Embedded Or Buried Sprinkler Patents (Class 239/201)
  • Patent number: 10864534
    Abstract: A rigid mount orbiter sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler incorporates structure to reduce drool that may fall in a concentrated area below the sprinkler and to prevent debris from sandy water or the like from accelerating sprinkler component wear. With reduced vibration, the assembly may be rigidly mounted on a center pivot or other supporting structure while achieving the advantages associated with wobbling and rotating sprinkler assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10850295
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can be provided with a flow guard feature configured to send an indicator stream into the air when a nozzle is missing, while still conserving most of the water that would have been wasted without the flow guard feature. The flow guard feature can include a valve assembly having a first port and a second off-axis port. The second port can be smaller than the first port. The second port can be non-parallel to the first port. The first port can be open when the nozzle is present and be sealed when the nozzle is missing. The second, off-axis port can be open even when the nozzle is missing to provide the indicator stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake A. Wildt, LaMonte D. Porter
  • Patent number: 10369580
    Abstract: A battery operated dispenser includes a shell with a moveable slider for extending a barrel of the dispenser to allow targeted application of a fluid or product from a container to which the dispenser is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey, Bryan K. Fields, William L. Driskell, Linn D. Wanbaugh, Connie Tran
  • Patent number: 10335821
    Abstract: An accessible housing device (FIGS. 1 and 1A—200) of one embodiment that provides a housing body (FIG. 2—60) for housing a pop-up sprinkler assembly FIG. 1—140, and the immediate connectors FIGS. 1 and 1A—93, —95, and —96, and a plurality of cutouts (FIG. 2—69) in a bottom section (FIG. 2—62) for permitting an entrance to multiple incoming water feed lines simultaneously, a housing cover (FIG. 3—18) comprising a plurality of fingers (FIG. 3—16), for enclosing and positioning various pop-up sprinkler assemblies having individually sized outer diameters, and additionally comprising a retaining lip (FIG. 3—35) for housing a safety cover (FIG. 4—97), for diminishing liability concerns and recognition purposes, an offset insert (FIG. 5—100) comprising a plurality of offset fingers (FIG. 5—103), for enclosing and positioning a flexible riser pipe when an offset of the housing body (—60) is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Gary Nicholas Schneider
  • Patent number: 10278380
    Abstract: An irrigation tube having outlets extending along the length of the tube in a spaced relationship and finely-divided silica or iron oxide particles dispersed in the tube thereby increasing a surface hardness of the tube to deter rodent, worm or insect damage, the silica particles further can include an odor repellant located within the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: A. I. Innovations N.V.
    Inventor: Rodney Ruskin
  • Patent number: 10150123
    Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly is provided with an electrode, a wear resistant member, and a compliant sleeve. The wear resistant member supports the electrode and is supported by the compliant sleeve. For coating operations that use abrasive powder such as porcelain enamel, the wear resistant member may comprise ceramic. The compliant sleeve may be made of an elastic material such as plastic, which allows one end of the compliant sleeve to receive an end of a glass powder tube. The wear resistant member may be in the form of a ceramic spider. The electrode may be installed in-line with a powder flow path defined by the powder tube, which extends through a spray gun body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Mather, Dale R. Juhn
  • Patent number: 9945538
    Abstract: A landscape lighting system includes a light fixture having an LED, a first light diverting element having a first light diversion angle associated therewith, a second light diverting element having a second light diversion angle associated therewith that is different than the first light diversion angle, and a light intensity controller for communicating with the light fixture to selectively control the intensity of the light generated by the LED. The light intensity controller is in wireless communication with the light fixture. The fixture has a first configuration in which the first light diverting element overlies the LED for emitting light having the first light diversion angle, and a second configuration in which the second light diverting element overlies the LED for emitting light having the second light diversion angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mind Head LLC
    Inventor: David M. Beausoleil
  • Patent number: 9681973
    Abstract: A sealing device attached to an intragastric balloon device having a head flexibly attached to a body by a pivot portion, where the pivot portion provides the head with a closed state and an open state relative to the body and the intragastric device. The sealing device having one or more plugs configured to seal an aspiration port of a lumen when the head is in a closed state and further configured to release the aspiration port of the lumen when the head is in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ReShape Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Outhit Bouasaysy, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 9662668
