Moving (non-ground Traversing) Distributing Means Patents (Class 239/210)
  • Patent number: 10071389
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispensing device comprising a base unit and an articulated arm portion which extends from a part of the base unit, the base unit further comprises an actuation mechanism which includes a capacitive-type sensor for dispensing liquid and adapted to receive a refill unit insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited
    Inventors: Richard Brian Clough, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
  • Patent number: 9861993
    Abstract: A gyrating nozzle head spray gun includes grip including air inlet, valve seat, gas-delivery tube connected to valve seat and terminating in mating connection screw rod and trigger operable for letting external compressed air go into air inlet and gas-delivery tube, attachment tube connected to mating connection screw rod of the gas-delivery tube, gyrating nozzle head assembly including gas-supply tube connected to mating connection screw rod and suspended in attachment tube, bearing, cap, linking module and gyrating nozzle head mounted on one end of the gas-supply tube, and water-delivery tube having one end extended bottom of coupling hole of gas-delivery tube and connected to water tank for sucking in water and opposite end thereof inserted through gyrating nozzle head for ejecting fluid for creating mist of fine droplets upon ejection of compressed air through the gas-supply tube and oblique jet hole and central axle hole of the gyrating nozzle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Neutek International Inc.
    Inventor: Den-Nan Fu
  • Patent number: 9759568
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting or providing instructions to spraying systems are provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus to identify sensitive areas is provided. The apparatus comprising: a module to electronically receive sensitive area information, the sensitive area information related to one or more sensitive areas proximate to a first specified location; a module to electronically receive an identity of a first substance to be sprayed at the first specified location; and an alert mechanism to provide an indication of a first sensitive area proximate to the first specified location which is sensitive to the first substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Dow AgroScicences LLC
    Inventors: David Hillger, Tammie Jones-Jefferson, Damon M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 9751098
    Abstract: A gyrating nozzle spray gun includes a grip including an air inlet, a valve seat, a gas-delivery tube connected to the valve seat and terminating in a mating connection portion and a trigger operable for letting external compressed air go into the air inlet and the gas-delivery tube, an attachment tube connected to the mating connection portion of the gas-delivery tube, and a gyrating pattern generator including a gas-supply tube connected to the mating connection portion and suspended in an accommodation chamber, a bearing mounted on a connecting portion, a coupling socket mounted on an outer race and a gyrating nozzle fastened to the coupling socket and rotatably disposed in an orifice and defining a gas accumulation chamber and an oblique jet hole for ejection of the intake flow of compressed air that goes through the air inlet, the gas-delivery tube and the gas-supply tube into the gas accumulation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: NEUTEK INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Den-Nan Fu, Huang-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8893983
    Abstract: An impingement sprinkler with adjustable outflow angle has a sprinkler main body, an impingement rotation guiding frame, a water source connecting portion and an adjustment rotating member, so that the main body can be rotated through the adjustment rotating member to adjust the water outflow angle. The adjustment rotating member has a vertical water flow guiding portion provided on top of the water source connecting portion. A rotating pivot joint portion is provided on one side of the vertical water flow guiding portion. A water outlet is opened on the outside of the rotating pivot joint portion. A rotation sleeving portion is provided on the coupling portion of the main body and can sleeve the rotating pivot joint portion. Inside the rotation sleeving portion, a water outflow pass is configured and is connected with the sprinkler main body head on one side of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sunny Bird Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-An Wang
  • Patent number: 8777123
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, or apparatuses relating to applying a fluid to at least a portion of a floor surface of a covered area via a moveable fluid application structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Arena Dust Control Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Duane P. Stevens, Duane L. Walker
  • 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: 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: 8336788
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler includes a housing supporting a nozzle and a nozzle tube, the nozzle tube located axially adjacent an orifice of the nozzle with an axial gap therebetween. A water-deflection plate assembly is carried by the nozzle tube for rotation relative to the nozzle tube. The housing is formed with an exterior substantially annular funnel surrounding the nozzle and forming a collection trough for collection of excess water, and the housing formed with one or more apertures directing excess water in the collection trough to an internal area surrounding the orifice to be aspirated through the gap into a stream of water emitted from the nozzle orifice and through the nozzle tube such that the excess water is distributed by the water-deflection plate along with water emitted from the nozzle orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Lee A. Perkins, Craig B. Nelson, Christina R. Butler
  • 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: 8011602
