US3690558A

US3690558A - Hydraulic cleaning device

Info

Publication number: US3690558A
Application number: US112862A
Authority: US
Inventors: Phillip E Tuttle
Original assignee: Federal Screw Works
Current assignee: Federal Screw Works
Priority date: 1971-02-05
Filing date: 1971-02-05
Publication date: 1972-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 1989-09-12
Also published as: CA944254A

Abstract

A hydraulic cleaning device in the form of a water gun, having a high pressure water nozzle for ejection of fluid under high pressure against a surface to be cleaned; the water gun has a two part pivotable handle assembly for manual control of the water gun; the grip portion of the handle controls the on and off water pressure through the jet nozzle and another portion of the pivotable handle assembly controls a dump valve having a by-pass outlet which dumps the fluid from the high pressure nozel, when the handle is released.

Description

United States Patent Tuttle [54] HYDRAULIC CLEANING DEVICE [72] Inventor: Phillip E. Tuttle, Port Huron, Mich.

[73] Assignee: Federal Screw Works, Detroit,

Mich.

221 Filed: Feb. 5, 1971 21 Appl.No.: 112,862

[52] US. Cl. ..239/l27, 137/609 [51] Int. Cl. ..B05b 9/00 [58] Field of Search ..239/'l24, 127, 525, 526;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Goss ..239l127 X Sept. 12, 1972 3,529,626 9/1970 German ..239/l24 X Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Assistant Examiner-Edwin D. Grant Attorney--Cullen Settle Sloman & Cantor [5 7] ABSTRACT A hydraulic cleaning device in the form of a water gun, having a high pressure water nozzle for ejection of fluid under high pressure against a surface to be cleaned; the water gun has a two part pivotable handle assembly for manual control of the water gun; the grip portion of the handle controls the on and off water pressure through the jet nozzle and another portion of the pivotable handle assembly controls a dump valve having a by-pass outlet which dumps the fluid from the high pressure nozel, when the handle is released.

8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP 12 I972 'FLUID PRzss uRE.

PRIME.

[Illu INVENTOR PHILLIP E, TUTTLE BY 11111, Kim 2: 0w?

AT TORNEYS HYDRAULIC CLEANING DEVICE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION the industry to clean contaminated parts and surfaces such as removal of mold release agents, grease, chemicals, carbon and metal oxidation residues, mill scale, boiler scale and the like. They are also widely used in the construction industry for cleaning cement splatters, removing tar and asphalt and for the cleaning of buildings and concrete and masonry surfaces.

The cleaning apparatus commonly consists of a long pipe having a jet nozzle opening at one end and a handle and grip portion intermediate its ends for pistol grip control of the jet pipe by the operator. The inlet of the pipe is connected to a high pressure pump which is connected to a source of fluid, such as water, and which is driven by a combustion engine. Normally, the throttle control of the engine is connected by means of a switch to the handle portion of the jet pipe so as to enable the operator to control the speed of the engine for operation of the high pressure pump between idling, when the switch is in open position, and full speedwhen the switch is closed.

Considerable difficulties have been encountered in the past to exercise precise control over the fluid discharge through the jet nozzle without completely shutting off the pump pressure, so that the apparatus at all times will .be ready at an instant to eject fluid under high pressure through the jet nozzle upon actuation of the switch controlled engine throttle. However, when the apparatus is shut-off by opening of the switch located on the handle of the device so as to put the engine in idle position, fluid ata reduced pressure will continue to flow through the jet pipe since the pump is still operating, although at a considerably lower pressure.