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can include a riser and a nozzle mounted at an upper end of the riser for rotation. The sprinkler can include a high flow rate port and a low flow rate port that can each emit a stream of water. The sprinkler can include a diverter valve that can intermittently block or permit the flow of water to the high flow rate port and/or to the low flow rate port as the nozzle rotates. The sprinkler can include a gear train reduction mounted in the riser and coupled to rotate the nozzle. A turbine can be coupled to an input shaft of the gear train reduction and can be rotatable by water flowing through the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Donald M. Sheetz, III, LaMonte D. Porter
  • Patent number: 9592518
    Abstract: A jet diffuser with a quick-change nozzle for use in irrigation systems includes an upper supply portion with a main body that has an upper tubular portion with a longitudinal axis, which is designed to be connected to a drop line and a lower hollow portion having a central cavity and a side wall, in which a lateral opening is formed, a nozzle adapted to be radially inserted into the cavity through the lateral opening in substantially coaxial and facing relationship to the upper tubular portion to direct a liquid jet axially downwards, and a quick-connect system associated with the nozzle for securing it within the main body and including cam and follower drive elements operating on the nozzle to move it and push it axially upwards into substantial contact and sealing relationship to the lower edge of the upper tubular portion, possibly with no seal interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Patent number: 9216427
    Abstract: A system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a deflector turbine element incorporated at one end of a cylindrical rotor which encloses at least a portion of the nozzle and is guided coaxially along the nozzle by at least one guide ring. The turbine element fixed to the rotor cylinder further comprises at least one diagonal groove configured to receive and deflect the liquid. The rotor or spindle element is configured to spin relatively freely around the nozzle (hollow shaft) and is allowed to reposition up or down along the nozzle shaft limited by the force of the water jet in one direction and a repelling magnetic force in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart F. Grant
  • Patent number: 9044766
    Abstract: A spray head for a fluid distribution system may include first and second deflector inner surfaces defining a fluid outlet. A piston may define a variable orifice communicating with the fluid outlet to control fluid flow through the spray head. An inner surface of the second deflector may define a grooveless deflector central region disposed between first and second deflector lateral regions. Each of the first and second deflector lateral regions may include at least a first deflector groove extending along a first deflector groove path oriented substantially radially relative to the inlet passage, so that the spray head generates a spray pattern having more uniform fluid distribution across the spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Peter William Anderton, Landon Lee Rowell, Apostolis Kouvelis, Christopher Lee Hyatt, Balamurugesh Thirunavukarasu
  • Patent number: 9016597
    Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler includes a rotatable cylindrical mount, an impeller housing at one side of the rotatable body, an impeller in the impeller housing, a pair of sweep setting rings at the other side of the rotatable body, and a toggle valve in the rotatable body. The impeller housing has an outlet wall defines two impeller inlets therein. Each of the sweep setting rings has a radial wall provided with an arcuate slot. The rotatable body has a radial inlet wall provided with an aperture. The toggle valve is configured to control which of the impeller inlets in the outlet wall is opened. The toggle valve includes a rocker, a lever, an arm extending the lever and through the aperture in the inlet wall and the slots in the sweep setting rings and a snap bushing sleeved on the arm and having fingers snapped in a groove of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Yuan Pin Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pai-Chou Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20150088322
    Abstract: A valve body for an irrigation system is disclosed. The valve body is formed as a unitary moulding and comprises a manifold arrangement integrally formed in the valve body and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. The manifold arrangement includes a valve receiving region located between the inlet and each outlet where each valve receiving region is operable to receive a valve to selectively control the flow of liquid between the inlet and each respective outlet of the manifold arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ANTELCO PTY LTD
    Inventors: William Eric Antel, Lyall Causby, Robert Sigston, Malcom Fry
  • Patent number: 8936206
    Abstract: In order to protect the operation of and insure the life of a sprinkler system, this device will be placed in the ground and will provide a protective cover for an individual sprinkler mechanism. The device will prevent the entry of debris into the sprinkler mechanism but also not interfere with the normal operation of the sprinkler. Additionally this will also allow the performance of routine maintenance on the sprinkler heads without the necessity of removing the entire sprinkler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: James Wright