    Abstract: Many areas watered by prior art oscillating sprinklers are substantially rectangular. However, prior art oscillating sprinklers typically produce generally or substantially elliptical water distribution patterns. This geometric incompatibility causes problems and inefficiencies. Embodiments of the current invention include an oscillating sprinkler that automatically produces a substantially rectangular water distribution pattern. The substantially rectangular water distribution pattern may be produced by automatically controlling the distance from the sprinkler that streams of water travel before impacting the ground. This is accomplished by automatically and sequentially opening and closing and/or restricting flow to select nozzles at select points and within select portions of the oscillation cycle. A current invention oscillating sprinkler may reduce waste water, may reduce run-off waste water, and may automatically provide water to the corner areas of typical substantially rectangular areas to be watered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Eldon Coppersmith
  • Publication number: 20110073675
    Abstract: A disinfectant dispenser includes a rotating assembly coupled to a base and rotatable thereabout and a first motor operatively coupled to the rotating assembly for rotation thereof when activated. A carriage is pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the rotating assembly and movable between vertical and horizontal configurations. A second motor is operatively connected to the carriage for moving the carriage between the vertical and horizontal configurations. A control unit is electrically connected to the power source and motors and includes programming for activation thereof. A delivery unit configured to hold a propellant container is attached to the carriage, the delivery unit defining an outlet to dispense the propellant when activated. A solenoid is positioned proximate the delivery unit so as to activate the propellant when the solenoid is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Susan M. Wolosuk
  • Patent number: 7770821
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler provides a more even distribution pattern of water over a given area being irrigated by providing a controlled rotation in a wobbling water deflector. A sprinkler base has a nozzle attached thereto and a water deflector rotatably attached to the base. The water deflector and the nozzle each have a plurality of gear teeth thereon which gear teeth are different in number between the water deflector and the nozzle so that they only partially mesh when the water deflector is rotated on the base. The gear teeth also assure that the deflector cannot spin freely causing high rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Pinch
  • Publication number: 20090173803
    Abstract: A sprinkler head nozzle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle housing with an inlet for pressurized water and an outlet downstream of the inlet, a rotatable arc of coverage adjustment ring mounted on the housing such that rotation of the arc of coverage adjustment ring extends and reduces an arcuate exit opening, a range adjustment ring, or upstream flow area adjustment ring is also provided with an upstream flow area throttling element that increases or decreases the flow area as the range adjustment ring is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Carl L.C. Kah, JR., Carl L.C. Kah, III, Weiming Feng, Frederick A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20090072042
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for providing a fluid stream into an environment for cooling purposes are disclosed. Such an apparatus includes a body portion and a nozzle, the nozzle being adapted to direct water into the environment. Such an apparatus may include a body portion having a flow channel defined therein for gas flow therethrough; and, a nozzle operatively disposed within the flow channel; said nozzle adapted to direct a liquid therefrom; wherein the channel and the nozzle are operatively disposed relative to each other so that a gas flowing through the channel and the liquid are combined into a fluid stream directed from the apparatus into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Metcalf, Carlton E. Brown
  • Patent number: 7422163
    Abstract: A method and system for a ceiling fan with an integral water mister apparatus, particularly for outdoor use, includes a conventional ceiling fan having a multi-speed motor, forward and reverse directional capabilities and a plurality of rotating blades in a variety of diameter sizes. A series of water dispensing ports are directly above the blades toward the outer perimeter that selectably dispense a fine water mist. The mist is obtained by connecting ?? tubing to an available standard water supply and having said tubing conduct the water through a six by two inch, five micron, polyphosphate filter. The filtered water then travels through the tubing attached to the apparatus to the misting dispensing nozzles. The fine mist will evaporate quickly in hot weather producing a cooling effect without significantly wetting surrounding objects. The air circulation provided by the fan blades enhances the distribution of the mist and the cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Bryan J. DeVorss
  • Patent number: 7337989
    Abstract: An automated sprayer for spraying walls of a shower or bathing enclosure with a liquid cleanser. A spray head rotates on an essentially vertical axis. Its outlet nozzle pivots on an essentially horizontal axis (but not otherwise) to adjust the vertical angle of the spray, thereby rendering the device adjustable for different size enclosures, and for treating problem stains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Penner, Brenten T. Nauslar, Cathal L. Fahy
  • Patent number: 7322533
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a riser having an inlet end and an outlet end. A nozzle is rotatably supported at the outlet end of the riser and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending stream forming slots. An orifice member is removably mounted adjacent the outlet end of the riser and has an orifice shaped to deliver water flowing through the riser into the stream forming slots in a manner that produces a predetermined water distribution pattern. A rotatably adjustable deflector ring is configured and mounted for intercepting streams of water ejected from the stream forming slots to vary a reach thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Glendale Grizzle
  • Patent number: 7263210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for volume-specific treatment of ground and plants as required. The aim of the invention is to improve a method and system as above, such that the distribution of plants is scanned with complete spatial coverage and the treatment of the ground or plant condition is efficiently controlled, by simultaneously taking account of morphological, plant physiological, equipment performance and specific local properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Knut Kümmel
