Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve within a pop-up sprinkler arrests fluid flow through a riser of the pop-up sprinkler under abnormal flow conditions, such as when the riser is broken or a sprinkler head is removed from the riser. The riser, which is movable relative to a housing of the pop-up sprinkler, is attached to a sprinkler head which distributes water to the surrounding area. A valve seat device is disposed within the riser. A stopper is positioned within a valve passageway defined by the valve seat device. The stopper selectively engages the valve seat to inhibit water flow through the riser under abnormal flow conditions. A biasing device prevents the stopper from engaging with the valve seat under normal flow conditions. A fluid flow control valve assembly within a swing joint of an irrigation system includes a first within a first elbow fitting and a second valve within a second elbow fitting. The first and second elbow fittings are movable relative to each other and together form the swing joint.

Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system has first and second auxiliary nozzles, or end guns, aternately operable for irrigating substantial portions of corner regions. The system includes a main pipeline sprinkler having main fluid discharges nozzles for irrigating a central, generally circular area, and the end guns are connected to the main pipeline sprinkler and draw irrigation fluid from it. When a corner is approached, one of the end guns is actuated while maintaining actuation of the main fluid discharge nozzles. A short period of time thereafter, the second end gun is actuated, and the pivotal rate of the main pipeline sprinkler is reduced to zero. At this time the main fluid discharge nozzles and the first end gun are closed, thereby providing all of the fluid from the main pipeline sprinkler to the operating end gun. After a predetermined time period, the second end gun is inactivated, the first gun and the main nozzles are reactivated, and the system is pivoted to a new orientation.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system has first and second auxiliary nozzles, or end guns, alternately operable for irrigating substantial portions of corner regions. The system includes a main pipeline sprinkler having main fluid discharge nozzles for irrigating a central, generally circular area, and the end guns are connected to the main pipeline sprinkler and draw irrigation fluid from it. When a corner is approached, one of the end guns is actuated while maintaining actuation of the main fluid discharge nozzles. A short period of time thereafter, the second end gun is actuated, and the pivotal rate of the main pipeline sprinkler is reduced to zero. At this time the main fluid discharge nozzles and the first end gun are closed, thereby providing all of the fluid from the main pipeline sprinkler to the operating end gun. After a predetermined time period, the second end gun is inactivated, the first gun and the main nozzles are reactivated, and the system is pivoted to a new orientation.

Abstract: An enclosure is disclosed for use with motors in an outdoor environment. The enclosure serves to prevent moisture and dirt from contacting the motor housing or fan, thereby to prevent condensation inside the motor housing. The enclosure comprises a cylindrical moisture shield disposed about the motor housing to which is attached a rain canopy at one end thereof. An appropriate spacing is provided between the rain canopy and the moisture shield to permit air to be drawn inside of the enclosure to permit air cooling of the motor during operation.