Abstract: A liquid-emitting device for gravity-based irrigation systems includes a support structure that defines a first axis and has a nozzle for generating an irrigation jet coaxial with the first axis, a tubular body below the support structure, and a baffle plate facing the nozzle and rotatably mounted in the tubular body to rotate about a second axis. The nozzle is stationary and the second axis is free to rotate about the first axis with a precessional motion. Guides are removably coupled to the tubular body to interact with the baffle plate and prevent the precessional motion while allowing the rotational motion about the second axis. A diverting member may be removably positioned downstream from the nozzle to distribute the liquid over an area of the soil. An arrangement of a nutating liquid-emitting device in combination with an anti-nutating adaptation kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for intelligent regulation of the flow rate in an irrigation plant includes a pipeline feeding an irrigation liquid, a drop pipe connected to the pipeline, and a regulation device connected to the drop pipe and associated with a liquid distribution device having a continuous regulating valve and a local electronic control unit that varies pressure and flow rate of the liquid sent to a nozzle. The continuous regulating valve includes an elastically yielding pipe connected to the drop pipe and a valve member interacting with the pipe to deform it and vary its flow area. A program installed in the electronic control unit controls the movement of the valve member and changes flow rate downstream of the drop pipe, avoiding sudden variations and water hammers. The local electronic control unit is associated with a sensor that detects abnormal operation of the regulation device, enabling preventive maintenance.

Abstract: A sprinkler device for delivering an irrigation liquid for gravity-based pivot or linear irrigation systems includes a support structure having a first portion with a nozzle defining a longitudinal axis for generating a jet of liquid, and a second portion with a baffle plate pivoted thereto and facing the nozzle. The second portion includes a drive system, which has a first magnet moving with a reciprocating oscillatory motion due to a negative pressure generated by the liquid that flows through the nozzle, and is configured to move the baffle plate along, and force it to pivot with a reciprocating oscillatory motion about the longitudinal axis through a predetermined angle, to thereby deliver the liquid over a sector area of the soil. A method of delivering an irrigation liquid for gravity-based pivot or linear irrigation systems that uses such a sprinkler device.

Abstract: A liquid pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a tubular valve member slidingly accommodated inside the housing and having an inlet edge, a valve body fixed inside the housing and a seat that interacts with the inlet edge to form a port having a variable width, and an elastic annular diaphragm for connecting the valve member to the housing and forming a regulating chamber. The valve member has an outlet edge configured to interact with the outlet portion of the housing and form an annular passage communicating with the regulating chamber. The width of the annular passage decreases as the inlet edge of the valve member moves toward the seat. The outlet portion has a wider region with a transverse surface defining the bottom of the regulating chamber, which is inclined toward the center to facilitate the outer discharge of soil, sand and impurities.

Abstract: A sprinkler device for delivering an irrigation liquid for gravity-based pivot or linear irrigation systems includes a support structure having a first portion with a nozzle defining a longitudinal axis for generating a jet of liquid, and a second portion with a baffle plate pivoted thereto and facing the nozzle. The second portion includes a drive system, which has a first magnet moving with a reciprocating oscillatory motion due to a negative pressure generated by the liquid that flows through the nozzle, and is configured to move the baffle plate along, and force it to pivot with a reciprocating oscillatory motion about the longitudinal axis through a predetermined angle, to thereby deliver the liquid over a sector area of the soil. A method of delivering an irrigation liquid for gravity-based pivot or linear irrigation systems that uses such a sprinkler device.

Abstract: A coaxial liquid pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a substantially tubular valve member slidingly accommodated inside the housing and having a longitudinal axial passage and an upstream end with an inlet edge for the liquid, a valve body fixed inside the inlet portion and defining a seat that interacts with the inlet edge of the valve member and forms therewith a port having a variable width. The inlet portion includes an inlet fitting and a collection chamber directly downstream from the inlet fitting and the valve body includes a cantilever element transversely extending from the inner wall of the collection chamber. First and second deflection elements are arranged between the inlet fitting and the inlet edge, which facilitate flow conveyance toward the port and the longitudinal passage of the valve member.

Abstract: A liquid pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a tubular valve member slidingly accommodated inside the housing and having an inlet edge, a valve body fixed inside the housing and a seat that interacts with the inlet edge to form a port having a variable width, and an elastic annular diaphragm for connecting the valve member to the housing and forming a regulating chamber. The valve member has an outlet edge configured to interact with the outlet portion of the housing and form an annular passage communicating with the regulating chamber. The width of the annular passage decreases as the inlet edge of the valve member moves toward the seat. The outlet portion has a wider region with a transverse surface defining the bottom of the regulating chamber, which is inclined toward the center to facilitate the outer discharge of soil, sand and impurities.

