Abstract: Various diaphragm valves and accessories therefore are disclosed herein which improve on existing diaphragm valves and accessories and overcome many of the shortcomings of same. Related methods to these valves and accessories and/or their manufacture, assembly or use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An irrigation power system is provided for use with a conventional irrigation conduit having water flow therethrough as a source of hydro energy. In order to convert the hydro energy of the water flow to electrical energy, a power generation module is provided along the irrigation conduit. The electrical energy provided by the power generation module is then provided to a power conditioner to alter the electrical energy to produce a predetermined current. The predetermined current is then sent to a storage device for later use. An irrigation system component then communicates with the storage device to receive electrical power for selective operation of the component.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for use in an irrigation system is disclosed that is adapted to reduce the water hammer effect, reduce debris in a flow path through a valve seat, improve bleed operation and/or reduce manufacturing and materials costs.

Abstract: An irrigation power system is provided for use with a conventional irrigation conduit having water flow therethrough as a source of hydro energy. In order to convert the hydro energy of the water flow to electrical energy, a power generation module is provided along the irrigation conduit. The electrical energy provided by the power generation module is then provided to a power conditioner to alter the electrical energy to produce a predetermined current. The predetermined current is then sent to a storage device for later use. An irrigation system component then communicates with the storage device to receive electrical power for selective operation of the component.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed that is adapted to reduce debris in the flow paths, reduce the water hammer effect, reduce the energy lost during flow, and/or improve bleed operation. The diaphragm valve includes at least two seals that are configured to permit multi-stage sealing of an opening in a diaphragm valve seat. The initial sealing stage blocks some but not all fluid flow through the opening, and the final sealing stage blocks fluid flow through the opening. The use of two sealing stages can reduce the water hammer effect by increasing the time over which sealing occurs.

Abstract: There is provided a valve assembly with an inlet passage and an outlet passage in communication with a valve chamber, a diaphragm mounted at the valve chamber for movement between a closed position, substantially preventing the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage, and an opened position, defining a path of fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and a pressure chamber disposed in the valve chamber above the diaphragm for retaining fluid pressure to control the diaphragm position. The valve assembly provides improved support for the diaphragm at an outlet aperture of the pressure chamber, air bleed from the pressure chamber, and upstream shutoff.

Abstract: A low-flow diaphragm valve has a flexible diaphragm that cooperates with a portion of a valve body to open and close the valve. The diaphragm may have a dome for seating in a passage between the inlet and outlet of the valve. The diaphragm may have one or more ribs for seating against other portions of the body located around the passage. The valve body may include openings or interruptions to permit fluid to flow through the valve, as well as to permit relatively small particulate matter to flow through even though the ribs contact the body such that the ribs and openings affect flow and may perform screening functions to block or restrict particulate matter of relatively large size from flowing to the passage between the dome and the valve body.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for use in an irrigation system is disclosed that is adapted to reduce the water hammer effect, reduce debris in a flow path through a valve seat, improve bleed operation and/or reduce manufacturing and materials costs.

Abstract: There is provided a valve assembly with an inlet passage and an outlet passage in communication with a valve chamber, a diaphragm mounted at the valve chamber for movement between a closed position, substantially preventing the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage, and an opened position, defining a path of fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and a pressure chamber disposed in the valve chamber above the diaphragm for retaining fluid pressure to control the diaphragm position. The valve assembly provides improved support for the diaphragm at an outlet aperture from the pressure chamber, air bleed from the pressure chamber, and upstream shutoff.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed that is adapted to reduce debris in the flow paths, reduce the water hammer effect, reduce the energy lost during flow, and/or improve bleed operation. The diaphragm valve includes at least two seals that are configured to permit multi-stage sealing of an opening in a diaphragm valve seat. The initial sealing stage blocks some but not all fluid flow through the opening, and the final sealing stage blocks fluid flow through the opening. The use of two sealing stages can reduce the water hammer effect by increasing the time over which sealing occurs.

Abstract: A low-flow diaphragm valve is disclosed having a flexible diaphragm that cooperates with a portion of the valve body to open and close the valve. The diaphragm may have a portion for seating in a passage between the inlet and outlet of the valve and may have one or more ribs for seating against other portions of the body located around the passage. While the valve body may include openings or interruptions to permit fluid and small particulate matter to flow through the valve, the ribs and openings block or restrict particulate matter of relatively large size from flowing to the passage between the diaphragm and the valve body. With this structure, the valve will function even when particulate matter is trapped between one or more of the diaphragm portion that sits in the passage and ribs, on the one hand, and the body on the other hand.