  • Publication number: 20150008266
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for an in-ground sprinkler to controller a liquid flow rate through a chamber, while reducing or eliminating leakage. Embodiments may utilize a flat, external surface that is configured to be flush with a ground surface to control the liquid flow rate through the in-ground sprinkler. In embodiments, a permanent magnet may be positioned on the flat, external surface to control an internal patch system. Responsive to the permanent magnet controlling the internal patch, liquid flowing through the chamber may be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Hebison
  • Patent number: 8882004
    Abstract: Drip irrigation apparatus including a main water flow channel having associated therewith along a length thereof a plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units and at least one secondary water flow channel extending generally parallel to the main water flow channel and receiving water from at least one of the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units, the at least one secondary water flow channel having water outlets disposed along the length of the main water flow channel, intermediate the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Naan-Dan Jain Irrigation (C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Gorney, Eldad Dinor, David Sol, Tomer Cohen, Izhak Gal
  • Patent number: 8857729
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler canister seal comprising a flanged screw having a threaded rod and a circular flange extending perpendicular to the rod. The seal further includes a plug piece having a threaded bore adapted to receive the threaded rod, and further including a continuous frusto-conical surface extending around an elongate axis of the plug piece, the frusto-conical surface being configured to form a circumferentially continuous fluid seal against a cylindrical rim of a cylindrical bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: National Diversified Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Nourian
  • Publication number: 20140263732
    Abstract: A water sprinkler includes a base configured to rest on a surface, a barrel assembly, a primary fluid inlet, and a plurality of nozzle structures. The barrel assembly is rotatably supported by the base and defines a plurality of fluid channels, each fluid channel extending from a corresponding fluid inlet of a plurality of fluid inlets to a corresponding fluid outlet of a plurality of fluid outlets. The primary fluid inlet is supported by the base and is configured to be fluidly coupled to a selected fluid inlet by rotating the barrel assembly to a position that aligns the selected fluid inlet with the primary fluid inlet. The plurality of nozzle structures is supported by the barrel assembly. Each nozzle structure (i) is configured to sealingly engage at least one fluid outlet of the plurality of fluid outlets, and (ii) defines an outlet opening configured to emit a fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Heren, Kalyan Vedantam
  • Publication number: 20140263733
    Abstract: A self-regulating irrigation system utilizing a hydro-expansive material to regulate fluid flow. an irrigation control valve that includes (i) a sprinkler with a control valve, wherein said control valve comprises a control spring and a diaphragm located within the sprinkler head, (ii) a base extending down from said sprinkler head, and (iii) a hydro-expansive control membrane attached to the diaphragm and the base. The hydro-expansive control membrane is a length of hydro-expansive material that is short enough and strong enough to overcome the force of the control spring when the control membrane is dry, yet long enough that it will extend when wet so that the force of the control spring overcomes the force of the control membrane to close the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rodney M. Shields
  • Publication number: 20140246513
    Abstract: It can be seen that a need arises for irrigation systems, or devices suitable for providing outlets from irrigation systems, that enable effective spray over a plurality of areas, to include sloping regions. Accordingly the present invention provides an irrigation device for connection to an irrigation system, comprising: a base for connecting said device to said system to allow though-passage of liquid, said base cooperating with a body to direct exit of said liquid through a head; wherein arrangement of said head controls exit of the liquid with respect to a first axis, and arrangement of said body controls exit of the liquid with respect to a second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Sawyer H. TERRELL
  • Patent number: 8794542
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A gear train reduction is mounted in the riser and a turbine is coupled to the gear train reduction for rotation by water entering a lower end of the riser. A gear driven coupling mechanism mounted in the riser couples the gear train reduction and the nozzle. A pressure regulator is mounted in the riser and is adjustable from a top-side of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Hunter, Michael L. Clark
  • Patent number: 8746590
