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US 5,964,380 AGranted
Viscous liquid applicator
AssigneesUniversity of Massachussets, Trustees of Hampshire College
InventorsRuth V. Hazzard, Ellen D. Siedlecki, Brian B. Schultz, Douglas A. Hartwell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention features an applicator for delivering a defined, adjustable quantity of a viscous liquid, in a short stream. The applicator can be used, for example, to accurately and easily apply oil to ears of sweet corn to prevent infestation by corn earworms.
Claims16
An applicator for delivering a stream of viscous liquid to a target comprising:
- (1) a housing having a first longitudinal axis;
- (2) an inlet arranged at a proximal end of the housing;
- (3) an outlet arranged at a distal end of the housing at an angle of 75.degree. to 105.degree. relative to the first longitudinal axis of the housing;
- (4) a reservoir secured to the housing and comprising a cylinder, a fluid port at a distal end of the cylinder, and a plunger opening at a proximal end of the cylinder, the reservoir having a second longitudinal axis;
- (5) a plunger arranged to slide within the reservoir and comprising a piston connected to a shaft, the shaft having a third longitudinal axis, the plunger sliding within the reservoir between a filling position and a discharge position, wherein the piston forms a seal against the cylinder sufficient to prevent the viscous liquid from passing, wherein proximal displacement of the plunger towards the filling position draws the viscous liquid into the reservoir through the fluid port, and wherein distal displacement of the plunger towards the first discharge position displaces the viscous liquid out of the reservoir through the fluid port;
- (6) a handle pivotally connected to the housing and arranged in mechanical communication with the plunger, wherein the handle is movable between a charging position and a dispensing position, wherein the charging position of the handle corresponds to the filling position of the plunger, and the dispensing position of the handle corresponds to the discharge position of the plunger;
- (7) a spring arranged to bias the plunger into the filling position, and the handle into the charging position;
- (8) a first conduit arranged to connect the inlet to the fluid port;
- (9) a second conduit arranged to connect the fluid port to the outlet;
- (10) a first one-way valve disposed within the first conduit;
- and
- (11) a second one-way valve disposed within the second conduit.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.