Thus, it has been difficult to provide an effective means which is instantaneously operable upon opening of the switch to dump the excess fluid from the jet pipe back into the fluid reservoir or, to waste, to positively prevent further fluid flow through the jet nozzle. Likewise, the by-pass means must be instantaneously operable at the moment of switch closing to stop flow of fluid through the by-pass so as to permit instantaneous fluid flow through the jet nozzle at the desired operating pressure when the switch is closed.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved mechanically controlled by-pass means for a fluid'cleaning device which is automatically operable in conjunction with the handle control of the device, such that, when the handle switch is in on position the by-pass means is closed and when the switch is in off position the by-pass means will be automatically opened.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved control means for a fluid cleaning device including a jet pipe adapted to eject fluid under high pressure through a nozzle opening, and a handle control means including a switch for on" and off control of fluid pressure through the nozzle opening;

the handle means is associated with and coactingly operates a dump valve which is provided with a by-pass opening to by-pass fluid from the jet pipe through a dump outlet when the control switch on the handle is in open position.

The improved control means for-the fluid cleaning device of the present invention provides a combination handle grip and dump valve actuator mechanically interconnected to each other and independently pivoted at spaced locations for pivoting movement in opposite directions relative to each other. The handle means includes a switch for activation of a throttle operating solenoid and a cam means pivoted rearwardly of the handle which includes a switch actuator; the dump valve operating member is attached to the handle grip and pivoted at a point below the dump valve and provided with a valve plunger actuating member.

In the release position of the improved control means, the combined handle and dump valve operating member and the cam member at the rear of the handle are in oppositely pivoted positions relative to each other. In this position the handle assembly is open and the dump valve is in an open position causing excess fluid through the fluid pressure line to exit through the valve into the dump outlet. In the operating position of the present improved fluid cleaning device control means, the handle assembly is gripped by the operator of the device to bring a cam portion into engagement with the grip portion of the handle to thereby close an electrical contact which activates a solenoid to move the throttle control lever of the prime mover into full operating position.

Simultaneously, by gripping the control handle and bringing the cam portion and gripping portion of the handle into engagement with each other, a bracket member. associated with the grip portion of the handle assembly is rotated around a stationary pivot point. The bracket member has means to abut against an outwardly extended portion of a valve plunger of a dump valve to move the valve plunger inwardly into closed position. As long as the operator maintains his grip on the handle assembly of the present improved fluid cleaning device, the dump valve will be maintained in closed position against the high fluid pressure ejected through the nozzle of the cleaning device. However, as soon as the operator releases his grip on the handle assembly of the fluid cleaning device, the cam member will move away from the grip portion of the handle assembly and the grip portion will be pivoted in opposite direction by means of the high pressure the needle valve is retaining which tends to move the plunger outwardly. Pivotal movement of the cam member away from the grip portion of the handle assembly interrupts the electrical contact to thereby deactivate the solenoid, causing the return spring. of the solenoid to move the solenoid plunger inwardly to move the throttle lever into idling position. Since the prime mover is idling, fluid pressure through the fluid cleaning device will not be completely shut-off thus, fluid, although at a considerably reduced pressure, will still be moved through the fluid cleaning device. However, in the dump valve open" position, the fluid will exit through the dump outlet in accordance with the characteristic of fluid flow to follow a path of least resistance.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a side illustration of the present improved fluid cleaning device and improved control mechanism including a schematic diagram of the associated fluid pressure system; portions of the fluid cleaning device being shown in cross-section for illustrative purpose;

FIG. 2 is an illustration similar to FIG. 1 showing the improved controlmechanism in the released position with the dump valve being opened;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the dump valve assembly of the present improved control device; and

FIG. 4 is an end view of the combined handle and control mechanism of the present improved device of FIG. 1 and 2. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With continuing reference to the drawings, the present improved fluid cleaning device is shown being incorporated as part of a fluid pressure delivery system, generally indicated at 12, which includes a source of fluid '14, such as a tank filled with water or other applicable cleaning fluid, or a conventional city water pressure outlet.

The source 14 is connected to the inlet of a fluid pump 16, which is a high pressure pump of variable displacement. High pressure pump 16 is drivingly connected by any known conventional torque transmitting driving means 18 to the output shaft of a prime mover, such as a combustion engine or the like 20.