Abstract: A coaxial liquid pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a substantially tubular valve member slidingly accommodated inside the housing and having a longitudinal axial passage and an upstream end with an inlet edge for the liquid, a valve body fixed inside the inlet portion and defining a seat that interacts with the inlet edge of the valve member and forms therewith a port having a variable width. The inlet portion includes an inlet fitting and a collection chamber directly downstream from the inlet fitting and the valve body includes a cantilever element transversely extending from the inner wall of the collection chamber. First and second deflection elements are arranged between the inlet fitting and the inlet edge, which facilitate flow conveyance toward the port and the longitudinal passage of the valve member.

Abstract: A drop base irrigation device includes a substantially vertical pipeline section, which is adapted to be secured to a truss of an irrigation system by a substantially horizontal supporting rod, and a support having a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket includes a pair of side walls and a curved connecting wall extending along a substantially horizontal axis. The side and connecting walls have substantially cylindrical smooth inner surfaces with substantially parallel opposed projections for snap-fit locking engagement of the rod in the bracket. A pair of curved appendages extend from one of the side walls and define a pair of substantially vertical seats with oppositely directed concavities for receiving the substantially vertical pipeline section and locking it by rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. A method of mounting a drop base irrigation device to a supporting rod of an irrigation system.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly for diffusing a liquid in irrigation plants has a supply conduit includes a diffuser with a nozzle adapted to direct a jet of liquid along a longitudinal axis, at least one deflector facing the nozzle for radially spraying the jet outwards, and a connection device for ensuring fluid connection of the diffuser to the supply conduit of the plant. The diffuser is mounted onto the irrigation plant with the axis extending in a substantially vertical direction and with the nozzle facing up, and the deflector is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing oscillations in the assembly. The connection device includes a tubular body with end joints that connect to the diffuse, and the supply conduit and the body is monolithic with the joints and is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material. Furthermore, the body has an outer surface with annular folds, which imparts elasticity and damp the oscillations induced by the deflector.

Abstract: A sprinkler device for delivering an irrigation liquid for gravity-based pivot or linear irrigation systems includes a support structure having a first portion with a nozzle defining a longitudinal axis for generating a jet of liquid, and a second portion with a baffle plate pivoted thereto and facing the nozzle. The second portion includes a drive system, which has a first magnet moving with a reciprocating oscillatory motion due to a negative pressure generated by the liquid that flows through the nozzle, and is configured to move the baffle plate along, and force it to pivot with a reciprocating oscillatory motion about the longitudinal axis through a predetermined angle, to thereby deliver the liquid over a sector area of the soil. A method of delivering an irrigation liquid for gravity-based pivot or linear irrigation systems that uses such a sprinkler device.

Abstract: A liquid-emitting device for gravity-based irrigation systems includes a support structure that defines a first axis and has a nozzle for generating an irrigation jet coaxial with the first axis, a tubular body below the support structure, and a baffle plate facing the nozzle and rotatably mounted in the tubular body to rotate about a second axis. The nozzle is stationary and the second axis is free to rotate about the first axis with a precessional motion. Guides are removably coupled to the tubular body to interact with the baffle plate and prevent the precessional motion while allowing the rotational motion about the second axis. A diverting member may be removably positioned downstream from the nozzle to distribute the liquid over an area of the soil. An arrangement of a nutating liquid-emitting device in combination with an anti-nutating adaptation kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drop base irrigation device includes a substantially vertical pipeline section, which is adapted to be secured to a truss of an irrigation system by a substantially horizontal supporting rod, and a support having a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket includes a pair of side walls and a curved connecting wall extending along a substantially horizontal axis. The side and connecting walls have substantially cylindrical smooth inner surfaces with substantially parallel opposed projections for snap-fit locking engagement of the rod in the bracket. A pair of curved appendages extend from one of the side walls and define a pair of substantially vertical seats with oppositely directed concavities for receiving the substantially vertical pipeline section and locking it by rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. A method of mounting a drop base irrigation device to a supporting rod of an irrigation system.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly for diffusing a liquid in irrigation plants has a supply conduit includes a diffuser with a nozzle adapted to direct a jet of liquid along a longitudinal axis, at least one deflector facing the nozzle for radially spraying the jet outwards, and a connection device for ensuring fluid connection of the diffuser to the supply conduit of the plant. The diffuser is mounted onto the irrigation plant with the axis extending in a substantially vertical direction and with the nozzle facing up, and the deflector is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing oscillations in the assembly. The connection device includes a tubular body with end joints that connect to the diffuse, and the supply conduit and the body is monolithic with the joints and is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material. Furthermore, the body has an outer surface with annular folds, which imparts elasticity and damp the oscillations induced by the deflector.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for a liquid includes a main hollow body having an inlet end and an outlet end for the liquid, which are connected via a longitudinal passage, a tubular valve member, which is slidingly accommodated in the passage and has a regulating end upstream from the flow of the liquid, a seat placed inside the passage, upstream from the valve member, and having a transverse surface formed in the passage to interact with the regulating end of the valve member and define therewith a part having an adjustable width for the liquid. The seat is eccentrically supported in the passage and is formed of one piece with the main body, and is supported proximate to the inlet end for the liquid by a pair of longitudinal support wings substantially parallel to the flow direction.

