Distributor Continuously Moves During Spraying Patents (Class 239/206)
  • Patent number: 11779948
    Abstract: Described herein is a bounce-reducing cover assembly that is positioned on the top of the cover and riser of a sprinkler to achieve a similar golf ball bounce characteristic as typical golf course turf. The cover assembly has a top surface that is composed of a plurality of vertical fingers or posts, which help achieve the desired bounce characteristics with a golf ball. Specifically, these fingers are flexible and provide some “give” so as to absorb some of the force from an incoming golf ball. Depending on the durometer of the material, size of the fingers, and spacing of the fingers, different bounce characteristics can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 11679405
    Abstract: There is provided a turf cup assembly that attaches to a buried pop-up type sprinkler to blend a top of sprinkler both cosmetically and functionally with turf surrounding the sprinkler. The turf cup assembly includes a turf cup and a sleeve. The turf cup mounts to a riser of the pop-up type sprinkler. The turf cup contains soil and root structure of turf. The sleeve surrounds the turf cup and attaches to a top of a housing of a pop-up sprinkler. The sleeve can be at or slightly below grade, and the cup extends out of the sleeve during an irrigation cycle and retracts into the sleeve at the end of the irrigation cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Daniel Roger St. George, Matthew Nugent Christensen
  • Patent number: 11491499
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler riser extension kit is disclosed for use with a rotary sprinkler. The kit includes an external riser extension having an upper end and lower end, and defining a channel extending through the upper end and lower end. The channel is configured to accommodate the stem of the rotary sprinkler, the upper end is configured to attach to the cap of the rotary sprinkler, and the lower end is configured to attach to the enclosure of the rotary sprinkler. The kit also includes an internal riser extension having a height substantially equal to total length of the external riser extension, a width less than inner width of the enclosure of the rotary sprinkler, means for attaching to the geared lower end of the stem, a lower gear configured to rotate the rotary sprinkler, and means to raise the stem and channel water thereto in response to water pressure at an inlet to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Kody J. Ketterling
  • Patent number: 11226054
    Abstract: A programmable, electronically controlled sprinkler system has a hermetically sealed internal chamber which encloses all of the internal water flow, valves, mechanical and rotational components and a plurality of magnetic coupling arrangements which allow external motors to control operation of the internal mechanical components without requiring any hydraulic seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: John S. Heaney
  • Patent number: 11192133
    Abstract: Described herein is a bounce-reducing cover assembly that is positioned on the top of the cover and riser of a sprinkler to achieve a similar golf ball bounce characteristic as typical golf course turf. The cover assembly has a top surface that is composed of a plurality of vertical fingers or posts, which help achieve the desired bounce characteristics with a golf ball. Specifically, these fingers are flexible and provide some “give” so as to absorb some of the force from an incoming golf ball. Depending on the durometer of the material, size of the fingers, and spacing of the fingers, different bounce characteristics can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 11040359
    Abstract: A sprinkler can include a turbine, a nozzle, a gear drive and a reversing mechanism. The gear drive and the reversing mechanism rotatably couple the turbine and the nozzle. The gear drive can shift a direction of rotation of an output stage that is coupled to the reversing mechanism. The sprinkler can include at least one arc adjusting gear that moves and arc adjusting tab to contact a shift arm to cause the shifting mechanism to change direction. The arc adjusting gear can engage with the arc tab for adjusting the arc setting and disengage from the arc tab for normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 10946405
    Abstract: There is provided a turf cup assembly that attaches to a buried pop-up type sprinkler to blend a top of sprinkler both cosmetically and functionally with turf surrounding the sprinkler. The turf cup assembly includes a turf cup and a sleeve. The turf cup mounts to a riser of the pop-up type sprinkler. The turf cup contains soil and root structure of turf. The sleeve surrounds the turf cup and attaches to a top of a housing of a pop-up sprinkler. The sleeve can be at or slightly below grade, and the cup extends out of the sleeve during an irrigation cycle and retracts into the sleeve at the end of the irrigation cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Daniel Roger St. George, Matthew Nugent Christensen
  • Patent number: 10874059
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Robert E. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 10814342
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a sprinkler can be actuated from underneath the cover by the user's fingers. An elongated, horizontal, latch member slides radially inward and outward along the underside of the cover to either engage the cover to the sprinkler head or disengage the cover from the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Günther Flik
  • Patent number: 10758923
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is described. The irrigation sprinkler includes a first ring including a first edge defining a first plurality of semicircular recesses and a second ring including a second edge defining a second plurality of semicircular recesses. The first ring and the second ring are secured together to define a plurality of circular recesses. The first ring includes a fin proximate each circular recess. The irrigation sprinkler also includes an adjustment mechanism disposed within each of the circular recesses. Each adjustment mechanism includes an outer rotating member including an annular structure comprising at least one of an annular recess and an annular protrusion, and an internal chamber including inwardly disposed threads. Each adjustment mechanism also includes an inner cylindrical member including an outer surface. The outer surface defines outwardly disposed threads and a channel. The channel extends radially along only a portion of the inner cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, LLC