The outlet of the high pressure pump 16 is fluidly connected by conduit 22 to the inlet end of a jet pipe 24 which is part of the present fluid cleaning device 10. Thus, upon operation of the pump l6.by means of driving torque from the engine 20, fluid from the source'l4 will be pumped at a predetermined pressure (in correspondence to the revolution of the engine 20) through the conduit 22 into the jet pipe 24 for ejection at relatively high pressure and speed through the restricted orifice 25 of the nozzle 26 at the end of the jet pipe 24. The nozzle opening or orifice 25 of the jet nozzle 26 may be adjustable by means of an adjusting nut 28, as is common practice, for adjustment of the stream of fluid ejected through the nozzle 26.

The rear end of the jet pipe 24 of the fluid cleaning device 10 is commonly supported within a bracket 30 which may carry a shoulder support 32 for support of the jet pipe against the shoulder of an operator in the fashion of a rifle, as is also common practice. Conventionally, the conduit 22 from the high pressure pump 16 to the jet pipe 24 is in the form of a flexible tube so as to maintain free manuvarability of the fluid cleaning device 10.

Intermediate the ends, the jet pipe 24-is supported within the upper end of a bracket 34 which extends downwardly from the jet pipe and is formed with a slot at the lower end, as at 36. Longitudinally spaced forwardly, the jet pipe 24 extends through a combined valve housing and bracket member 38. The bracket member 38 extends downwardly from the jet pipe 24 and supports a dump valve assembly 40, disposed below the jet pipe 24.

I The dump valve assembly 40 includes a housing 42 provided with a transverse through bore 44 through which the jet pipe 24 extends. The lower wall portion of the jet pipe 24, within the valve bore 44, is provided with an aperture 46 which registers with a longitudinal bore 48 provided axially along the center line of the valve housing 42. The axial valve bore 48 defines an upper portion 49 and a lower portion 50 divided by an internal wall portion 52. The internal wall portion 52 is provided with an aperture 54 for fluid communication between the upper portion 49 and lower bore portion 50 and expands at its lower end into a conical seat portion 56. The conical seat portion 56 is adapted to be engaged by a conical head portion 58 at the upper end of a valve stem 60 so that, in engaged position of the valve head portion 58 within the conical seat portion 56, the aperture 54 will be closed, as shown in FIG. 1, to interupt fluid communication between the upper bore portion 49 and the lower bore portion 50.

The lower bore portion 50 is in open communication with an outlet 62 disposed a spaced distance below the jet pipe 24. The outlet 62 may be just a short, open pipe end or, if desired, may be connected by flexible pipe (not shown) to the fluid source 14 for dumping of excess fluid back into the source. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 2, when the valve head 58 is moved from the valve seat 56, fluid communication is provided between the internal bore of the jet pipe 24 through aperture 46, upper valve bore portion 49, aperture 54 and into the outlet 62.

The valve stem 60 is part of a valve plunger assembly 64 which reciprocably extends through the lower bore portion 50 below the outlet 62. The lower bore portion 50 is provided with a sealing assembly 66 for sealing engagement with the reciprocating valve plunger 64. The valve plunger 64 extends outwardly of the valve housing through a suitable fitting 66 which closes the lower end of the bore portion 50. The outer end of the valve plunger .64 terminates into a conical portion 68.

The lower end of the bracket member 38, as seen in FIG. 3, is bifurcated as at 70 to permit the extension of a U-shaped bracket member 72 therethrough. The U- shaped bracket member 72 is formed by. a rear arm portion 74 and opposite front arm portion 76 connected by a bridge portion 78 extending below the dump valve assembly 40 in longitudinal direction of the jet pipe 24. The bridge portion 78, of the bracket member 72, is pivoted between the bifurcated end of the bracket member 38 by means of pivot bolt 80 adjacent the front arm portion 76. The bridge portion 78 of the bracket member 72 is further provided with an adjustable pin 82 which extends through the bridge portion upwardly and outwardly thereof for abutment against the lower end of the conical portion 68 of the valve plunger 64. The front arm portion 76 of the bracket member 72 is provided with an adjustable limit screw 84 for extension outwardly towards the front side of the bracket member 38, to thereby adjustably limit the degree of angular rotation of the U-shaped bracket member 72 around the pivot pin 80.

