Patents by Inventor Craig B. Nelson

Craig B. Nelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10969804
    Abstract: A method to operate a pressure regulator including an inlet flow passage and an outlet flow passage; a plunger reciprocally between the inlet and outlet flow passages, wherein an axis of the plunger is offset from an axis of the inlet flow passage and the plunger moves with respect to a stationary valve seat to regulate pressure of liquid flowing through the pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Riley D. Greenwood, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210023578
    Abstract: An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler includes a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount, and a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount, different from the first amount. The primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between a first position and a second position. A timer module cooperable with the pivot assembly is configured to hold the pivot assembly in the first position for a selectable period of time, after which the timer module enables the pivot assembly to pivot to the second position. The primary stop members are active in the first position, and the secondary stop members are active in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
  • Patent number: 10864534
    Abstract: A rigid mount orbiter sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler incorporates structure to reduce drool that may fall in a concentrated area below the sprinkler and to prevent debris from sandy water or the like from accelerating sprinkler component wear. With reduced vibration, the assembly may be rigidly mounted on a center pivot or other supporting structure while achieving the advantages associated with wobbling and rotating sprinkler assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200331019
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a pop-up deflector plate that is engageable with a brake assembly in an extended position. A brake module is secured to a sprinkler body and includes a rotatable connector coupled with the brake assembly. The pop-up deflector plate is disposed adjacent the nozzle and engages the rotatable connector in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Steven E. Crawford, Andrew B. Hellie, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200298256
    Abstract: A rigid mount orbitor sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler incorporates structure to reduce drool that may fall in a concentrated area below the sprinkler and to prevent debris from sandy water or the like from accelerating sprinkler component wear. With reduced vibration, the assembly may be rigidly mounted on a center pivot or other supporting structure while achieving the advantages associated with wobbling and rotating sprinkler assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200179960
    Abstract: A sprinkler body for a rotating sprinkler includes a base securable to a source of water under pressure, a plurality of support struts connected to and extending from the base, and a deflector plate support connected to the plurality of support struts and disposed spaced from the base by the support struts. At least one of the plurality of support struts is wedge-shaped with an inward-facing apex. The support struts are configured to create a void in the water spray pattern away from a center pivot pipe and to direct the water spray downward to limit the effect of wind on the spray pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Craig B. Nelson, Andrew B. Hellie, Sean M. Scott
  • Publication number: 20190384331
    Abstract: A method to operate a pressure regulator including an inlet flow passage and an outlet flow passage; a plunger reciprocally between the inlet and outlet flow passages, wherein an axis of the plunger is offset from an axis of the inlet flow passage and the plunger moves with respect to a stationary valve seat to regulate pressure of liquid flowing through the pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Riley D. GREENWOOD, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190344300
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a pop-up deflector plate that is engageable with a brake assembly in an extended position. A brake module is secured to a sprinkler body and includes a rotatable connector coupled with the brake assembly. The pop-up deflector plate is disposed adjacent the nozzle and engages the rotatable connector in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Steven E. Crawford, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190314850
    Abstract: A weighted inverted sprinkler assembly adapted for use with a drop hose of an irrigation system is disclosed. The assembly comprises a coiled weight formed from a coiled wire, a sprinkler fluidly associated with the drop hose, and a coiled weight support structure. A pressure regulator may be provided in fluid associated with the irrigation drop hose and the sprinkler. The coiled weight has a shape that is selected for use with a particular sprinkler assembly. The shape may be an elongated shape for use with an elongated coiled weight support structure, a beehive shape for use with a pressure regulator having a collar to support the coiled weight, and a pear shape for use with a pressure regulator having a flared housing. The coiled weight is preferably formed from a single coiled wire although two or more weights may be used in combination in a given application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Sean M. Scott, Riley D. Greenwood, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190316716