    Inventors: Carter Timothy Oman, Hugo Rodriguez, Karl L. Connolly, Andrew Mark Urry, Eric Tres Wangsgaard
  • Patent number: 10758928
    Abstract: Implementations of sprinkler head covers may include: an artificial turf portion including a backing, a stiffener coupled to the backing at a first side of the stiffener, and a bag removably coupled to a second side of the stiffener. The second side may be opposite the first side of the stiffener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Gary Leavitt
  • Patent number: 10717093
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can include a reversing mechanism configured to transition the nozzle turret of the irrigation sprinkler between a forward direction of rotation and a reverse direction of rotation. The reversing mechanism can include shifting frame having an input gear and at least one output gear. The at least one output gear can be mounted on an axle of rotation which permits lateral movement of the at least one output gear between a power transmitting position, wherein rotational power from a gear reduction is transferred to the nozzle turret, and a disengaged position wherein rotational power from the gear reduction is not transferred to the nozzle turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Bell
  • Patent number: 10702883
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can include an outer case having an inlet end and an outlet end. The sprinkler can include a riser positioned at least partially within the outer case and having an upstream end and a downstream end. The riser can be configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the downstream end is positioned on a side of the outlet end of the outer case opposite the inlet end of the outer case when the riser is in the extended position. The sprinkler can include a cup assembly connected to the downstream end of the riser, the cup assembly including organic or artificial turf therein, wherein the cup assembly is configured to be removed from the riser without emptying the turf therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz, Richard M. Dunn, Revis R. Hunter, Santo Uccello
  • Patent number: 10604955
    Abstract: A housing for an in-floor swimming pool cleaning nozzle includes a first end with connection lugs configured to receive and engage corresponding lugs on an in-floor swimming pool nozzle, and a second end with a wall extending axially with a leading edge having a thickness that narrows from the leading edge toward a ledge. The thickness narrows due to a beveled outer surface of the wall and presents a smaller leading edge that shows less than a non-beveled leading edge when placed in a floor of a swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Goettl, John Goettl, Steven J. Goettl, II
  • Patent number: 10556248
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a compartment that surrounds its riser portion in an offset or asymmetrical configuration. More specifically, the distance of the compartments walls from those of the riser vary (i.e., increase or decrease) at different locations surrounding the riser. Put another way, the riser is closer to one side of the compartment than other sides of the compartment. This non-concentric configuration allows larger components to fit inside the compartment than would otherwise fit if the riser was symmetrically surrounded by the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: James T. Wright, III, Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 10322422
    Abstract: A sprinkler can include a turbine, a nozzle, a gear drive and a reversing mechanism. The gear drive and the reversing mechanism rotatably couple the turbine and the nozzle. The gear drive can shift a direction of rotation of an output stage that is coupled to the reversing mechanism. The sprinkler can include at least one arc adjusting gear that moves and arc adjusting tab to contact a shift arm to cause the shifting mechanism to change direction. The arc adjusting gear can engage with the arc tab for adjusting the arc setting and disengage from the arc tab for normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 10314245
    Abstract: A turf cup is described that is mounted to a top of an irrigation sprinkler. The turf cup includes an outer sleeve and a plurality of drainage passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: James T. Wright, III, Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 10286409
    Abstract: A sprinkler fitting comprises a spout and a deflector moveably connected to one another, the deflector being formed from a resilient material in a single piece. The sprinkler fitting may be manufactured by; forming a spout; molding a deflector in a resilient plastics material; and pressing the deflector onto the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Katco Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Tony Holmes
  • Patent number: 10239067
    Abstract: A rotatable sprinkler including a water outlet nozzle providing a pressurized axial stream of water along a nozzle axis, and a rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of the water outlet nozzle and receiving the pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, the rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by the pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis, the rotatable water deflector assembly including a first rotatable water path deflector portion and a second rotatable water path deflector portion, which is user rotatable relative to the first rotatable water path deflector portion about a second rotatable water path deflector axis, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NAANDANJAIN IRRIGATION LTD.