The rear arm portion 74 of the U-shaped bracket member 72 is connected at its top to a support plate 86 by means of fasteners 88. The support plate 86 extends rearwardly towards the first bracket member 34 for attachment to the top of a handle assembly 90 by means of fasteners 92.

With additional reference to FIG. 1, the handle assembly 90 includes a grip portion 94 which is of hollow configuration to receive a switch 96 internally retained therein, which has a switch button contact 98 protruding outwardly therefrom towards the rear of the grip portion 94. The switch button 98 is normally biased outwardly (in the switch-open position) by any conventional biasing means as is common practice in switch arrangements of this type. The leads 100 and 102 of the switch 96 are connected by means of a common conduit 104 to a solenoid 106 which is grounded at 108 to the engine 20. The plunger (not shown) of the solenoid 106 is connected by a link 1 to the throttle l 12 of the engine and is normally retained in retracted position to maintain the throttle 1 12 in the idle position.

Rearwardly, the grip portion 94 is slotted as at l 14 to provide opposite curvilinear cam surfaces 116. The slotted rear portion 114 of the grip portion 94 of the handle assembly 90 is adapted to receive the central portion 118 of a cam member 120 disposed at the rear of the grip portion 94. Y

The cam member 120 is formed at both sides of the intermediate portion 118 (which extends into the slot 114 of the grip portion 94) with curvilinear cam surfaces 122 and 124, respectively, matching the curvilinear cam surface 116 of the grip portion 94. The upper end of the cam memberl20 is provided with an ear portion 126 which extends into the slot 36 provided in the lower end of the first bracket 34. The ear portion 126 of the cam member 120 is pivotally supported within the slot 36 of the bracket 34 by means of pivot pin 128. Thus, the grip portion 94 of the handle assembly 90 by virtue of its connection via the support plate 86 to the U-shaped bracket 72, is pivotally supported around pivot pin 80 adjacent the dump valve assembly 40 and the cam portion 120 of the handle assembly 90 is pivotally supported rearwardly of the grip portion 94 around pivot pin 128 on the bracket 34.

The upper end of the cam member 120, adjacent the inner side of the ear portion 126, is provided with a flat surface 130 which, in the closed position of the handle assembly as shown in FIG. 1, is adapted to flately abut against the underside of the support plate 86. Thus, in the closed position of the two handle parts 72-90 and 120 the valve plunger 64 is maintained in inwardly depressed position within the valve seat 56, against the force of a bias spring 132 which normally tends to bias the valve plunger 64 outwardly of the valve bore portion 50.

The operation of the device will now be described in detail:

In the inactive position of the device, which is shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the handle assembly 90 together with associated U-shaped bracket member 78, is in a position pivoted around the pivot pin 80 in anticlockwise direction as indicated by the arrow, in which the adjustable limit screw 84 abuts against the front face of the bracket member 38. The cam member 120 of the handle assembly 90 in the ofF position of the device as shown in FIG. 2, is pivoted in clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrows, around the pivot pin 128 to a position in whichthe ear 126 of the cam member abuts against the bottom of the slot 36 in the bracket 34 as shown.

It shall be mentioned here, that the cam member 120 is provided with an adjustable switch actuation pin 134 which extends in transverse direction-through the cam member 120 for extension outwardly through the central portion 1 18 of the cam member which is adapted to protrude into the slot 114 of the grip portion 94 of the handle assembly.

In order to activate the fluid cleaning device of the present invention, the engine 20 is started in order to drive the high pressure pump 16. In the idle position of the engine 20, the pump 16 pumps fluid from the source 14 through conduit 22 into the jet pipe 24 at a relatively low pressure. In this position, the fluid is being dumped through the dump outlet 62, due to the open position of the dump valve 40.