    Abstract: Described is a riser assembly for use with a fluid dispenser, such as a sprinkler. The assembly includes a container partially circumscribing a reservoir configured to contain a pressurized fluid, the container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed therethrough. The assembly further includes a signal processor situatable outside the container that is configured to receive a signal. The signal processor is operatively connectable to a control valve that is operatively connectable to the fluid dispenser. The control valve is configured to selectively control expulsion of the fluid through the fluid dispenser in response to the signal received by the signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Wade E. Collins
  • Patent number: 8746591
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved sprinkler design having a magnetic sensing system for determining the position of the riser nozzle, a waterproofed motor housing and related cables, configurable sprinkler body compartments, and a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, both of which are located within the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Leo James Lichte, James Zimmerman, Jeff McKenzie, James T. Wright, III, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 8684322
    Abstract: A sprinkler support for the in-ground sprinkler heads includes a base at the lower position, a sidewall extending vertically ascending from the base, a clamping structure disposed at the sidewall of the sprinkler support to secure the sprinkler head, a cushioning structure capable to absorb physical stresses, and anchoring structures holding the sprinkler support with respect to the soil. The sprinkler support accommodates a variety of different size of sprinkler heads by having an adapter, by cantilever fingers extended from the sidewall upwardly or by constructing with two halves, wherein each half comprises the base and sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Joon Park
  • Patent number: 8662414
    Abstract: A watering device includes a main body having a main inlet for receiving pressurized water and an intermediate cap member in fluid communication and sealingly engaged with the main body. The watering device also includes a top cap member sealingly engaged with the intermediate cap member. The top cap member includes at least one watering outlet. The watering device also includes a diaphragm substantially covering a base portion of the intermediate cap member and arranged to interact with water flowing from the main body to divert water to function as a pressure compensator for substantially maintaining the flow rate of the watering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lyall Causby, Robert Sigston, David Bevan Creed
  • Patent number: 8636229
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle mounted at the top of the riser that can rotate and emit a stream of water. The sprinkler further includes a diffuser mechanism that can intermittently interrupt the stream of water as the nozzle rotates. A gear train reduction is mounted in the riser and a turbine is coupled to an input shaft of the gear train reduction and is rotatable by water flowing through the riser. A drive assembly couples the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is configured to allow a user to select between a full-circle mode of operation and an oscillating mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Donald M. Sheetz, III
  • Patent number: 8596559
    Abstract: A flow shut off or throttling valve is provided in a sprinkler nozzle housing to enable a nozzle to be changed without having to turn off a flow pressure source. The valve intersects a flow path through the nozzle housing and has an opening such that when the opening is aligned with the flow path, a flow stream can flow unobstructed through the flow path. The valve is movable between a fully open position in which the opening is aligned with the flow path and a closed position which blocks the flow stream from flowing to a nozzle disposed at an outlet passage of the flow path. The valve may be constructed to be either slidable or rotatable between the two positions, and is actuated by a gearing arrangement which is operable at the exterior of the nozzle housing. The external valve actuator may function as a physical barrier to retain the removable nozzle in the nozzle housing when the valve is open and to disengage the nozzle when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: K-Rain Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III
  • Patent number: 8567697
    Abstract: A flow regulator for use with a lawn sprinkler. The apparatus includes an impeller, a regulator portion and a nozzle regulator portion. The sprinkler is configured to regulate the delivery of water according to the shape of the area to be irrigated, so that water is not wasted on adjacent areas which do not require irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bredberg
  • Patent number: 8500037
    Abstract: An adjustable water jet device that allows for the arc of the jet of water to be adjusted while the water is still flowing through the device. A multipurpose tool is disclosed which has a central hollow cavity surrounded by a grip. The multipurpose tool can be used to adjust the arc of the water jet, allowing the water to flow through the central hollow cavity of the tool. The multipurpose tool can also be used to adjust the flow rate of water through the device and to disassemble the device for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Charles Li, Bill Drury, Zachary Vogtner
  • Publication number: 20130193225
