Patents by Inventor Flynt Leroy Smith

Flynt Leroy Smith 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).

  • Variable velocity sprinkler transmission
    Patent number: 7621464
    Abstract: A sprinkler having a water-driven drive mechanism or motor for rotating a sprinkler head is disclosed where the drive mechanism converts a constant input rate into a variable rate to reduce tailing from overly-rapid rotation and to promote full develop of water stream discharge profile. The drive mechanism includes continuously engaged members including one or more planet gears each having an offset or eccentrically positioned engagement portion for driving a second gear member. As the planet gear rotates, the movement of the engagement portion has a radial component relative to the second gear, and the rotational velocity of the second gear is related to the radial position of the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Flynt Leroy Smith, Bandar Hussain Alumran, Mary Margaret Boice, Marianne Goble, Daniel S. Gabrys, Suzanne Lee Singer
  • Variable Velocity Sprinkler Transmission
    Publication number: 20080142618
    Abstract: A sprinkler having a water-driven drive mechanism or motor for rotating a sprinkler head is disclosed where the drive mechanism converts a constant input rate into a variable rate to reduce tailing from overly-rapid rotation and to promote full develop of water stream discharge profile. The drive mechanism includes continuously engaged members including one or more planet gears each having an offset or eccentrically positioned engagement portion for driving a second gear member. As the planet gear rotates, the movement of the engagement portion has a radial component relative to the second gear, and the rotational velocity of the second gear is related to the radial position of the engagement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Flynt Leroy Smith, Bandar Hussain Alumran, Mary Margaret Boice, Marianne Goble, Daniel S. Gabrys, Suzanne Lee Singer