In order to eject fluid at a high pressure through the jet nozzle 26, the operator grips the handle assembly 90, (which includes the pivotable cam member 120) and moves the two members, that is, the grip member 94 and the cam member 120, in the closed position. By this action, the upper cam surface 130 of the cam member 120 by means of a torque exerted on the outer end of the support plate 86, causes the U-shaped bracket member 72 to be pivoted around the pivot pin in clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow. Clockwise rotation of the U-shaped bracket member 72 by means of closing the handle assembly 90, causes the valve plunger actuating pin 82 to exert a force on the valve plunger 64..Thereby, the valve plunger 64 is moved inwardly of the valve assembly 40 against the force of the fluid to cause the valve head 58 to move into engagement within the valve seat 56 of the communicating aperture 54. Thus, communication between the jet pipe 24 and dump outlet 62 is inter.- rupted. At the same time, that is, upon closing of the handle assembly 90, the adjustable switch actuator pin 134 in the cam member 120 causes the switch button or contact 98 to be moved in the switch closing position. Closing of the switch 96 activates the solenoid 106 which causes the solenoid plunger (not shown) to move the linkage 110 in order to move the carberator control throttle 112 into full open position to increase the speed of the engine 20 to a preset rpm. This, similarly, causes an increase in speed of the high compression pump 16 to eject fluid at a specific pressure through conduit 22 and jet pipe 24 at a high volocity through the jet orifice 25.

At termination of the fluid cleaning operation, the operator merely releases his grip on the handle assembly 90. Thus, as pressure is released on thevalve plunger actuating pin 82, the needle valve 64 moves outwardly of the valve bore 50 to open the aperture 54 to establish communication between the interior of the jet pipe 24 and the dump outlet 62 through the upper valve bore portion 49. At the same time as the handle assembly is released, and due to the action of the valve plunger 64, a reverse rotation is imparted on the U-shaped bracket member 72 and associated grip portion 94 connected thereto, in anti-clockwise direction around the pivot pin 80. Anti-clockwise rotation into dump valve opening position of the U-shaped bracket member 72, is limited by abutment of the adjustable limit set screw 84 against the front side of the bracket member and valve housing 38.

Clockwise rotation of the combined U-shaped bracket 72 and grip portion 94, in the off direction of the arrow, causes the rear end of the support plate 86 to exert a torque on the cam surface 130 of the cam member 120 of the handle assembly 90. This torque results in rotation of the cam member 120 in the opposite, clockwise, direction around the pivot pin 128, that is, in the off direction of the arrow; as indicated. Opposite pivoting movement of the cam member 120 and grip portion 94 of the handle assembly 90, in a direction away from each other, causes the switch actuating pin 134 to move away from the switch contact 98 (which is normally biased in off position) and .thus cause opening of the switch 96 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Opening of the switch 96 deactivates the solenoid 106, causing the spring loaded plunger of the solenoid to recede and thus move the linkage 110 to return the throttle control lever l 12 into idling position. Upon idling of the engine fluid pressure through conduit 22 is considerably reduced, although not completely interupted.

In the deactivated position of the fluid cleaning device, which is shown in FIG. 2, fluid, at a reduced pressure flows through the jet pipe 24 and, due to the theory of least resistance, the fluid flows through the aperture 46, valve bore 49 and valve orifice 54 out through the dump outlet 62 for disposal, onto the ground or subsequent return to the source 14.

The valve head 58 preferably is made of a tungsten carbide or a similar material to provide a tight sealing engagement within the valve seat 56 according to the pressure exerted by the valve plunger actuating pin 82 and the U-shaped bracket member 72, which is completely under the control of the operator as long as he maintains a tight grip on the combination control and handle assembly 90.

