Did You Know...
...Chester Carlson was a patent agent who tired of having to make multiple copies of patent applications using the only duplication method available at the time: carbon paper. In 1959 he came up with a new copying system and took it to IBM for evaluation. The "experts" at IBM determined potential sales to be only 5,000 units because people wouldn't want to use a bulky machine when they had carbon paper. Carlson's invention was the xerography process, the company founded on the system is Xerox.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 7829806 | Flowswitch having O-ring pairs arranged in corresponding pairs of O-ring grooves separated by respective flanges of a pivot rod The present invention provides a flowswitch for installing in piping, featuring a flowswitch base having an inner cavity; a pivot rod being arranged for rotating in the flowswitch base, the pivot rod having a pair of O-ring grooves; a paddle arm being coupled to the... | 11/09/2010 |
| 6855897 | Water treatment apparatus and components A portable water treatment apparatus including: a pump, a coarse filter means, an adsorbent filter means, a fine filter means, a silver ion generator downstream of the pump and in series with the adsorbent filter and control means for controlling the operation of sa... | 02/15/2005 |
| 6635836 | Housing contained fluid flow switch and indicator A fluid flow indicator including a disk and spring assembly positioned within a fluid conduit whereby the pulsing force a fluid input biases the disk and spring against an electrical contact thereby completing an electrical circuit and illuminating a visu... | 10/21/2003 |
| 6563064 | Fluid flow switch sensing device having a test button A fluid flow switch sensing device includes a switch, a pivotally disposed bracket assembly which activates the switch to a desired switch function, and a paddle assembly for causing pivotal movement of the bracket assembly in response to fluid flow in a ... | 05/13/2003 |
| 6510748 | Pipe connection system A pipe connection system has a non-threaded, quick-pipe connection for connecting pipe in a pressurized system, for connecting piping components within a fire sprinkler system, including a flow switch to a fire sprinkler system riser port. A male and fema... | 01/28/2003 |
| 6472624 | In-line flow switch A flow switch for a high pressure washing system or other flow-related system is disclosed. The flow switch switches from an open to a closed position in the presence of adequate flow in a water or other fluid-carrying pipe. The flow switch includes a car... | 10/29/2002 |
| 6384352 | Air sensitive user input devices An air sensitive input device is capable of use in a variety of environments which include, without limitation, toys, computer and video games, consumer appliances, musical instruments, and devices which assist the disabled. A housing having an intake por... | 05/07/2002 |
| 6284990 | Bore rider switch A safety switch is provided to detect when a tube launched which exits the tube. The switch is located within the vehicle having a switch plunger extending to the periphery of the vehicle. The plunger is biased to provide outward pressure against a lever ... | 09/04/2001 |
| 6096224 | Filter alert A filter alert has a pressure differential switch that is responsive to positive and/or negative pressure through a pressure tube. The pressure tube is in fluid communication intermediate a positive-pressure or high-pressure side of an intended filter and... | 08/01/2000 |
| 6076545 | Fire-control sprinkler system riser means This invention provides a fire-control sprinkler system riser for a residence, including a unitary manifold for porting to system components. The longitudinal manifold has pipe threads on its ends to connect to an inlet water pipe and an outlet sprinkler ... | 06/20/2000 |
| 5939688 | Fluid responsive switch pivot arm seal A fluid responsive switch having a pivot arm for monitoring fluid flowing in a conduit or the level of liquid in a container with an improved resilient seal. The pivot arm, in the fluid responsive switch, is mounted in a housing by a pivot pin and a resil... | 08/17/1999 |
| 5898375 | Siphon alarm and restarting mechanism The invention includes a system for monitoring the performance of an automatic dosing siphon utilized in reservoir which is a part of a wastewater treatment system. The siphon includes a bell type cover, a fluid trap having one leg extending upward into t... | 04/27/1999 |
| 5888381 | Water filter with pressure actuated flow monitor A faucet mounted water filtration system with a filter life monitor includes a filter housing with a flexible cap which deflects upon introduction of water into the housing. The deflection of the cap closes a switch on an electrical circuit which counts t... | 03/30/1999 |
| 5798697 | Exhaust/supply direction indicator An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid from an apparatus or between two apparatuses such as a biohoods, fume cabinets, or filters. The device includes a conduit horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is di... | 08/25/1998 |
| 5780940 | Hot wire safety switch A remote switch includes a fluid-containing tube connected to a fluid-sensing switch. A hot wire sensor detects changes in flow through the conduit tube and is electrically connected to breaker switch circuitry. Because the switch is responsive to flow, r... | 07/14/1998 |
| 5755249 | Fluid flow monitor A fluid flow monitor has coaxial conductive annular supports separated by an insulating gasket and connected by a conductive member. One support has a lesser external diameter and a smaller internal diameter than the other to reduce the chance of accident... | 05/26/1998 |
| 5672049 | Electromechanical device for the protection of a pump in waterworks of various types, in the absence of water The device comprises: a branch (5) from the outlet (M) of the pump to a cavity (7) partially delimited by a membrane (14); a moving element (16, 22, 24) in a casing (9); a spring (36) pushing said element (16, 22, 24) toward the membrane (14) and capable ... | 09/30/1997 |
| 5661277 | Differential pressure flow sensor using multiple layers of flexible membranes A differential pressure flow sensor for use in a flow passageway of very low pressure flow lines and utilizing at least first and second conductive membranes in superimposed relationship having center portions constructed to create a discontinuity to allo... | 08/26/1997 |
| 5602372 | Differential pressure flow sensor A "slip-joint" type of sensor having a tab design consisting of a unique shape which permits easy manufacture, low resistance to sliding forces, and reliable electrical contact. The unique switch or tab and body design provides positive electrical contact... | 02/11/1997 |