Abstract: An articulated connection joint between a liquid supply line and a sprinkler barrel includes a fixed tubular body to be connected to the supply line and a movable tubular body to be connected to the fixed tubular body and to the barrel. These bodies have end portions with equal curvature, one of which slidingly fits into the other one with a sealing element interposed therebetween. The tubular bodies, once coupled, define a common curvature plane and are hinged to each other about a transverse axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the curvature plane to provide for a relative inclination that can be adjusted with a plate-shaped member substantially parallel to the curvature plane and laterally secured to one of the bodies. A plurality of through holes in the plate-shaped member can receive a first pin fitted into a seat formed on the other body to selectively lock the inclination angle.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for a liquid includes a main hollow body having an inlet end and an outlet end for the liquid, which are connected via a longitudinal passage, a tubular valve member, which is slidingly accommodated in the passage and has a regulating end upstream from the flow of the liquid, a seat placed inside the passage, upstream from the valve member, and having a transverse surface formed in the passage to interact with the regulating end of the valve member and define therewith a part having an adjustable width for the liquid. The seat is eccentrically supported in the passage and is formed of one piece with the main body, and is supported proximate to the inlet end for the liquid by a pair of longitudinal support wings substantially parallel to the flow direction.

Abstract: An articulated connection joint between a liquid supply line and a sprinkler barrel includes a fixed tubular body to be connected to the supply line and a movable tubular body to be connected to the fixed tubular body and to the barrel. These bodies have end portions with equal curvature, one of which slidingly fits into the other one with a sealing element interposed therebetween. The tubular bodies, once coupled, define a common curvature plane and are hinged to each other about a transverse axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the curvature plane to provide for a relative inclination that can be adjusted with a plate-shaped member substantially parallel to the curvature plane and laterally secured to one of the bodies. A plurality of through holes in the plate-shaped member can receive a first pin fitted into a seat formed on the other body to selectively lock the inclination angle.

Abstract: A jet diffuser with a quick-change nozzle for use in irrigation systems includes an upper supply portion with a main body that has an upper tubular portion with a longitudinal axis, which is designed to be connected to a drop line and a lower hollow portion having a central cavity and a side wall, in which a lateral opening is formed, a nozzle adapted to be radially inserted into the cavity through the lateral opening in substantially coaxial and facing relationship to the upper tubular portion to direct a liquid jet axially downwards, and a quick-connect system associated with the nozzle for securing it within the main body and including cam and follower drive elements operating on the nozzle to move it and push it axially upwards into substantial contact and sealing relationship to the lower edge of the upper tubular portion, possibly with no seal interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems includes a support structure defining a first longitudinal axis with an upper passageway for a liquid jet and a lower tubular body having a bottom wall, a spherical member associated therewith having an outer surface with a predetermined average radius of curvature, a liquid jet deflecting member having an upper plate and a lower stem designed to be introduced into the tubular body and defining a second longitudinal axis. The stem interacts with the outer surface of the spherical member, to allow rotation of the stem relative to the body and nutation of the second axis relative to the first axis. The bottom surface is concave to define with the spherical member a relatively broad and substantially uniform contact surface, to reduce the local specific pressure, thereby decreasing friction, wear and vibrations on the stem and the spherical member during operation.