Normal operating pressures of these types of fluid cleaning devices range in an area of from 1,000 to 20,000 lb. per square inch. This high .pressure, in conjunction with the adjustment 28' of the jet nozzle 26, provides any desirable variation of a high velocity fluid stream exiting from-the jet nozzle. In theoperating position of the device, the dump valve assembly 40 is effectively maintained in closed-position in resistance to the high pressure fluid through the jet pipe'24 by means of the present improved combination handle and control assembly 90; The relative location of the two

pivot points

80 and 128 of the combined .handle and control assembly 90 together with the interconnection between the U-shaped bracket member 72, support plate 86 and cam member 120 and in conjunction with abutting cam surface 130, provides a high mechanical advantage and securely maintains the dump valve 40 in the closed position against the high pressure through the jet pipe 24 as long as the operator maintains a secure grip on the handle assembly 90.

It will be appreciated that the present control means for a fluid cleaning device of a type herein described, does not require any secondary adjustment or manipulation by the operator of the device. The operator merely has to grip or release the handle assembly 90 to assert effective and instantaneous control of the operation of the fluid cleaning device.

Although thepresent invention has been described and shown in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be obvious to anyone skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that various modifications in arrangement and details may be made without departing from the spirit and essential characteristic of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:'

1. In a fluid cleaning device of the type described in which fluid at a predetermined high'pressure is ejected through the nozzle end of a jet pipe including a source of fluid under pressure and a pump fluidly connected to said jet pipe; prime mover means drivingly connected to said pump for driving said pump; electro-magnetic means to control the speed of said prime mover between idling and maximum speed position; a normally open dump valve assembly fluidly connected'to said jet pipe; said jet pipe having a combination handle and control device for controlled manipulation of said jet pipe by an operator; the improvement comprising: said combined handle and control device having a first member pivotally supported from said jet pipe; a second member pivotally supported from said jet pipe at a longitudinally spaced distance from said first member; said dump valve assembly connected to said jet pipe, being operable for actuation by means associated with said first member; said first member and said second member having co-actingly engageable cam surfaces formed such that upon rotation of said first member in one direction said second member will be rotated in the opposite direction; said first and said second member having portions cooperatively forming a pistol type grip for gripping engagement by an operator; said pistol type grip including an on-off switch means electrically connected to said electro-magnet speed control means of said prime mover; switch operating means associated with said second member of said pistol type grip for operation of said switch means upon manipulation of said pistol type grip; said first member and said second member being normally biased in angularly pivoted position away from each other by resilient biasing means internally of said dump valve assembly so that in the inoperative position of said device said dump valve assembly is maintained in opened position and said switch means in said pistol vtype grip portion is maintained in off position in which said speed control for said prime mover is in idling position; said first member and said second member being adapted upon manipulation by an operator to be simultaneously pivoted in a direction towards each other to cause camming engagement of said cam surfaces so that in the closed position of said grip portion of said handle and control device said dump valve assembly will be closed and said switch means in said pistol type grip portion will be closed to energize said electro-magnetic speed control means to shift said prime mover from idling to maximum speed position for ejection of fluid through said jet pipe at a predetermined pressure.

2. In the device as defined in claim 1, said dump valve assembly comprising a housing having a first bore for extension of said jet pipe therethrough and a second bore intersecting said first bore; said jet pipe having an aperture aligned with and communicating with said second bore; said second bore having a portion defining a valve seat; a valve plunger reciprocably supported in said second bore having a valve head at its inner end for co-operating closing engagement with said valve seat; an outlet opening in said housing intersecting said second bore below said valve seat, the fluid pressure in said jet pipe normally biasing said valve plunger away from said valve seat to thereby establish open communication between said jet pipe and said outlet through said aperture and said open valve seat; said valve plunger having a portion extending outwardly of said housing; said housing having a bifurcated bracket extension below said housing; said first member having a bracket portion disposed within and pivotally connected to said bifurcated extension of said valve housing; adjustable means disposed in said bracket portion for abutment against said outer portion of said valve plunger sothat when said first member is pivoted by manual force in operating position said valve abutment means in said bracket portion causing inward movement of said valve plunger in closing engagement against said valve seat to prevent communication between said jet pipe and said outlet through said valve bore; the fluid pressure in said jet pipe being normally effective upon release of manual force on said first member to move said valve plunger outwardly to thereby pivot said first member in the opposite direction.