    Abstract: A quick connect joint includes a base with first and second lock receivers on opposite sides of the base, and a connection plate including first and second engagement members engageable with the first and second lock receivers, respectively. The first engagement member is displaceable between a release position and lock position, and the first engagement member is rotatable between an insert position and a connect position. The quick connect joint creates a safe and reliable connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
  • Patent number: 10416689
    Abstract: A pressure regulator including a housing including an inlet flow passage and an outlet flow passage; a plunger reciprocally mounted in the housing and including a plunger flow passage having an axis offset from an axis of the inlet flow passage, and a stationary valve seat fixed to the housing and positioned between the inlet flow passage and an inlet to the flow passage of the plunger, wherein the valve seat is configured to receive and abut the inlet to the flow passage of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riley D. Greenwood, Craig B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10399108
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a pop-up deflector plate that is engageable with a brake assembly in an extended position. A brake module is secured to a sprinkler body and includes a rotatable connector coupled with the brake assembly. The pop-up deflector plate is disposed adjacent the nozzle and engages the rotatable connector in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven E. Crawford, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190193095
    Abstract: A rotary nozzle sprinkler includes a base assembly with a bearing, a stem mounted rotatably in the bearing, and an elbow coupled at a proximal end to and rotatable with the stem and including an elbow bend. A nozzle is secured to a distal end of the elbow, and a diffuser assembly including a brake mechanism is cooperable with the elbow. By positioning the nozzle downstream of the elbow, the sprinkler can achieve a greater throw radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson, Barton R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190154181
    Abstract: A gooseneck pipe includes a first pipe half having a first radiused centerline curve, and a second pipe half fixed to the first pipe half and having a second radiused centerline curve. The first and second pipe halves define a flow path. Cross-sectional diameters of the first and second pipe halves vary along the flow path. The varying diameters of the first and second pipe halves serve to mitigate pressure losses due in part to Dean vortices or secondary flow patterns in the flow path when a fluid is turned in the gooseneck pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Craig B. Nelson, Reid A. Nelson, Riley D. Greenwood, Chad D. Leinweber, Michael R. Townsend
  • Patent number: 10239066
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body, a nozzle positioned within the sprinkler body, a fixed gear coupled with the sprinkler body, a wobbler cage supported on the sprinkler body, and a water deflector plate coupled with the wobbler cage and disposed downstream of the nozzle. A brake assembly is coupled with the water deflector plate for slowing a rotating and wobbling motion of the wobbler cage and the water deflector plate. The brake assembly includes a shaft extending through the water deflector plate and a brake gear disposed at an end of the shaft, where the brake gear is engageable with the fixed gear. Among other advantages, the design eliminates the use of large fixed strut framework that creates dry shadows in the water pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson, Andrew B. Hellie, Steven E. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20190054481
    Abstract: A rigid mount orbiter sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler incorporates structure to reduce drool that may fall in a concentrated area below the sprinkler and to prevent debris from sandy water or the like from accelerating sprinkler component wear. With reduced vibration, the assembly may be rigidly mounted on a center pivot or other supporting structure while achieving the advantages associated with wobbling and rotating sprinkler assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190054480
    Abstract: A rigid mount orbitor sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler includes a spider ingress opening cooperable with a spider barrier that in combination permit inevitable spider ingress while preventing spider access or contact with certain moving parts of the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180318852
    Abstract: A spool and wobbler assembly for a sprinkler includes a spool section with facing spool flanges on opposite sides of a spool core, where at least one of the spool flanges includes a circumferential rolling ledge. A wobbler cage including a wobbler ring is supported on the spool section, and a water deflector plate is coupled with the wobbler cage. An underside of the wobbler ring is provided with a circumferential rolling surface that engages the circumferential rolling ledge of the at least one spool flange. The rolling surface and rolling ledge provide for smoother orbital motion of the deflector plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson, Andrew B. Hellie, Steven E. Crawford
  • Patent number: D879258
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
  • Patent number: D889601
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATON
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Craig B. Nelson