Abstract: An improved trickle irrigation unit is provided having a resilient valve flap within a pressure chamber to control flow of irrigation water through an outlet port. The valve flap overlies the outlet port and a shallow channel including a small central outlet groove wherein the flap, channel, and groove cooperatively define a water flow path from the pressure chamber to the outlet port. The valve flap deforms into this flow path in response to water pressure within the pressure chamber to vary the flow path cross-sectional area to correspondingly control water flow to the outlet port. In accordance with the invention, the outlet port has a relatively narrow and elongated configuration extending preferably in longitudinal alignment with the outlet groove, wherein this narrow geometry prevents excessive valve flap deformation into the outlet port which could otherwise block the downstream end of the outlet groove to interfere with proper operation of the irrigation unit.

Abstract: A reaction drive sprinkler, particularly of the large gun type, is provided with an improved drive assembly adapted for full- or part-circle rotation of the sprinkler in steps about the axis of a water supply standpipe. The sprinkler includes a relatively large and outwardly inclined range tube from which a relatively high energy water stream is projected a substantial distance for irrigation purposes. The drive assembly comprises a drive nozzle mounted on the range tube for bleed passage of a relatively low energy portion of the irrigation water supplied to the range tube and for directing this low energy stream into engagement with one of a pair of oppositely angled deflector spoons at the end of a counterbalanced and pivotally mounted reaction drive arm.

Abstract: A reaction drive sprinkler, particularly of the large gun type, is provided with an improved drive assembly adapted for full- or part-circle rotation of the sprinkler in steps about the axis of a water supply standpipe. The sprinkler includes a relatively large and outwardly inclined range tube from which a relatively high energy water stream is projected a substantial distance for irrigation purposes. The drive assembly comprises a drive nozzle mounted on the range tube for bleed passage of a relatively low energy portion of the irrigation water supplied to the range tube and for directing this low energy stream into engagement with one of a pair of oppositely angled deflector spoons at the end of a counterbalanced and pivotally mounted reaction drive arm.

Abstract: A reaction drive sprinkler, particularly of the large gun type, is provided with an improved drive assembly adapted for full- or part-circle rotation of the sprinkler in steps about the axis of a water supply standpipe. The sprinkler includes a relatively large and outwardly inclined range tube from which a relatively high energy water stream is projected a substantial distance for irrigation purposes. The drive assembly comprises a drive nozzle mounted on the range tube for bleed passage of a relatively low energy portion of the irrigation water supplied to the range tube and for directing this low energy stream into engagement with one of a pair of oppositely angled deflector spoons at the end of a counterbalanced and pivotally mounted reaction drive arm.

Abstract: A planocentric gear drive has an eccentrically floating driving gear for simultaneously engaging a stator gear and a rotatable output gear to rotate the output gear through relatively small angular increments. The stator and output gears have different numbers of teeth and are mounted coaxially for engaging the driving gear on a common axial line of contact wherein the stator and output gear teeth are in local axial alignment at the line of contact. The driving gear is attracted into meshing engagement with the stator and output gears by a circumferentially arranged plurality of electromagnets energizable in sequence to rotate the driving gear eccentrically in steps about the stator and output gears. During this eccentric rotation, the common axial line of contact revolves in steps about the stator and output gears, with the output gear rotating through small angular increments to permit the stator and output gear teeth to remain in axial alignment at the revolving line of contact.

Abstract: A coupling is provided for the repair of flexible conduit, such as garden hose, comprising a body portion having at least one nipple for insertion into the free end of the flexible conduit. A slotted collapsible collet is radially compressed by a retaining nut thereby clamping the conduit between the nipple and the collet. The collet is generally frustoconical in shape and is reversible for retaining one size of conduit when disposed in a first direction and a larger size conduit when reversed. In order to accommodate a still larger conduit, the collet can be omitted. The body can include a second nipple which can be similarly attached to the free end of a conduit to effect repair of the conduit. Alternatively, the body can include a male or female fitting, a pair of which can be joined to effect repair of a conduit, or used separately in connection with other suitable fittings, as desired.

Abstract: For use with an irrigation sprinkler, an interchangeable nozzle apparatus is provided which includes a tubular housing mounted at the discharge end of the sprinkler, and arranged to receive any of a plurality of insert members which may be selected for controlling the flow rate of water ejected from the nozzle, controlling the distribution of water over the range of throw of the sprinkler, or enhancing the range of throw of the sprinkler when water is supplied to the sprinkler at relatively low pressures. In part-circle applications on a reaction drive type sprinkler, the inserts are arranged to limit movement of the reverse drive arm into the stream of water ejected from the nozzle by an amount dependent upon the nozzle size, thereby resulting in substantially the same reversing force regardless of nozzle size.

Abstract: An improved water sprinkler of the impact-arm type is provided in which nozzle reaction forces, impact arm acceleration forces and gravitational forces are completely balanced by the use of at least two diametrically opposed nozzles, and two diametrically opposed impact arms mounted for movement as a single unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the distribution of water from an irrigation sprinkler is provided and includes a nozzle disposed at the end of a discharge tube on the sprinkler, which nozzle includes a frusto-pyramidal passage leading to a polygonal nozzle outlet, thereby generating a substantial secondary flow within the nozzle which provides the desired controlled fall-out of water over the entire range of the stream ejected by the sprinkler.

Abstract: For use in a sprinkler system, a method and device for enhancing the distribution of water from an impact or reaction drive sprinkler comprising a nozzle which separates the flow of water through the sprinkler into two distinct and separate streams, and directs the separate streams such that they intersect at a point downstream of the nozzle to break the stream into small droplets for enhanced distribution when water is supplied to the sprinkler at relatively low pressures.

Abstract: A rotary irrigation sprinkler of the impact drive type is provided wherein a stream deflector for driving the sprinkler is supported adjacent the outlet of the sprinkler at one end of an elongated spring, the other end of the spring being secured to the sprinkler body.

Abstract: A spray nozzle having a brass housing and a urethane insert that is relatively resistant to wear by contact with the flow of irrigation water. The insert protects the more costly housing from erosion and is easily replaced if it becomes worn or if it is necessary to change the spray pattern. The housing can form a sleeve in which the insert is slidably received so that the housing is completely insulated from contact with the water flow. In one embodiment, the insert forms a concave deflector having ridges on a surface impinged by the water so that the spray emitted consists of discrete streams for greater distance and wind resistance. The water is emitted toward the deflector through an oblong orifice for more uniform lateral water distribution.