Patents Assigned to Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 12048941
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Pratesi, Jerry D. Lawyer, Jacob K. Keller
  • Patent number: 11865564
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Healy
  • Patent number: 11413633
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Jay C. Huberty
  • Patent number: 11110479
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Simmons, Jerry D. Lawyer
  • Patent number: 10828653
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Healy
  • Patent number: 10710103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Jay C. Huberty
  • Patent number: 10144029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: SENNINGER IRRIGATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Donald E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9459631
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SENNINGER IRRIGATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Fabian Amaya
  • Publication number: 20120312904
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SENNINGER IRRIGATION INC.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Donald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120285561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SENNINGER IRRIGATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Lawyer, Fabian Amaya
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7677475
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Lawyer
  • Patent number: 7395977
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Pinch, Gregory S. Burcham
  • Patent number: 7263801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery W. McCardle, Jerry D. Lawyer
  • Patent number: 7152816
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Lawyer
  • Patent number: 7070122
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Burcham, William J. McFadden
  • Patent number: 6932279
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Burcham
  • Patent number: 6899287
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Pinch, Gregory S. Burcham, Theodore G. Santiesteban
  • Patent number: D590047
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Lawyer
  • Patent number: D929535
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Healy