquid from the first source to less than that at which the pump is rated, and e. variably restricting the flow to the pump from the source of the second liquid component sufficiently to create a pressure of essentially zero at the point of restriction when the pump is not operating and to produce at all times when the pump is operated a combined flow from the two sources of less than that at which the pump is rated.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 185 words

A method of accurately metering proportions of a plurality of liquid components of a mixed cleaning solution within the fluid line of a high pressure washing system wherein the source of one of the components is furnished under variable pressures, consisting in: a. providing a positive action displacement pump having a fluid inlet and outlet; b. connecting the inlet of the pump by conduit with a constant pressure source of one of the liquid components of the solution to be mixed; c. concurrently connecting the fluid inlet of the pump by conduit to the variably pressurized source of liquid component; d. restricting the flow of the liquid from the first source to less than that at which the pump is rated, and e. variably restricting the flow to the pump from the source of the second liquid component sufficiently to create a pressure of essentially zero at the point of restriction when the pump is not operating and to produce at all times when the pump is operated a combined flow from the two sources of less than that at which the pump is rated.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method defined in claim 8, wherein the flow of liquid from the first source is adjustably restricted to a predetermined desired ratio relative to the flow from the variably pressurized source.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method defined in claim 8, wherein the variable restriction of the flow to the pump from the variably pressurized source of the second liquid component automatically compensates for changes in negative pressure between the pump and the point of restriction.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 187 words

A method of accurately metering proportions of a plurality of liquid components of a mixed cleaning solution within the fluid line of a high pressure washing system wherein the source of one of the components is furnished under variable pressures, consisting in: a. providing a positive action displacement pump having a fluid inlet and outlet; b. connecting the inlet of the pump by conduit with a constant pressure source of one of the liquid components of the solution to be mixed; c. concurrently connecting the fluid inlet of the pump by conduit to the variably pressurized source of liquid component; d. variably restricting the flow to the pump from the variably pressurized source of the second liquid component to less than that at which the pump is rated and in inverse proportion to the negative pressure created in the conduit between the pump and the point of restriction when the pump is operating; and e. restricting the flow of liquid to the pump from the fIrst source sufficiently to produce a combined flow from the two sources of less than that at which the pump is rated.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 187 words

A method of accurately metering proportions of a plurality of liquid components of a mixed cleaning solution within the fluid line of a high pressure washing system wherein the source of one of the components is furnished under variable pressures, consisting in: a. providing a positive action displacement pump having a fluid inlet and outlet; b. connecting the inlet of the pump by conduit with a constant pressure source of one of the liquid components of the solution to be mixed; c. concurrently connecting the fluid inlet of the pump by conduit to the variably pressurized source of liquid component; d. variably restricting the flow to the pump from the variably pressurized source of the second liquid component to less than that at which the pump is rated and in inverse proportion to the negative pressure created in the conduit between the pump and the point of restriction when the pump is operating; and e. restricting the flow of liquid to the pump from the fIrst source sufficiently to produce a combined flow from the two sources of less than that at which the pump is rated.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method defined in claim 11 and adjustably restricting the flow of the liquid component from the constant pressure source to a predetermined desired ratio relative to the flow from the variably pressurized source.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method defined in claim 11 wherein the flow to the pump from the variably pressurized source of the second liquid component is restricted sufficiently when the pump is not operating to reduce the pressure between the pump and point of restriction to essentially zero.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method defined in claim 11 wherein the variable restriction of the flow to the pump from the variably pressurized source of the second liquid component is automatically varied and automatically compensates for changes in negative pressure between the pump and the point of restriction.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 123 words

A method of accurately metering proportions of a plurality of liquid components of a mixed solution consisting in: a. providing a positive action displacement pump having a fluid inlet and outlet b. concurrently connecting by conduit the fluid inlet of the pump to separate sources of the liquid components of the solution to be mixed c. restricting the flow to the inlet of the pump of each of the liquid components to be mixed sufficiently to cause the pump to operate under a starved condition at all times whereby the relative flows of each component will be metered in proportion to the relative sizes of the minimum dimensions of the conduit through which each of the components must flow to the pump inlet.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 123 words

A method of accurately metering proportions of a plurality of liquid components of a mixed solution consisting in: a. providing a positive action displacement pump having a fluid inlet and outlet b. concurrently connecting by conduit the fluid inlet of the pump to separate sources of the liquid components of the solution to be mixed c. restricting the flow to the inlet of the pump of each of the liquid components to be mixed sufficiently to cause the pump to operate under a starved condition at all times whereby the relative flows of each component will be metered in proportion to the relative sizes of the minimum dimensions of the conduit through which each of the components must flow to the pump inlet.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 237 words

A flow control device comprising a. a hollow body having wall structure defining separate pressure, mixing and water chambers; b. diaphragm means separating said pressure chamber from said mixing chamber; c. the wall structure defining said mixing chamber having a passage formed therethrough and connecting said mixing chamber with said water chamber and supporting a valve seat thereon surrounding said passage; d. valve means positioned adjacent said valve seat in position to engage and close the same; e. resilient means engaging said valve means and urging the same in a predetermined direction toward closed position against said valve seat; f. a valve stem carried by one of said diaphragm and valve means and extending therebetween to cause said valve to be opened when said diaphragm moves in an opposite direction; g. adjustable spring means engaging said diaphragm means and urging the same against said valve stem in said opposite direction; h. said body wall structure also defining a water inlet port communicating with said water chamber and a liquid outlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and at least one liquid inlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and said liquid outlet port, and i. a weeper passage extending through said wall structure between said water chamber and said mixing chamber whereby water may pass into said mixing chamber in small quantities for pump priming purposes when said water inlet is connected to a source of water.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 237 words