  • Patent number: 7182275
    Abstract: A sprinkler structure comprises a support unit, a spray unit, and at least one fastening unit. A water pipe of the spray unit is uprightly supported by the support unit along with the fastening unit comprising a tubular seat, a press block, and a control lever. The tubular seat is provided with a center through hole to accommodate the water pipe, and a through slot in which the press block is pivoted. The control lever is provided at a pivoting end with an eccentric press surface and is fastened pivotally with two pivoting lugs of the tubular seat such that the eccentric press surface pushes the press block to arrest the water pipe at the time when the control lever is swiveled in one direction. The press block releases the water pipe at the time when the control lever is swiveled in other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7059539
    Abstract: A telescoping waterway for adjusting the height of a firefighting monitor is disclosed. The telescoping waterway includes a hollow outer tube, a hollow inner tube within the hollow outer tube, and an actuator that moves the hollow inner tube relative to the hollow outer tube, wherein the hollow inner tube can be maintained in at least one intermediate position between a retracted position and a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Task Force Tips Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Steingass, Stewart G. McMillan, Larry Shepard
  • Patent number: 6824073
    Abstract: A fire protection system has a plurality of sprinkler assemblies connected together in series. Each sprinkler assembly has a water manifold pipe, a pair of U-shaped supports, and a sprinkler head connected to the water manifold pipe. Each U-shaped support has a pair of legs with support rotator discs affixed to upper ends of the legs for pivotally connecting the U-shaped supports to the water manifold pipe. The manifold pipe extends through manifold rotator discs affixed thereto. Locking bolts extends through respective semi-circular slots formed in the rotator discs of the U-shaped supports and the manifold rotator discs for locking the U-shaped supports in a selected pivotal angle of adjustment. During use, the support legs of the front and rear U-shaped supports are supported by front and rear roof sections of a house with the apex of the roof extending between the pair of U-shaped supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ian Allen Haney
  • Patent number: 6688535
    Abstract: The present invention includes a unique irrigation sprinkler system with a unique sprinkler head design; a unique method of defining the planted area to be served by the sprinkler head; a unique method for determining when that planted area needs to be watered; a unique way of providing even coverage throughout the planted area when being watered; the ability to use one sprinkler head to individually water multiple, non-overlapping planted areas; a unique way of addressing multiple sprinkler heads in the same sprinkler system; and a unique method for remotely determining the integrity of the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Galen Collins
  • Patent number: 6547156
    Abstract: A heating system for use with an automatic vehicle wash system used to wash a car positioned within a wash bay. The heating system of the present invention includes a heating unit mounted directly to an overhead gantry used to wash the vehicle positioned within the wash bay. The heating unit receives the supply of water with the desired chemical agent already mixed with the water. Upon receiving the mixed supply of water, the heating unit elevates the temperature of the water to a desired temperature. The heating unit is positioned on the overhead gantry such that the heated water from the heating unit travels a short distance prior to its actual application to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation
    Inventor: Allen S. Jones
  • Patent number: 6402048
    Abstract: The present invention includes a unique irrigation sprinkler system with a unique sprinkler head design; a unique method of defining the planted area to be served by the sprinkler head; a unique method for determining when that planted area needs to be watered; a unique way of providing even coverage throughout the planted area when being watered; the ability to use one sprinkler head to individually water multiple, non-overlapping planted areas; a unique way of addressing multiple sprinkler heads in the same sprinkler system; and a unique method for remotely determining the integrity of the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Galen Collins
  • Patent number: 6315219
    Abstract: A fluid-atomization manifold (50) for use in a misting system (20) configured to distribute a fluid (24) and to render that fluid (24) into a mist (26) is provided. The fluid-atomization manifold (50) has an input connector (54) coupled to a connector (44) of an interface fitting (36) coupled to fluid-distribution tubing (34) of the misting system (20). The fluid-atomization manifold (50) has a plurality of output connectors (56), wherein a connector (48) of each of a plurality of fluid-atomization nozzles (46) of the misting system (20) is configured to mate with the connector (44) of the interface fitting (36) and is coupled to one of the output connectors (56) of the fluid-atomization manifold (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Nathan Palestrant
  • Patent number: 5865143
    Abstract: Atmospheric growing conditions in high-rise animal rearing facilities are proved by spraying liquid alum periodically over the manure collection area. Improved high rise animal rearing facilities provided with a liquid alum treatment delivery system for misting or spraying the liquid alum over the manure collection area to strip ammonia gas from the air and to apply a chemical coating on a surface of the accumulated manure which reduces or prevents ammonia volatilization. The liquid chemical treatment comprises an aqueous alum solution containing 1 to about 50% by weight alum, applied at a rate of about 50-250 g of Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3. 14H.sub.2 O per kg of manure as it accumulates. The improved rearing facilities and methods control the atmospheric conditions in the animal rearing area at less than or equal to about 25 ppm ammonia throughout the growing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Trustees of University of Arkansas and United States of America