    Inventors: Oleg Glezerman, Hassan Khateb, Lior Eliahu Mareli
  • Patent number: 10233661
    Abstract: Swimming pool in-floor cleaning heads may be used to variably clean a swimming pool floor by raising a nozzle head positioned on a step of the swimming pool under water and having at least first and second nozzle openings directed in different directions toward surfaces of the step, and simultaneously ejecting first and second streams of water from the first and second nozzle openings toward, respective, first and second portions of the step, variably rotating the nozzle head in a first rotational direction, retracting the nozzle head flush with an inner surface of the swimming pool, and in some cases incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 10232388
    Abstract: A rotatable sprinkler including a water outlet nozzle providing a pressurized axial stream of water along a nozzle axis, and a rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of the water outlet nozzle and receiving the pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, the rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by the pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis, the rotatable water deflector assembly including a first rotatable water path deflector portion and a second rotatable water path deflector portion, which is user rotatable relative to the first rotatable water path deflector portion about a second rotatable water path deflector axis, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NAANDANJAIN IRRIGATION LTD.
    Inventors: Oleg Glezerman, Hassan Khateb, Lior Eliahu Mareli
  • Patent number: 9775306
    Abstract: An above ground sprinkler is revealed. The ground sprinkler includes a channel controller, a housing with a driving member mounted therein, an adjustment part, a locking plate, a first cover, and a second cover. A tube is extended to form two plates with a retaining groove therebetween. A rib is disposed on an outer side of the plate. The first cover includes a column part with an insertion part while the second cover includes a tongue part. Locking parts are disposed on the insertion part. The insertion part is fitted over the plates while the ribs of the plates are locked with the locking parts. When the second cover is covered over the first cover, the tongue part is mounted into the retaining groove so that the two plates are leaning against and locked by the locking parts tightly, unable to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: YUAN-MEI CORP.
    Inventor: Shun-Nan Lo
  • Patent number: 9623431
    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: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Leo James Lichte, James Zimmerman, Jeff McKenzie, James T. Wright, III, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 9573145
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler nozzle assembly including a pressure regulator having a low friction seal for a riser assembly in which the regulator is installed. The pressure regulator includes a movable portion, a fixed portion located upstream of the movable portion, and connectable to a water inlet, and a biasing member such as a spring which applies a force to the movable portion according to a pressure differential between the water inlet pressure and a reference pressure. The fixed and movable portions move relative to each other according to the force provided by the biasing member to provide a variable flow restriction which maintains the desired pressure. The low friction seal is a diaphragm connected at one end to the movable member and anchorable at another end in the nozzle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9511387
    Abstract: A rotating sprinkler for intermittently emitting a liquid supplied by a pulsating device that forms pulses that have a beginning and an end. The sprinkler has a rotating portion that can rotate about an axis while emitting the liquid pulses to the outside environment. The sprinkler provides for rotation of the rotating portion during a portion of each pulse and for stopping rotation of the rotating portion during another portion of the pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron Keren, James Belford, Gad Peleg
  • Patent number: 9295998
    Abstract: A specialty nozzle is provided having a pattern adjustment valve that may be adjusted to irrigate a substantially rectangular irrigation area. The nozzle may be further adjusted to irrigate two different substantially rectangular irrigation areas. The nozzle functions as a three-in-one left strip nozzle, right strip nozzle, and side strip nozzle. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a radius adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Lee James Shadbolt, John Austin Brennan, Samuel C. Walker
  • Patent number: 9242255
    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: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Leo James Lichte, James Zimmerman, Jeff McKenzie, James T. Wright, III, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 9089858
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underground liftable low-flow sprinkler comprises: a subterranean cylindrical housing arranged under the ground and having a first and second containing room with different diameter and a lifting tube being storable in the first containing room and a low-flow sprinkler being storable in the second containing room. The low-flow sprinkler provides a screw tube screwing on an upper end of the lifting tube for lifting together. When the water is sent into a water inlet, the lifting tube in the first containing room is moved upward by water force. The low-flow sprinkler then extends out from the second containing room and the water flows through a nozzle, swinging base and other components to circularly sprinkle an annular region. The present invention has low flow and uniform sprinkle characteristics to achieve an ease of use and water conservation effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Plastico Corporation
    Inventor: Shih-Min Hung
  • Patent number: 8991725