A flow control device comprising a. a hollow body having wall structure defining separate pressure, mixing and water chambers; b. diaphragm means separating said pressure chamber from said mixing chamber; c. the wall structure defining said mixing chamber having a passage formed therethrough and connecting said mixing chamber with said water chamber and supporting a valve seat thereon surrounding said passage; d. valve means positioned adjacent said valve seat in position to engage and close the same; e. resilient means engaging said valve means and urging the same in a predetermined direction toward closed position against said valve seat; f. a valve stem carried by one of said diaphragm and valve means and extending therebetween to cause said valve to be opened when said diaphragm moves in an opposite direction; g. adjustable spring means engaging said diaphragm means and urging the same against said valve stem in said opposite direction; h. said body wall structure also defining a water inlet port communicating with said water chamber and a liquid outlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and at least one liquid inlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and said liquid outlet port, and i. a weeper passage extending through said wall structure between said water chamber and said mixing chamber whereby water may pass into said mixing chamber in small quantities for pump priming purposes when said water inlet is connected to a source of water.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 37 words

The structure defined in claim 16 and j. cooperating piston-cylinder means carried by said valve means and said water chamber defining wall structure for compensating for substantial pressure differentials within said mixing chamber and said water chamber.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 59 words

The structure defined in claim 16, and j. an open ended cylinder carried by said water chamber defining wall structure; k. a piston member carried by said valve member and extending into said cylinder; and l. fluid passage means extending between said mixing chamber and the interior of said cyliner behind said piston member and providing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 25 words

The structure defined in claim 18 wherein the cross-sectional area of said piston member approximates the cross-sectional area of the opening within said valve seat.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 42 words

The structurE defined in claim 16 and pressure differential compensating means associated with said valve member for compensating for substantial pressure differentials within said mixing chamber and said water chamber at opposite sides of said valve means when such pressure differentials exist.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 32 words

The structure defined in claim 18 wherein said resilient means surrounds said cylinder and said piston member and extends between and bears against said valve member and said water chamber defining structure.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 323 words

A flow control device comprising: a. a hollow body having wall structure defining separate pressure, mixing and water chambers; b. diaphragm means separating said pressure chamber from said mixing chamber; c. the wall structure defining said mixing chamber having a passage formed therethrough and connecting said mixing chamber with said water chamber and supporting a valve seat thereon surrounding said passage; d. valve means positioned adjacent said valve seat in position to engage and close the same; e. resilient means engaging said valve means and urging the same in a predetermined direction toward closed position against said valve seat; f. a valve stem carried by one of said diaphragm and valve means and extending therebetween to cause said valve to be opened when said diaphragm moves in an opposite direction; g. adjustable spring means engaging said diaphragm means and urging the same against said valve stem in said opposite direction; h. said body wall structure also defining a water inlet port communicating with said water chamber and a liquid outlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and at least one liquid inlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and said liquid outlet port; i. an open ended cylinder carried by said water chamber defining wall structure; j. a piston member carried by said valve member and extending into said cylinder; k. fluid passage means extending through said valve stem, said valve means, and said piston member and bringing said mixing chamber into fluid communication with the interior of said cylinder behind said piston member; l. said resilient means extending around said cylinder and said piston and between said valve means and said water chamber defining wall structure; and m. a weeper passage extending through said wall structure between said water chamber and said mixing chamber whereby water may pass into said mixing chamber in small quantities for pump priming purposes when said water inlet is connected to a source of water under pressure.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 323 words

A flow control device comprising: a. a hollow body having wall structure defining separate pressure, mixing and water chambers; b. diaphragm means separating said pressure chamber from said mixing chamber; c. the wall structure defining said mixing chamber having a passage formed therethrough and connecting said mixing chamber with said water chamber and supporting a valve seat thereon surrounding said passage; d. valve means positioned adjacent said valve seat in position to engage and close the same; e. resilient means engaging said valve means and urging the same in a predetermined direction toward closed position against said valve seat; f. a valve stem carried by one of said diaphragm and valve means and extending therebetween to cause said valve to be opened when said diaphragm moves in an opposite direction; g. adjustable spring means engaging said diaphragm means and urging the same against said valve stem in said opposite direction; h. said body wall structure also defining a water inlet port communicating with said water chamber and a liquid outlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and at least one liquid inlet port communicating with said mixing chamber and said liquid outlet port; i. an open ended cylinder carried by said water chamber defining wall structure; j. a piston member carried by said valve member and extending into said cylinder; k. fluid passage means extending through said valve stem, said valve means, and said piston member and bringing said mixing chamber into fluid communication with the interior of said cylinder behind said piston member; l. said resilient means extending around said cylinder and said piston and between said valve means and said water chamber defining wall structure; and m. a weeper passage extending through said wall structure between said water chamber and said mixing chamber whereby water may pass into said mixing chamber in small quantities for pump priming purposes when said water inlet is connected to a source of water under pressure.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1978-07-07	1979-01-06	1979-07-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1982-07-07	1983-01-06	1983-07-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1986-07-07	1987-01-06	1987-07-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

High pressure spray washing system

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