Patents Assigned to Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
-
Patent number: 12048941Abstract: A sprinkler assembly with a nutating distribution plate that tilts and/or rotates upon water impinging the distribution plate. A deflector assembly includes the distribution plate and a base. A body of the sprinkler assembly includes a base retainer surface and a flanged bolt which combine to create a portion of a confinement structure. A portion of the deflector assembly is located within the confinement structure to limit a range of movement of the distribution plate. A nozzle subassembly includes a nozzle and retainer supporting a seal. The nozzle alone or in combination with the retainer can be removed from the sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly can be disassembled and reassembled with minimal tools and effort for servicing. The distribution plate and the base can have mass properties optimized to improve sprinkler performance by reducing vibration, improving uniform water distribution, and reducing fine water droplet generation upon water stream impingement on the distribution plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventors: William A. Pratesi, Jerry D. Lawyer, Jacob K. Keller
-
Patent number: 11865564Abstract: A sprinkler assembly with a nutating distribution plate can improve even distribution of water. The distribution plate can tilt and/or translate upon water impinging the distribution plate to disperse water in different directions. The sprinkler assembly can have a deflector assembly including the distribution plate, a spindle supported by a bearing, and a contact portion downstream of the distribution plate to contact a housing that limits a range of movement of the distribution plate. The sprinkler assembly can be disassembled and reassembled with minimal tools and effort for servicing.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventor: Mark Healy
-
Patent number: 11413633Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can include a water inlet and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can include a nozzle tube having a nozzle positioned at the downstream end of the nozzle tube. The sprinkler assembly can include a user replaceable wear disc at least partially surrounding the nozzle tube. A deflector assembly can be connected to the nozzle assembly and can include a distribution plate positioned downstream of the nozzle and configured to deflect water from the nozzle. The deflector assembly can include a cage having one or more arms connected to the distribution plate and extending from the distribution plate toward upstream end of the nozzle tube. The deflector assembly can include an upstream collar portion connected to the at least one arm and having one or more load surfaces configured to contact the wear disc, wherein the wear disc is configured to bear at least a majority of a weight of the deflector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Jay C. Huberty
-
Patent number: 11110479Abstract: A weight for attaching to a sprinkler is disclosed. The weight includes a connector having a passageway for water to flow between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first coupling. The second end includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a second coupling and the inner surface includes a third coupling. The connector supports a shell having a chamber. The chamber allows a user to add weight to or subtract weight from the shell. In a first aspect, the weight can be attach in multiple orientations to the same sprinkler. In a second aspect, the weight can be attached to a plurality of sprinklers that have different designs. In either aspect, the weight is considered universal.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventors: Donald P. Simmons, Jerry D. Lawyer
-
Patent number: 10828653Abstract: A sprinkler assembly with a nutating distribution plate can improve even distribution of water. The distribution plate can tilt and/or translate upon water impinging the distribution plate to disperse water in different directions. The sprinkler assembly can have a deflector assembly including the distribution plate, a stem supported by a bearing, and a contact portion upstream of the distribution plate to contact an outer race that limits a range of movement of the distribution plate. The sprinkler assembly can be disassembled and reassembled with minimal tools and effort for servicing.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventor: Mark Healy
-
Patent number: 10710103Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can include a water inlet and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can include a nozzle tube having a nozzle positioned at the downstream end of the nozzle tube. The sprinkler assembly can include a user replaceable wear disc at least partially surrounding the nozzle tube. A deflector assembly can be connected to the nozzle assembly and can include a distribution plate positioned downstream of the nozzle and configured to deflect water from the nozzle. The deflector assembly can include a cage having one or more arms connected to the distribution plate and extending from the distribution plate toward upstream end of the nozzle tube. The deflector assembly can include an upstream collar portion connected to the at least one arm and having one or more load surfaces configured to contact the wear disc, wherein the wear disc is configured to bear at least a majority of a weight of the deflector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Jay C. Huberty
-
Patent number: 10144029Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler head has an auxiliary nozzle carrier having a nozzle attached to each end thereof. Each nozzle is held on one end of the flexible nozzle carrier. One end of the nozzle carrier holding a nozzle is attached to the sprinkler head to operatively attach the nozzle to the outlet of the sprinkler head while the other end extends from the side of the sprinkler head. The nozzles are rapidly exchanged on the sprinkler head by disconnecting the nozzle carrier and nozzle from the sprinkler head and connecting the other end of the nozzle carrier and nozzle to the sprinkler head without removing either nozzle from the carrier and without the use of tools. The nozzle carrier is flexible and angled between the nozzle holding ends so that the nozzle carrier can flex between the ends thereof to absorb impact without damage when used below a crop line.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: SENNINGER IRRIGATION, INC.Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Donald E. Smith
-
Patent number: 9459631Abstract: A pressure regulator seat assembly is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the assembly includes a chamber, a tapered flange projecting from an upstream edge of the chamber into a flow path of the assembly, where a proximate end of the flange attached to the chamber is tapered continuously to its distal end into the flow path. In addition, the assembly includes a throttling stem seat disposed on a lower surface of the flange and a plurality of support ribs adapted to support the flange, where the plurality of ribs is spaced about one half side of the chamber. The assembly may also include a complementary base adapted to mount to the chamber about a downstream edge of the chamber to form the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SENNINGER IRRIGATION, INC.Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Fabian Amaya