    Abstract: A sprinkler system for lawns and landscaping is custom-fitted to each particular lot or area to be irrigated. Each in-ground, pop-up, rotating sprinkler head has a pattern defining plate fitted therein having a central opening made therein, as by laser cutting, solid particle deposition, or the like, the opening being congruent with the area to be watered, as adjusted for any sloped portions of the area. A pattern sampling aperture aligned with spray nozzles of the sprinkler rotates about the opening in the defining plate, feeding an amount of water to each radial line of the area about the sprinkler sufficient to reach from the sprinkler position out to the periphery. A speed control comprising a spring-biased cam and an opposing turbine wheel in the water flow slows spray head rotation at arc portions of longer water throw and speeds rotation where the throw is shorter, thus to obtain substantially uniform water coverage over all parts of the area served by each sprinkler head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Crossan Intellectual Property Law, LLC
    Inventor: Crossan Intellectual Property Law, LLC
  • Patent number: 8474733
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a turbine, a nozzle, and a reversing planetary gear drive. The reversing planetary gear drive rotatably couples the turbine and the nozzle through an additional reversing mechanism external to the planetary gear drive. The planetary gear drive includes a shift sun gear capable of axially shifting between raised and lowered positions to alternately drive a non-axially shifting first planet gear that in turn drives a first ring gear and a non-axially shifting second planet gear that in turn drives a second ring gear through an idler gear, the first and second ring gears having different gear tooth profiles to thereby change a direction of rotation of the planetary gear drive and rotate the nozzle in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions at a substantially uniform predetermined speed of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8469287
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly for use with existing irrigation systems adapted to be an integral component controlled and operated by the system. The sprinkler assembly includes at least one sprinkler head having a removable top coupled thereto by an attachment means. A female inlet removably couples the sprinkler head to a swing joint, which is buried below the sprinkler head and connects the sprinkler head to the irrigation feed. The removable top has a plurality of openings for exporting water from the irrigation feed outwardly therefrom. A top surface of the sprinkler head includes crushed stone for stabilizing the sprinkler assembly. Additional stabilizing means include pointed flanges driven into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Carl Lembo, III, Kristin Lembo
  • Patent number: 8434698
    Abstract: An underground sprinkler system including a tank having an inner cavity adapted to hold chemicals, a distribution pipe fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the tank allowing chemicals to be added to the tank; a mixer connector pipe fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the tank and to a water source hose; a pump disposed in the tank for pumping the chemicals out of the inner cavity of the tank and into the water source hose via the mixer connector pipe; and a secondary connector pipe fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the tank and to the water source hose, the secondary connector pipe allows water from the water source hose to enter into the inner cavity of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jorge Garcia, Ernest Medina, Tony Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8430339
    Abstract: An apparatus for lengthening an extendible pipe comprised of first and second pipe portions having an interior includes a cylinder having an end wall and an open end connected to the first pipe portion. A piston is received in slidable and sealable engagement with the cylinder and is connected to the second pipe portion. The piston, cylinder and end wall define a chamber that is physically isolated from the interior of the pipe. Introduction of a control fluid into the chamber displaces the piston relative to the cylinder so as to lengthen the pipe. The apparatus above may be applied to a sprinkler head riser apparatus and buried as part of an in-ground sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Donald George Stewart, Geordie Wayne Vandekerckhove
  • Patent number: 8366016
    Abstract: An adjustable water jet device so as to continuously regulate the velocity of water exiting the device without interrupting the water flow, the water jet device including a nozzle body, rotatable nozzle seat, a flow control plate, an inlet, and a nozzle eyeball configured to direct the water supply, and a water supply system including the adjustable water jet device, a plate for accommodating the water jet device in a pool deck or pool wall, and a cover that is mounted flush with the pool deck or pool wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Simpson
  • Patent number: 8220723
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprises a nozzle, a turbine and a gear train reduction. The gear train reduction has an output stage that is coupled to the nozzle. The turbine is located between the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is coupled to an input stage of the gear train reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Clark
  • Patent number: 8205804