| 5601109 | Fluid flow monitor A fluid flow monitor has coaxial conductive annular supports separated by an insulating gasket and connected by a conductive member. One support has a lesser external diameter and a smaller internal diameter than the other to reduce the chance of accident... | 02/11/1997 |
| 5509787 | Hydraulic actuator for pressure switch of fluidic system An hydraulic actuator of a constant pressure fluidic supply system is disclosed in which a movable shuttle disposed within a generally cylindrical housing forms therewith a plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies. Displacement of the shuttle within th... | 04/23/1996 |
| 5410298 | Fluid flow direction detector An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid between two enclosed spaces, such as hospital rooms, includes a conduit extending along a horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and mo... | 04/25/1995 |
| 5320280 | Pneumatically controlled spraying system having a diaphragm-operated switch A control system for a mechanically-driven liquid pump coupled to an air spray gun wherein the control system includes an air pressure monitor to detect air flow to the spray gun and an electrically-operated solenoid valve to relieve liquid pressure in th... | 06/14/1994 |
| 5291182 | Fluid flow direction detector An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid between two enclosed spaces, such as hospital rooms, includes a conduit extending along a horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and mo... | 03/01/1994 |
| 5225641 | Fluid flow switch assembly The flow switch assembly (10) of a fluid power apparatus comprises a fluid flow pressure operated switch (10) which activates upon the failure or degradation of fluid flow. A body (14) contains therein a blind bore (15) which receives a piston (71) biased... | 07/06/1993 |
| 5143460 | Portable humidifier A humidifier including a base defining a boiler cavity; a liquid supply supported on the base and having a discharge opening communicating with the boiler cavity and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid therein; an evaporation unit removably mounte... | 09/01/1992 |
| 5144102 | Fluid pressure switch adapted for low fluid pressure and throughputs A fluid switch for measuring throughput in a fluid line, the fluid switch having an electrical switch and an associated membrane subjected to the pressure of the fluid introduced into a working chamber of the fluid switch. The fluid pressure causes simult... | 09/01/1992 |
| 5142271 | Fluid flow sensor A fluid flow sensor for use with a fluid circulating system to indicate a predetermined rate of fluid flow therethrough, fluid flow sensor comprises a hollow fluid flow sensor body including a lower flow detection chamber and an upper fluid flow chamber f... | 08/25/1992 |
| 5136128 | Hydraulically-piloted switch A hydraulically-piloted switch assembly includes a housing through which runs a hollow conduit that in use contains a fluid under pressure. A linear conduit portion defines a bore one end of which projects away laterally from a portion of the conduit. Sli... | 08/04/1992 |
| 5133044 | Portable humidifier A humidifier including a base defining a boiler cavity; a liquid supply supported on the base and having a discharge opening communicating with the boiler cavity and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid therein; and an evaporation unit removably mo... | 07/21/1992 |
| 5131070 | Portable humidifier A humidifier including a base defining a cavity; a liquid supply tank removably mounted on the base and adapted to maintain a given level of liquid in the cavity; an electrically energized humidification unit for inducing dispersal of the liquid contained... | 07/14/1992 |
| 5099544 | Vacuum motor switch actuator Vacuum cleaning apparatus is disclosed with built in air pressure supply lines for operating pneumatic tools. An air operated valve switch actuator is coupled between the pneumatic air pressure and the vacuum motor to make the vacuum motor operate simulta... | 03/31/1992 |
| 5081328 | Flow switch A flow switch with a pressure sensing negative rate membrane. The membrane is designed for integral operation with a venturi element and an actuator. The membrane is a snap action device which, when a differential pressure is sensed, deflects from one pos... | 01/14/1992 |
| 5081448 | Differential pressure indicator with temperature compensation An oil filter for filtering oil is combined with a differential pressure indicator with temperature compensation. The differential pressure indicator has a spool assembly slidably disposed in a spool insertion cylinder in axially confronting relation to a... | 01/14/1992 |
| 5074467 | High volume low pressure spray painting system, method of operation and control system therefor There is provided a high volume low pressure spray painting system, control therefor, and method of operation therefor. The high volume low pressure spray painting system includes an electrically powered blower motor with a cooling fan, an high volume low... | 12/24/1991 |
| 5014338 | Portable air humidifier The components of an electric warm-air humidifier are enclosed in a housing. The components include an evaporation chamber in the shape of an inverted cup which has a steam outlet in its top and contains an electric heating element positioned at a short d... | 05/07/1991 |
| 4992633 | Contained pressure activated switch A mechanical pressure switch is provided which includes a conduit that is expandable and contractable in response to the pressure of fluid passing through the conduit. A switch is mounted in a fixed position relative to one portion of the conduit and an a... | 02/12/1991 |
| 4955785 | Fan structure with flow responsive switch mechanism The problem of providing a simple, small, lightweight and reliable flow responsive switch mechanism (32) in a fan structure, such as for aerospace applications, is solved by providing a housing (12) defining a fan involute (22). An impeller (18, 20) is mo... | 09/11/1990 |
| 4933516 | Poppet valve flow switch Electrical contacts (10) and (12) are bridged by surface (22) when a fluid flow rate from fluid inlet (30) to exit (34) is sufficient to displace poppet (26) against the bias of bellows (28). Bellows (28) may be sealed at opposite ends to provide an envir... | 06/12/1990 |
| 4931776 | Fluid flow sensor with flexible vane A flow sensor for regulating the air flow rate to a cooling system can be formed as a housing for channeling the flow through a retangular cavity and a one piece vane of bent metal strip which deflects and closes an electrical contact at a predetermined a... | 06/05/1990 |