-
Publication number: 20120312904Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler head has an auxiliary nozzle carrier having a nozzle attached to each end thereof. Each nozzle is held on one end of the flexible nozzle carrier. One end of the nozzle carrier holding a nozzle is attached to the sprinkler head to operatively attach the nozzle to the outlet of the sprinkler head while the other end extends from the side of the sprinkler head. The nozzles are rapidly exchanged on the sprinkler head by disconnecting the nozzle carrier and nozzle from the sprinkler head and connecting the other end of the nozzle carrier and nozzle to the sprinkler head without removing either nozzle from the carrier and without the use of tools. The nozzle carrier is flexible and angled between the nozzle holding ends so that the nozzle carrier can flex between the ends thereof to absorb impact without damage when used below a crop line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SENNINGER IRRIGATION INC.Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Donald E. Smith
-
Publication number: 20120285561Abstract: A pressure regulator seat assembly is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the assembly includes a chamber, a tapered flange projecting from an upstream edge of the chamber into a flow path of the assembly, where a proximate end of the flange attached to the chamber is tapered continuously to its distal end into the flow path. In addition, the assembly includes a throttling stem seat disposed on a lower surface of the flange and a plurality of support ribs adapted to support the flange, where the plurality of ribs is spaced about one half side of the chamber. The assembly may also include a complementary base adapted to mount to the chamber about a downstream edge of the chamber to form the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: SENNINGER IRRIGATION, INC.Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Fabian Amaya
-
Patent number: 7770821Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventor: Daniel R. Pinch
-
Patent number: 7677475Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation sprinkler head having a removable weighted collar thereon. The sprinkler head has a tapered water inlet for wedging a weighted collar having a matching tapered opening therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventor: Jerry D. Lawyer
-
Patent number: 7395977Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus 10 for providing more even coverage of a sprinkled area with water which is achieved by a different speed of rotation of a water deflector 13 relative to a water diffuser 12 in a wobbling sprinkler head. A diffuser head 11 is rotatably attached to a base 16 and has a water diffuser 12 for diffusing water passing therethrough. A water deflector 13 is rotatably attached to the rotatable diffuser head 11 for directing water emitting from the nozzle 21 through the water diffuser 12. A viscous fluid brake 15 couples the water deflector 13 to the water diffuser 12 to vary the speed of rotation of the water diffuser 12 relative to the water deflector 13 to obtain a more even coverage of the area being sprinkled.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Pinch, Gregory S. Burcham
-
Patent number: 7263801Abstract: A riser support apparatus and method for supporting a riser pipe, having a sprinkler head thereon, on a nursery wire frame table. A riser support member and a locking member are attached together onto the nursery wire table so that a riser pipe can be attached to one side and a water supply pipe line to the other side thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventors: Jeffery W. McCardle, Jerry D. Lawyer
-
Patent number: 7152816Abstract: A mister nozzle apparatus has a check valve incorporated therein to shut off the water passing through the misting nozzle to prevent draining of the water from the misting water supply pipes. The check valve has a resilient membrane valve element which opens and closes responsive to water pressure to block or open the nozzle inlet. The check valve is vented to atmosphere through a vent located in the housing between the resilient membrane and the nozzle misting outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventor: Jerry D. Lawyer
-
Patent number: 7070122Abstract: A wobbling irrigation sprinkler head for attachment to a water conduit has a wobbling sprinkler head facing upward from the water supply conduit. The sprinkler head has a base having an attachment portion for attaching to a water source and a nozzle mounted to the base for directing water therethrough. A wobbling water deflector head is movably attached to the base and has a water deflector pad thereon having a deflector surface of predetermined shape to deflect water being emitted from the nozzle to rotate the wobbling water deflector head. A counterbalancing skirt extends from the water deflecting head around a portion of the base and spaced from the base for rotation with a wobbling water deflector head so that counterbalancing the skirt counterbalances the water deflector head to dampen vibration forces in the deflector head.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Burcham, William J. McFadden
-
Patent number: 6932279Abstract: A wobbling sprinkler head has a sprinkler head main frame having a nozzle base having a nozzle therein and at least one arm extending therefrom supporting a deflector supporting base. The nozzle base is attached to a water supply and has a water inlet for directing water through the nozzle and against a water deflector head. The water deflector head has a shaft movably riding in the deflector supporting base and has a water deflecting surface attached to one end of the shaft and positioned to deflect water being emitted from the nozzle and a counterweight attached to the other end thereof to dampen vibrations. The water deflecting surface has a predetermined shape to cause rotation of the water deflector head responsive to water being directed thereagainst and has a protrusion extending therefrom to force an initial tilt and wobbling action.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventor: Gregory S. Burcham
-
Patent number: 6899287Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler with two viscous brakes. The viscous brakes work in conjunction with each other to maintain a low RPM and also to rotate a water stream diffuser. The water stream is first directed toward a deflector that offsets the stream and angles it toward the area to be watered. The offset stream applies a torsional force on the deflector causing it to rotate. The stream is then interrupted intermittently by the diffuser that is rotating at a different RPM. The end result is a sprinkler that rotates slowly and breaks up the stream of water intermittently to create an even pattern of water on the area being sprinkled without using mechanical parts, such as ratchets or gearing. This is desirable for smooth operation and less chance of the operation being interrupted from contamination by dirt, insects, debris, etc. Also, a more random diffusion of the water is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Pinch, Gregory S. Burcham, Theodore G. Santiesteban
-
Patent number: D590047Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.Inventor: Jerry D. Lawyer
-
Patent number: D929535Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.Inventor: Mark Healy