    Abstract: A flexible fluid delivery line with an end fitting retention bracket is disclosed for use during installation of an irrigation or sprinkler system. The retention bracket is malleable along its length and facilitates the positioning and orientation of a sprinkler head or other fluid delivery device with respect to the surrounding ground level. The retention bracket has two annular sleeves connected by a malleable elongate member. Through the pair of annular sleeves passes a semi-flexible riser. The annular sleeves are configured to substantially match the external circumference of the end fittings and retain the fitting therein. The retention bracket may be bent to suit various installation angles. The retention bracket prevents undesired turning or displacement of the end fittings during installation/use/removal of a sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Parker
  • Patent number: 8177141
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for fluid handling devices with enhanced functionality. In some embodiments, the fluid handling device may include a plurality of filters coupled to the fluid handling device, where passing a first stream of fluid through the plurality of filters may improve the laminarity of the first stream of fluid, an orifice situated about the fluid handling device, where the first stream of fluid may exit the fluid handling device through the orifice in a substantially laminar state, and a surface disruptor coupled to the fluid handling device, where the surface disruptor may provide a second stream of fluid and where the disruptor may be positioned such that the second stream of fluid interferes with the first stream of fluid exiting the fluid handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Hagaman
  • Publication number: 20120111972
    Abstract: A hydro-thermo irrigation mat (10) is comprised of a base sheet (11), a water-permeable root-shielding top sheet (12), and a capillary mat (15) of absorbent material therebetween. One or more flat pliable drip tapes (18) are loosely disposed in spaced-apart relationship between the top sheet (12) and the capillary mat (15). Hot water convection tubes (25) are disposed co-axially with the drip tapes (18) but between the base sheet (11) and the capillary mat (15). The drip tapes (18) are connected to a water supply line (22) and the hot water convection tubes (25) are secured to a hot water supply line (28). Water within the mat is heated and distributes heat from the hot water convection tubes (25) substantially throughout the mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: RICHARD THÉORÊT, Sylvain HÉLIE
  • Publication number: 20110297757
    Abstract: A swivel fitting is specifically configured for mounting a pressure regulator and a solenoid to a valve having a female threaded solenoid mounting port. The swivel fitting includes a generally cylindrical upper body having a first female threaded bore for having a male threaded neck of either a solenoid or a pressure regulator screwed into the first bore. A generally cylindrical lower body is mated to the upper body and has a male threaded segment for screwing into the female threaded solenoid mounting port of a valve. A swivel body surrounds and encloses the upper body and the lower body and has an extension with a second female threaded bore for having the male threaded neck of either the solenoid or the pressure regulator screwed into the same. The swivel body is freely rotatable relative to the cylindrical bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Darrin I. Schmuckle
  • Publication number: 20110284659
    Abstract: A sprinkler head for an embedded sprinkler includes a base having a adjust device arranged to an upper portion thereof and an inlet pipe formed to a lower portion thereof. The inlet pipe has a lateral outlet and a receiving chamber. A nozzle is received to the receiving chamber. A gap is formed between the nozzle and the receiving chamber so as the nozzle can be easily removed. A lower toothed ring indirectly rotated by the adjust device is arranged to a bottom of the inlet pipe. Angle between a flexible adjusting sheet extending from the lower toothed ring and a fixed adjusting sheet extending from a bottom of the base can be changed. A sleeve is arranged to the inlet pipe to receive an axial tube of a sprinkler so as to oscillate clockwise and counterclockwise with a driving shaft of the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Shun-Nan Lo
  • Publication number: 20110284658
    Abstract: Improvements in a sprinkler head where the sprinkler head can deliver a single stream of water droplets in a three dimensional direction and then precipitate equally onto any selected terrain area which minimally scatters the water droplets. The solid stream nozzle can shoot the water stream in a preset partial arc as well as 360 degrees while the sprinkler head rotates in a horizontal circular direction to cover an equal precipitation on an entire irrigation area. The 3D Rotor consists of the vertically swivel turret which is moved vertically to change the trajectory angle by the rotating cam integrated with the turbine and reduction gear. The solid stream nozzle can deliver the water stream in a radial direction range which is changed by the angle of the trajectory which is then changed by the rotating cam containing a calculated curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Edward S. CHANG
  • Patent number: 8042748