3. In the device as defined in claim 2, said bracket portion-of said first member being attached to a connecting arm extending rearwardly of said valve housing towards said second member; a grip portion attached to the other end of said connecting arm co-operatively engageable with said second member; said second member having surfaces abutting against the underside of said connecting arm of said first member; said surfaces defining cam means so that upon rotational movement of said first member in one direction, said second member will be forced to rotate in the opposite direction; said switch means disposed in the grip portion of said first member having a normally open contact; adjustable means disposed in said second member adapted for engagement against said contact to close said switch when said first and said second member are cooperatively engaged in operating position causing said first member to be pivoted in a direction to move said valve plunger inwardly to close said valve.

4. In the device as defined in claim 3, said second member being pivotally suspended from said jet pipe rearwardly of said first member for extension rearwardly of said grip portion of said first member; the rear end of said grip portion of said first member being longitudinally slotted; the front face of the second member defining a longitudinal ridge adapted for extension within said slot of said grip portion of said first member when said first and second members are in cooperatively engaged operating position; the opposed surfaces adjacent said slot of said grip portion of said first member and the opposed surfaces adjacent both sides of said ridge of said second member being shaped curvilinear for mating engagement with each other in the operating position of said first and said second members.

5. In the device as defined in claim 2, said bracket portion of said first member having an arm portion extending upwardly in front of said valve housing, and adjustable limit stop means disposed in the upper end of said arm extension to selectively adjust the degree of pivotal movement of said first member in the direction causing opening of said valve.

6. In the device asdefined in claim 1, said prime mover having 3 throttl control lever and s id elgtiltro magnetic spee contro means de inmg a so enoi aving its plunger operably connected to said throttle lever; said solenoid being electrically connected to said switch means in said grip portion of said first member to cause energization of said solenoid when said switch means is closed by movment of the second member in cooperative engagement with the grip portion of said first member to thereby move said throttle control lever from idling position to maximum speed position.

7. A fluid pressure cleaning device including a prime mover and a pump; said prime mover having an electromagnetic speed control; said pump being fluidly connected to a pipe having a nozzle for ejection of fluid under pressure; a by-pass valve having a pump outlet mounted on and in communication with said pipe for selective fluid communication therewith; manual fluid pressure actuating means defining an operating handle operable between a first and a second position to selectively dispense fluid under pressure through said nozzle or through said by-pass valve; actuating means namely, a bracket secured to said handle pivoted on said valve operable to selectively open or close said by-pass valve; cam means engaging said by-pass valve actuating means in co-acting operable relationship with said handle, so that, when said operating handle is in said first position said by-pass valve will be open to establish fluid communication with said pipe to permit fluid under pressure to by-pass said nozzle and when said operating handle is in said second position said by-pass valve will be closed to permit exit of fluid under pressure through said nozzle; said handle operably including a switch connected to said electro-magnetic speed control operable between an open position in correspondence with said first position of said operating handle in which said prime mover is in idling position and a closed position registerable with said cam means in correspondence with said second position of said operating handle in which said prime mover is in a set maximum RPM position.

8. A pressure fluid cleaning device comprising; a pump connected to a source of fluid and having an outlet; a prime mover driveably connected to said pump; an electrically controlled speed control connected to said prime mover; a water gun having a pipe and an outlet nozzle for ejection of fluid under pressure; a conduit between said pump outlet and gun pipe; a normally open dump valve on and in communication with the gun pipe upstream of said nozzle; a normally open electric switch on the gun operably connected to said speed control; and an operating handle on said gun movable from a first position with said dump valve open to a second position to manually close said dump valve; directing pressure fluid to said nozzle; said operating handle in its second position simultaneously closing said switch and thereby increasing the speed of said prime mover.