    Abstract: A pressure regulator in a rotationally driven sprinkler nozzle housing assembly includes pressure regulation of the upstream pressure to the sprinkler discharge nozzle and flow throttling. Full shut-off of the sprinkler assembly is provided, if desired. Throttling and pressure regulation are adjustable from the top of the nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8991730
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler and sprinkler nozzle assembly including a self contained pressure regulator and flow control ring, which can be assembled with a desired spray deflector, shrub bubbler or rotating stream distributor on the top of the nozzle assembly. The pressure regulator housing is incorporated into the center of the nozzle assembly and includes a reference pressure chamber connected to atmospheric pressure with a spring bias enclosed to bias a pressure responsive movable member that is connected to an upstream pressure balanced flow throttling valve. A combination deflector pop-up pressure regulating mechanism housed in the filter of the nozzle housing assembly is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III, Weiming Feng
  • Patent number: 8955767
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly is mounted in the riser and is coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly includes a reversing mechanism having a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through an adjustable arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates to thereby pre-set an arc of coverage of the sprinkler. The adjustable arc setting mechanism includes a first portion that is manually movable to effectuate a coarse adjustment of the position of the adjustable arc tab and a second portion that is manually movable to effectuate a fine adjustment of the position of the adjustable arc tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8939384
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly is supported in the riser and is coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly has a reversing planetary gear drive, a reversing mechanism, and a manually adjustable arc setting mechanism including a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through the arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates back and forth. The manually adjustable arc setting mechanism is further adjustable to allow the nozzle turret to continuously rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz, Aaron J. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 8936205
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a turbine, a gear drive, a nozzle turret, and a nozzle that is installed in the turret. The gear drive rotatably couples the turbine and the nozzle. The nozzle has an exit angle which is different from its entry angle to change the trajectory of the water as it passes through the nozzle. The nozzle can be installed in an orientation to increase the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler, or installed in an orientation to decrease the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Dunn, Michael L. Clark, Nathan T. Garcia
  • Patent number: 8827178
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is for use in distributing water to an area of vegetation, and has a rotatable nozzle for dispersing the water by rotation of the nozzle. A magnet is coupled or connected to the nozzle and rotates synchronously with the rotation of the nozzle. A sensor unit is disposed adjacent to the nozzle and detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet during nozzle rotation to generate a signal indicative of the speed and direction of rotation of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: T. Lynn Roney, Steven Sharp
  • Patent number: 8800888
    Abstract: A driving device for a lifting buried spraying head includes a case (2), a filter (3) provided in the lower end of the case (2), and a spraying head driving unit disposed inside the case (2). The spraying head driving unit connects with a spraying head located on the top end of the case via a main shaft, and the spraying head driving unit drives the spraying head to rotate and spray water. Wherein, the spraying head driving unit comprises a tangential flow generator (4) and a hydraulic rotator (5). The tangential flow generator (4) is a small case structure which is hollow, and a water supply gap is formed between the tangential flow generator and the inner wall of the case (2). Inflow openings (44) are arranged on the shell wall of the tangential flow generator (4). The hydraulic rotator (5) is disposed inside the tangential flow generator (4), and the hydraulic rotator (5) has stress surfaces (55) corresponding to the inflow openings (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Guangdong Liansu Technology Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiyue Yang, Hongbin Huang
  • Publication number: 20140203105
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underground liftable low-flow sprinkler comprises: a subterranean cylindrical housing arranged under the ground and having a first and second containing room with different diameter and a lifting tube being storable in the first containing room and a low-flow sprinkler being storable in the second containing room. The low-flow sprinkler provides a screw tube screwing on an upper end of the lifting tube for lifting together. When the water is sent into a water inlet, the lifting tube in the first containing room is moved upward by water force. The low-flow sprinkler then extends out from the second containing room and the water flows through a nozzle, swinging base and other components to circularly sprinkle an annular region. The present invention has low flow and uniform sprinkle characteristics to achieve an ease of use and water conservation effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: PLASTICO CORPORATION
    Inventor: SHIH-MIN HUNG
  • Patent number: 8727238