    Abstract: A fluid handling device, for example, a laminar jet fountain, includes a jet emanating a first stream of substantially laminar fluid. The jet fountain also includes a surface disrupter that includes a body, a water inlet, a valve, a fluid outlet, and a trajectory adjuster emanating a second stream of fluid from the fluid outlet. The second stream of fluid may be positioned to intersect the first stream of fluid and perturb its laminarity. By adjusting a valve controlling the force and volume of flow of the second stream and/or by adjusting the trajectory adjuster, the intersection of the first and second streams may be modified and, therefore, the laminarity of the first stream may be modified. By disrupting the laminar surface of the first stream, light introduced into the first stream may be caused to refract outward from the first stream and thus enhance illumination of the first stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Hagaman
  • Publication number: 20110253804
    Abstract: A leak stopping sprinkler head includes a hollow body that has an upper portion and a lower portion fluidly connected to a valve body. The upper portion has a spraying nozzle and a first internal diameter. The lower portion has a second, larger internal diameter. The valve body includes a valve seat fluidly connected to the lower portion and a water supply. A hollow spheroid is larger than the first diameter, smaller than the second diameter and has perforations for passage of water. A rigid rod connects the spheroid and a sealing disk for the valve seat. The rod is sized to hold the disk away from the valve seat when the hollow body is intact. Destruction of the hollow body permits the spheroid to move out of the hollow body, pulling the rod and the disk upwardly, causing the disk to seal the valve, stopping the flow of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Boyajian
  • Patent number: 8011604
    Abstract: A pop-up water jet assembly comprises a housing having a vertical, central axis, an upper end, a top surface, a lower end, an interior and a water inlet adjacent to the lower end communicating with the interior of the housing. A pop-up member having an upper portion, a top surface, a lower portion and an interior in communication with the interior of the housing, is movable relative to the housing between a raised position in which the upper portion of the pop-up member extends from the upper end of the housing and a lowered position in which the top surfaces of the housing and the pop-up member are substantially flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Holtsnider, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110079661
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a latching portion so that the nozzle may be detachably inserted into a nozzle socket of the turret. The nozzle may include radially flexible extensions with radial protrusions that interengage with corresponding lock seats of the nozzle socket to form a latching connection therewith. The latching connection restricts the nozzle from becoming unintentionally discharged from the nozzle socket. The nozzle may further be configured so that increased water pressure acting on the nozzle causes the radial protrusions to more tightly engage the nozzle socket to prevent unintentional discharge of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. BARTON
  • Publication number: 20100301130
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a housing having an open side; a sprinkler body supported at one end of the housing and adapted to receive a nozzle. A nozzle magazine is attached to the housing along the open side and holds plural nozzles selectively alignable with said sprinkler body. An actuator is arranged to move a selected one of the plural nozzles from the nozzle magazine into the sprinkler body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Townsend
  • Patent number: 7841547
    Abstract: A flow shut off or throttling valve is provided in a sprinkler nozzle housing to enable a nozzle to be changed without having to turn off a flow pressure source. The valve intersects a flow path through the nozzle housing and has an opening such that when the opening is aligned with the flow path, a flow stream can flow unobstructed through the flow path. The valve is movable between a fully open position in which the opening is aligned with the flow path and a closed position which blocks the flow stream from flowing to a nozzle disposed at an outlet passage of the flow path. The valve may be constructed to be either slidable or rotatable between the two positions, and is actuated by a gearing arrangement which is operable at the exterior of the nozzle housing. The external valve actuator may function as a physical barrier to retain the removable nozzle in the nozzle housing when the valve is open and to disengage the nozzle when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: K-Rain Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III
  • Patent number: 7832659
    Abstract: The invention is riser assembly for use with a fluid dispenser particularly a sprinkler. The assembly includes: (1) a container partially circumscribing a reservoir for containing a pressurized fluid, the container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed therethrough, and (2) a conduit circumscribing a channel occupiable by a signal carrier, the conduit including an intermediate conduit portion disposed within the reservoir, a first conduit portion disposed through the container to a signal carrier entry area outside the container and a second conduit portion disposed through the container to a signal carrier exit area outside the container. The assembly may include a cover connectable to the container, the cover having an aperture for containing the fluid dispenser disposed therethrough, a protective cavity being formed between the cover and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Wade E. Collins