Claims

1. In a fluid cleaning device of the type described in which fluid at a predetermined high pressure is ejected through the nozzle end of a jet pipe including a source of fluid under pressure and a pump fluidly connected to said jet pipe; prime mover means drivingly connected to said pump for driving said pump; electro-magnetic means to control the speed of said prime mover between idling and maximum speed position; a normally open dump valve assembly fluidly connected to said jet pipe; said jet pipe having a combination handle and control device for controlled manipulation of said jet pipe by an operator; the improvement comprising: said combined handle and control device having a first member pivotally supported from said jet pipe; a second member pivotally supported from said jet pipe at a longitudinally spaced distance from said first member; said dump valve assembly connected to said jet pipe, being operable for actuation by means associated with said first member; said first member and said second member having co-actingly engageable cam surfaces formed such that upon rotation of said first member in one direction said second member will be rotated in the opposite direction; said first and said second member having portions cooperatively forming a pistol type grip for gripping engagement by an operator; said pistol type grip including an on-off switch means electrically connected to said electro-magnet speed control means of said prime mover; switch operating means associated with said second member of said pistol type grip for operation of said switch means upon manipulation of said pistol type grip; said first member and said second member being normally biased in angularly pivoted position away from each other by resilient biasing means internally of said dump valve assembly so that in the inoperative position of said device said dump valve assembly is maintained in opened position and said switch means in said pistol type grip portion is maintained in off position in which said speed control for said prime mover is in idling position; said first member and said second member being adapted upon manipulation by an operator to be simultaneously pivoted in a direction towards each other to cause camming engagement of said cam surfaces so that in the closed position of said grip portion of said handle and control device said dump valve assembly will be closed and said switch means in said pistol type grip portion will be closed to energize said electro-magnetic speed control means to shift said prime mover from idling to maximum speed position for ejection of fluid through said jet pipe at a predetermined pressure.

2. In the device as defined in claim 1, said dump valve assembly comprising a housing having a first bore for extension of said jet pipe therethrough and a second bore intersecting said first bore; said jet pipe having an aperture aligned with and communicating with said second bore; said second bore having a portion defining a valve seat; a valve plunger reciprocably supported in said second bore having a valve head at its inner end for co-operating closing engagement with said valve seat; an outlet opening in said housing intersecting said second bore below said valve seat, the fluid pressure in said jet pipe normally biasing said valve plunger away from said valve seat to thereby establish open communication between said jet pipe and said outlet through said aperture and said open valve seat; said valve plunger having a portion extending outwardly of said housing; sAid housing having a bifurcated bracket extension below said housing; said first member having a bracket portion disposed within and pivotally connected to said bifurcated extension of said valve housing; adjustable means disposed in said bracket portion for abutment against said outer portion of said valve plunger so that when said first member is pivoted by manual force in operating position said valve abutment means in said bracket portion causing inward movement of said valve plunger in closing engagement against said valve seat to prevent communication between said jet pipe and said outlet through said valve bore; the fluid pressure in said jet pipe being normally effective upon release of manual force on said first member to move said valve plunger outwardly to thereby pivot said first member in the opposite direction.

3. In the device as defined in claim 2, said bracket portion of said first member being attached to a connecting arm extending rearwardly of said valve housing towards said second member; a grip portion attached to the other end of said connecting arm co-operatively engageable with said second member; said second member having surfaces abutting against the underside of said connecting arm of said first member; said surfaces defining cam means so that upon rotational movement of said first member in one direction, said second member will be forced to rotate in the opposite direction; said switch means disposed in the grip portion of said first member having a normally open contact; adjustable means disposed in said second member adapted for engagement against said contact to close said switch when said first and said second member are cooperatively engaged in operating position causing said first member to be pivoted in a direction to move said valve plunger inwardly to close said valve.

6. In the device as defined in claim 1, said prime mover having a throttle control lever and said electro-magnetic speed control means defining a solenoid having its plunger operably connected to said throttle lever; said solenoid being electrically connected to said switch means in said grip portion of said first member to cause energization of said solenoid when said switch means is closed by movment of the second member in cooperative engagement with the grip portion of said first member to thereby move said throttle control lever from idling position to maximum speed position.