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler has a riser assembly that includes a rotatably mounted nozzle turret, a secondary nozzle holder removably mounted on the nozzle turret, and a turbine. A drive assembly is mounted in the riser assembly and couples the turbine and the nozzle turret so that pressurized water entering a lower end of the riser assembly will cause the nozzle turret to rotate. The nozzle turret has a primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle holder has at least one secondary nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Ronald H. Anuskiewicz
  • Patent number: 8662415
    Abstract: A pop up sprinkler having a membrane which has a neutral position mounted to a housing and a sprayer head which is able to expand or contract under water pressure which moves the sprinkler head up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Klaus Michael Andreas Vollrath, Jurgen Klaus Vollrath
  • 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: 8627838
    Abstract: A rotary impingement cleaning apparatus is configured for use in sanitary environments with a minimum of components to enable easy inspection and cleaning. The components of the cleaning apparatus are formed to fit relatively loosely to one another and promote self flushing and self drainage of cleaning liquid. A stator is mounted within a housing for diverting the flow of the pressurized cleaning liquid from axial to angular to impinge and rotationally drive a rotator stem or a rotor. The rotator stem or rotor causes an elbow to rotate around the vertical axis and a number of nozzles mounted to a nozzle housing to rotate around the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Tank Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Delaney, Andrew K. Delaney, Johnny A. DeBeaupre, Suneeth D. A. Molugu
  • Patent number: 8628027
    Abstract: An oscillating nozzle sprinkler with adjustable arc of coverage in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a nozzle, a nozzle drive mechanism operable to drive the nozzle through a set arc of coverage, an arc set mechanism coupled to the nozzle drive mechanism and operable to adjust the set arc of coverage for the nozzle drive mechanism; and a flow control mechanism operable to vary a nozzle flow area through which water flows through the nozzle and out of the sprinkler, the flow control mechanism coupled to the arc set mechanism such that the flow area is adjusted with the arc of coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III, Weiming Feng
  • Patent number: 8602325
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a nozzle and a cover configured for enclosing the nozzle. A hydraulically actuated mechanism supports the cover above the nozzle for reciprocation relative to the nozzle between a lower closed position and a raised open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Daniel E. Hunter, Zachary B. Simmons
  • 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: 8567698
    Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler head transmission for alternately driving an output shaft and sprinkler head nozzle to oscillate it with spring bias being provided to prevent the transmission from being placed in an inoperative position, where the sprinkler head is not oscillated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8540171
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sprinkler is provided, having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved deflector. A second shaft is disposed within the first shaft, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism and an adjustment region on the top of the deflector. The first shaft transfers rotational movement from the drive mechanism to a grooved deflector on the top of the sprinkler. The second shaft rotates with the first shaft during normal operation due to a friction clutch within the sprinkler. When the user desires to adjust the water flow (i.e., the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by rotating the second shaft, increasing openings of flow passages within the sprinkler body. In this respect, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the deflector rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Renquist, Peter Janku, Richard C. McClure, Saroj Manandhar
  • Patent number: 8534572
    Abstract: A riser seal cartridge for an irrigation sprinkler. The cartridge is formed of a rigid self support shell, and a sealing member formed of a resilient material covering the shell in areas which provide the seal. The sealing member includes a first portion which seals the top end of the sprinkler body, a second portion which seals an outer surface of the riser, a third portion which connects the first and second portions, and a fourth portion extending from the third seal portion which provides a seal for the support shell lower end portion. The first seal portion provides a high pressure seal to prevent leakage when the riser is in a fully extended position; and the second seal portion provides a low pressure seal during pressure build-up as the riser is extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8408482
    Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Christian T. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8328117
    Abstract: A lawn sprinkler providing water distribution over an irregular or unique shaped water receiving area. The apparatus includes a water impeller, a first water regulator, a second water regulator, and a bypass channel. The sprinkler regulates 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: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bredberg
  • Patent number: 8313043
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a riser, an impeller mounted in the riser, and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly including a reduction gear train couples the impeller and the nozzle. A friction clutch is located in the drive assembly between an output gear of the reduction gear train and an input gear of the reversing mechanism and provides a positive drive connection under a normal load and slips under an excessive load. An alternate embodiment utilizes the friction clutch in a rotor-type sprinkler in which the nozzle rotates continuously through a continuous 360 degree arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Crooks, Fred M. Danner
  • 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