    Inventor: Philip A. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5375768
    Abstract: A sprinkler unit for distributing water from a source over an area of terrain comprises a tubular housing having an inlet connected by a passage to an outlet, a distributor head mounted at the outlet for rotation about an axis for distribution of water via a nozzle, a turbine wheel disposed in the housing passage and operatively connected for driving the distributor head, and a turbine stator assembly having a passage including a throttling device for controllably directing a first portion of water to the turbine wheel, and a pressure responsive valve for controllably diverting a second portion of the water around the turbine wheel in proportion to the pressure thereof for maintaining the speed of the turbine substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Hunter Industries
    Inventor: Michael L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5372307
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a stationary body portion including a fixed nozzle, and a rotatable rotor plate mounted in a hub in vertically spaced relationship to the nozzle. The rotor plate is adapted to receive and redirect a stream emitted from the nozzle. The hub which mounts the rotor plate has a first plurality of teeth formed on an external, annular surface thereof. An annular stream interrupter is loosely held on the hub and in surrounding relationship to the first plurality of teeth. The interrupter also has a plurality of stream interrupting fingers depending from a radially outermost peripheral surface thereof, arranged to be struck by the stream redirected by the rotor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: George Sesser
  • Patent number: 5065692
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for spraying a liquid, such as a low-solids flux, onto a substrate (12), during its transit along a first path (15), comprises a spray gun (38) directed at the substrate. The gun (38) is carried by a carriage (34) reciprocated by a traversing mechanism (42,44,46) which reciprocates the gun back and forth along a second path (30) generally perpendicular to the first path (15). The spray gun (38) is reciprocated such that its spray pattern during each pass slightly overlaps the pattern made during the previous pass, thereby achieving substantially uniform liquid coating on the substrate. Each time the gun (38) reaches an end of its travel, its tip (39) is advantageously cleaned automatically by a brush (84) wetted by a solvent to avoid tip clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: David B. Hollesen, Joseph W. Kaczorek, Edwin S. Treible
  • Patent number: 4964731
    Abstract: Shotcrete gun consisting of a concrete container and a spraying device, such as a worm screw, and a nozzle for pressurized air. The whole shotcrete gun assembly is mounted on a traversing mechanism allowing the shotcrete gun to be shifted in the horizontal, vertical and depthwise directions beside the element to be shotcreted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Oy Lohja AB
    Inventor: Olli Virtanen
  • Patent number: 4809910
    Abstract: Apparatus for temporarily accessing water under pressure comprising access structure having a main outlet and a pilot pressure outlet for containing the water under pressure and water accessing structure cooperable therewith to obtain temporary access to the water under pressure. A main interengaging connection is provided for manually establishing a mechanical connection of the accessing and access structures without establishing communication of the water under pressure through the main outlet. A second interengaging connection is provided for manually establishing a controllable pilot pressure flow path through the pilot pressure outlet to the accessing structure for water under pressure contained within the access structure. A power operated assembly is mounted in the pilot pressure flow path for selectively communicating water under pressure to the accessing structure through the pilot pressure flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Larry P. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4730773
    Abstract: Apparatus for enabling a sprinkler head assembly to be detachably mounted on an irrigation system riser pipe containing water under pressure in accessed relation to the water under pressure within the riser pipe. The apparatus comprises an access assembly adapted to be rigidly secured to the riser pipe and an accessing assembly adapted to be rigidly secured to the sprinkler head assembly. The access assembly includes separate main and pilot pressure valve mechanisms containing the water under pressure within the riser pipe. Both assemblies include detachable interengaging connectors for establishing a mechanical connection between the two assemblies by a simple and convenient manual movement. The accessing assembly includes a quick connection fitting for accessing the water under pressure through the pilot pressure valve mechanism which is mounted in a cooperating quick connection fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Larry P. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4149676
    Abstract: An elongated extraction tube resting on sealing saddles on valved risers of a buried mainline is pulled along the mainline by a hydraulically driven capstan on the extraction tube pulling an anchored cable resting on saddles and guiding the tube into each saddle. The extraction tube spans two risers, and has a series of check valves receiving water from the saddles, and opens the valve of each riser as the tube comes into sealed engagement with the saddle of that riser and closes that valve just before the tube is moved out of that saddle. In an alternate embodiment, an extraction tube is moved along floating saddles by powered rollers engaging flanges on risers supporting the saddles, and levers on the risers are pivoted by the tube to actuate capstans to open spring closed valves in the risers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Inventor: Gregory J. Wieck
  • Patent number: 4015366
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: Advanced Decision Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur D. Hall, III
  • Patent number: RE31023
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Advanced Decision Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur D. Hall, III